A trip through Saskatoon turned bad for a band headed to the Ness Creek Music Festival, their equipment was stolen.

Bright Light Social Hour, a four-piece rock and roll band from Austin, Texas, stopped in to grab a cup of coffee at Centre Mall.

When they returned to the van, $15,000 worth of their equipment was gone.

"We came back and our manager told us, and it was in one ear and out the other. I didn't hear it. I opened up the back and looked around and put my hands where they were to make sure they were gone," said band member, Jack O'Brien, describing the shock.

"They're very dear, custom-made guitars. We were very shocked to have those taken."

Along with the expensive custom made guitars, they had an amplifier, synthesizer, DJ equipment and nearly all of their luggage taken as well.

O'Brien said it was hard to play the show without his guitar.

"It's my brother, my best friend, my dance partner for the stage," he said.

O'Brien said he's talked to police and is hopeful that they will find their equipment, but the band is working to raise money to replace the gear and get on their feet through the rest of the tour. People can donate through the band's website.

So far they have raised about $5,000.

According to the band a security video showed two men in a grey Dodge Caravan dismantled the van's door lock and emptied it of valuables. They said that no faces or licence plates could be seen.

The police have serial numbers on the equipment.

With files from Fan-Yee Suen and Kelly Malone

ahill@rawlco.com

Follow on Twitter: @Angelaislost