YELLOWKNIFE - This weekend, Yellowknife music fans can take in that most Northern of experiences: watching musicians struggle to play in the cold.

Tonight and tomorrow, the SnowKing's castle will play host to the both the Block 500 and Block 1,000 Rock and Roll Parties, the first time the musical events have been stretched out to two days.

Robin Wasicuna shows off some... unique winter gear to play drums for Small Narrow Valley at last year's Block 1,000 Rock and Roll Party at the SnowKing's castle. His band is one of many to return for this year's show, though the band might skip the Hawaiian shirts this time around. - NNSL file photo

"Why not?" said organizer Snowbelle of the change. "We have some amazing musical talent in this town."

"Everyone loves the rock and roll show."

Friday night will feature established acts Diga and Esker, sharing the stage on Yellowknife Bay with younger bands Haste, Inhale and hello, it's morning.

On Saturday, the stage will be turned over to a few veterans of the snow castle, Transience and Small Narrow Valley, joined by 3-Across-Dee-Eye. Last year, Small Narrow Valley made a bold fashion statement: short-sleeved Hawaiian shirts. No winter gear.

From their stage banter last March, it didn't sound like a plan the group wanted to repeat.

"Oh God, no," said bassist Glen Abernethy. "We're still suffering damage from the previous year."

Yellowknifer didn't have the heart to ask where the damage was suffered.

"I hope (SnowKing) has the heater working this year," Abernethy said.

As always, the weather is the biggest challenge facing the Winter Carnival, but Snowbelle said organizers are taking measures to keep things bearable for the musicians.

These include a plastic tarp forming a roof over the courtyard, blankets covering doors to keep out drafts, an elevated stage, and two (count 'em, two) heaters blowing hot air onto the musicians.

"This year Mother Nature seems to be enjoying giving us cold," Snowbelle said. "It's been below -30C for all of our night events."

While the weather plays havoc with equipment, voices and delicate fingers ("Oh, those poor guitarists," Snowbelle said) there's rarely a shortage of musicians or fans willing to brave to the cold for one of the most unique shows on ice.... and snow.

"It's going to be a snow-boot rockin' good time."