SaskMusic to host Saskatchewan’s first Metal Summit in Saskatoon
Three-day festival and conference runs Feb. 27 to March 1.
SASKATOON — SaskMusic will host Saskatchewan’s first metal-focused festival and conference in Saskatoon Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1.
The event, called the Metal Summit, will take place across three venues and feature 10 Saskatchewan metal bands, including Into Eternity, Untimely Demise and Augurium.
The festival lineup also includes Adolyne, Dead Shit Earth, Kelevra, Krash, Man Meat, Reject and Slutty Waist.
More than 15 music industry professionals are scheduled to take part in the conference, including international delegates. Keynote speaker Ash Pearson — drummer for bands including 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation — is among the featured presenters. Other delegates include Lisa Cope of Nuclear Blast Records UK and Leo Benton of Atonal Agency.
“This event will allow Saskatchewan metal artists the opportunity to present their music to international industry,” said Kaelen Klypak, SaskMusic’s program and export manager. “This will spotlight Saskatchewan’s heavy music scene on the world stage.”
The festival opens Friday, Feb. 27 at Amigos Cantina with performances by Into Eternity, Dead Shit Earth and Augurium from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $20 in advance.
The first day of the conference will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Alt Hotel, with sessions covering topics such as touring, festivals and venues, and UK and EU booking agents.
That evening, seven more Saskatchewan bands will perform at the Greenroom and Coors Event Centre (Vizzy Stage) from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $30.
Conference programming continues March 1 at the Alt Hotel, with sessions on grants, DIY marketing and record labels, along with Pearson’s keynote address.
Weekend passes and conference tickets are available through SaskMusic.
The event is supported in part by Creative Saskatchewan, the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), Canada’s private radio broadcasters and the Government of Canada, along with venue partners Alt Hotel, Amigos Cantina, Greenroom and Coors Event Centre.