Jake Vaadeland brings captivating stage presence to Folk Fest 

Saskatchewan-based musician Jake Vaadeland is as authentic as they come. Not many artists playing at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF) can say that they learned to play the mandolin from a “fellow who looked like Gandalf from Lord of the Rings.”

Yet for Vaadeland, through his mandolin teacher — and watching old movies — he learned to become a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Along the course of his self-taught musical journey is the unique formation of his band, The Sturgeon River Boys. 

He explained his band consists of a banjo player he didn’t get along with at first, Jaxon Lalonde — their feud has since dissolved. Electric guitar player, Joel Rohs, and bass player, Stephen Williams, both worked for Vaadeland’s father. Now, he has an unstoppable group of musicians that accompany his retro, country sound. 

Vaadeland and his band’s compelling stage presence and musical energy

On stage, Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys capture audiences with a sound and look that had it’s height in popularity when radio was still the main source of entertainment. Vaadeland explained how he believes in “look[ing] the part” while performing onstage. On Sunday his festival attire consisted of a sleek, retro, dandelion-yellow suit, and a snazzy bowtie. His bandmates were dressed akin to him as well.

“Because it’s a job, we want to prove it to people. Being a musician is hard work, and we want to be professional about it. So we do dress the part,” Vaadeland explained. 

One of his favourite songs to perform live is “Until The Day I See You Dear,” from his 2024 album Retro Man … More and More. During the song, he cracks jokes about his guitar player beforehand, and stands on his bass player’s instrument. Just as his band gets applause, his onstage banter gets hearty laughs.

He also noted that “I Ain’t Going Back To Nashville” is also a personal favourite in that the song has a strong bluegrass feel to it. 

“I’m quite proud of that one.”

Excitement surrounding upcoming Europe performances

Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys have some upcoming performances both across Canada, and in Europe. He expressed his excitement to hit the stage in Europe and tour in multiple places there. 

“They treat us really, really good over there. And the crowds are very receptive, very respectful and amazing with everybody.”

Along with his packed tour dates, this year has been successful for Vaadeland. At the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards (SCMA), he took home four awards — one of which was Songwriter of the Year. While Vaadeland was appreciative of this win, along with many others, he says they’re “unnecessary.”

“I’d rather be out playing for folks and entertaining than receiving an award,” he explained. 

Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys are also one of the recipients of the Fan’s Choice Emerging Artist Award sponsored by Duncan Craig LLP. This award recognizes Canadian artists at the EFMF who are in the early stages of their career. The other recipients of the award were Leith Ross and The Bankes Brothers.

“I’ve always been ambitious and I’ve always liked to prove a point,” Vaadeland said. He also mentioned that he lacked support from some of his family members and peers at school. 

While his family is supportive of his career now, he explains that he “still put[s] a lot of effort into it to make sure it lasts for the rest of [his] lifetime.”

Vaadeland expressed how “wonderful” it is to have played at EFMF this year, and that him and his band have reconnected with a lot of people. 

 — With files from Leah Hennig