Cello duo stops by for a happy hour in Saskatoon
VC2 Cello Duo When: Aug. 25 Where: Village Guitar & Amp What: Who’s ready for Happy Hour? I am, because I’m always on the lookout for deals and snacks. A musical happy hour is even better. Canadian cellists Bryan Holt and Amahl Arulanandam, a.k.a. the VC2 Cello Duo, are playing an early evening show at Village Guitar & Amp. This show is presented by Ritornello, Saskatoon’s chamber music festival. According to a press release, the program will “take listeners to the extremes of cello duo repertoire.” Expect to hear classical masterworks, modern rock arrangements (including a cello version of the Foo Fighters’ Everlong) and contemporary music. The pieces are a collection of works that inspire the duo the most and draw on childhoods listening to both classical and modern rock music. The show starts early at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Jay Semko When: Aug. 27 Where: Cornerstone Church (315 Lenore Dr.) What: Did you miss Jay Semko and the Northern Pikes at Rock the River? Well you can catch the Saskatoon mainstay this weekend and support a great cause. Semko is taking part in the Music For the Gut fundraiser, a concert that supports Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Semko appears at the Aug. 27 performance, but the event also includes a show on Aug. 25, with a different set of performers. In its six-year history, Music For the Gut has raised more than $50,000. More information is available at musicforthegut.com The Moon Runners and Anna Haverstock When: Aug. 26 Where: Amigos What: It’s not often I get to feature a Swift Current act. I’m ashamed to say I know almost nothing about the music scene in Swift Current, or the city in general. I’ll start my education with The Moon Runners. Here’s what their online bio has to say: “The Moon Runners are musical astronauts playing scientist rock. Pedal boards stretch-out like launch pads and the rhythms add up to math equations. It’s fearless, complex and reckless.” If you, like me, aren’t in the know you might want to check out their bandcamp page, which has a good selection of audio, including songs from their most recent album Starblanket (you might sense a space theme). They are teaming up with Saskatoon’s Anna Haverstock for the show. She’s been working hard for a few years now, playing a ton of shows. If you haven’t managed to see her yet, now’s the time.