Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 13/98) - Artists both nationally and internationally recognized will be in Yellowknife next weekend for the latest edition of Folk on the Rocks.

For more than 15 years, Folk on the Rocks has brought musicians who wouldn't normally travel to the NWT to perform for Northerners who don't usually have the opportunity to see the musicians perform in concert.

Among past visitors to the Folk on the Rocks stage are Saskatchewan band The Killjoys, British Columbia-based singer-songwriter Valdy, Arviat native Susan Aglukark, and Cape Breton fiddle sensation Ashley MacIsaac.

This year's lineup is certainly no different, bringing to Yellowknife artists from both across the North and more southern climes. Among the list of performers scheduled to make an appearance this year are fiddlers, blues guitarists, traditional aboriginal performers and straight-ahead rock and rollers.

Eddie Kikoak is a fiddler and guitarist from Gjoa Haven.

Eva Sowdluapik and Aqsarniit combine not only traditional music styles, but throat singing and contemporary song.

The Dream Catchers are a square dance group from Tulita who have already made a number of trips throughout the North in recent months. The group was in Yellowknife during the Arctic Winter Games, and were one of the crowd favorites at several cultural events in which they were participants.

Jamie Bastedo, popular children's performer, will be making a return appearance to the festival. As in past years, Bastedo will be performing music and telling stories all designed to keep the younger festival-goers entertained. Also in the children's area will be face- painting, a fish pond and many other activities.

Big Rude Jake was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ont., and has gained quite a reputation as Canada's premier swing-punk man. Now based in New York City, Big Rude Jake is now looking to expanding his profile in the lucrative American music scene.

The Odds have four internationally released albums to their credit. The group also has a strong fan base across Canada, as well on the college music scene in the United States. They are known not only for their clever lyrics but also for their light-hearted approach to their music.

Folk on the Rocks is set to hit the North this Friday, kicking things off with a warm-up dance.