PINEDALE, WYO – There are more than a few cool and interesting country artists hailing from Canada in recent years. Most are influenced by Canadian folk, classic American country, and the onslaught of indie-Americana acts. Country-folk sure is alive and well in Bowen Island, BC, home of Sarah Jane Scouten, who will be performing as a 4-piece for the final Soundcheck Summer Music Series on Saturday, presented by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council.

Scouten is a three-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and Western Canadian Music Award nominee that has proven you can have a modern edge in country and still maintain quality production and keen songwriting (think Emmylou Harris’ iconic album Wrecking Ball). Her third full-length release, When the Bloom Falls from the Rose, features ten original tunes that range from honky tonk to indie folk-rock and traditional Canadian songs.

Opening the show is Big Cedar Fever, a darling new Western Swing trio from the Texas Hill Country. Simplicity and authenticity is welcomed decisiveness in the over-saturated realm of eclectic artists that are influenced by every corner of the American roots spectrum. Fans of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel will sure appreciate what Georgia Parker (guitar), Ian Lee (fiddle) and Nick Lochman (upright bass) are bringing to the stage, which includes old-timey three-part vocal harmony. Some may recognize Parker and Lochman as respective bassists for Austin’s psychedelic country wizzes, The Lonesome Heroes.

Sarah Jane Scouten with opener Big Cedar Fever will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday August 11 in the beautiful, kid-friendly American Legion Park in Pinedale. More details can be found at PinedaleFineArts.com.

The Soundcheck Summer Music Series is made possible by support from The Town of Pinedale, The Pinedale Travel & Tourism Commission, The Sublette County Recreation Board, The Wyoming Arts Council, IMTour and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.