Billy "Elvis" Moore takes Michelle Ross for a spin during Louis Goose and the Big River Band's set at the End of the Road Music Festival Coffee House fundraiser last Saturday.

Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

(June 10/05) - Louis Goose and the Big River Band made a special appearance at last Saturday's End of the Road Music Festival Coffee House, capping a successful six-month run of the regular event, which raised in excess of $3,000 for the three-day music bonanza slated for August 26 -28.

Also on hand was Mad Trapper jam session favourite Billy Moore, who donned his Elvis regalia and joined the Big River Band for a sweet performance of a couple of the King's classics.

Mayor Peter Clarkson - who helped his wife Sue serve gourmet coffee - noted how the performances of those regular participants has improved since the coffee houses began back in January.

It was a testament to the talent of the players, many of them closet or shower performers prior to being given the opportunity to shine in front of a live audience.

Kudos must also go out to James Boraski, who gave countless hours of his time organizing musicians, equipment, schedules and the varied personalities involved to pull it all off in fine showbiz fashion.

Aurora College's director Miki O'Kane, who suggested the new college facility as a venue, student council president Shannon Jensen, who helped out at several coffee houses, and college security man John Moore, who donated his time to be on hand for each concert were all instrumental in making the events run smoothly.

As well, Razzmajazz and Ray Massey donated amps, cables, microphones and everything else required to go "electric."

Those interested can catch the last bit of "free music" this Saturday as the Royal Canadian Legion hosts the coffee house's final act: Live at the Legion. So come on out, have a beer (or two) and support live music in Inuvik.