Some big news was dropped by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) on Tuesday morning.  

It was announced that Assiniboia’s Southland Co-op Centre will play host to the 34th annual SCMA awards show, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 10.  

“The big thing was let’s get them back live in person,” says SCMA President, Steven Huber. “For the last three years it’s been a recorded show and there’s nothing wrong with that but it’s certainly not as exciting as having a live in-person show.” 

This will be the second big show that the Southland Co-op Centre will host, as Jess Moskaluke sold out the facility when it opened on Sept. 17, 2022.  

“It’s essentially a $20 million arena, it’s amazing,” adds Huber. “It was a fantastic venue to host a concert. We thought hey, let’s have a big party and bring back the SCMA’s live in person.” 

The awards show will also be a tribute to the state-of-the-art facility that Assiniboia’s Southland Co-op Centre is.

“We’re proud of this arena and I can’t wait to have people from Moose Jaw and the area come down to Assiniboia to come to check this arena out. It will blow them away. Not only is it for hockey, but we have an indoor running track, rock climbing wall, and we even have virtual golf. The best thing it does is it hosts concerts.” 

This year’s event is not just a one-night-only award show. No, there is three days' worth of events starting on Thursday, June 8 with the Stars of Guitars banquet at the Prince of Wales Centre.  

Then on Friday, they will have a very special guest headline a country cabaret on Friday, June 9.  

“Canada’s Group of the Year, Washboard Union is coming to Assiniboia. The Friday night cabaret is going to be amazing. We’re going to have lots of local Saskatchewan talent. Everyone from JJ Voss, to Justin LaBrash, Karrisa Hoffart, Jordyn Pollard, Tyler Lewis, and Lisa Moen to name a few.” 

More Saskatchewan artists will be announced leading up to the June 10 awards show.  

On Saturday, June 10, the 34th annual SCMA awards show will be the focus and then the following day a SCMA workshop will take place.  

Tickets for this year’s show will go on sale on Mar. 17 and ticket information can be found at SaskTix.ca 

You can find the full interview between Huber and Country 100's morning show host Courtney Fielder below: