Artist Application

The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival books artists from a wide variety of genres from all over the world each and every year. We receive hundreds of artist applications and agent pitches each year and are honored that so many talented folks want to play our festival. Because we receive so many applications, we follow specific procedures to make sure each one gets a fair look. Please read this page in full before submitting your application. 

I’m an artist who lives in Saskatchewan:

Saskatchewan artist applications are now open! Here’s what you need to know:

• Saskatchewan artist applications are open from September 27 to March 14, 2025
• Complete the below form in its entirety (including support materials) to apply
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Artists from outside of Saskatchewan should not use this form. Applications submitted through this system by artists from outside of Saskatchewan will be discarded. Check out our FAQ to find out why.
• Who do we classify as a Saskatchewan artist? Any applicant with a current Saskatchewan address. Born and raised here but live elsewhere? You’re still a Saskie at heart but we need you to apply as a non-Saskie for the reasons listed in our FAQ.
• Successful applicants will be advised between March – May 2025.
• Only successful applicants will receive a reply.
• Unless you need to make a material change to your application (ex. updated stage plot or union status), please do not follow up with us on your application.

We sincerely thank you for your application and can’t wait to review your materials! 

I’m a Canadian artist who lives outside Saskatchewan:

Due to the high cost of travel in Canada, most Canadian musicians who wish to perform as part of the Canadian jazz festival circuit need to apply for a Canada Council Touring Grant.

Artists wishing to obtain a letter of support for their grant application should email the Executive Director at shannon@saskjazz.com with their request. Please include a short bio, press photo, stage plot and a performance video (live is strongly preferred).

Artists who do not receive a touring grant will still be considered but having a touring grant is incredibly helpful. Canadian musicians who wish to be considered for the festival should apply with a short bio, press photo, stage plot, and performance video to shannon@saskjazz.com prior to December 31, 2024.

I’m an artist who lives outside of Canada:

Please email a short bio, press photo, stage plot, and performance video (live is strongly preferred) to shannon@saskjazz.com prior to December 31, 2024.

I’m an agent:

Please email shannon@saskjazz.com to pitch your roster.

FAQs:

Why will you discard my application if I use the Saskatchewan artist form as a non-Sask resident?

We look at our Saskatchewan artist applications last (notice the much later deadline). This is because Saskatchewan-based artists generally have fewer/simpler logistics to consider since they’re playing at home (hotels, travel, R105 waiver forms, etc.). If you use the Saskatchewan artist application and you don’t live here, we will have already filled all the out-of-province slots before we even open your application.

Why do you prefer a live performance video over a music video?

As a festival, we are a live performance event and we need to see you in action. The best application videos are those that are filmed at real life gigs. Filmed it at another festival? Even better! 

But what if you don’t have that? Honestly, we would prefer a video of you performing in your living room than a slick, edited music video. Prop up your phone, press record, and perform. It will give us an authentic representation of you in performance.

How will you use my press photo and bio?

If you are selected to perform at the festival, your submitted photo and bio will be used to promote your performance on the festival website and social media platforms. If you are not selected, these materials will be discarded and not used by the festival in any way.

Do I really have to submit a stage plot with my application?

Our festival uses a wide variety of stages throughout Saskatoon so it is imperative that we know your footprint from the application stage in order to best match artists to venues. If your stage plot changes after submitting your application, please send an updated version to shannon@saskjazz.com.

I submitted an application but haven’t heard anything back. Should I follow up?

We only contact applicants to ask clarifying questions about their application or to send a performance offer. The large volume of applications prevents us from contacting everyone to advise on the status of their application. We kindly ask that you do not send follow up emails to inquire on the status of your application. Offers start going out as early as October and are usually done by mid-late March.

We are grateful for every application we receive and sincerely hope that artists who are not selected this year will apply again next year.

Can I send a hard copy application?

No. The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival only accepts applications as outlined above.

I see you don’t have an AD. Who books the festival?

The artistic direction of the festival is managed by our Executive Director, Shannon Josdal. For more questions, you can email her at shannon@saskjazz.com. For information on contacting the rest of our team, visit our contact page.