Yellowknife (June 20/03) - To maximize the fun and tourism pull of a sundry of summer events, organizers have rolled them all into one.

What was once celebrated individually as Funk Fest, Raven Mad Daze and National Aboriginal Day is now a week-long, full-fledged party in the streets.

The newly created Summer Solstice Festival combines the party and music of Funk Fest with the historic Raven Mad Daze street soiree and Aboriginal Day celebration -- forming an eight-day family boulevard bash.

The plan to merge Raven Mad Daze with Funk Fest originated five years ago in the Funk Fest business plan.

The intent was not only to save money, but a way to tap into a more assorted audience.

The agenda

Beginning tonight the fun kicks off in the Yellowknife Inn parking lot with Raven Mad Daze activities.

From 6 p.m. until the well-lit midnight, hang out on the streets (48th to 51st) for shopping, food and check out various performers.

The party continues Saturday (the 21st) for National Aboriginal Day in Somba'Ke park where there'll be food, crafts, dancers and a talent show.

Then all week from the 23-27th, the Solstice festival takes over in the Yellowknife Inn parking lot and Somba K'e park. From noon to 7 p.m. daily you can wander the lot and the park for storytelling, flea markets, live music, arts and crafts workshops and multicultural demonstrations.

The eight-day soiree ends on the weekend (28-29th) from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. with Funk Fest's music extravaganza in the new Multiplex. Performers include the Powder Blues -- a Vancouver-based blues band who've been around since 1979. Award-winning aboriginal musician, George Leach returns to Yellowknife to wow the crowd with his soulful songs. The singer, songwriter and guitarist will perform originals from his album. He won Best Male Artist in 2000 at the Aboriginal Music Awards.

Also on stage will be Don Burnstick, Soul Body (remember them from the Cariblues Festival at the Top Knight?) and the Sir John Franklin concert band.And don't forget about local acts. Illegal Relations, Liquid Eyez, Yellowknife Blue Grass Review, Anodyne, Roberta Kennedy, Ceilidh and Friends and a few more.