amigos

Band Swap: the most fun you’ll have over the break

By Ishmael N. Daro December 3, 2011

This Christmas break, Saskatoon’s musicians come together and create a night of magic — and they give themselves less than 24 hours to do so. It’s that time of year again: Band Swap!

Each year, in early December, a one-hour registration window opens to any locals who want to play in the event. Only the first 28 people are chosen for inclusion and, along with seven pre-designated “captains,” have their names drawn from a hat the night before Band Swap to form the temporary bands. Once sorted, musicians try to pick cover songs that match the group’s skillset and, 24 hours later, the new bands take the stage for 20 minutes each.