CENTENNIAL SONG JUDGES NAMED

An impressive group of prominent singers including a blues rocker, a maestro and a soulful songstress will select the song that will be heard around the province when Saskatchewan celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2005.

Saskatchewan-born singer, songwriter and blues guitarist Colin James; Regina Symphony Orchestra conductor Victor Sawa; and singer, songwriter, actress and playwright Andrea Menard will bring their vast and diverse musical perspectives together to form the judging trio.

"These three remarkable individuals have deep Saskatchewan roots and will select the winning centennial song from the many outstanding entries," Centennial Chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "Saskatchewan songwriters are well-served with this talented group heading up the Saskatchewan Centennial Song Competition."

The search is sponsored by SaskEnergy and will be administered by Saskatchewan Express. The winning song will earn a $2,500 cash prize.

"We want Saskatchewan songwriters to capture our spirit through song," Saskatchewan Express artistic director Carol Gay Bell said. "Entries are already coming in and we have answered many calls from interested songwriters, and we know there are still more musical ideas yet to come in."

The winning song will be recorded and distributed to media throughout the province and sheet music will be available to choirs, vocal groups, individuals and bands in 2005.

"SaskEnergy is pleased to support the province's centennial song search," SaskEnergy manager of community relations and advertising Leslie Gosselin said. "Proud Saskatchewan residents can capture their sentiments in a song that will live on for years to come."

Full details about the song competition are available online at the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website at www.sask2005.ca, or by calling Saskatchewan Express at (306) 787-9814.

The deadline to enter the Saskatchewan Centennial Song Competition is November 15th, 2004.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254