Take a chance on lesser-known acts at Sask. Jazz Fest this weekend, says artistic director

With three days left to catch musicians at the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, artistic director Kevin Tobin says taking a chance on a lesser-known act is one way to make the most of the festival's last days.

Tobin said connecting Saskatoon residents with new music was a priority for the festival.

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"That's really part of the experience of the festival, an experience of being engaged and being drawn to new music and new artists," he said.

"And I think it's something that we are really going to be working on as far as that engagement goes, and accessibility."

Tobin said numbers at some shows, particularly on the festival's free outdoor stage, had been down due to inclement weather.

One show was cancelled and another cut short, but the artistic director said the rain was not enough to dampen the festival mood.

"When the festival is on and it's running as it is today, you know, there's nothing better and it feels great," he said.

"The vibe is still good, the music is great and we're certainly encouraging everybody to come on down and check out the last portions of the festival because there's still lots of great music to see and hear."

Festival shows continue throughout the long weekend.