Every year TeleMiracle works to raise the platform of artists in Saskatchewan. Performing on live television is not something most artists have access to. TeleMiracle provides a stage for new, seasoned, and emerging artists to find their place while doing something good for the province of Saskatchewan.
While performers are broadcast on live television gaining them exposure, funds are being raised for the Kinsmen Foundation through the TeleMiracle telethon.
Prairie Gamble is a breakout band who got their start at TeleMiracle this past year. The band strategically used the telethon as their launching point. Read to hear how TeleMiracle helped Prairie Gamble.
A Band’s Beginning
Our team had the opportunity to interview band member, Derek Yakimchuk to hear about the band’s experience with TeleMiracle and how Prairie Gamble got it’s start.
Prairie Gamble began out of the demise of 6 Blocks. Band members Tyler Johnston and Cody Stretch were working on an album to honour late band member, Chad. After 6 years of refining their craft and producing music, the duo entered the Sound Castle in Viscount to track their project and the name Prairie Gamble was coined. Half a year later (Fall 2023), Derek Yakimchuk joined the band on bass and Blaine Dancy as second guitar. The band kept a low profile while polishing their product. In the Fall of 2025, the band launched their online presence and completed the recording of their 12-song debut LP, they also began booking shows.
Around the same time the band was preparing to launch, Prairie Gamble had the opportunity to audition with TeleMiracle and were selected to perform on the show. Prairie Gamble hadn’t yet played in front of a live crowd and were given the opportunity to play the TeleMiracle Cabaret which was prerecorded and aired during the overnight hours of TeleMiracle.
Derek notes in regard to the band watching their performance go live on television, “The stage setup and camera work was phenomenal, and it made us look bigger than we really were at the time. It felt like a step in the right direction for the band.”
Prairie Gamble watched their online presence and streaming grow as their set aired on TeleMiracle. Friends and family reached out to show their support. For emerging artists, TeleMiracle becomes a signpost of success in their careers all while helping raise funds for the Kinsmen Foundation. Derek says, “We view performing for TeleMiracle as a badge of honour and we look forward to doing it again.”
Where Can You Find Them?
Coming off a successful showing at TeleMiracle, the band put out an album and are currently preparing for their debut album release show May 23, 2026 at the Capitol Music Club in Saskatoon.
Prairie Gamble, the self-titled debut album is on all streaming platforms as of April 24, 2026. Derek describes the album, “From straight rock and roll, to bluesy jams, to our final song, a classic rock ballad, it has something for every listener.”
Streaming details can be found below. If you are interested in a retro listening experience, cassette tapes of their album will be available for purchase in late May with visual components highlighting the artwork (done by Kyle Boyko) and lyrics.
May 23, 2026, marks their debut album release show at the Capitol Music Club in Saskatoon. Christian Douglas, their sound engineer, will be opening the show under the moniker Toneshifter, followed by a performance from Son Claro.
Tickets to the show are available online at the link below. Physical tickets are available for $15 from Better Brother Brewing Company in Saskatoon or members of the band if you wish to save on the service fees.
A Piece of Advice for Artists
Prairie Gamble would like to leave some advice for other artists considering getting there start or joining TeleMiracle:
“There are many different opinions and views on how to start a band. We believed the best thing was to hone our craft and fine tune as much as we could before we launched the band. Take the time to write songs, tear them apart, rebuild them and ensure they are what you want to put out into the world. A band is a relationship with every other member, and you have to acknowledge everyone’s strengths and work with each other on the weaknesses. There will be fights and disagreements, but in the end, you all want to build something together and need to listen to one another.
Regarding starting with TeleMiracle, take the plunge. They are willing to give small and local talent the stage to showcase, and there is no better way to reach new people than supporting TeleMiracle.”
Want to stay connected? Follow them on their social media.
    
TeleMiracle is an annual telethon that is broadcast live in Saskatchewan. This event is put on by the Kinsmen, Kinette, and Kin clubs from across the province and it is a fundraiser for the Kinsmen Foundation. The Kinsmen Foundation exists year-round, granting applicants access to special needs and/or mobility equipment as well as medical travel assistance.
Despite only having a population of around 1.2 million people, the generous residents of the province have helped us raise over $181 million since 1977.
