Saskatchewan Jazz Festival opens in Saskatoon

Every summer, the sound of music drifts over the South Saskatchewan River as musicians entertain big crowds at the Saskatoon Jazz Festival.

This year the festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a diverse lineup of international artists featuring Metric, City and Colour, and Big Boi.

Opening night will feature a main stage performance by multiple Grammy Award winner Ms. Lauryn Hill.

"We're very privileged to have the support of the community in order to continue to build the event, and we're excited about this opening night," said Jacqueline Conway, marketing director for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. "I think it's going to be one of our best ever."

Here's a rundown of the headliners performing at the TD Mainstage, located at the Delta Bessborough Gardens:

• Friday, June 24: Ms. Lauryn Hill, 9 p.m.
• Saturday, June 25: Metric, 9:15 p.m.
• Sunday, June 26: Tedeschi Trucks Band, 9 p.m.
• Monday, June 27: Jesse Cook, 9:15 p.m.
• Thursday, June 30: The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, 9:45 p.m.
• Saturday, July 2: Big Boi, 9:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 3: City and Colour, 9:30 p.m.

In addition to many ticketed concerts throughout the city, there will also be a number of free events during the week of the festival, including the popular Yoga Jam. Organizers also decided to make Canada Day events free to the public, which is a first for the festival.

"We wanted the entertainment to be free, and that was something we kind of wanted to do for the public, and also as a way to pay homage to 30 years," Conway said. "Just a way to celebrate Canada Day. You don't have to buy a ticket, just come out and celebrate with us."

Conway said that opening night for the 30th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival promises to be one of the best opening nights yet.

"We have a sold out show in the [Bessborough] Gardens, we have a sold out show at the Broadway [Theatre]. Amigos and the Capitol are expected to be very, very busy tonight. So opening night, I think, is going to be really special, really awesome."

Click here for a full rundown of festival events, and while you're at it, you can click here for a historical look back at 30 years of the festival.