by Scott Roos
photos by Deanna Roos (Contingent Colours Photography)
On the evening of Saturday, December 14th, the EA Rawlinson Centre of the Arts in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, played host to a sold-out crowd for a festive and fun-filled night of music. Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys were in town as part of their Goodness Gracious It’s Christmas Canadian tour, and they delivered a show that perfectly blended their signature style with the seasonal spirit.
From the moment the band hit the stage, it was clear this was no ordinary performance. Vaadeland, who in past shows has seemed somewhat reserved and borderline stoic in his stage presence, appeared transformed. With a newfound ease and comfort, he owned the stage as though it were his second home. It was a refreshing shift from previous performances. Whether it’s the addition of Jake Smithies on bass or just the result of extensive touring since his last appearances in Prince Albert, Vaadeland and his band seemed tighter than ever, delivering their usual polished sound with an undeniable sense of relaxation. The performance radiated joy, and the smile that crept onto Vaadeland’s face as the evening progressed was a welcome sight.
Throughout two sets, the band played some of Vaadeland’s most beloved songs, including crowd favorites like “Bachelor’s Life”, “More and More”, and “I Ain’t Going Back to Nashville.” Of course, there were also the classic segments that fans have come to expect—“Diet Pepsi,” “Jake vs Jake” (banjo vs bass), and the “Jake vs Jaxon” (banjo vs banjo) battle, which kept the audience engaged and entertained with the familiar banter. Even though many of these jokes and skits have been part of the show for, in some cases a few years now, they were delivered with a new naturalness, and Vaadeland’s ease on stage made the humor feel fresh.
The setlist also leaned into the holiday spirit with some holiday classics. Vaadeland’s rendition of “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” was a particularly heartwarming highlight, showing off his sincere vocal ability. The rockabilly-inspired takes on “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Run Run Rudolph” injected a playful energy into the show, while the reverent version of “Silent Night” offered a beautiful, calm moment that contrasted nicely with the upbeat tunes.
Visually, the stage was a cozy nod to Christmas, complete with a fireplace adorned with a vintage radio on the mantle, a tall grandfather clock, a Christmas tree, and even an “Elf on the Shelf” for that extra holiday charm. The setting added to the warmth of the performance, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere.
Musically, the band was spot on. Joel Rohs, on both acoustic and electric guitar, along with backing vocals, provided a steady backbone, while Jake Smithies’ virtuosity on stand-up bass added depth and groove to the show. Jaxon Lalonde’s banjo playing, along with his own backing vocals, was as lively and skilled as ever. Together, these musicians formed a tight-knit unit, clearly enjoying their time on stage and feeding off the energy of the audience.
In all, Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys put on a fantastic show, blending humor, great music, and holiday cheer into an unforgettable evening. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, the performance was a testament to the band’s growth as entertainers, and it left the audience eagerly awaiting what’s next from this talented group. During this show Vaadeland and crew performed many new songs. There's an album on the way in the new year, so stay tuned.
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