Saskatchewan Jazz Festival begins: everything you need to know

The 30th annual SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival begins Friday with a sold-out evening at the Bessborough Gardens.

“We really want people to go out, experience music and experience music that may have never seen before,” said festival artistic director Kevin Tobin.

The festival runs from June 24 to July 3.

Tickets

Doors open to the public Friday at 6 p.m. CT and shows start at 7, beginning with Lee Fields and the Expressions.

Here’s the full opening night lineup at the TD Mainstage:

• 6:00 p.m. – Doors open to the public
• 7:00 p.m. – Lee Fields and the Expressions
• 8:00 p.m. – Short program and ribbon cutting
• 8:30 p.m. – Ms. Lauryn Hill’s DJ
• 9:00 p.m. – Ms. Lauryn Hill

READ MORE: Lauryn Hill, Metric headlining Sask. Jazz Fest opening weekend

Other Friday night shows are scheduled for The Bassment, Broadway Theatre, Capitol Music Club and Amigos Cantina.

The full ticketed lineup is available here.

Tickets are available online and in the lobby of the Delta Bessborough Hotel from noon until 7 p.m.

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“We’re really excited about the lineup. The response from the community has been great and we’re ready to go,” Tobin said.

Children’s Pricing

Last year’s ticket pricing had some parents singing the blues.

In 2016, children seven and under receive free admission with any adult ticket to a maximum of two children per adult.

Kids from eight to 12 can receive 50 per cent off the regular price of a show at the TD Mainstage.

Free shows

This year’s events also feature 70 free concerts, a free yoga jam and two free movies in the Bessborough Gardens. A Hard Day’s Night plays on June 28th and The Wizard of Oz is scheduled for June 29th.

The full free lineup is posted here.

Weather

Ticketed shows go ahead rain or shine. The schedules for free shows could be adjusted due to weather and cancelled if need be.

“It’s just the nature of being an outdoor festival,” Tobin said.

Weather-related updates will be posted on the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival website, Facebook account and Twitter.

For weather on the go download the Global News Skytracker weather app for iPhone, iPad or Android.

WATCH BELOW: The impact of the SaskTel Sask Jazz Festival

5:30 The impact of the SaskTel Sask Jazz Festival