Edmonton Rockfest - August 17, 2018 Saga is a Canadian rock band, from Oakville, Ontario. Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler were the principal songwriters, and guitarist Ian Crichton also recorded several solo albums as well as sessions with Asia. Saga has had numerous line-up changes over the years. The Crichton brothers were the only two original members who appeared on every album. Sadler appeared on every release, apart from the 2009 album The Human Condition, in which he was replaced by Rob Moratti. Though not present on the first two albums, keyboardist Jim Gilmour was with the band from 1979, making his debut on the album Silent Knight. He departed in 1986 and returned in 1992. Drummer Steve Negus performed with Saga until 1986, departing that same year with Gilmour and returning in 1992, only to leave the band for good in 2003. His replacement was Brian Doerner from 2005 until 2012, when Mike Thorne replaced him until the band's split in 2018. There were also a number of session musicians and live performers from the late 1980s to the late 2000s. Saga have been awarded gold and platinum albums worldwide and have sold more than 8 million albums.
In Northern Alberta, a band called Alleviate, bound by four friends, who breathe, sweat and bleed rock & roll are creating commotion and proving that rock & roll isn’t dead. These prairie boys combine their roots with their love of rock & roll, creating a signature sound of classic and modern. When playing live they leave it all on the stage a combination of energetic, raw and powerful music. As lovers of all music themselves, Alleviate, believe that a live show requires spontaneity and emotion that can’t be achieved with a click or backing tracks. The band is excited to be heading into the studio to start recording a follow up to their first album “Aggressive Grace”, containing their single “Handle” reached #1 on Pure Grain Audio’s Rock Chart and has seen radio play throughout Alberta. Alleviate’ drive to maintain the authenticity of ‘real’ rock & roll by using, raw emotion, honest lyrics, and powerful music is what separates them from the rest.
