Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 19/98) - When it comes to performing, businesses are joining the city on centre stage.

Several area firms are giving money, time, materials and expertise to help build a new $90,000 stage for this year's edition of the Folk on the Rocks music festival scheduled for July 17 to 19.

According to the event's co-president, the new stage's benefits will go way beyond Folk on the Rocks.

"When we decided we had to go for a new stage. We wanted to show it could be used by the entire city," Steve Eichler said. "That idea has touched people. It struck a chord."

Topping the cash list is the city, which has donated $25,000.

Others that have donated cash so far include Financial Concept Group, McKay and Partners, Elks and Matonabee Petroleum.

Offsetting potentially big labor costs will be the Yellowknife Correctional Centre.

Folk on the Rocks estimates having YCC inmates build the stage represents a $40,000 saving.

Clark Builders and Royal Oak Mines have come forward with building materials.

On the services side, Back Bay Welding, the steelworkers union, Norpro Powerline Construction, Roy's Mobile Welding and RTL have got in line.

And when it comes to design and engineering, city businesses, too, have stepped forward.

Simon Taylor has provided architectural expertise while Dave Ritchie has provided engineering expertise. Ferguson Simek Clark has provided structural engineering advice.

The NWT Department of Transportation has also made a donation in the form of steel pipes.

Folk on the Rocks director Jodi Woollam said it is difficult to measure in dollars the value of businesses and individuals who have donated time.

As Folk on the Rocks organizers continue to raise additional funds needed for the stage, other businesses and clubs have expressed interest, Woollam said.