STENEN — The Crystal Lake Recreation Committee presented Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys in concert on July 3 at Stenen Hall. The venue was originally planned for Johnny’s Beach at Crystal Lake, but due to inclement weather, the community of Stenen opened the hall doors to welcome the band and concertgoers.
“This is the first time in many years that Stenen has had the privilege to host a concert and the evening old-time vibe was a great hit with everyone,” stated Shawn Krotenko, one of the organizers. “Despite being at the mercy of the weather, we were happy with the turnout. Stenen was the normal choice of change of venue. Most of the Crystal Lake Recreation Committee are originally from the Stenen area and it made sense to combine with Stenen to host this event,” he said.
Jake 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 career highlights include, in 2021 the release of two EPs — Retro Man and No More Pain in My Heart;
In 2022, his 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 a Western Canadian Music Award and was named a finalist in the 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition.
In 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, 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, 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.
