OXBOW — The Bow Valley Jamboree, an annual music and arts festival held at the Bow Valley Park south of Oxbow, is taking place Aug. 10. Gates will open at noon.
Since its inception in 2010, the jamboree has welcomed musicians and artists from across Canada, with an emphasis on local Saskatchewan talent. The jamboree is presented by the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee, whose focus is to bring music and the arts to southeast Saskatchewan and to help promote and provide opportunities for up-and-coming artists.
This year is no different, with bands travelling from both Saskatchewan and Manitoba to perform at the festival. Crowds will be entertained with a variety of musical genres, ranging from Celtic to country to classic rock.
Kilted Wind, an Estevan-based band, will start off the day at 1:30 p.m. with their bagpipes and drums music, followed by Teagan Littlechief of the White Bear First Nations and her band at 1:50 p.m. Littlechief has been a jamboree favourite with her voice and spirit. With a multitude of experiences and awards under her belt, Littlechief will captivate the audience.
She was named the Saskatchewan Country Music Association's Female Artist of the Year and Indigenous Artist of the Year in June.
Following her at 3 p.m. will be En.O.Dee, an up-and-coming band hailing from Regina. The group writes and records its own music, and also performs covers.
Returning to the jamboree, with a few extra family members, will be the Walbaums of Forget at 4 p.m. This musical family does it all with harmonies, instrumental abilities and fun. They provide the sounds of the 90s and blend them with indie folk and country music.
Manitoba country music award winner Ryan Keown will be on the stage this year, along with his son Austin Ryder, starting at 5:15 p.m. Keown has opened for many famous country acts and his music has reached national charts, while his son often opens for him and plays regularly at the Ranchman's Country Club in Calgary.
Returning to the jamboree stage at 7 p.m. is festival favourite The Bromantics. With a blend of classic rock, doo-wop and Motown, this crew of men will impress with their four-part harmonies, driving bass lines and energy. Look for their recently-released album We Make You Dance to enjoy their tunes.
Following on the Bromantics' heels is rock and country cover band The Uncoolas, starting at 9 p.m. With members from both Men Without Shame and The New Montagues, audience members will enjoy the high-energy dance music.
Closing out the jamboree at 10:30 p.m. will be recently reunited southeast band Six Days 'Til Sunday. After almost a decade since last performing at the jamboree, this young crew is ready to play well into the night. Performing covers of everything from rock to country, this group will have everyone dancing, singing and enjoying the party.
In addition to music, the jamboree boasts artisans selling products such as jewelry, clay art, hair products, fresh bread and baking, and more, plus local food vendors Get In My Belly, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Fiilipino Cravings and a roast pork dinner made by the Oxbow and District Lions Club.
An addition to the jamboree this year is a limited-edition T-shirt designed by local artist James Allen. The shirts will only be available for sale at the jamboree.
With entertaining children's activities, a selfie wall offering an opportunity to win a yeti cooler, an artist's tent featuring local talent and a beer garden, there is something for everyone. A people mover provided by the Shriners will assist those needing a bit of help with mobility.
A show and shine will be held on Main Street in Oxbow from 9 a.m.-noon the day of the festival, so people are invited to come view the vehicles and stay for the music.
"It really is one of the best festivals in the province, nominated for Festival of the Year by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association and Venue or Festival of the Year by the Saskatchewan Music Association," the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee said in a news release.
"Oxbow and area is a community bursting with musical and artistic talent of all forms. The Bow Valley Jamboree presents an opportunity to showcase this local talent and potentially inspire up-and-coming artists. The jamboree brings new people to the community to enjoy the beauty and opportunities in the area, and fills a void in the area for arts and cultural events. Instead of having to drive to enjoy the arts, we bring the arts to you."
For more information about the jamboree or the Oxbow Arts and Culture, visit bowvalleyjamboree.org, or its Facebook or Instagram pages.
