Review: Ella Forrest Brings the Warm Glow (and the Get Down Grooves) to Prince Albert

words and photos by Brooke Anderson (Brooke Anderson Media)

“Just close your eyes and imagine you’re not here”. She told the audience as she introduced her song The City. Bearing through the cold and many inches of snow, Ella Forrest and The Great Pines played at the E.A. Rawlinson on Friday, February 20th. Though they hadn’t played together since August and had only rehearsed the week before, their chemistry was unmatchable. Personality soared through the roof of the saxophone player Sam Stawarz, he brought an energy that created a softer, more engaged audience. And the soul of Ella Forrest was nothing I’ve seen before.

After recently winning Album of the Year for her EP Butterflies at the 2025 SaskMusic awards, Forrest has continuously been working on recording and releasing songs with bandmates. Regardless of the fact that she and the Great Pines have pursued education separately in different provinces they still managed to get together this February to play two shows, one in Regina and the other in Prince Albert. It’s stunning to hear that she balances optometry school in Ontario while still pursuing a passion of hers. 

Playing two 45 minute sets, the band played many covers among some of their original work. The most distinct ones being from Bruno Mars and his work over the years, each unique and showcasing how well rounded their sound is among the jazz and funk genre. One of my favourite original songs was “Meet Cute”, a darling song about fated meetings of a future partner. I overall really loved this gig and hope the best for Ella Forrest and The Great Pines to go far. 

If I could take one thing from this show it was Ella Forrest's smile, she had a stage presence so calm and accommodating to her music. You could tell she has a passion for what she does and that’s all a great performer needs. The show was amazing and if I ever get the chance, I’ll definitely be seeing them again.