(Submited. Kevin Joseph)

By Nigel Maxwell

Music appreciation

Muskoday Music Festival returns Saturday

May 31, 2024 | 6:00 PM

A major concert event is returning this weekend to Muskoday First Nation.

A full day music festival runs all day Saturday and includes a number of big names such as Raven Reid, Eekwol, Gary Martin, Greenwing and Yvonne St. Germain.

School Principal Liza Brown, who is also a singer/ songwriter, said she is passionate about the arts, and believes there’s a lot of healing that happens through the arts

‘And it creates opportunities for people to get together,” she said.

Following a near 10-year hiatus, the festival was revived three years ago and has grown from a one day event to a full week of activities. All this week, students from the school, as well as some from Saskatoon and Muskeg Lake, have engaged in language studies, fine arts, drama and dance.

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“The whole focus is to be focusing on the arts but healing through the arts and creating ways to celebrate who we are and this notion of having fun in the context of a healthy environment with families,” Brown said.

(Sudmitted/ Kevin Joseph)

Saturday’s family friendly event means there will be no alcohol or drugs allowed. The event is free to attend for anyone from within or outside the community. And according to the schedule of events, will begin with karaoke.

Committee member Jason Bear noted there are lots of people in the community who have lots of hidden talents

“I think that’s kind of the idea too to give people in the opportunity, if they want to showcase their talent, they are welcome to,” he said.

Kevin Joseph is the school’s music teacher and has been very involved in the organization process, as well as working with the kids during the week.

“This is the most exciting time of the year for me,” he said.

Noting the number of award winning and Juno nominated artists scheduled to perform on Saturday, Joseph said every one of them has some sort of connection to the community. He also recalled how Raven Reid was one of the original concert artists and at that time had agreed to play for gas money.

“So we get to give a thankyou back to some of these artists, who were just trying to find places to play, are now in demand,” he said.

The music festival is scheduled to start at 2p.m. on Saturday and the final act takes the stage at 9 p.m.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell