Yellowknife (Jan 05/07) - Two of Yellowknife's most prolific performers rang in the new year this week by bringing an old tradition to life.

On New Year's Day, while many Yellowknifers were resting and reflecting on another year well done, musicians Rick Poltaruk and Jim Taylor helped the Black Knight Pub get in on a traditional way to welcome the start of a new year: a levee.

Yellowknife's Black Knight Pub welcomed 2007 by saying thanks to its patrons with some free food and entertainment on New Year's Day. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

"It's an opportunity to greet friends and neighbours, and in the case of the Black Knight, to thank their customers," said Taylor, who spearheaded the event.

In a break between songs, Taylor said the tradition dates back to the reign of Louis XIV, developing into a public event where mayors, clergy and business people would pay thanks to their citizens and patrons by holding an open house.

"Did you get a bathroom edition of Trivial Pursuit or something?" Poltaruk quipped in response to the history lesson.

The joke set the tone for the low-key event, which saw Poltaruk and Taylor trade songs and friendly barbs with one another and the (admittedly tired-eyed) audience.

No one was safe, not even Mayor Gord Van Tighem, as Taylor tried pick him out of the audience.

"Gord's working the crowd," Poltaruk said with a laugh. "Relax, you won!"

"I have to stay in shape," Van Tighem retorted, to a round of laughter.

During a break, Taylor expanded on the tradition, explaining its military ties and popularity in pubs in Nova Scotia.

"In the little pub back home, it's the biggest night of the year," he said.

Traditionally, "moose milk" is also served, a varied combination of ice cream and liquor.

"Normally it's vanilla ice cream, black rum, Kahlua, egg nog and you mix it until it tastes good," Taylor said with a chuckle.

Black Knight general manager Dale Bardeau said the night was a good way for the venue to say thank you to its many patrons around Yellowknife.

More specifically: "Thanks for the good times this year and here's to another one," he said.