Liberal leader Ryan Bater showed off one of his other talents Saturday night - his musical talent.
Bater's band, Jackwagon, was one of three groups taking part Saturday night in Barnstorm in the Battlefords, a unique rock and blues concert event designed to raise money for Bater's Liberal election campaign in the Battlefords constituency.
Bater, who is a bass player in that group, had previously played with another band for five years and has been involved in music since 1997.
"For all of us it's just for fun. For me it's a fun great stress relief, a great way to unwind," says Bater, who said that he was a musician long before he became a politician.
"There was the time when I was a starry eyed 18-year-old who wanted to be a rock and roll star," said Bater.
The rock star dream didn't come true, but he's still having fun playing with Jackwagon. The group "provides an artistic outlet for all of us," Bater said.
He says the group formed in 2010 and was fortunate to have work schedules that allow them to be able to get together and play. They've played at such venues as Bridgefest earlier this year.
Barnstorm in the Battlefords was designed to be a kickoff for Bater's campaign for the Battlefords seat in the 2011 Saskatchewan election.
In addition to Jackwagon, the bands Glitch and Midnite Luv also performed. The event proved successful as organizers reported at least a hundred tickets were sold leading up to the event, held at the Agrivilla in North Battleford.
While funds went to the Bater campaign, Bater said there was little politics associated with the actual show. He promised the audience there would be no political speeches from him that evening, and kept his word as the focus of the event stayed on the music.
"It's a celebration of local talent," said Bater, who said he has heard the complaints, especially from young people, about the lack of things to do in the Battlefords.
"Being a performing musician, I know there's other bands in town, and I know there's good quality bands," said Bater, who was happy to provide a chance for local bands to get stage time at the event Saturday.
