SASKATOON — The annual SaskTel Saskatoon Jazz Festival, running in 2025 from July 3-12, offers a unique free program series that includes Neighborhood Pop Up Series. These free concerts are made possible by a number of local partnerships, including each hosting venue.
A windy Friday afternoon July 4, didn’t stop the enthusiasm nor hinder the performance by Regina’s Brett Down, who performed a noon hour concert at Nasser Plaza.
Down is known for his smooth voice and lyrical songwriting with his music encompassing folk, soul, R & B, and pop.
Audience engagement came quickly as attendees danced, swayed, sang and applauded throughout Down’s hour-long performance. Attendees included first time festival goers, tourists and those who have attended year after year loving the live music performances.
Hailing from Regina, Down said while this is his first appearance at Saskatoon’s Jazz Festival, he has performed for more than five years in pubs, coffee shops and festivals in the Regina and Whistler areas. The artis also affirmed he has been experimenting and playing music since he was 13 years old.
The Whistler connection came from when he migrated to B.C. as part of Biathlon aspirations, and where the artist says, “I cut my teeth in music”.
Down performed some cover songs that several audience members said included both artist authenticity and similarity to the original song. The artist played five or his original songs and told the audience that he has recently recorded them and hopes and plans for release this fall.
Because of previous concert commitments, Down expressed some disappointment of not being able to experience other parts of the festival himself but he did enjoy meeting and greeting with appreciative audience members and new fans following his performance.
His interview with SASKTODAY.ca revealed a genuine, humble and happy musician who enjoys not only making the most out of his performances but feeling, and hearing, the crowd’s appreciation with his music.
Festival goers can check out the website, https://www.saskjazz.com/lineup/program-guide/ for the complete lineup of both free musical performances that are part of the early sessions for the Jazz Festival along with the ticketed lineup taking place at Saskatoon’s Victoria Park.
Established in 1987, the SaskTel Jazz Festival in Saskatoon features performers representing genres of jazz, blues and folk music including numerous local talents throughout the ten-day event.
