CRYSTAL LAKE — The Crystal Lake Recreation Committee has announced that Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys will perform July 3 at Johnny’s Beach at Crystal Lake.
Vaadeland is a Canadian country, bluegrass, folk and traditional country singer-songwriter from Cut Knife who performs with his band The Sturgeon River Boys. Vaadeland has quickly risen to prominence in the Canadian roots music scene, blending traditional country, 1950s rockabilly and bluegrass into a high-energy, storytelling-driven style.
Vaadeland's career highlights include:
In 2021, the release of two EPs — Retro Man and No More Pain in My Heart;
2022: Debut album Everybody But Me (independent release);
2023: Supported the Hunter Brothers on the Burnin’ Down the Bar Tour across Canada;
2024: Signed with Arts & Crafts Productions and Jayward Artist Group, released Retro Man… More and More (expansion of 2021 EP) and won Western Canadian Music Award and was named a finalist in the 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition.
2025: He won a Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for Retro Man… More and More; won Alternative Country Album of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards for One More Dollar to Go.
Vaadeland is known for his foot-stomping, high-energy shows, along with his vintage suit, slicked-back hair and storytelling approach. His music often reflects Saskatchewan life and Canadiana, with influences from Elvis, Faron, Earl, Buddy Holly and Canadian folk traditions He has collaborated with artists like Tebey and has performed with The Dead South.
The Sturgeon River Boys feature Joel Rohs (electric guitar), Stephen Williams (bass) and Jaxon Lalonde (banjo).
Vaadeland has won nine Saskatchewan Country Music Awards and three Saskatchewan Music Awards.
