Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Monday, July 23, 2007

INUVIK - The final acts are being booked and the plans are being finalized for this year's End of the Road music festival, which is set to take place in Inuvik between Aug. 10-11.

Though the planing is nearly completed, organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the festival run smoothly.

Leanne Goose, board member, said meals, flights and accommodations for the musicians are now being taken care of.

"We also have our final act list made up and we're ready to start our final planning," said Goose.

Goose said that a fiddle fest is also in the works, which would bring the festival outside for the second day.

"We want to have the feast in Jim Koe Park, along with the fiddlers on stage," she said.

"We're looking at showcasing some local talent as well as bringing up some fiddle players from the south."

Goose said that admission for the festival will be free this year and that all are welcome to attend.

"We have limited resources this year and a smaller committee, but we want to make the best of the festival," said Goose.

Aaron "Godson" Hernandez, a rapper from Yellowknife, is scheduled as the main component of the youth concert as well as hosting his own workshops.

"We want Godson to work with the youth and keep his workshops aimed at younger people," said Goose.

The festival will start on the Friday night with the opening ceremonies and the Big River Band.

Plans are being made for a children's performance on the Saturday afternoon.

"We want to make the festival as appealing to the whole family as much as possible," said Goose.

In order for the festival to come off without a hitch, Goose said that community involvement is needed.

"We need to hear from more people and we would like volunteer help in the next month," said Goose.

Goose added that the festival committee held a talent show a few weeks back, in which the winner earned a spot to play on the main stage during the festival.

Doris Rogers took first prize in the show, with James Rogers and KK Hansen taking second and third respectively.

Goose said the talent show was a good fundraiser as well as a way to spread the word about the August festival.

"The show was well attended and everyone had a good time," said Goose.

Goose added that the committee is looking to host another open mic night at the Trapper, where more local talent could be showcased.

"We still have some time before the festival and want to keep the energy flowing," said Goose.