Sask Jazz Fest - The Roots
The Roots

Saskatchewan Jazz Festival 2012 Photo Essay: Canada Day with The Roots

The Roots rock Canada’s 145th birthday!

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out last week’s Jazz Fest review and our full collection of photos on Facebook.

Last Sunday The Roots, Heavyweights Brass Band and locals The Steadies performed to a sold out crowd at the Bess Gardens in celebration of Canada Day and the final day of the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Having never attended a concert at the Bessborough Gardens, which feels more like a private campground than a riverfront venue, I was thoroughly excited to take part in what would surely be an epic party.

All bands kept the crowd dancing and despite gloomy skies, the rain held off until the end of the show, just in time to soak people fleeing for the exits. Having only heard of The Roots from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, they did not disappoint and made this Canada Day party one of the best I’ve ever attended.

Braving the pouring rain to take in the after party at The Odeon, I was surprised to see the venue transformed into one hell of a wild party. Every inch of The Odeon was packed with partygoers dancing up a storm. Unfortunately, DJ Questlove (drummer of The Roots) was one of the worst live DJ’s I’ve ever seen.

I guess afro hair picks don’t give you magical DJ powers.

The Roots

Sask Jazz Fest - The Steadies
The Steadies
Sask Jazz Fest - The Steadies
The Steadies
Sask Jazz Fest - Heavyweights Brass Band
Heavyweights Brass Band
Sask Jazz Fest - Heavyweights Brass Band
Heavyweights Brass Band
Sask Jazz Fest - The Roots
The Roots
Sask Jazz Fest - The Roots
The Roots
Sask Jazz Fest - The Roots
The Roots
Sask Jazz Fest - The Roots
The Roots