Yellowknife (July 24/06) - Musicians and music lovers from the Eastern Arctic joined thousands of others at this year's Folk on the Rocks festival in Yellowknife.

The Arviat Throat Singers and Gjoa Haven's Gjoa represented Nunavut at the 26th annual festival, joining acts such as Fred Eaglesmith, the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir, the African Guitar Summit and many others.

Gjoa Haven's Eddie Kikoak shows some Nunavut pride as he cheers on country band Gjoa during the 26th annual Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

"It's fun," said Gjoa vocalist Albert Aglukkaq, "I'm glad to be here to perform."

The band also includes guitarists Geordie Pauloosie and John Aglukkaq, keyboardist Nathan Komangat, fiddler Enuk Pauloosie and bassist Jackie Kameemalik.

Aglukkaq said the band has been performing together for nearly seven years.

Gjoa received a strong response during their performances, inspiring a few brave souls to get up and dance in the hot afternoon sun.

While the band played, a Nunavut flag was visible in the crowd, waved by Gjoa Haven elder Eddie Kikoak.

Kikoak said he made the trip to Yellowknife to support the band, whom he said he had a hand in pushing towards music.

"They're terrific," he said. "I'm proud of their achievements. I'm proud to be one of the instrumental people who got them into music."

The Arviat Throat Singers - Maria Illungiayok and Karen Panigoniak - also performed several times, sharing the stage with Hay River's K'atlodeeche Drummers and First Nations hip hop group War Party.

This year's Folk on the Rocks also included other Northern talent such as Razzamajazz!, Jay Gilday, Lazy Susanz and Diga.