Misery Mountain Boys
March 10, 2023
The Bassment, Saskatoon
(discount for Northern Lights members)
You might hear the tunes of the Misery Mountain Boys drifting from behind a rotating bookcase of a 1930’s speakeasy. Harkening back to a simpler time, the MMB’s create a collaborative soundscape infused with humour, tongue-in-cheek wit, nostalgia, and playfulness. With a mix of catchy originals and contemporary songs reimagined in driving swing, the melodies of the MMB’s deliver themselves as both surprising and inevitable. The band offers a diverse range of sonic experiences, urging audiences to gyration in the tassel-clad, sweaty swing numbers, and swaying in the velvety jazz tunes.
Born in the remote, river-laced hills of Northern Alberta, the Misery Mountain Boys is the black sheep brainchild of frontman Steven Gevenich, supplanted and enriched by bassist Lindsey Bueckert, clarinetist/saxophonist Sam Toms, & drummer Ethan Markwart. Each bring their impressive musicianship to the 7 year musical partnership, and this is readily apparent in the confidence of the four piece they embody. Playful bass lines, energetic, snare-heavy drums, meandering & melodic clarinet, and Gevenich’s own skillful jazz guitar and gentle, gravely voice form the musical landscape of the Misery Mountain Boys.
Ellen Froese – Album Release
March 26, 2023
The Bassment, Saskatoon
7:30 pm
$25 – $35
(discount for Northern Lights members)
Ellen Froese is what you’d call a committed and prolific artist. For someone who is only in her mid-20s, she’s amassed an impressive body of work and has achieved more than some many years her senior. Produced in collaboration with the Sheepdogs’ Sam Corbett, For Each Flower Growing is Ellen’s fourth full-length album. Her most accomplished statement to date, the album draws on her established sound as a folk and country-based singer-songwriter while incorporating a wider frame of reference in its rich production, supple instrumentation, and overall sound. Ellen will be joined by Clayton Linthicum (electric guitar), Andy Biesel (pedal steel), Chris Mason (bass/vocals), and Sam Corbett (drums/vocals). The album is out on Victory Pool Records.
The Slocan Ramblers
March 27, 2023
The Bassment, Saskatoon
7:30 pm
$30 – $40
(discount for Northern Lights members)
The reigning champions of Canadian bluegrass, the Slocan Ramblers are back showcasing their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time, and folk. The band’s set list is marked by thoughtful songwriting, lightning fast-instrumentals, and sawdust-thick vocals.
This show will feature the Ramblers at the top of their game playing selections from their three previous releases and their latest album, Up the Hill and Through the Fog. Say hello to your new favourite band!
West of Mabou
April 15, 2023
The Bassment, Saskatoon
(discount for Northern Lights members)
High-energy fiddling, Scottish Lowland Border pipes, smooth whistle tunes, rocking guitar, and drum solos are just a few of the things you might see in a West of Mabou stage performance, as the Western Canadian band taps into their strong Scottish, Irish, and Cape Breton roots to deliver a unique brand of high-energy, traditional music with a contemporary flare.
The band’s combination of traditional and original fiddle and pipe tunes has earned them a nomination for Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2019 Western Canadian Music Awards, Instrumental Group of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Folk Awards, and World Artist of the Year at the 2018 Western Canadian Music Awards. The band was also named as one of the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast’s “Top Bands of 2017.”
West of Mabou’s latest album, “The Bridge”, was produced by master Cape Breton musician, Wendy MacIsaac. The album reached #3 on the iTunes Canada World Music Charts, and has received radio play on 4 continents.
West of Mabou unites the talents of Scott Benson (fiddle), Jared Dormer (percussion), Justin Easton (guitar/bass), Alex Rasmussen (pipes/whistles), and Roberta Wallace (fiddle). Each of the band members is an experienced performer in their own right, having performed at venues around the world.
With a strong respect for tradition and a unique contemporary style, West of Mabou continues to charm audiences with their impossible-to-sit-still tempos and their ability to fold Celtic sounds with modern inflections into a recipe for dance.