Local band musicians are tuning up for a laid-back, joyful gathering in Crescent Park next week as the Saskatchewan Band Association brings 'Band in the Park' back to Moose Jaw.
Running from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, the event isn’t a concert in the traditional sense — it's a drop-in jam session open to anyone with a band instrument and a love of music.
“It's a community event where a lot of people can just come and watch,” said Shannon Andreas, media and marketing assistant for the Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA). “But we offer anybody who has any music knowledge to come out and play for free.”
The event takes place at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre and is expected to feature popular pieces like Sweet Caroline and Firework. Whatever impromptu ensemble arrives will be led by an SBA conductor, who will unify the group. Roughly 15 musicians are already signed up, and the SBA hopes to round out the group to 20 or more before Tuesday.
“It's very easy, rehearsal-style kind of music,” Andreas said. “Bring a chair, a music stand, and some clothes pins to keep your sheet music from flying away.”
Interested participants can register through the SBA’s website to receive a download link for sheet music. All ages and ability levels are welcome — including students and adults alike. Musicians are expected to bring their own instruments, though some percussion accessories like cowbells and hand drums may be available for those who just want to keep rhythm.
Andres said the Moose Jaw event has been one of their best attended across Saskatchewan.
“We've done it for a couple of years now and it's one of our greatest groups,” she said. “We have a lot of younger kids, a lot of older adults. We're looking for that middle range to come out and play — that’s who we’re missing.”
If weather turns poor, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, August 8. For more information or to register, visit saskband.org.