Jackson Elliott, 13, plays guitar outside the Canada Post office in the Town of Battleford on Friday, May 23, 2025. The young musician has become a familiar sight on Main Street, performing rock tunes and selling pop as he saves up for a vintage Fender Telecaster. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

WHO IS THAT KID?

Teen busker strikes a chord on Battleford streets

May 23, 2025 | 2:52 PM

If you live in the Town of Battleford or happen to drive through you may have crossed paths with a young kid playing guitar on the street and wondered, ‘Who is that?’

Thirteen-year-old Jackson Elliott has become a regular along Main Street the last several weeks, strumming rock riffs while trying to earn a little cash — all for the love of music and to save up for his dream guitar.

“It’s a 1979 Fender Telecaster. It’s a really nice one, and I’m hoping to save up for that one possibly,” Elliott said.

Elliott picked up the guitar two years ago after trying piano and realizing it wasn’t quite his thing. When a music store opened in town, he gave guitar a try — and it clicked.

“I enjoy it. I’ve been playing guitar for a couple years now,” he said.

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Inspired by rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC’s Angus Young and Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Elliott said their music pulls him in and fuels his drive to improve.

“When I’m listening to some of their music, it just really sucks you into it, and you really feel like you’re in the groove with it,” he said.

He’s performed at seniors’ homes and plans to keep sharing his music — even as he starts looking ahead to part-time work.

“Now that I’m almost 14, I can get a real job,” he said.

Still, music remains at the heart of his hopes.

“I would like to make it big someday,” Elliott said. “I’m hoping, but you never know. We’ll see what happens.”

With support from his mom, who also plays guitar and piano, and a dad who cheers him on, Elliott continues to chase his dream, one solo at a time.

And for anyone wondering who that kid with the guitar is:

“I’m Jackson Elliot, I’ve been playing guitar for two years… and I enjoy it.”

(Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com