So, while the temperaturea are climbing, my thoughts go to being outdoors and listening to music. Yes, as Canadians start shedding their winter clothing and baring skin, my mind turns to outdoor music scenes and festivals! You stand warned; I become very focussed on the Canadian Jazz Festival scene during the summer. Trouble is that this summer the jazz festivals are happening during the same week...pretty much. Let me tell you.

During the weeks of June 25, 2010 to July 4, 2010 the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Edmonton Jazz Festival, Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Winnepeg Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival and Toronto Jazz Festival will be happening. Question is...which one will you attend?

Over the next two months I will be highlighting the music of each festival so that you can make

a good choice. Along with the history and notes of each festival, I will try to share the sounds of each festival. The music and festival groove will be right on.

Oh, and so that you know....Halifax Jazz Fesital will be held July 9, 2010 to July 17, 2010 and the St. John's Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival on July 13 and 18, 2010. Not to mention...the Fredricton, New Brunswick Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival runnibg from September 14, 2010 to September 19, 2010. Oh those Easteners, they do love to party...and they know when to do it!

Talk with you next week with more about Canadian Jazz Festivals 2010. See you at the Bassment. This week the Saskatoon Jazz Society presents:

Jazz on Fridays: Brett Balon at the piano from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.  No cover charge.

Saturday, March 20 – Darren Sigesmund - Strands II - Toronto – Trombonist, composer, and band leader Darren Sigesmund brings this six piece all-star group to the Bassment stage to perform compositions from his latest cd – “Strands II”.   The cd was nominated earlier this month for a Juno Award in the Best Traditional Jazz Album category.   Sigesmund’s music has been described as “absolutely beautiful, amazing, and stunning”.   J.D. Conidine, the former Rolling Stone critic currently writing for the Globe and Mail said of Sigesmund, “As a writer, he is a genius.”  But don’t rely on the critics to form your opinion – come on down to the club and hear this fantastic group in person.  Strands features: Darren Sigesmund – trombone, Eliana Cuevas – vocals, Quinsin Naschoff– tenor sax, Reg Schwager – guitar, Jim Vivian – bass, and Ethan Ardelli – drums.     Admission is $12 for students/members and $15 for non-members.   The doors open at 8:30 and show time is 9:00