SASKATOON — Musicians and fans from across the continent will gather this summer at Saskatchewan’s Ness Creek site for a weekend celebrating “Northern Americana” music and culture at the inaugural Jack Pine Music Festival, June 24-26.
Promoters say this first-time will offer a roster of talent including Hackensaw Boys, the Hello Darlins, the Mariachi Ghost, Belle Plaine and Blake Berglund’s Denim Wedding, Codie Prevost, William Prince, Crystal Shawanda, Bella White and Whitehorse. There will also be a special tribute to music legend John Arcand.
The Americana Music Association defines Americana as “contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues, resulting in a distinctive roots-oriented sound that lives in a world apart from the pure forms of the genres upon which it may draw.”
“Jack Pine Music Festival is expanding ‘Americana’ to include the roots of both Canadian and Mexican music to create a full ‘North Americana’ music experience,” said Adele Boychuk, artist relations manager for Jack Pine Music Festival.
“The festival will offer an intimate entertainment experience for our audience, along with accommodation options, nightly indoor dances, and VIP packages.”
Métis cultural and musical programming is a core part of the festival. The Qu’Appelle Valley Square Dancers will host a jigging workshop, songwriter Berk Jodoin will perform and Modest McKenzie will give a talk. The weekend includes other activities such as a Métis Voyageur Days relay race and a high stakes horseshoe tournament, where winners will be rewarded with cash prizes.
“We’re excited to provide festival-goers with the opportunity to participate in Métis cultural activities, opening up and sharing the beauty of our culture through its history, music and traditional competitions,” said Wanda Neufeldt, president of Big River Métis Local No. 59.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, these experiences will connect Jack Pine Music Festival’s audience with the vibrant history of Métis people in Saskatchewan and Canada.”
“Music festivals are an essential component of the Ness Creek experience,” said Gord Olson, president of Ness Core Ventures.
“The Ness Creek Site is a year-round cultural and recreational destination including four successful music festivals, music and arts-based camps as well as numerous land-based learning activities. We’re really looking forward to welcoming a brand-new festival audience and introducing them to the beauty of this region.”
