Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 13/05) - Inuvik music fans are killing two birds with one stone. For months, they have congregated for live music at regular coffee houses, all the while raising money for the second annual End of the Road Music Festival, to be held August 26-28.

"The coffee houses are a great way to increase the profile of the festival and generate support," said festival co-ordinator Simon Routh. "We get a neat mix of people at the events and everyone has a great time."

The free shows, which are fuelled by volunteer energy, feature an open mike and are punctuated with short sets from area musicians like Razzmajazz.

Louis Goose and the Big River Band made a special appearance at a coffee house earlier this month.

The bi-weekly coffee houses have so far alternated between Aurora College and the Legion. However, an outdoor venue is being planned for July, says Routh.

Donations and sales of festival merchandise have raised several thousand dollars for the August festival, which is forecast to be even bigger than last year.

- with files from Jason Unrau