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For the first time since the summer of 2019, the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival makes its return to Saskatoon.
There’s a unique buzz in the downtown portion of the city, with multiple live shows taking place until July 7th.
It’s even extra special for local musician Rhett Schroeder, a band member with The Footnotes Big Band.
Growing up in the Bridge City, Schroeder and his band have watched many shows from the audience perspective. Now, in 2022, they’ll get a chance to be under the spotlight.
“This is the first time on stage for a lot of my band members. We’ve all been audience members in the past, but this is kind of the big first step on to the stage and getting live music experience,” Schroeder said.
“Looking up on that stage like, ‘Gee, I’d sure like to do that some day’ and the opportunity has finally presented itself. Really, the stars have aligned.”
Schroeder says he feels something special with this group and talks about how much work goes into prepping for a show like this.
“We’ve done three or four performances with this band. Everybody’s been kind of getting their playing chops up, getting ready and getting prepared,” Schroeder said.
“We picked some music last month and we’ve been diligently rehearsing that music every week and it’s really come together and I think we’re set up to put on a very exciting show.”
The Footnotes Big Band will perform at Victoria Park at 4:00 p.m. on July 4th.
Schroeder says he’s been able to catch some of the live-action early on already and describes the amazing atmosphere the city has to offer.
“I’ve been downtown twice already. There’s an exciting buzz in the air, people are talking about Jazz Fest, people are looking for the stages. It’s a very exciting time, that’s for sure,” he said.
Jack Masterson has been coming to Jazz Fest ever since 1996 and is so happy to have live music back again.
“It’s great to hear all of the live music and to see all of the familiar faces. It’s always a great time,” Masterson said.
“It brings a lot of visitors and attention to the city and it helps get fans and musicians out here.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic took away two years of Jazz Fest, Masterson says he couldn’t be happier to have the event back for the betterment of Saskatoon.
“It’s the place to be right now. It’s great to get out here and enjoy this beautiful city we have,” Schroeder added.
For a list of showtimes and live music performances, click here.