The Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Society Inc.
A Bright New Digital Presence for Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Society
Client: Northern Lights Bluegrass & Old Tyme Music Society
Industry: Arts, Culture & Tourism
Services Provided: Custom Website Design, E-Commerce, Event Registration, Donation Integration
Overview
When the team at Northern Lights received funding from the Saskatchewan Tourism Board to rebuild their website, they knew it was their moment to elevate their online presence. The organization runs a dynamic mix of programs—from their renowned Annual Festival to year-round camps and events—and needed a modern, functional site to match their community impact.
They also needed to engage a broad and diverse audience, including festivalgoers, musicians, families, campers, donors, and volunteers. A quick Google search led them to CleanForest, where they instantly felt confident we could bring their vision to life
And we did—knocking it out of the park with the very first draft.
The Challenge
The existing website was outdated, limited in functionality, and difficult to maintain. They needed a site that could:
- Showcase rich content across multiple programs
- Process donations, merchandise, and ticket sales with ease
- Support volunteer coordination and artist applications
- Deliver accessibility and inclusivity
- Engage multiple user groups, each with different needs
All of this needed to be presented in a clean, intuitive interface that reflected their musical spirit and Saskatchewan roots.
Our Solution
We developed a custom WordPress website that’s as versatile and welcoming as the organization itself. It features robust tools for community engagement and administration, all while keeping the user experience front and center.
Key Features Developed for NorthernLightsBluegrass.ca:
- Easy-to-Navigate Donation Gateway
A frictionless donation form that increases supporter contributions and simplifies backend tracking
- Volunteer Management System
A customized platform to manage volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and communications—saving staff countless admin hours and improving coordination across departments.
- E-Commerce Functionality
Seamless integration to sell merchandise, event tickets, and camp registrations all in one place.
- Membership Renewal Feature
An online membership portal that replaced the old paper-based system, modernizing and streamlining the process.
- Artist Application Process
A clean, user-friendly interface that allows musicians and performers to apply to participate in the Annual Festiva.
- Email Marketing Integration
Connected their site with their email service provider to ensure consistent, branded communication with their audience.
- Accessibility Tools
We added accessibility features to ensure inclusivity and ease of use for all site visitors.
The Process
While we didn’t encounter technical obstacles, we were attentive to the governance structure of the organization. Key decisions were made by a Board of Directors, so we made sure our process included all stakeholders and respected timelines, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard and the final product reflected collective priorities.
Results & Impact
The new Northern Lights website not only looks beautiful—it works beautifully. With upgraded functionality and a thoughtful user experience, the site helps the organization amplify its mission, connect with more people, and run its operations more efficiently.
They now have a digital foundation that supports their growth and furthers their goal of building community through music, culture, and connection.
“The personal service we received from CleanForest Consulting was over the top, what a superb team! Our website rebuild experience through the pandemic was amazing, Aimee and her team brought us great ideas and everything we asked for was provided. I will definitely refer potential clients to CleanForest Consulting. Big thanks to Aimee and her team!”
— Michelle Hart, The Northern Lights Bluegrass
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