John Harmon is an active, free-lance composer of orchestral,wind ensemble, chamber, choral, and jazz music. He also maintains a busy performance and recording schedule as well as a roster of private students in his studio. He has taught evolution of jazz, composition, arranging, music appreciation and improvisation at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and at Lawrence University, Appleton, WI. A native of Oshkosh and a graduate of Lawrence University, was a private student of world-renowned jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson. Harmon formed the group Matrix in the 1970′s and performed with them until 1981.  He has earned prestigious recognition: the Jazziz award (1998),the Renaissance Award (Lawrence University, 1999), the Distinguished Service Award from WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) and Wisconsin Artist Fellowship (both 2001), an honorary doctorate degree from Lawrence University and the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Fellowship (both 2005), and in 2006, the Distinguished Service Award from IAJE  (International Association of Jazz Educators). John has more than 100 composing commissions for a variety of ensembles ranging from solo instrument to full orchestra with concert choir.

John is joined by Greg Gatien – tenor sax, Eric Platz – drums, and John Baron – drums.

With a twenty five year history of playing at The Bassment, our very own Bassment Big Band takes the stage for its yearly pre-Jazz Fest performance.    Under the direction of Doug Gilmour, The Saskatoon Community Jazz Band is back for a return performance.
$15/20 GC      Show – 8:00pm      Co-sponsored by the SJS and The Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 

Local Celtic bands Back of the Bus and The Residuals invade the Bassment stage for a night of traditional and modern Scottish, Irish, and East Coast music.
$15/20 GC Sponsored by CFCR

For almost 20 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.
$12/16  GC 

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.
$15/20  GC < em>Sponsored by CFCR