Main Stage Schedule
WAM Kick-Off
Want to be part of the Festival's launch? Come to our kick-off ceremony at noon on Friday and be the first to sign the finalized PACT and hear all about what's going on throughout the weekend! Municipal and provincial officials will be speaking at the ceremony, and expect to hear some of our performers, including Theresa Sokyrka, give a short preview of the talents they'll be sharing all weekend. As well, we'll be unveiling a beautiful mural painted by Saskatoon's very own SCYAP!"
WAM Yoga
Ryan Leier from Saskatoon Yoga will be leading a yoga session on Sunday, August 24 at 10:45am on site! Check back for details!Performers
Friday, August 22nd:
12:30 pm Surprise...! WAM Grand Opening on the main stage.
1:00 Dean McNeill Quartet
Head of the Department of Music at the University of Saskatchewan trumpeter/composer Dean McNeill is a graduate of the University of North Texas, McGill University, and Grant McEwan College. Dean has performed with ensembles such as the Banff Centre Jazz Orchestra, Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, and with the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Pat LaBarbera, P.J. Perry, Bobby Caldwell, Hugh Fraser, Bob Mintzer, Campbell Ryga, and Tommy Banks. Dean currently directs the Metro Jazz Ensemble of Saskatoon and leads his own jazz combo which most recently performed at TCU Place opening up for the Dave Brubeck Quartet during the 2008 Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Dean has recently released two CDs. The first entitled Prairie Fire is a compilation of original compositions by McNeill’s for an all-star Canadian large jazz ensemble. The second CD is entitled Mélange: New Music for Trumpet and Piano. Mélange includes Bonnie Nicholson one of Saskatchewan premier classical pianists and, two-time Juno award winner jazz pianist Jon Ballantyne. Both Prairie Fire-Large Jazz Ensemble and Mélange: New Music for Trumpet and Piano are available at http://deanmcneill.com.
2:15pm Pakarinka Sisari
Pakarinka Sisari, a music and dance group from Ecuador, is composed of Luis Laurentino Lopez
(Kutimuk), Willak (Guillermo Santillan) and Ruminahui Santillan
(Rumik).
They were warmly received at the Ness Creek Music Festival earlier this year. The Ecuadorian musicians said
they were fulfilling a 500-year-old prophecy about a time when the
Condor (nature based traditional knowledge) and the Eagle (modern
technology of the North) will fly together in the same sky.
The result was a blending of culture and musical styles in storytelling and performances throughout the weekend.
(http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=154785&sc=4)
Sarah Burton packs a deadly musical punch using charisma, charm and a rock and roll attitude. With songs that are at the core, folk, Sarah creates her unique sound mixing together country, pop and rock.
Since 2003 Sarah has graced many stages in Canada, and in 2006 she earned a FACTOR demo award. 2007 saw Sarah through her second cross-Canada tour, the completion of her first CD Love is for Pussies, and over 70 shows. She has been selected to showcase at such festivals as North By North East, Canadian Music Week, Kingfest, Winterfolk, and City Roots Festival.
4:00pm The Fjords
Since forming in 2002, The Fjords have become "one of the best kept secrets in Saskatoon." Comprised of Luke Ryalls on guitars and vocals, Jeff Pederson on drums, and David Brown on bass, The Fjords combine a wide range of musical influences to create a tight knit, charismatic, and intensely melodic sound. In 2005, the band released a self-titled EP, which was well received both at home and on college radio across Canada. Since then The Fjords have been hard at work plotting world domination and recording a full length album for release this summer, Get It Right.
5:00pm Maybe Smith
"Maybe Smith is Colin Skrapek, a striking one-piece ensemble who relishes in the comfort of a harsh Saskatchewan winter. His fourth and previous release, Second Best Death , garnered praise as "...a highlight of Canadian indie music..." from Exclaim! and "...a lovingly hand-crafted DIY affair, veined with a quiet genius" from Vue Weekly . Popular mp3 bloggers such as Sixeyes, Fingertips and Indie Music Filter took notice, too. By the end of the 2006, Maybe Smith was earning comparisons to Dan Snaith, Elvis Costello, Grandaddy and Andrew Whiteman, while popping up on best-of-the-year podcasts." - CBC Radio 3
Theresa Sokyrka (pronounced S0-CARE-ka) was born in Moose Jaw , Saskatchewan to Sonia and Harold Sokyrka. Some of Theresa’s earliest memories include those of her family and friends gathering in the Sokyrka household to sing traditional Ukrainian Folk Songs. Theresa auditioned for the Canadian Idol Contest in April of 2004. After 21 weeks of competition and elimination amongst over 9,000 contestants, Theresa emerged as the runner-up. During those weeks, Theresa captivated the hearts of millions of Canadians with her vocal artistry, diversity, natural elegance and genuine modesty. She was Voted "Newsmaker of the Year for 2004" by Joanne Paulson, Entertainment Editor for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix , and appeared in hundreds of newspaper articles across Canada.
7:20pm Kirby Criddle
Named in the top 3 vocalists of Planet S's "Best of Saskatoon" Readers' Choice Polls of 2008, indie-folk singer-songwriter Kirby Criddle continues to garner buzz on the city's music scene. 
8:00pm Brad Johner
Canadian country music sensation Brad Johner continues on a roll with the release of his second solo album, Summertown Road, the follow-up to his very successful and Juno-nominated solo debut Free.Brad with a 2003 Western Canadian Music Award for "Outstanding Country Album", 2003 CCMA nominations for "Album of the Year" and "SOCAN Song of the Year", and a win at the 2004 Canadian Independent Music Awards for "Favourite Country Artist/Group". He was also recognized with Juno and CCMA nominations in 2004.
10:00pm Joel Plaskett Emergency
Canada has produced some of the world’s most enduring songwriters and Joel Plaskett is being hailed as one of the best.Joel’s current release, Ashtray Rock (released April 2007 by MapleMusic/ Universal Music Canada) is a landmark album in the career of the celebrated Canadian singer/songwriter and his excellent Emergency band. A “mini rock opera,” Ashtray Rock is an exuberant romp through the imagination and a celebration of everything important about growing up: love, longing, loyalty, betrayal, youthful exuberance and, above all, MUSIC.
Topping that off was Joel’s Juno Award nomination for Songwriter of the Year and his placement as First Place Winner in the 2008 Great American Song Contest and the Billboard World Song Contest for his single “Fashionable People” (in the Pop Category). The Joel Plaskett Emergency is, without doubt, one of Canada’s best live acts and Plaskett is no stranger to performing. The band have has been busy in the last year touring throughout Australia, Canada and have recently completed an American tour of 16 US cities (8 states) as special guest with the Tragically Hip.
Saturday, August 23rd:
10:00am A Gentle Forest
Combining an unexpectedly soothing mix of vocals, guitars, clarinet, percussion, ukulele, harmonica, toy piano, bass, drums, banjo, guitar, and bells, A Gentle Forest earned a place on Saved by Vinyl's production Saved by Saskatoon with their song "The Moon's Appeal."
11:00am Glen Sutter
“Emotional and intelligent – the real thing.” Raised on the banks of a prairie river in southwest Manitoba, Glenn Sutter uses thoughtful lyrics and moving melodies to tell stories and express ideas about nature, love, and the human condition. For most of the last 20 years, he has been writing and performing on the sidelines, supporting and collaborating with folk, roots, and blues artists in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Regina, his current home. Now, as a versatile musician and seasoned lyricist, he is stepping into the spotlight to share a growing catalogue of songs inspired by human experience, the importance of friends and family, and the troubled state of our world. He will be releasing "All You Need," his first full-length album, this fall.
12:30pm Smokekiller
Smokekiller, also known as John Antoniuk, released his new album "13" in March 2008. Together with Jeremy Lane on bass, Josh Palmer on guitar and vocals, Brian Hankewich on drums, and Jen Lane on background vocals; Smokekiller fuses creative lyrics with rock rhythms to create music that is "sensationally catchy" (Planet S Magazine). "Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement" (National Association of Record Industry Professionals).
1:00pm Sankofa
2:00pm Fred Penner
With his incredible mix of songs, stories, jokes, and fun, Fred Penner continues his legacy of entertaining both children and adults with his energetic performances. An award-winning performer, Penner won the Order of Canada in 1991 for "using music and song to entertain and educate his young audience." Whether it is live, recorded, or on video, Penner is known for mixing various musical styles with tidbits of information on everything from animal habitats to techniques for fending off the common cold.
Praised for his decades-long work with children, Penner was praised by Los Angeles Parent magazine as the "Canadian Minister of Positivity," while Billboard magazine dubbed him "Mr. MultiMedia" due to his work in film and on stage and television.
3:20pm Ryan Boldt
A former member of the band Motep's Groove, along with Kyle Riabko and Roger Mercier, Ryan Boldt is now an established solo musician. Combining vocals, acoustic guitar, dobro, glockenspiel, mandolin, banjo and organ, Ryan's music is folk-inspired.
4:00pm Megan Lane
"Music means everything to me; it is my release, my passion, and my love…" So says Megan Lane, a young artist who began composing and performing at the age of 12. Megan's steamy vocals, moving lyrics and passionate guitar playing create a performance that is not only classic, but fresh and original. Along with Jordan Trask on the drums and David "The Squid" Parker on bass, Megan has garnered attention across Canada. In 2005, she starred in the Centennial Gala attended by Queen Elizabeth II performing her original song " Just Like Me". A month later, she was invited to perform a tribute to Joni Mitchell on Parliament Hill for Canada Day.The band has performed on the main stage at festivals such as The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and The Ness Creek Music Festival. Megan has been featured on CBC Radio's "The Gallery" and on CTV's "Good Morning Canada".
5:00pm It's All Good
Front man Kenny Marco has played in some of the hottest rhythm sections in rhythm and blues and popular music in North America, performing with such notable talents as David Clayton Thomas (Blood Sweat and Tears) and Etta James. Some highlighted musical performances include the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, two Henry Mancini specials, and Don Kirschner’s Midnight Special Show. Kennie was a member of the group John James and the Mothers of Hope, a Toronto based band who headlined the Much Music Canadian Music Video Awards in 1993. Respected by professional musicians and audiences, Kennie has been an active participant in Saskatoon’s music community since 1984. Heart of Gold – 20 Years of Canadian Pop Music by Martin Mellish acknowledges Kennie’s contributions to the Canadian music scene.
6:00pm The Rebellion
7:00pm The Sheepdogs
Sporting the long-haired looks of their musical forefathers, these 4 young gentlemen revel in the joy of rock 'n' roll so wholeheartedly, it's downright contagious. Their music is comprised of soulful harmonization, old-school guitar chops and a grooving rhythm section. In January 2007 they released their debut LP Trying to Grow, a collection of guitar-driven originals that recall classic rockers like the Stones, CCR, and the Kinks. The album's title-track was featured in a province-wide campaign.
8:00pm Tom Jackson
Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 for his music and humanitarian work, Tom is well known to Canadians as an accomplished musician and actor dedicated to helping the less fortunate. At the 2007 Junos, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) bestowed Tom with the Humanitarian Award in recognition for his positive contributions to the social landscape of Canada . The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television also presented Tom with their prestigious Humanitarian Award at the 2007 Geminis. Tom received the Queen’s Jubilee medal in 2002 and Centennial Medals from Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005. Time Magazine named him one of Canada’s best activists and Honorary Degrees have been conferred upon him from the University of Alberta, Laurentian, Winnipeg, Victoria, Trent, Lakehead, Calgary and Lethbridge.
9:20pm Jen Lane
"A strong talent. Jen has hit a depth in her song-writing that people twice her age struggle to find. Her many talents also include a truly lovely voice. One day, we in Saskatchewan will be saying, "I knew her when...."
Sheila Coles, Cbc Radio 1, The Morning Edition
10:00pm The Weakerthans
The Weakerthans are a rock'n roll band from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada known for their lyrical ingenuity. Formed in 1997 by songwriter John Samson, the band comprises Stephen Carroll on Lead Guitar, Jason Tait on Drums and Greg Smith on Bass. They have just released Reunion Tour, their fourth record on Anti/Epitaph. Having built an international reputation and a loyal fan base The Weakerthans tour everywhere and often.
Sunday, August 24th:
12:00pm Unsatisfied Poets
Always bumpin' to the beat, Unsatisfied Poets is a large collective of hip hop artists hailing from Saskatoon.
1:00pm Natural Mistik
Named after the Cree word for tree, Natural Mistik is inspired by Bob Marley and "carries forth the message of love, equality and justice.'' Natural Mistik calls upon some of Saskatoon's finest musicians -- Jim Balfour, Brent Burlingham, Sheldon Corbett, Blair Finley, Don Griffith, Lloyd Tomczak and Tim Vaughn -- to play the complex rhythms of the Wailers.
2:00pm Old Joe & The Truth Hurts
Over the past four years, Old Joe and the Truth Hurts have established themselves as one of the most diverse and original bands to come out of Saskatoon. These boys weave different musical styles seemlessly together to create a high energy stage show chock full of improv, wit, and levity. Led by the omnipresent Joey K Lorer, also known for his work with Heartstrings, The Great Train Reverie, and Maybe Smith, and featuring the sharp-tongued guitar poeticisms of Devin Martyniuk, drumming by Scott Zdunich you can set your watch to, and, while he waits to go back to his day job, the Saskatoon Symphony's principal bassist Richard Carnegie, Old Joe and the Truth Hurts are more than happy to play their first show in over a year for the We Are Many Festival.
3:00pm Tim Vaughn
Tim Vaughn's soulful voice and immaculate guitar, bass and keyboard work have been resonating through clubs across Western Canada for the greater part of a decade. Tim's youthful energy and sense of professionalism have members of the music community calling him a "Renaissance Man", far beyond his years. His style is derived from his individuality and experience in a range of genres including Funk, Soul/R&B, Blues, Nu-Jazz, Rock and Reggae.
He recently co-produced a soon-to-be released album for Canadian Idol Top 10 finalist Josh Palmer and shared a bill with Jacksoul and Divine Brown at the 2006 Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
4:00pm The Gaff
A star DJ, The Gaff has Dj'd for Kirby Dominant, Moka Only, Jeff Spec, Ishkan, Just B, Chance, and otheres... in addition, he has opened up and/or played with Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Birdapres, Boom Bap, Bukue One, Casual, Del DJ Z-Trip, 4th world occupents, Foreign Legion, Herbalizer, Josh Martinez, John Smith, Kyprios, Living Legends, Mcenroe, Micranots, Pip Skid, Rahzel, Skratch Bastid, Souls of Mischief, Sweathop Union, Swollen Members, Ugly Duckling, Zion I, and more...!
5:00 pm Boots Riley and Silk-E of The Coup
Boots Riley is a co-founder of the politically powerful hip hop group the Coup, which became a cultural flash point after September 11. Riley’s activism – from local issues to international ones such as being an organizer of the World Conference Against Racism - has set the standard for political organizing among hip hop artists. Boots takes audiences on an international journey through the less orthodox histories and movements of hip-hop, including a screening of Eating Forever - a short hip-hop travelogue Boots shot in South Africa during the “Black August” Hip Hop tour and the World Conference Against Racism, that focuses on Kwaito, a controversial movement of South African hip hop.