GrassRoots Regina launched in the fall of 2007 with the mission of “increasing opportunities for Regina audience to experience quality folk and roots music through the presentation of concerts.” And that’s exactly what we did: in 17 years we presented over 140 shows and fostered a lot of musical magic.

At the start, thanks to our members’ backgrounds in the local folk and blues scenes and in community radio, we knew of many worthy touring roots artists who needed help with booking and arranging their Regina gigs. We stepped up to fulfill that need. Over time, our reputation grew with agents, artists and audiences alike, and we were able to curate concert seasons with musical variety, featuring a balance of emerging performers and old folky favourites.

GrassRoots Regina also wanted to expand the audiences for local musicians, and so many of our weekend shows opened with “guest” sets by Regina talent. As well, we presented two “SaskRoots Nights,” to celebrate our province’s roots music scene.

Now, GrassRoots Regina has decided to dissolve the organization.

A lot has changed since we set out on this adventure. Some changes are for the worse: COVID-19 has meant that fewer musicians are touring as much as they used to, and their expenses have gone up. Some changes are for the better: more venues have opened up, and their bookers seem keen to present the acts that would have fit well into a GrassRoots Regina season. We feel that we are leaving Regina’s folk-and-roots-music lovers in very good hands.

We owe much gratitude to our concert-goers, whose appreciation for the shows made every ounce of effort absolutely worth it. And of course, big thanks go out to the many musicians who graced the GrassRoots stage. We salute those people behind the scenes—the agents, the sound technicians, the volunteers, the billeters, the ticket vendors—who all contributed to our success. In particular, we thank the management and staff of The Exchange, the venue where we held almost all our concerts, for their years of support.

We hope you will continue to support live music in Regina, and maybe we’ll see you out at a concert.