BIGGAR — The Biggar Old Time Music Festival Committee has launched ticket sales for their inaugural Biggar Old Time Music Festival that aims to revitalize old-time music (polkas, waltzes, foxtrots) and dance in Saskatchewan.
“We're overwhelmingly excited and honoured to be bringing this event to life,” Miguel Fenrich, chair of the inaugural committee said. “This first-year festival hones in on Saskatchewan’s heritage and celebrates music, dance, and community.”
“At a time when old-time music and live performance is struggling in Saskatchewan, this ‘21st century polkafest’ modernizes, celebrates, and honours old-time music. Now, families have a chance to experience this key part of our vibrant Saskatchewan history,” he added.
The Biggar Saturday Night Dance Club (BSNDC) has been working to keep old-time music and dancing alive in rural Saskatchewan for over 35 years. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable decline in attendance and revenues not only in Biggar, but at old-time dance clubs, music festivals, and polkafests across Saskatchewan.
The sub-committee of the BSNDC organizing the festival, hopes that this family-friendly, community focused event will serve as an indicator of increasing artistic vibrancy in Saskatchewan’s music scene.
The three-day festival runs from June 6 to 8, at the Biggar Community Hall and includes performances from authentic old-time musicians from across Saskatchewan, including Leon Ochs (Landis), Sylvia and Dean (Prince Albert), Dennis Ficor (Regina), the Zayshleys (Yorkton), and Norm & the Golden Aces (Northwest Saskatchewan), with a combined 150+ years of grassroot experience playing in Legion halls, church basements, and community halls. Sunday will also feature a headliner concert with the award-winning JJ Lavallee Band.
The committee and various community partners will be hosting an on-site bar with the Biggar Lodge No. 100, a 50s-diner themed canteen with Biggar Bites, beginner and advanced dance lessons, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, a historic display with the Biggar Museum and Gallery, pancake breakfast fundraisers, a vintage market, and a variety of free community activities such as a kid’s area and buskers. A full list of activities can be found at www.oldtimemusicfestival.ca.
Ticket prices range from early-bird tickets at $70 for the weekend, and $80 after May 1. Daily passes range from $20 for Friday to $35 for Saturday, and $25 for Sunday. And in an effort to support families in attending, youth 15-and-under are free with a guardian.
Tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1st-annual-biggar-old-time-music-festival-tickets-1296387071629?
“This is a festival founded on the principles of community, led by community, and supporting the community. We hope everyone comes and joins us in celebrating culture, community, and the revival of old-time music,” Fenrich says.
