Saskatchewan Metal Summit 2026

Saskatchewan Metal Summit

 

SASKATOON SK Proudly presented by SaskMusic

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FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES FEBRUARY 27 & 28 - TICKETS

SUMMIT/CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 1 - REGISTRATION

MEET THE SPEAKERS

HOTEL BLOCK INFO

 

ABOUT THE METAL SUMMIT

The inaugural SaskMusic Metal Summit is a three-day event, held this year in Saskatoon SK, featuring a metal-focused conference and a metal festival of Saskatchewan-based bands who perform heavy metal, or adjacent sub-genres. The event will allow Saskatchewan's metal community to showcase their talent in front of national and international industry.

Read our latest press release (PDF) about the events.

METAL WEEK IN SASK!! February 23-March 1

We are pleased to announce that the Government of Saskatchewan has granted our request to proclaim February 23 to March 1, 2026, as Metal Week in Sask, celebrating the heavy metal genre and the creative workers who contribute to its continued growth and success.

During this time, SaskMusic will present the inaugural Saskatchewan Metal Summit in Saskatoon. The Summit will feature a music industry conference along with live performances by Saskatchewan metal artists. Designed to showcase and support artists and music industry professionals working in heavy metal and related genres, the event will bring together creators, industry representatives, and audiences from across the province.

The Summit will bring a curated group of music industry professionals to Saskatchewan to experience live performances by local artists and to engage with the province’s music community through educational and networking opportunities. In addition to its industry-focused programming, the Summit will offer live performances open to the general public.

Saskatchewan has a long and proud history of producing influential metal and hard rock artists, including Kick Axe, Queen City Kids, Breach of Trust, Into Eternity to name just a few. The Saskatchewan Metal Summit will help build new connections and export opportunities for today’s metal artists, recognizing the contributions of the artists and fans who support the genre.

In addition to the Metal Summit, numerous metal and hard rock concerts will take place across the province during Saskatchewan Metal Week. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and enjoy these events as Saskatchewan celebrates this vibrant musical style.

Festival posters Metal Festival posters

THE FESTIVAL

Friday February 27 and Saturday February 28
Individual Show Tickets:
Friday Feb 27 at Amigos (19+) with Augurium, Dead Shit Earth, Into Eternity (tickets $24.12 incl fees)
Saturday Feb 28 at Coors Event Centre Vizzy Stage and Green Room (All Ages) with Adolyne, Kelevra, Krash, Man Meat, Reject, Slutty Waist, Untimely Demise. (tickets $35.40 incl fees)

Conference:
Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1.
The conference will include 15+ music industry professionals working in the metal scene, including international delegates, keynote presenter Ash Pearson (drummer for 3 Inches of Blood/Revocation, performed with Intronaut, Zimmers Hole, Ultra Earth, Ritual Dictates, Gravemass and Devin Townsend), Lisa Cope (Nuclear Blast Records), Leo Benton (Atonal Agency), and more.

Musicians, artists, and industry members at any level of knowledge are welcome to attend. 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM (festival pass included for adult registrants)

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE (Subject to change):

Friday, February 27: Festival Night 1                             

Saturday, February 28: Conference Day 1 & Festival Night 2

Sunday, March 1:  Conference Day 2    

Registration Rates

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM (festival pass included for adult registrants)

Where are things happening?

Hotel Block

You can reserve discounted hotel rooms at the Metal Summit host hotel, the Alt Hotel in Saskatoon (480 2 Ave. S, Saskatoon).

To book, contact the hotel by phone (639) 398-0250 using the Group Name: 2026 SaskMusic Delegates Room Block or use this link to book online. The block is first come, first served and may sell out, so book sooner than later. 

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MEET THE CONFERENCE PANELISTS

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: ASH PEARSON, INTERVIEWED BY PETER MILLS (CBC SASKATCHEWAN, THE 306)

Ash playing drums

Ashley Richard Pearson, known professionally as Ash Pearson (born in Saskatoon) is a Canadian metal drummer known for his technical prowess, versatility, and prominence in extreme music. He began playing drums at age 12, quickly becoming involved in Vancouver’s metal scene and touring professionally by his early twenties.

Pearson first gained widespread recognition as the drummer for 3 Inches of Blood (2007-present), contributing to multiple albums and international tours that helped define his brutal yet precise approach. In 2015, he joined Boston-based technical death metal band Revocation, performing on several albums including Great Is Our Sin, The Outer Ones, Netherheaven and their latest, New Gods New Masters, where his speed, complexity, and creativity are central to the band’s sound. In 2024, he was recruited by guitar legend Marty Friedman as a live drummer. Early in his career, at age 21, he auditioned for The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Beyond these projects, Pearson has played with acts such as Intronaut, Zimmers Hole, Ultra Earth, Ritual Dictates, Gravemass and Devin Townsend, demonstrating his adaptability across metal subgenres.

He has also appeared as an instructor for Drumeo and, in 2024, began work on a documentary about math rock pioneers Don Caballero. In 2025, he was announced as the drummer for VIMIC’s Joey Jordison tribute/reunion show in Los Angeles, honouring one of his earliest influences and further cementing his reputation in the global metal community.

 

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Scott standing outside

Skot Hamilton is a Saskatoon-based artist, composer, curator and promoter. He is best known for his cathartic performances and caustic recorded output with Adolyne, Grey Light District, Deep Infirmary, Soul Mates, and as of late 2025 as a new addition to noisecore luminaries Today is the Day. Skot has been part of the management team and curatorial body of the legendary Broadway Theatre since 2013 where he serves as the chief authority on all things cinema. He has been throwing public tantrums and calling them 'music' and platformed those doing likewise since he was 15 or so. If it isn't art, he can't be bothered with it. 

 

Vince sitting on couch

Vince Geiger is a Canadian event promoter, production manager, and talent buyer with hands-on experience advancing, producing, and promoting live music and cultural events across Western Canada. Known for a detail-driven approach and strong artist-first mentality, Vince specializes in venue operations, tour advancing, hospitality, and ground logistics - bridging the gap between artists, venues, and promoters to deliver smooth, well-executed shows. His work spans club shows, festivals, and branded events, with a focus on efficiency, clear communication, and elevated on-site experience.

 

Brittney

Brittney MacFarlane works as the Program & Industry Association Supervisor at provincial economic development agency Creative Saskatchewan. Here she supports clients and industry associations in accessing funding, leads the coordination and administration of industry association programming, manages outreach initiatives, and contributes to innovation in client support. With over nine years of experience working in the music sector at SaskMusic, she brings deep industry knowledge to her work. 

 

Scott playing guitar

Scott Cressman is the co-founder of the Saskatoon-based DIY promo entity Tooth & Nail Promotions, guitarist of the beatdown hardcore band reject, and bassist in the alt-rock/shoegaze band Sliiide. Scott's focus is on community-driven DIY initiatives that support and showcase local and touring hardcore and underground music in Saskatoon. Scott has been a performing artist and DIY promoter for nearly 15 years, having toured extensively throughout Canada in multiple bands, and booked countless shows in support of the underground scene throughout Scott's life. DO OR DIE MENTALITY - SKHC FOREVER.

 

Bluto

Bluto Futaba is the Poached Records co-founder, graphic designer and part-time janitor. Bluto has been playing/putting on shows in Saskatoon and globally releasing DIY albums since 1999. 

 

Danica speaking

Saskatchewan’s Danica Lorer has been struck by lightning, a moose, a rogue semi-tire, vehicles, and the odd strange idea. She is a storyteller, freelance writer, face and body painter, poet, and singer/songwriter.  She is currently working on an album with Jay Semko, their first collaborative recording project after performing together for the last two years. She has had short stories and poems published in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her projects have been supported by SK Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts. Danica is now at SK Arts as a Program Consultant working with artists and arts organizations.

 

Geoff playing toy guitar

Geoff Bourrie is the Co-Founder, promoter and organizer of the Loud As Hell Open Air festival in Drumheller, Alberta. Loud As Hell has become one of the largest independent underground festivals in Canada over its 15 year history. In addition, Geoff is also one of the founding members and was the president of the Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance for 8 years, working with a group of festival organizers and promoters to help strengthen the metal scene in Canada collectively as a group. Geoff is also a regular judge for the Wacken Battle Canada (Calgary) and has been a judge for the Canadian JUNO Awards hard rock/metal category.

 

With over 25 years in the UK music industry, Lisa Cope has worked across booking, promotion, touring, management and at record labels. Booking and promoting shows in Leeds, before opening the box office at KOKO in Camden, she then spent nearly five years in artist management and tour production, before joining Roadrunner Records and then founding the UK office of Nuclear Blast Records in 2012. Today, Lisa oversees all Nuclear Blast global social media channels and provides digital marketing strategy for a roster of artists, combining deep industry experience with a modern, audience-focused approach.

 

Tyson in front of T-Rex

Tyson Cale Boyd plays a pivotal role in Edmonton's music scene as Owner and Operator of The Starlite Room, Director and Talent Buyer at ConcertWorks and community activist. With over two decades of experience, he has transformed The Starlite Room into an iconic cultural hub, establishing it as a sought-after stage for emerging local artists and high-profile international talents across diverse genres. As an advocate for the for-profit music industry sector with the Canadian Independent Venue Coalition/Coalition Canadienne Des Salles, Tyson’s strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit have significantly shaped and elevated Edmonton's music economy. In 2024,  Tyson also created the most recent festival brand INFEST,  and underground arts multi venue festival based in downtown Edmonton. Tyson's multifaceted contributions and dedication have helped cultivate a dynamic and inclusive musical landscape in Edmonton.

 

Amanda

Amanda Gregoire is an accomplished music industry professional with more than 15 years of experience in event marketing, promotion, and management. Through her own brand, All Good Promotion & Marketing, she has collaborated with leading national and international companies, including AEG, Goldenvoice, Starlite Room, ConcertWorks, MacEwan Hall, Trixstar + more. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating impactful live experiences, whether for intimate club performances that showcase new talent or major festivals and national tours headlined by internationally renowned artists. Amanda is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between artists, venues, and audiences. By combining data-driven marketing strategies with creative partnerships and extensive industry knowledge, she consistently drives ticket sales, expands event reach, and enhances fan engagement.

 

Leo headshot

Leo Benton is a booking agent who has spent 13 years working in the music industry, including seven years at K2 Agency working with major artists such as Gojira, Mastodon, and Slayer.  He now works at the small independent agency, Atonal, which specializes in progressive music, working with artists such as Between the Buried and Me, Plini and VOLA, alongside an emphasis on developing new and exciting artists from across the world.

 

Swade playing guitar

BEEFY Records is a community-driven, indie record label and promotional entity responsible for booking local music events in Saskatoon, as well as all across Canada and the United States. Initially founded as an indie label in 2017, then pivoted to a promotion enterprise in 2021, BEEFY Records has designated much of their efforts to facilitating events for show-goers of all ages, filling a gap previously left open in Saskatoon for the better part of a decade and using their platform to support efforts made by non-profit, community organizations - -such as OUTSaskatoon, Prairie Harm Reduction, Chep Good Food Inc., Saskatoon Parrot Rescue, The Moon Time Sisters, and the Saskatoon Food Bank. Swade Orchard maintains working relationships with artists, producers, promoters and venues across North America and beyond, schedules and promotes shows for local and touring bands, produces a majority of the art used in promotion of events and tours (ads/flyers, photo and video for social media, and more), films and edits live concert films, and coordinates the day-of execution of each local event.

 

Skyler Cafferata has played in various bands (Grimelda, Dump Babes, Man Meat, Fancy Diamonds, etc) and also does all the other band things like grants, booking, managing, driving, marketing, etc. (aka lots of emails and spreadsheets!). But mostly driving. Sometimes, Skyler feels very tired, and maybe you do too, but don't worry - rock n roll is easy and fun.

 

Brant

Brant Palko has been involved in the Saskatoon music scene for many years, both as a musician and promoter, primarily at Amigos Cantina, where Brant's booked bands for 26 years and counting.  

 

Zandra Kaszas is a concert promoter, venue manager, and artistic director with more than 30 years of experience shaping Saskatchewan’s live music landscape. Her work centres on artist development, all-ages access, inclusivity, and building sustainable creative communities. 

Her early work in touring, promotion, and artist development later led to producing the long-running music television series e-clips, which featured interviews with internationally recognized artists. 

Zandra founded Zandra Productions after seeing many of her friends’ bands struggle to get booked. Thinking, “How hard could it be?” she stepped in, launching more than 20+ years of booking metal and heavy music. Through Zandra Productions, she has presented hundreds of concerts, connecting Saskatchewan artists with nationally and internationally acclaimed performers. 

Zandra is the Venue Manager of The Exchange, one of Canada’s longest-running all-ages music venues, as well as The Club and the Eight Track Gallery. She curates year-round programming across genres with a strong focus on emerging artists. Under her leadership, The Exchange has earned consistent industry and community recognition, including multiple Best Venue honours and a SaskMusic Award for Venue of the Year. 

A respected mentor and community builder, Zandra supports emerging artists through hands-on guidance, promotion, and by operating rehearsal spaces for local bands. She is a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusion, having implemented Safer Spaces policies and ongoing initiatives that ensure live music spaces are welcoming and safe for everyone. 

Her leadership and impact were recognized with a 2024 Western Canadian Music Award honouring 30 years in the music industry. 

 

Brendan with dog

Brendan McCarney started his career in music as a tour manager and video director. After countless tours across North America, as well as dozens of music videos and several feature documentaries (including one that landed on Netflix), he turned his attention to artist management and founded Double Denim Mgmt in 2014. Since then, he has also taken the role as Label Manager for the longtime celebrated indie label, Paper Bag Records.

 

MODERATORS

Mattie

Mattie Cuvilier has spent nearly two decades shaping Edmonton’s underground music community. As the founder of Clean Up Your Act Productions - an independent promotion group launched in 2008 - Mattie has booked hundreds of shows and worked with thousands of bands from around the world, helping sustain a scene where DIY ethics and raw creativity thrive. Their work is deeply rooted in community organizing, contributing to local initiatives both within and beyond the music world, always focused on strengthening connections and creating accessible spaces for artists and audiences.

A lifelong devotee of heavy music, Mattie brings an infectious passion for uplifting independent artists and spotlighting emerging talent. From nurturing all‑ages punk and hardcore shows to collaborating with festivals and amplifying underrepresented voices, their approach is grounded in authenticity, inclusivity, and a belief in the power of grassroots culture. Their work with bands and events across Canada has taken them on the road many times, reinforcing a national network of DIY musicians and organizers who share the same independent spirit.

Today, Mattie continues to champion DIY culture with the same energy that sparked Clean Up Your Act Productions nearly twenty years ago—building platforms, creating opportunities, and reminding artists that their work matters. As a moderator at this conference, they bring not only experience but a genuine commitment to the communities that make heavy music what it is.

 

Zhe performing

ZHE the Free is an artist, explosive performer, youth mentor and community builder. Growing up on Treaty 7 Land, she extends her fire from mountains to prairies. ZHE delivers poetic hip hop and ignites the crowd from the moment she touches the microphone. Fun, uplifting and powerful; ZHE creates a celebratory vibe through storytelling, intentional lyricism and freestyle skills. As an award-winning hip-hop artist, accomplished voice actress and infectious live performer, ZHE brings the strength of the feminine alive. She is a captivating public speaker and has a successful TEDx Talk, as well as performances at national summits and multiple artist tours. ZHE brings incredible enthusiasm to her work with youth. Hip hop saved her life, and she loves inspiring others about the power of their voice and to use creativity as a positive outlet. ZHE has performed on various stages and at many festivals; connecting with audiences on a deep level through her strong stage presence and the realness she brings in exploring emotions and addressing social issues.

 

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This event is possible through the support of support Creative Saskatchewan, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), Canada’s private radio broadcasters, the Government of Canada, the Alt Hotel, Amigos Cantina, Green Room, and Coors Event Centre.