The buildup has begun for Saskatoon’s unofficial kickoff to summer: The Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
Jazzfest made its first lineup announcements back in March, confirming headliners including Amanda Marshall, Feist and Arrested Development.
The festival released its full slate of 2017 artists on Thursday, including dozens of acts people will be able to enjoy on the PotashCorp Free Stage.
Kevin Tobin, the festival’s artistic director, spoke with 650 CKOM’s Brent Loucks on Thursday.
“It’s great to see the big shows and we see some great musicians come through, but those free performances – those free stages – they really bring an energy to the festival,” he said.
Tobin also announced that Jazzfest would be teaming up with Saskatoon Pride, as this year’s Pride parade is scheduled to coincide with the jazz festival.
Parade day on June 24 will feature co-programming with Pride on the Jazzfest free stage, including a performance by Hawksley Workman.
“We’re just really looking forward to working with Pride.They bring a lot of energy to the table, so this has been a really great experience for us to work with a great organization,” Tobin said.
The full Saskatchewan Jazz Festival lineup and schedule can be found on the festival’s website.