Friday, September 9 – Saturday, September 10 -  Saskatoon’s best jazz piano players join in a two day opening weekend celebrating 100 years of jazz piano.   Fred Ballantyne, Brett Balon, Jesse Brown, Sheldon Corbett, Neil Currie, Maurice Drouin, David Fong, Don Griffith, Martin Janovsky, Mike Lockerbie, Marion Mendelsohn, Ross Nykiforuk, and Ray Stephanson will be featured playing the Kinsmen Yamaha S6 Grand and the Mendel Art Gallery Bosendorfer 200 Grand.    Both nights will feature solos, duos, trios, and even a grand finale with a two-piano, four-player, eight-handed boogie-woogie jam.  All the musicians are donating their services with proceeds going towards our own Bassment Big Band.  

$16/20   A weekend member pass is $25.  NO GOLD CARDS. Tickets are available at the door or here.

Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre 

Saturday, September 10 -  Saskatoon’s best jazz piano players join in a two day opening weekend celebrating 100 years of jazz piano.   Fred Ballantyne, Brett Balon, Jesse Brown, Sheldon Corbett, Neil Currie, Maurice Drouin, David Fong, Don Griffith, Martin Janovsky, Mike Lockerbie, Marion Mendelsohn, Ross Nykiforuk, and Ray Stephanson will be featured playing the Kinsmen Yamaha S6 Grand and the Mendel Art Gallery Bosendorfer 200 Grand.    Both nights will feature solos, duos, trios, and even a grand finale with a two-piano, four-player, eight-handed boogie-woogie jam.  All the musicians are donating their services with proceeds going towards our own Bassment Big Band.  

$16/20   A weekend member pass is $25.  NO GOLD CARDS. Tickets are available at the door or here.

Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre 

Singer/multi-instrumentalist K.K. Nogueira has been treating Saskatchewan audiences to authentic Brazilian jazz since his arrival in our fair city in 1988.   Surrounded by some of the best players in town, K.K. sings his sambas and bossa novas in Portuguese.   Solar Rio also features Sheldon Corbett – sax/keys, Lloyd Tomczak – bass, and Arlan Kopp – drums.

$10/13              Doors open at  8 p.m.

Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

One of Saskatoon’s most gifted and hardest working entertainers, Martin Janovsky bring his nine-piece orchestra to The Bassment for a night of Latin, jazz, and blues arrangements. The evening will showcase some of the province’s best musicians including Roy Sydiaha – drums, Warren Hay – bass, Rich McFarlane – guitar, Sheldon Corbett – sax, Barrie Redford – trumpet, Kevin Marsh – trombone, Jana Janovsky – vocals, and Kathryn Schultz – vocals.

$12/15

Originally from Edmonton, New York’s John Stetch makes a rare appearance at The Bassment for a night of great solo piano. Stetch is one of a handful of jazz artists to have recorded a solo piano trilogy. He has received unanimous praise for the trilogy with Down Beat Magazine calling it “one of the best solo piano recordings in recent years.” Special guest will be Saskatoon trumpeter Dean McNeill.

$16/20
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre    

Think of Steve Earle and Allison Moorer or Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons and you will have a good idea of where these two Saskatoon singer-songwriters are coming from. John Antoniuk AKA Smokekiller comes from the indie-folk side of life, while Jen Lane has a bit more country in her repertoire. They perform each other’s music creating straight ahead rhythms and beautiful harmonies. They have played showcases at Canadian Music Week, North by Northeast, and Prairie Scene, as well as four times at the prestigious South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.$10/13

Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM 

Trombonist Darren Sigesmund has assembled an all-star cast of the best Canadian jazz musicians to play his hauntingly beautiful compositions. Venezuelan born vocalist Eliana Cuevas is a different kind of Diva. In Toronto she fronts her own band, but in this ensemble Eliana’s main role is to sing without words as the third horn. The band includes the best jazz musicians on the west coast: Phil Dwyer – tenor sax, Brad Turner – piano, Ken Lister – bass, and Jesse Cahill – drums.
$16/20   

THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT!
Sponsored by Concorde Group Corp    

Feel like making some music with a professional band? If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Friday Night Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in. With Gent Laird – bass and Kyle Krysa – drums. Jammers get in free.

$5 Sponsored by St. John’s Music

Pianist and composer Michelle Grégoire’s music is ingenious, elegant, balanced, original, and possesses great depth and imagination. She has toured across Canada with her quintet and has appeared at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and the Ottawa Jazz Festival. For this special Bassment performance, Michelle will showcase an illustrious group of Winnipeg’s best jazz musicians: Rob Siwik – drums, Luke Sellick – bass, Chuck McClelland – sax, and Dave Lawton – trumpet.

$12/15 

These three veteran Saskatoon musicians each bring to The Bassment stage a wealth of experience and musicianship featuring great guitar playing and exquisite three-part harmonies. Expect a night of blues and folk classics, top-notch originals, and more than a few good stories.

$12/15
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Long before Saskatoon’s Sheepdogs made the cover of the Rolling Stone Magazine, singer/pianist Neil Currie and sax player Sheldon Corbett were paving the musical way for their Sheepdog sons Ewan Currie and Sam Corbett. The Sheepdads will play vocal and instruments jazz classics. Honourary Sheepdads for this night will be Warren Hay – bass and Roy Sydiaha – drums.
$10/13
Sponsored by Burnett Key Shop Ltd.

This will be the first time Jack’s group has played The Bassment since we have moved into our new venue and the first time the band has played a bar in Saskatoon in the last five years. Get ready for a night of virtuoso performances by some of the best blues-rockers in Canada. These guys put the POW in power trio. The trio features Jack – guitar/vocals, Dave Chobot – bass/vocals, and Steve Hoy – drums.

$18/22

Winner of the Alberta Emerging Artist Award and finalist in this year’s CBC Song Quest, multi-instrumentalist Colleen Brown has been called “a national treasure in the making – along the lines of Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, or k.d. lang.” Brown has steadily gained momentum since the release of “Foot In Heart” in 2008, with dedicated radio play on CBC, CKUA and college stations across the country.
$12/15

Doors 7:00 pm, show at 8:00pm.
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Hagios Press releases three new Saskatchewan books: Don Kerr’s Wind Thrashing Your Heart, Harold Rhenish’s The Spoken Word, and Jeff Park’s The Cellophane Sky. Of particular interest to jazz fans is The Cellophane Sky which is a collection of jazz poetry that pays tribute to great musicians such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, and Miles Davis. Jeff Park is a former board member of the Saskatoon Jazz Society and currently teaches in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. The book launch starts at 7:30.

(Photo by Rosmaire Markwart and McMaster Photos)

The UofS Jazz Ensemble tours annually (e.g. western Canada, northern USA, Quebec), has commissioned and premiered many new works for large jazz ensemble, has released 5 CDs in their ‘Bumper Crop’ series, and, has performed in Edmonton’s acclaimed Winspear concert hall as a featured ensemble at the Cantando Music Festival. Past guest artists working with this ensemble have included Grammy award winner Slide Hampton and Juno award winners Hugh Fraser and Campbell Ryga. This concert will include a guest appearance by two time Juno award winner/pianist Jon Ballantyne. Repertoire will include a selection of jazz standards and original compositions, and will feature both music and non music majors currently attending the UofS. For more information contact ensemble Director Dean McNeill or visit http://www.usask.ca/music/ensembles/jazzens.html
$7/10

A graduate of City Park Collegiate, two-time Juno Award winner Jon Ballantyne comes home to Saskatoon for a rare solo piano show. Whether he is playing original compositions or reworking the standard jazz repertoire, Jon’s openness, originality, and inborn creativity are found in every performance.
$16/20 
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

Come hear Canadian Music Icon, Double Juno Award Winner, and American Music Award winner Alfie Zappacosta appearing Live in an Intimate Setting at The Bassment! One of the highest regarded vocal talents Canada has ever produced! Over the years Alfie has worked with such musical giants as: David Foster, Bob Rock, Bob Ezrin and many others.

Zappacosta’s hits include: Nothing Can Stand in Your Way, When I Fall in Love Again, We Should Be Lovers, Passion, Start All Over, Overload, It’s All Been Done Before, Find Your Way (with Surrender), and many others.

Alfie has received nominations for the Canadian Smooth Jazz awards and recently reached No. 1 on the Smooth Jazz charts with ” I am Your Chariot”

Alfie will be performing on Acoustic Guitar and Vocals and will be accompanied on piano by The Bassment’s own Don Griffith for the show! Don’t Miss It!

This show is co-sponsored by the Saskatoon Jazz Society and Lively Arts Entertainment.

Doors 6:00 pm, show 7:00 pm.  No Gold Cards.

Grammy-nominated two-time Juno Award winner Colin Linden is the King of Canadian Roots Royalty. Deeply immersed in the blues, (at the tender age of eleven he spent three hours hanging out legendary bluesman Howling Wolf) Colin has had a career that has been on a steady rise since his first gigs on the Canadian Folk Festival circuit in his early teens. He has played guitar on over 300 albums and has produced over 70 albums. Even a partial list of the artists Colin has worked with is a who’s who of the music business: Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, Colin James, Lucinda Williams, Robert Plant, Cassandra Wilson, and Alison Krauss. Colin is also a gifted singer-songwriter with a solo career that includes a discography of eleven albums. This is a very rare and special chance to hear one of the truly great Canadian musicians in an intimate acoustic setting. Opening for Colin is Saskatoon Francophone singer/songwriter Alexis Normand.
$16/20
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Celebrating the great organ/guitar trios of the 50’s and 60’s, Chunk of Funk plays the hits of Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff, as well as a few of Griffith’s  originals.   The band features Sheldon Corbett – tenor sax (no soprano), Sarah Anderson – trombone, Rich McFarlane – guitar, and Arlan Kopp – drums.
$12/15

Two-time Juno Award winner Alex Cuba’s last visit to The Bassment was an eye and ear opener for the Bassment audience – this young man can sing, play, and entertain. Since arriving in Canada from Cuba, Alex has been developing his own cross-cultural blend of latin-soul. Cuba and his band played to a jam-packed Bassment on a Tuesday evening in 2009 and so you are advised to get your tickets ASAP.
$28/30

Doors 7:00pm – Show 8:00pm

Presented by Roadside Attractions & The Bassment – NO GOLD CARDS

Winner of the 2003 U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, Bob Evans is not your average guitar player.   His repertoire includes originals, Beatles covers, blues, ragtime, and just about any other style playable on the six string acoustic guitar.   In addition to having astounding technique, a warm vocal style, a sense of humour, and a down to earth stage presence, Bob is also blessed with the rare gift of being able to tell a very entertaining story.

$12/15
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

It is hard to believe that one small Saskatchewan city can produce such a plethora of vocal talent, but Moose Jaw is the birth place of Lyndon Bray, Grant Currie, and BJ Harris. For this year’s Three Tenors show, Lyndon, Grant, and BJ have chosen a song list of the hits of the great Louis Armstrong. Expect to hear such classics as Blueberry Hill, It’s A Wonderful World, Hello Dolly, and The Sunny Side Of The Street. The Three Tenors are backed by Bob Klassen – tenor sax, Don Griffith – piano, Gent Laird – bass, and Arlan Kopp – drums.
$14/18

The husband wife team of singer Lia Llorente and guitarist Pachi Ruiz are from the historic Cuban Caribbean coastal town of Trinidad.  Deeply immersed in the rich musical heritage of Cuba, this exciting duo plays a wide range of traditional and contemporary Latin and Afro-Cuban musical styles including son, salsa, trova, jazz, funk and pure percussion.   Duo Cofradia’s Saskatchewan tour ends on November 10 – don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear authentic Cuban music on The Bassment stage.

$12/15
Doors – 7:00    Show – 8:00  
Sponsored by CFCR Community Radio

CANCELLED: Refunds available at your place of purchase.

Feel like making some music with a professional band? If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in. With Gent Laird – bass and Arlan Kopp – drums. Jammers get in free.
$5
Sponsored by St. John’s Music

This is the third year in a row that Cervini’s fine quartet has landed a Saturday night gig at The Bassment. When you hear the intelligence, intensity, and sheer exuberance of the band’s performance, you will understand why the group is one of the busiest touring Canadian/American jazz quartets. Proficient on drums, clarinet, and piano, Cervini is also an accomplished composer with several of his tunes featured on his second CD “Little Black Bird”. The EC Quartet features Adrean Farrugia – piano, Dan Loomis – bass, and the great Joel Frahm – saxophone.
$16/20

This is a co-presentation of Augustana Lutheran Church (1201 Broadway Avenue South) and The Bassment. The service begins at 7:30 and admission is by donation.

Andrew and Brad Barr, are perhaps best known as two-thirds of Boston’s avant-rock trio The Slip. Now based in Montreal, the quartet includes a harpist, a pump organist and several old and exotic instruments. The music is rooted in the folk world, but has its own atmospheric, rhythmically dynamic, and lyrically-driven sound, or as Brad Barr describes it, “something like Ali Farka Toure kidnapped by Led Zeppelin and dragged to Mahler’s house where he’s forced to drink whiskey with John Prine”.
$10/13
Doors – 7:00 Show 8:00
Sponsored by CFCR Community Radio

It has been many years since this classic rock and R & B cover band has played the Bassment, but with some of the greatest tunes of all time in the set list and some of the best players in the province on stage, you can be sure the Vexations will have the dance floor rocking. Led by the charismatic Vesti Hansen on vocals, the band includes: Cam McConnell – guitar, Ross Nykiforuk – organ, Sheldon Corbett – tenor, Brian Morgan – alto, Dave Anderson – trumpet, Nick Todd – bass, and Roy Sydiaha – drums.
$12/15

There are guitarists. And there are singer/songwriters. And then there’s Andy Sheppard. A virtuoso guitarist, Sheppard finds new ways to stretch the boundaries of acoustic playing and songwriting, drawing in world music rhythms, ambient noise clips, jazz, looping, and anything else that comes to mind. The result is both remarkably creative and completely accessible. Find The Others is Sheppard’s mesmerizing new music and visual project with video by Matt Hilliard-Forde and Graydon Sheppard. Drummer Mark Mariash joins Sheppard on stage for a live performance of music with tightly synchronized and beautiful video. Find the Others explores the surprising and sometimes hidden connections between urban and rural life.
$14/18

This concert is sold out!

Known for delivering heartrending ballads, Eileen Laverty has performed across Canada and Ireland reaching audiences with her upbeat messages, strong vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. She has toured with Mary Black, John McDermott, and Kenny Rogers and has won a Prairie Music Award for Outstanding Roots Recording. Eileen’s Quintet features her long-time collaborators Jesse Brown – keyboards, Greg Hargarten – guitar, Corey Hildebrand – bass, and Charles Dumont – percussion.

$12/15 (No Free Passes)
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Forced to cancel his Bassment show last year after suffering an untimely and particularly nasty culinary mishap, local guitar legend Doug Boomhower is primed to take the Bassment audience on a sonic tour of the history of jazz guitar.   Joining Doug are Mike Lockerbie – piano, Garth Sheard – guitar, and Bruce Wilkinson – bass.

$10/13

This concert is sold out!  No free passes.

Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Led by the swinging and affable Fred Ballantyne on piano, the Columbia Quintet plays all the great jazz instrumental classics along with choice vocal standards sung by Sheepuncle Grant Currie.   The band features Bob Klassen – sax, Doug Gilmour – bass, and Gary Evjen – drums. 
$10/13

2010 Canadian Folk Music Award double nominee and 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee for Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year, Karrnnel is quickly establishing himself as one of the most dynamic and original fiddle players in Canada.   A spirited performer and composer, Karrnnel draws inspiration from the various styles that he plays – everything from Celtic, classical, old-time, rock, country, to jazz.   Karrnnel’s friends are Nova Scotian Troy MacGillivray – piano/fiddle, Toronto’s Jake Charron – guitar/piano, and Saskatoon’s Hal Schrenk – percussion.   Amy Matysio will make an appearance as a special guest vocalist.
$12/15
Sponsored by CFCR Saskatoon Community Radio 90.5 FM

Colleen Carr, Heidi Monro, Kathryn Schulz, and Gillian Snider delve into the songbook of the queen of jazz vocalists – Ella Fitzgerald.    This entertaining night will feature solo renditions as well as duets, trios, and quite possibly even a quartet!  The Four Sopranos are backed by Arlan Kopp – drums, Gent Laird – bass, Bob Klassen – sax, and Don Griffith – piano. 
$14/18

Mr. Entertainment Maurice Drouin presents his annual Christmas show featuring your favourite Christmas tunes sung by your favourite singers: Grant Currie, Jamie Donlevy, Heidi Monro, and Lori-Anne Boutin. A special treat will be lush strings orchestrations provided by the Holiday Strings and of course the Dynamic Duo – Bob Klassen – sax and Barrie Redford – trumpet will add the essential jazz feel to this evening of spirited holiday music. SOLD OUT.
$16/20 (No free passes!)

This show is sold out!

A second show has been scheduled for December 18.
Sponsored by Concord Group Corp

This show is sold out!

Sunday show: doors – 6:30pm, show 7:30pm.
$35/40 NO FREE PASSES OR GOLD CARDS
Sponsored by Concord Group Corp

Feel like making some music with a professional band? If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in. With Gent Laird – bass and Arlan Kopp – drums. Jammers get in free.
$5
Sponsored by St. John’s Music

This show is sold out!

Celebrate the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 with a rockin’ party featuring three great New Orleans style bands led by Don Griffith. The Crawdaddios play the street music of New Orleans, Zyde-GoGo plays the Cajun and Zydeco Blues of South Louisiansa, and Dr. Don and the Black Mambas play the Rocking Blues of Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and Fats Domino. The night showcases some of the province’s best musicians including Dave Anderson, Sarah Anderson, Carter Powley, Rich McFarlane, Glenn Ens, Heather LaRue, Lloyd Tomczak, and Brent Longstaff. Your ticket includes complimentary party favours, midnight champagne, a late night lunch, and access to our hard-wood dance floor.
$30/35 NO FREE PASSES OR GOLD CARDS

Sponsored by Prairie Meats

Saskatoon singer-songwriter Alexis Korchinski charms audiences with a soulful voice and a wealth of genuine stories. Her debut album, “So Very Very” is a mix of soul, jazz and blues and features original songs which reflect her life adventures and varying musical tastes. With the help of some very talented musicians, Alexis creates an intimate evening of good music and laughter. The band includes Amy Bourassa – back-up vocals, Adam Bourassa – piano, Daryl Pierce -bass, and Peter Pizurny – drums
$10/13

Back in town for a holiday visit, pianist Ian Sinclair is in the midst of jazz doctoral studies at the University of Toronto.   Expect to hear Ian’s original tunes as well as fresh arrangements of jazz standards.   The trio features Arlan Kopp – drums and Spencer Rayner – bass.
$10/13

Featuring a four piece rhythm section, four trumpets, four trombones, five saxes, and directed by Roy Sydiaha and Sheldon Corbett, our very own Bassment Big Band takes the stage for a night of swinging big band classics.
$10/13

Kris Craig is an in demand guitarist in the Regina music scene and has long been associated with that city’s great R&B powerhouse Stepchyle. Although best known as our very competent Bassment manager, Richard Haubrich is also an emerging and talented jazz guitarist. Rich McFarlane is a seasoned veteran of the music business having played with Brad Johner and Donny Parenteau. The three guitarists are back by Gent Laird – bass, Arlan Kopp – drums, and Don Griffith – piano.

$12/15

Dedicated to new music, the Moxon Trio creates both original compositions and improvised musical structures. Drummer Duane Dorgan, bassist Nick Todd, and pianist Ray Stephanson bring their own unique blend of musical possibilities and in-the-moment invention to each tune. There are no riffs, no licks, no clichés – just creative exploration of sound and space from the heart of improv.

$10/13

Making her first visit to North America, Albanian-born singer Fjoralba Turku has been described as a ‘bewitching jazz fairy’. Normally a singer’s first album would be called ‘promising’, but with her 2010 release of “Joshua”, Fjoralba Turku doesn’t need to make any promises: it’s all there. Fjoralba’s quartet includes Tal Balshai – piano, Paulo Cardoso – bass, and Jonas Burgwinkel – drums.
$16/20

Local guitar wizard and Maple Blues Award Nominee Tim Vaughn has been busy touring his latest release Read Between The Lines across Canada. Tim and his band are leaving their amps at home and trading them for acoustic guitars, percussion, and acoustic grand piano to perform songs from Tim’s entire catalog. Joining Tim are Lisa Jacobs – bass/guitar, Bryce Lemky – percussion, and Dave Anderson – bass/trumpet.

$10/13

Sponsored by CFCR

Trumpet master Barrie Redford has assembled an all-star cast of the best jazz musicians in the province for a night of your favourite tunes including Dixieland, jazz instrumentals, and jazz vocal standards. Jam members are: Rick Lett – tuba, Arlan Kopp – drums, Carter Powley – sax/clarinet, Nathan Degenhart – sax/clarinet, Sheldon Corbett – piano/sax, Sarah Anderson – trombone, Gent Laird – bass, Don Griffith – banjo/piano, and Grant Currie – vocals.

$14/18

Feel like making some music with a professional band?   If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in.  With Gent Laird – bass and Arlan Kopp – drums.   Jammers get in free.

$5

Sponsored by St John’s Music

Widely recognized as the #1 jazz pianist in Canada, Juno Award winner David Braid is no stranger to international jazz audiences. In 2011 he played shows in Holland, Denmark, Sweden, the States, as well as two separate solo piano tours of China. David loves The Bassment and at his show last season he said our Yamaha S6 grand piano “was the best in any jazz club in Canada by far……seriously”. You owe it to yourself to hear this legend in the making.

$18/22 NO GOLD CARDS
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

Singer songwriter Shuyler Jansen’s anthemic and haunting Voice From the Lake shines not only because of the uniformly stunning production and arrangements, but also from Jansen’s impeccable songwriting. Shuyler is backed by Saskatoon’s Foam Lake: the Ross brothers – Barrett, Kalen, Paul, and Tyler.
POWDER BLUE – What do you get when you combine members of Saskatoon bands Color Field, We Were Lovers, Ultimate Power Duo, and Foggy Notions? You get Powder Blue, an all-girl quintet that has been busy writing, recording, and turning heads.

$12/15
Sponsored by CFCR

Affectionately known as the Jazz Jeweler, Bob Klassen is the elder statesman of Saskatoon jazz musicians.   The First Annual Bob-A-Thon will have Bob leading three great bands in a mighty musical marathon:   Dixieplus, The Hobby Band, and The Bob Klassen Octet.    Bob’s band mates are:   Dave Anderson – trumpet, Sarah Anderson – trombone,  Sheldon Corbett – tenor sax,  Kathie Gallenger – alto sax, Bruce Wilkinson – bass, Kirk Fong – drums,  D’Arce McMillan – drums, Doug Gilmour – bass, Patric Byrns – guitar, David Kaplan – piano, Grant Currie – sax/vocals, and Donna Hay – vocals.

$14/18     

Led by 6 string violinist Chris McKhool, world-jazz string wizards The Sultans of String are known as ‘Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity’.   In the past year, the Sultans have acquired a JUNO nomination and took home 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition.  This Bassment show will feature the release of their new CD, MOVE, a spicy stew of Gypsy jazz, Spanish flamenco, Middle Eastern roots, and Cuban rhythms.   McKhool is joined by Kevin Laliberte – guitar, Drew Birston – bass, and Chendy Leon – percussion.    SELL OUT ALERT!

$14/18          

Sponsored by CFCR 

Randy Wood’s Absofunkinlutely starts off our Mardi Gras Fest with a big funky bang. AFL’s sunny melodies and crafty lyrics keep dance-floors moving and the vibe fun. Nominated for Urban Recording of the Year (WCMA) for their 2011 release Blues Kid City, Absofunkinlutely features Randy Woods – guitar/vocals, Geoff Assman – keyboards, Shaun Dyck – Bass, Mike Pierce – drums, Sheldon Corbett – sax, and Adam Streisel – trumpet. SELL OUT ALERT!
$12/15

Day 2 of Mardi Gras Fest features Don Griffith’s New Orleans Revue.   The Crawdaddios play the raucous street music of New Orleans.   Zyde-GoGo specializes in the swampy Cajun and Zydeco music of rural Louisiansa featuring the lovely and talented Heather LaRue on washboard and her unruly man Blackie LaRue on accordion.   Dr. Don & The Black Mambas pound out the music of Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Dr. John.    Musical guests Include:   Sheldon Corbett – sax, Sarah Anderson – trombone, Dave Anderson – trumpet, Rich McFarlane – guitar, Lloyd Tomczak – bass, Glenn Ens – drums, and Brent Longstaff – tuba.   Laissez les bons temps rouler!     SELL OUT ALERT!     $16/20    

As a performer, Coco Love Alcorn is always in the moment; joyful and genuine, soulful and compelling. With a voice described as extraordinary, beautiful, and stunning. Coco’s playful and witty character, love of improvising and her willingness to engage fearlessly with the audience have made her a visionary leader on the Canadian music scene. Coco’s latest recording Play is a skip hop and a jump through her favourite genres with her new daughter Ellie being the muse.
$14/18
Sponsored by Prairie Meats

Acclaimed composer and pianist Tania Gill is a key figure in the Toronto jazz and creative music scene and has worked with world-class artists, including The Flying Bulgars and Mary Margaret O’Hara.   Her 2010 debut recording was nominated for ‘debut album of the year’ in New York’s Village Voice jazz critics’ poll.    A consummate contemporary jazz group that plays with intelligence, passion and grace, The TG Quartet is: Lina Allemano – trumpet, Clinton Ryder – bass, Jean Martin – drums, and Tania Gill – piano/melodica.

$14/18       

Directed by Dean McNeill, the U of S Jazz Ensemble 1 has toured extensively, commissioned and premiered many new works, and released 5 CDs in its ‘Bumper Crop’ series.    In January of 2012, the Department of Music created a second Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Darrin Oehlerking.    Comprised of both music and non music majors currently attending the U of S, the Jazz Ensembles will play a night of jazz standards and original compositions.

$7/10

Led by Dean McNeill the Metro Jazz Ensemble is Saskatoon’s premier large jazz ensemble and has played at The Bassment, The Fringe Festival, the Moose Jaw Music Festival, and many times in the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.   Legendary tenor saxophonist Bob Klassen, aka The Jazz Jeweler, is no stranger to Saskatoon audiences with a long and illustrious career that began when MacKenzie King was prime minister and TV was short for Temporary Vacancy!   The Metro Jazz Ensemble features some of Saskatoon’s finest players:   Dave Anderson, Nathan Degenhart, Nick Fanner, David Fong, Doug Gilmour, Kevin Marsh, Dawn McLean Belyk, Dean McNeill, Graham Pritchard, Darrin Oehlerking, Barrie Redford, Don Schmidt, Roy Sydiaha, and Brian Unverrichet.

$18/22

A high-energy outlaw bluegrass trio, The Hard Ramblers play dynamic originals and hidden traditional classics. The trio melds three-part harmonies, old-tyme clawhammer banjo, rockabilly bass, and flat-picking guitar to create a new brand of bluegrass-rockabilly. The Hard Ramblers are Eliza Doyle – banjo, Paula McGuigan – bass and Jody Weger – guitar.
With a sound greatly influenced by the raw simplicities of roots music, Kacy and Clayton carry on a deep tradition in their music. After working through an Alan Lomax encyclopedia and a tall stack of records, they recorded their self-titled debut in just two days in March of 2011. Kacy and Clayton are still in high school and it is likely you will be hearing lots more from
this precocious Glentworth duo.
$12/15
Sponsored by CFCR

The recipient of the 2011 SaskTel Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award Dean McNeill has assembled a group especially for this Bassment show to showcase one of Western Canada’s most highly acclaimed drummers Jon McCaslin. Repertoire will include original compositions and jazz standards. Dean and Jon are joined by seasoned Regina-based bassist Carlo Petrovitch and one of Saskatoon’s young & versatile jazz leaders Brett Balon for an evening of creativity, jazz discourse & dialogue.

$10/13 

A graduate of the Conservatory of Prague, Martin Janovsky immigrated to Canada in the mid-eighties and has been a major player in the Saskatchewan music community ever since. Martin’s band Hipcheck was the house band for the Saskatchewan Pavillion at Expo ’86. His piano teaching studio is one of the most respected in the province and Martin has been an influence on a whole generation of young pianists. This special solo matinee performance will feature Martin playing selections from his vast and varied repertoire of jazz and classical favourites.

$16/20 2:30 pm.
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

Shane Philip is proof that there is still a place for one-man bands to make a living in this country. Shane creates his music utilizing an arsenal of instruments that includes both Weissenborn and Kona lap steel guitars as well as djembe drums, 3 didgeridoos, kick drum, shakers, regular acoustic guitars, and his own highly expressive voice. Seamlessly blending folk, reggae and blues genres into his own creation, Shane’s rhythmic and intoxicating music is powerful enough to fill a room with dancing fans and soulful enough to quiet a packed house.
$12/15 
Sponsored by CFCR

Diana Panton is the new voice in Canadian jazz. Poised to make the transition from best kept secret to international jazz superstar, Diana has been praised generously and often. Jazz crooner Tim Tamashiro said “she has one of the loveliest voices I think I’ve ever heard”. The CBC’s Katie Malloch said hearing Diana’s voice was like “catching the sound of a thrush in the middle of a long Canadian winter: it’s warm, sweet, and pure”. And legendary American jazz singer Sheila Jordan said Diana’s “voice is like the sweetest bird you’ll ever hear.” Diana will be accompanied by her long-times collaborators Don Thompson – bass/piano, Reg Schwager – guitar, and the legendary Guido Basso – flugelhorn/trumpet. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see this rising start in an intimate setting.
SELL OUT ALERT!
$25/30 NO GOLD CARDS
Sponsored by Concorde Group

Funny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass, the Good Lovelies‘ textbook three-part harmonies, constant instrument swapping, and witty on-stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape. Lighthearted songwriting and irresistibly buoyant dispositions have made them the darlings of the summer festival circuit. They have toured with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe and worked with Broken Social Scene, Kathleen Edwards and Jill Barber. The Good Lovelies are Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Sue Passmore

$18/22 8:00 pm.
NO GOLD CARDS
Sponsored by CFCR

The Once have embraced a different vision of Newfoundland music. Their sounds do not come from the noisy pubs and dockside taverns that fuel so much of the Island’s energy. Instead, their music comes from a quieter and more thoughtful place. Hope and tragedy are intertwined in their music, whether they are singing an old lament from World War I, original songs that speak of love defeated, or tasteful songs from the artists whose music inspires them.
$16/20 8:00 pm NO GOLD CARDS
Tickets also available at McNally Robinson and the Ness Creek office – 804 Dufferin Ave
Presented by the Ness Creek Concerts and the SJS
Sponsored by CFCR

Featuring the vocal stylings of Ellen Kolenick, Straight From The Fridge plays an accessible mix of jazz, Latin, and pop standards.    SFTF is well-known for intelligent, musical, and quirky arrangements of cover tunes.   Ellen’s Fridgemates are Mike Lockerbie – piano, Bruce Wilkinson – bass, and D’arce McMillan – drums.

$10/13    

In just a few short years Karl Schwonik has become a creative force on the Canadian music landscape. His Quintet is an engaging and exciting combination of five of North America’s finest musicians. Joining Karl are Juno Award winning sax player Mike Murley, James Davis – trumpet, Kodi Hutchinson – bass, and Chris Andrew – piano.

$14/18

Due to increased demand, this season we are expanding our High School Big Band Night to two nights of swing, rock, and funk arrangements for large jazz ensemble.     Aden Bowman, Marion Graham, and BJM play Thursday while Walter Murray, Centennial, Prairie Spirit SD, and St. Joseph take the stage on Friday.

$7/10 Thursday, March 29, 7:30 and Friday, March 30, 8:00pm.

Sponsored by Saskatoon Academy of Music

Due to increased demand, this season we are expanding our High School Big Band Night to two nights of swing, rock, and funk arrangements for large jazz ensemble.     Aden Bowman, Marion Graham, and BJM play Thursday while Walter Murray, Centennial, Prairie Spirit SD, and St. Joseph take the stage on Friday.

$7/10 Thursday, March 29, 7:30 and Friday, March 30, 8:00pm.

Sponsored by Saskatoon Academy of Music

Don Griffith takes off his artistic director hat and puts on his piano pants for a night where the audience has control of artistic direction. With a repertoire of over 250 jazz, blues, and pop tunes in his memory bank, Don has promised take any and all requests from his song list. You will hear everything from

Elvis to Ella, Fats to Frank, as well as a few creative on-the-spot versions of some of the more obscure lyrics.
SELL OUT ALERT! $12/15 
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

With two critically acclaimed recordings, several excellent performances at The Bassment and The Broadway, and a briefcase full of great original tunes, Roy Anderson and Darrell Burko have become a Saskatoon musical favourite.   The band is known for engaging and entertaining live shows which feature Roy and Darrell sharing songs, stories, and a stage full of instruments.   The bands includes Daryl Pierce – bass, Mike Pierce – drums, George Schumacher – guitar, Jody Giesbrecht – pedal steel, Randy Woods – guitar, and Don Griffith – piano/accordion.

$12/15          
Sponsored by CFCR

The ancient and venerable slide trombone will be alive and well and living at The Bassment on this night. Sarah Anderson’s smooth and silky sound has been heard on The Bassment stage many, many times in the past few years. Regina’s Colin Neufeld plays with the RSO and with the legendary ska-rock outfit Skavenjah. Ross Ulmer studied at North Texas State and was recently awarded the Mayor’s Art Award for Sustained Support of the Arts in Lloydminster. The Three Trombones are backed by Gent Laird – bass, Arlan Kopp – drums, and Don Griffith – piano.
$12/15 

Saskatoon’s Outside the Wall comes to The Bassment stage for a two-night stand paying tribute to the English progressive rock group Pink Floyd.   Outside the Wall has become a local favourite and is well-known for meticulous recreations of Pink Floyd’s best tunes as well as having an exquisite vocal blend.  The band features Corey Hildebrand – bass/lead vocals, Lou Fontaine – drums/vocals, Kevin Barrett – keyboards/vocals, Blair Finley – guitar/vocals, Ron Clemens – guitar/vocals, and Carrie Ruep – sax/percussion/vocals.

$14/18 Thursday 8:00pm   Friday 9:00pm 
Sponsored by CFCR

Saskatoon’s Outside the Wall comes to The Bassment stage for a two-night stand paying tribute to the English progressive rock group Pink Floyd.   Outside the Wall has become a local favourite and is well-known for meticulous recreations of Pink Floyd’s best tunes as well as having an exquisite vocal blend.  The band features Corey Hildebrand – bass/lead vocals, Lou Fontaine – drums/vocals, Kevin Barrett – keyboards/vocals, Blair Finley – guitar/vocals, Ron Clemens – guitar/vocals, and Carrie Ruep – sax/percussion/vocals.

$14/18 Thursday 8:00pm   Friday 9:00pm 
Sponsored by CFCR

Described as a cool, smart, and sexy jazz hipster blessed with a pop sensibility, two-time Juno nominee vocalist/pianist/songwriter Elizabeth Shepherd arrived on the international scene in 2006 with her debut album Start To Move.  Since then the souljazz innovator has toured extensively in North America, Europe, and Japan.  On her new album Rewind Elizabeth shows off her skills as an arranger and interpreter, breathing life and soul into many forgotten songs.    Joining Sheperd are Gord Mowat – bass and Colin Kingsmore – drums.

$18/22     NO GOLD CARDS
Sponsored by Prairie Meats

Feel like making some music with a professional band? If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in. With Gent Laird – bass and Arlan Kopp – drums. Jammers get in free.

$5
Sponsored by St. John’s Music

Singer songwriter Carrie Catherine’s imaginative live show is full of surprises and features percussionist Hal Schrenk entertaining the audience with inventive instrumentation -including a guitar case, a shovel, and even a hockey puck! This year Carrie is promoting her new album Wilderness, recorded in Nashville with legendary producer Colin Linden. Also joining Carrie in her Bassment debut is vocalist Jillian Cyca and fiddle sensation Karrnnel.
$12/15 
Sponsored by CFCR

Saskatchewan’s top vocal jazz group has been together since 1976 and holds the record for the longest standing sold out show in the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival having headlined the Sunday Jazz brunch for over 20 years.  The Solstice singers are Rod Bell, Bob Cowan, Grant Currie, Jean Currie, Lynne Mondue, Lori Newman, and Pam Pander.  Accompanying the group will be Sheldon Corbett – piano, Doug Gilmour – bass, and D’arce McMillan– drums.

 $14/18    

Led by saxophonist Mark DeJong, the JuJubarians show no fear, taking their listeners on an unforgettable musical journey. With a repertoire that includes haunting standards as well as originals that explore the traditional trio sound, t he JuJubarians are on a mission to celebrate creative, improvised music with an ever-expanding circle of audiences. DeJong is joined by Simon Fisk – bass, and Liam McDonald – drums.
$10/13

The Three Tenors Saxes are returning to The Bassment stage for a night of blissful tenor madness. Bob Klassen, the Jazz Jeweler, has an incredible ear and is blessed with a gift for creating beautiful melodic solo gems. The ever-funky Sheldon Corbett, aka The Sheepdad of Nutana, plays in at least a dozen Saskatoon bands and is one of the most versatile musicians in town. Calgary saxophone virtuoso Mark DeJong is no stranger to Saskatoon audiences with his yearly trips to town to direct the Jazz Festival’s Jazz Intensive. Back up will be by Gent Laird – bass, Arlan Kopp – drums, and Don Griffith – piano.
$12/15 

Described by Canadian Musician Magazine as “very much an artist to watch”, singer-songwriter-pianist Jeffery Straker’s accomplishments include recording for CBC radio’s ‘Canada Live’, releasing ‘under the soles of my shoes’ in June 2011, and appearing with the RSO in October of 2011. Originally from small town Saskatchewan, the classically trained pianist has also become a finalist in the Canadian Radiostar Songwriting Competition and a finalist in the global 2009 Unisong Competition.
$16/20
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

This evening will not feature straight-ahead jazz nor straight-ahead bluegrass. Instead, five string banjo wizard Jayme Stone will play his quirky musical fusion inspired by folk traditions from around the world. His latest album, Room of Wonders, explores music from Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, Brazil, Italy and North America. The Globe and Mail called Jayme Stone “the Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo” and Comedian turned banjo-player Steve Martin said “I take back what I said about Jayme Stone!” Accompanying Jayme Stone are some of Canada’s best jazz musicians: Kevin Turcotte – trumpet, Andrew Downing – cello, and Nick Fraser – drums.
$14/18
Sponsored by CFCR

Guitar virtuoso Jack Semple has proven that a successful music career is possible in Saskatchewan. Known for his blistering solos, tasty vocals, and intelligent songwriting, the prolific Semple has just completed his ninth CD. In the Blue Light is a collection of original electric, funky, grooving, and soulful compositions that is guaranteed to “make your butt move and your soul groove!”
$16/20 
SELL OUT ALERT!
Sponsored by CFCR

Vancover vocalist Jaclyn Guillou has been breaking new ground since her arrival on the jazz scene at the 2009 Vancouver International Jazz Festival where she received a CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award. Her 2010 To The City is a collection of eight catchy originals with a polished and playful new sound. Jacklyn’s quintet includes Bram Weijters – piano, Michael Davidson – vibraphone, Michael Rush – bass, and Joe Poole – drums.
$16/20 
Sponsored by Prairie Meats

For over fifteen years the Stone Frigate Big Band has been playing the swing music of the 1930’s and 40’s, including the hits of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman.  Sit back and listen or get up and swing the night away on our full dance floor.

 $12/15

Two great jazz pianists meet on The Bassment stage in Saskatoon to perform on two great pianos. Calgary’s Chris Andrew is a recipient of CBC’s Galaxie Rising Star Award and has worked with everyone from jazz legend PJ Perry to contemporary country crooner Paul Brandt. American Michael Cain has played with Jack DeJohnette, Joshua Redman, and Bobby
McFerrin. Michael is also

a much-respected teacher and is an associate professor at Manitoba’s Brandon University. This evening will also feature two very fine grand pianos: the Mendel Art Gallery’s Bosendorfer 200 and the Kinsmen Yamaha S6.
$16/20
Sponsored by Yamaha Piano Centre

Feel like making some music with a professional band? If you sing or play an instrument, make your way down to The Bassment for our Jazz Jam where musicians of all levels are welcome to sit in. With Gent Laird – bass and Arlan Kopp – drums. Jammers get in free.

$5
Sponsored by St. John’s Music

Winner of the 2009 Juno for Blues Album of the Year, Julian Fauth is a two-fisted-piano-pounding-blues-shouter with an entertaining show of blues and barrelhouse originals and covers.    Forced to cancel his June 2010 Bassment gig due a nasty fall in the bathroom, Julian swore off showers, spent six months healing up, and is now ready, willing, and able to make his Bassment debut.
$14/18
Sponsored by CFCR and Yamaha Piano Centre

No standards here – this group of talented young musicians are set to tackle the music of the legendary Brecker Brothers. Tonight’s performance will feature arrangements by the band, including the Brecker’s signature tune Some Skunk Funk. The Quintet includes Brett Balon – keyboards, Dave Anderson -trumpet, Paul Suchan – sax, Richard Haubrich – guitar, Gent Laird – bass, and Arlan Kopp – drums.
$10/13 

Directed by Roy Sydiaha and Sheldon Corbett, our very own Bassment Big Band takes the stage for a night of swinging big band classics.   Supported by the Saskatoon Jazz Society, The Bassment Big Band has performed at the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and at The Bassment for the past 25 years.

$10/13 

This night will feature four very different and very accomplished trumpet players.  Dave Anderson has been making jazz fans sit up and take notice of his silky sound and melodic and funky improv solos. Dean McNeill is an excellent jazz trumpet player with formidable skills as an improviser, arranger, and composer.  Dave Nelson is a true jazzer and has three CDs as leader, two of which were recorded in the Big Apple.   For over 30 years Barrie Redford’s astounding range and creative solos have delighted audiences throughout western Canada.   Backup provided by Doug Gilmour – bass, Brett Balon – piano, and D’arce McMillan – drums.

$12/15

Soul meets country … the Irish-born and Saskatoon-based Stephen Maguire has been compared to Johnny Reid with his edgy vocals, thought-provoking songwriting and commanding stage presence.   He has performed at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, opened for BJ Thomas’ Saskatchewan tour, and was nominated for the 2011 SCMA Rising Star award.  Maguire will be joined by David Fong – keyboards, Gent Laird – bass, Roy Sydiaha – drums, and T-Bone – percussion.
$16/20 
Sponsored by CFCR

Upholding  traditions laid down by the masters of soul, rock, and jazz of the 60′s and 70′s, KOTG deliver strong melodies, sweet harmonies, and satisfying grooves.   With influences that range from Curtis Mayfield and Charles Mingus to Led Zeppelin, the band has a varied and dynamic sound.   The Keepers are Spencer Rayner – bass, Shamus Currie – trombone/vocals, Kyle Krysa – drums, and Richard Haubrich – guitar.

$10/13