The Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival is back after a pandemic hiatus.

Artistic Director Kevin Tobin says the usual ten months of planning was compacted into about seven or eight weeks, but the festival team has been dedicated to putting on a safe show for the community, musicians and everyone involved in the event.

“We can’t thank enough all the front-line health workers, those who have kept us safe over these 16 months. Really there’s a lot of gratitude, a lot of excitement, and a lot of energy. It’s a really exciting part to be able to plan a festival and to get ready to put one on for the people of Saskatoon”.

Tobin says there is a lot of buzz for the shows including a sold out crowd for the first night which features Wide Mouth Mason and the Sheep Dogs. He says the musicians, technicians and volunteers are all pumped for the event, and based off of audience and social media response he thinks Saskatoon is ready to enjoy themselves again.

Tobin says for people who are apprehensive to get out into crowds, the festival will be livestreaming some of the music online for people to enjoy at home. He explains for those who go to the shows there will be COVID safety measures in place, including sanitizing, and he just wants people to feel safe to come out and have a good time.

Check out the Full Line-Up for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Here