The organizers for this year’s edition of the Bow Valley Jamboree have revealed the schedule for the festival, which will happen on July 29 at the Bow Valley Park south of Oxbow.
Among the acts confirmed for this year’s jamboree are Theresa Sokyrka, a Saskatchewan singer-songwriter who was a finalist in the second year of Canadian Idol; soul singer Del Suelo; jazz musician Belle Plaine; indie folk and roots band The Bystanders; party band the New Montagues, and local cover band Ten Mile High.
Also booked are such acts as Downwind and Wool Tree Grove, who have been part of the jamboree in the past. Tweener acts that have been booked between the acts will give other local musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Organizers have been talking with one other act about performing this year.
Donna Nyeste and Kayla Lamport, who are part the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee, which plans the jamboree, said it is important to provide a showcase for local and provincial musicians alike.
“It’s pretty much all Saskatchewan talent, and there’s lots of local kids and some of the younger kids doing stuff,” said Nyeste.
Nyeste has been on the board for five years, while Lamport is in her first year on the board, although she has been attending the festival the last few years.
Lamport views the jamboree as a great opportunity for younger people in particular to get on stage and promote themselves.
“I think it’s great for the community and the surrounding communities to be able to come out and see local talent all in one jam-packed fun day,” said Lamport.
It’s not just about music, either. The festival also has an arts component in which artisans and other vendors can display their wares. They already have a list of artists who they will approach to participate.
“We’re always trying to improve the things that are already in place, and have more variety of arts and different things that are available,” said Nyeste.
There is also a food component for the festival, and they are looking for food vendors.
The festival attracts spectators of all ages, as some of the senior citizen homes in Oxbow area will bring their residents to the festival so they can enjoy the music.
The committee received a boost on Wednesday, when the Southern Plains Co-op presented a cheque for $5,000 at their grocery store in Estevan. The contribution will allow the co-op to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s jamboree.
Funds raised during the jamboree will be directed towards the construction of a permanent stage in the park. Nyeste said it would give them a community entertainment area that could be used for weddings, family reunions and concerts in the park.
“There’s no place for us in our community to have an outside event permanently,” said Lamport.
They believe they are about halfway to their fundraising goal.
