Interstellar Rodeo is one of Edmonton’s most popular music festivals. In its seventh year, the festival took place July 20-22 at the Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre.

Organized by Six Shooter Records, an independent music label, this year’s Interstellar Rodeo featured a community partnership with iHuman, an organization based in Boyle Street that provides arts programming and outreach to at-risk youth.

Two young performers had the opportunity to play on the main stage. Getting things started on the Friday night was Jesse James and the Flams. Young singer/songwriter Jesse performed with members of The Wet Secrets, one of Edmonton’s hottest bands. Unfortunately, Jesse’s set was cut short due to one of the three thunderstorms that plagued the evening.

The following afternoon, Jayden played a solo interlude set (while the stage was getting set up for a featured band) accompanied only with acoustic guitar. Jayden’s performance was very emotion-filled folk and received a good response from the audience.

Meanwhile, in the market area of the festival, iHuman had a tent with crafts like bead working, and a stage area for break dancing demos.