Yellowknife (Feb 03/06) - A first-of-its-kind collaborative performance at NACC next month will finally raise the capital's underground live music scene onto the public stage.

Old Town painter, set designer and Transience rhythm guitarist/vocalist Jen Walden. - NNSL file photo

The March 17 Dream Weavers concert celebrates the capital's artistic community with an evening of dance and song. Transience, Redhouse Union, the Lazy Suzanz and Brodie Dawson and the Woodyard crew headline the show.

They'll be joined by members of Crazy Legs Contemporary Dance Company and a long list of other musicians.

"It's an awesome opportunity for Northern artists to play together for a good cause," said Redhouse Union guitarist Glen Abernethy.

Proceeds from the event will assist the purchase of an original portrait by renowned Canadian artist and former Yellowknife educator, Graeme Shaw.

The organizers will present the artwork in loving memory to the family of Chris Richards, a Yellowknife artist, musician and philosopher whose young life was lost in a canoeing accident last year.

"Chris was a fixture around every campfire, shack and in the Boom Boom Room," said Lazy Suzanz songwriter Sandy Pringle, referring to a legendary private performance space in Old Town that's nurtured local music for years.

"He became a big part of our musical landscape."

The concert will honour the creative potential of Yellowknife's arts scene, said Jen Walden, rhythm guitarist with the band Transience.

"One thing that's become clear during this whole project is that this group of friends and talented artists have the abilities and skills to do this every year," Walden said.

"Every time we've needed something we've had a friend to help," added Redhouse Union's Azure DeGrow.

Several area businesses have donated materials or offered discounts. Enthusiastic volunteers aren't hard to find, they said.

"Its absolutely amazing what the organizers of this fundraiser have done," said Richards' brother, Adrian. "My family is truly touched by their generosity."

The concert starts at 8 p.m. on March 17 at NACC.