Yellowknife (Feb 20/04) - A talking and singing volcano is not something you see every day.

But author and naturalist Jamie Bastedo will perform a number in his volcano costume during his show Tales of Yellowknife, Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The show is part of the Amazing Family Sundays series.

Thar he blows! Jamie Bastedo (that's him under the volcano costume) practises at home for his one man musical about the history of Yellowknife. He performs Sunday at the museum. - Jennifer Geens/NNSL photo

"It's a mirthful musical celebration of the history of Yellowknife from the year dot," said Bastedo.

"It's basically living history."

That includes the volcanic eruptions that formed the Precambrian rock the city sits upon, thus the volcano costume.

At home working on the project this week, his six-month-old dog Taz tugged at the hem while Bastedo explained how the costume was a Christmas present from his wife.

Two strips of red cloth are weighted at the ends with coins so he can toss the lava flows into the air from inside the costume.

He's also got a pouch of ash nestled inside the head area.

"I look like a member of some kind of monastic order," he said.

He plans to have the audience help him build a map of Yellowknife on a blank blue wall using velcro-backed pictures.

"We're going to build the story of not only the city but also the landscape on which it is perched," he said.

"We live in an urban island surrounded by a beautiful, wild, challenging landscape."

The natural world meets the urban jungle in a number of ways. Bastedo said people used to hunt moose out behind Northern United Place, and the area near Giant Mine was once a prime blueberry spot.

Bastedo has put new words to familiar melodies to accompany the steps in the map-building.

"Anyone who's lived here more than a couple of months will enjoy it," said Bastedo.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre hires him to develop educational programs.

The intent is to present the history of the community to students in an entertaining yet informative way.

"It's a fun show," said Bastedo.

"We follow Sam Hearne in his quest to find the copper mine, and the people he calls the Yellow Knives."