Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 03/05) - For musicians, it's tough finding work at the end of the road.

The Yellowknife bar scene used to hire bands several nights a week, but places like the Float Base, the Brew Pub and The Cave are just fond memories now.

Singer and guitarist Travis Armour performs on stage at Sam's Monkey Tree last Thursday. It was Armour's final set with his band Anodyne before moving to Whitehorse this week. The band also includes drummer Norbert Poitras and bassist Rick Maddeaux.

Singer/songwriter Travis Armour moved to Whitehorse this week where there is a vibrant live music scene, a strong tourism industry and a highway that provides more opportunity for performers.

"Where can you find a paid gig in Yellowknife?" he asks. "Most bars aren't going to lay down $500 for a band all night. It's not for a lack of good bands. There is really good talent and lots of great acts here."

Originally from St. Catherine's, Ont., Armour has lived in Yellowknife for 11 years. He fronted Scrapegoat and other alt-rock bands in the mid 1990s, touring across the North as far as Iqaluit. He's played with bassist Rick Maddeaux and drummer Norbert Poitras in the band Anodyne for five years.

"I didn't play a lick of music until I came to the North," he said. "Now I'm at the point where I want to play different venues and try a new market."

Four months ago he released his first solo album, Fortitude North. He's taking his CD, and a pile of CDs by artists like Mandeville Drive, Godson, Something Hopeless and Small Town Rhino, to pitch Yellowknife music to Yukon venues.

Armour played his last set in Yellowknife at the Thursday night jam at Sam's Monkey Tree.