Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Sep 05/05) - Jazz lovers in Fort Liard and Fort Simpson enjoyed a Dutch treat last month.

Luluk Purwanto and the van Helsdingen trio are on a country-wide tour which will cover approximately 45,000 kilometres.

The concerts are their way of saying thanks for the role Canadian soldiers played in the liberation of Holland during the Second World War. The Dutch people stop in the streets every May 5 for two minutes of silence to commemorate that occasion.

"It's part of Europe's history. It's very important," pianist Rene van Helsdingen said.

The entertainers encountered some difficulty getting the 11-tonne tour bus on the ferry to cross the Liard River into Fort Simpson.

Once they finally made it to the other side, they hit another snag when attempting to drive the coach into the Fort Simpson drum circle.

As the bus slowly passed through one of the openings into the arbour, it hit a sinkhole and got bogged down.

Fortunately, Sandy Kidd was on the scene with his Suburban to tow them out, with assistance from a handful of people pushing.

These were unforeseen hazards but, to keep it all in perspective, they were minor compared to the perils faced by Canadian soldiers during the Second World War, van Helsdingen acknowledged.

The challenges notwithstanding, he remarked on the beauty of the Fort Simpson concert location, set up at the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard rivers.

"It's just incredible," he said of the view. "It's just an unreal country, Canada."

The music was a hit among the jazz aficionados in the crowd.

"I thought it was nice, something a little different," said Lara Genesis. "It was a nice surprise."

In Fort Liard, Dale Loutit was also complimentary of the musicians and their pleasant demeanour, especially considering they have spent so many days on the road.

"It was a really good show," she said.

From the Deh Cho, the troubadours headed to Yellowknife where they played a concert in front of City Hall.