The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) was one of several locations across the province to host a concert in honour of International Women’s Day on Saturday night.
Four talented female musicians from Saskatchewan took to the stage. The concerts were presented by SaskMusic with support from the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR).
The first performer was Karissa Hoffart, a former resident of Minton now living in Weyburn. The winner of the Estevan Sings competition in 2019, she played several of her original songs that focus on life on the Prairies.
Joining her on stage was guitarist Brady Kwochka of Weyburn.
Annie MacLeod, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Moose Jaw, was the next to perform. She also played a number of her own songs, most of which deal with love and romance, often in a humourous fashion.
After MacLeod was Saskatoon-based bilingual singer éemi. She sang in both French and English, and played the ukulele and the guitar. Much of her music also poked fun at romance.
The final musician was veteran Saskatchewan performer Eli Barsi, who was joined by her husband John Cunningham. They played a wide variety of genres that focused on family and life on the Prairies, and they also played songs by other musicians.
Barsi is originally from Kennedy but now resides in Moosomin with her husband.
Michael Dawson, who is the executive director for SaskMusic and a former Estevan resident, said he was pleased to see one of these concerts happening in Estevan, and to have four talented, Saskatchewan-based musicians playing their songs.
About 20 people were in attendance.
Proceeds from the concert in Estevan will be directed to the Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
International Women’s Day is March 8.
The next edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
