There is no shortage of arts events to enjoy this weekend in Saskatoon, offering something for all ages. From improv comedy and intimate jazz concerts to a lecture on Ukrainian history and a classic Prairie comedy, here are five activities to explore from May 22 to 24.
1. Laugh Along to a Unique Brand of Improv
The award-winning improv comedians the Comic Strippers return to the Saskatoon stage with a new show. Promising more moves and quicker wits, this fictitious male stripper troupe tries to be sexy, but the result is hilarious. They sing, they dance, they take off their shirts, and they banter with the audience as they perform their twist on improv sketches. Restricted to ages 19 and older, the show takes place Friday at the Broadway Theatre at 8 p.m. Learn more at broadwaytheatre.ca.
2. Embrace Live Music
The Dean McNeill Jazz Quintet performs an intimate show at Tot Café. The quintet features McNeill on trumpet, Mike Rud on guitar, Andre White on drums, Ji Im on piano, and Emmett Fotosky on bass. This free concert is Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Learn more on Facebook. Additionally, the Broadway Theatre presents an evening with Bobby Bazini. The French-Canadian singer-songwriter has released five studio albums, with his most recent, Seul au cinéma, being his first in his native French. The concert is Sunday at the Broadway Theatre at 7 p.m. Learn more at broadwaytheatre.ca.
3. Learn About Ukrainian History on the Prairie
The Ukrainian Museum of Canada hosts Memory, Myth, and the Prairie: William Kurelek’s Pioneer Women. Presented by executive director and CEO Jen Budney, this illustrated lecture explores the visual account of Prairie settlement, created from the perspective of immigrant women. The series was commissioned by the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada in 1965 to reflect the first 30 years of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. Budney examines the series in the context of Kurelek’s broader career, how it shaped our understanding of Prairie life, and the history and significance of its creation. The talk is Saturday at the museum at 2 p.m. Learn more at umcnational.ca.
4. Explore a Musical Inspiration
The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra presents Strayhorn: The Quiet Revolutionary. Billy Strayhorn redefined the sound of big band jazz and shaped modern jazz with his inventive arrangements, unmatched in creative ingenuity. The SJO and the Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra celebrate Strayhorn’s legacy with rich works that showcase the depth and modernity of his musical vision. The concert is Saturday at the Broadway Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at saskatoonjazzorchestra.com.
5. Reminisce with a Prairie Comedy
Dancing Sky Theatre presents the return of James O’Shea’s The Red Truck, a quirky family comedy. A young man returns home after trying to make a life out west, ready to take over the family farm, but his father thinks it is a terrible idea. Starring an all-Saskatchewan cast, the play is a story about family, resilience, nostalgia, and heart. It features live, original music by Saskatoon musician Jordan Wellbourne. The play runs Friday to June 7 at the theatre in Meacham. Opening night features a walk on the green carpet and a chance to meet the playwright. Learn more at dancingskytheatre.com.
