Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Sep 12/01) - Some people might have been tempted to take out their salt shakers during the Jammin' on the Bay music festival in Rankin Inlet this past Labour Day weekend.

ShaunaRae Samograd of the country trio, Farmer's Daughter, was impressed with both the scenic beauty of the North and the hospitality of the people. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

That's because they know the flavour of stage banter can sometimes be artificially sweetened when performers try to win over the crowd they're entertaining.

However, in the case of Jammin' on the Bay, the words sincere and genuine best describe the instant love affair between the performers and the people of Rankin.

Although all the visiting performers were highly visible and accessible, the Dust Rhinos were the most active within the community.

The group conducted a children's workshop along with Fred Penner and always seemed to be running around the community doing something.

"We just can't believe how well we've been treated here and how friendly the people of Rankin Inlet have been to us," guitarist Blair McEvoy told the crowd on hand for the band's main venue performance.

"I'm going back to Manitoba and changing all the licence plates because Rankin Inlet has proven to us it deserves the reputation of the friendliest place going."

Country and western trio Farmer's Daughter (Angela Kelman, Jake Leiske and ShaunaRae Samograd) were also enamoured of the hospitality shown them during their visit.

Samograd, affectionately referred to as "Peanut" by fellow band member and cousin, Jake Leiske, celebrated her birthday while in Rankin Inlet.

The amicable singer says the pace in Rankin Inlet was a refreshing change for the band.

"The beauty of the land and surrounding area here is just incredible," said Samograd.

"The view facing the stage was world class. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite so beautiful."

"Getting to go on the four-wheelers and drive around was a wonderful experience," said Leiske.

"The people were just so friendly -- always smiling at you or waving," she said.

"I'm already looking forward to maybe getting the opportunity to come back some day."