YELLOWKNIFE - A long-time contributor to the Yellowknife music scene will be saying goodbye to the city this month.

Steve Smith, known for his musical ventures, charity work, and more recently his gigs with the band Hindsite, plans to take his talent south to B.C.

Steve Smith, the Cape Breton heart of Yellowknife's music community for 15 years, will be leaving for B.C. at the end of this month. - Laura Power/NNSL photo

There, he said, he will be able to spread his wings.

The Cape Breton native first moved to Yellowknife in 1991 in search of work. Starting as a substitute teacher, Smith began a career in the education system.

In leaving the city, he will also be leaving his job as a kindergarten teacher.

"Like every other Maritimer, you think you're going to go there for a couple of weeks..." he said.

Smith and his wife, Shannon, have had two daughters in Yellowknife (Emily, five years old and Zoe, 10 months old).

"You just kind of fall in love with the place," he said.

His son Sawyer, 13, lives in Nova Scotia with his mother and sang with him in the song Dunsell Cross on his album Beaches to Barrens.

The multi-instrumental musician spent two years between 2001-2003 as president of the Recording Arts Association of the Northwest Territories (RAANT).

He's also done a lot of work playing at and organizing charity gigs.

One night he remembers is when the community pitched in $10,000 for the family of a young girl with a kidney tumour through a musical benefit at the Elk's Club.

"I think it's the right and the responsibility of artists to find causes that basically speak to them, and try to promote that," he said.

In recent years, he's been jamming with Bob Baggs, Rick Maddeaux and Steve Prowse, forming the band Hindsite.

Last year, he released his first solo album, Beaches to Barrens.

Smith has even incorporated music into his teaching by having sing-a-longs with the children.

This week Steve played his final bar shows before he leaves for Revelstoke, BC.

In addition, he will also perform at the city's June 17 celebration of the 40th anniversary of Yellowknife's designation as capital of the NWT, and an afternoon gig at Squatterz Books and Curiosities.

After his move on June 28, he plans to spread his wings by doing more to promote his music. In B.C., he said, there are many festivals for which he can sign up .

Though he said he looks forward to the challenges ahead, he will be leaving much behind.

"It's been a great run here in Yellowknife and the guys that I've played with have been absolutely phenomenal... I'm going to miss them all the heck," he said.

Norm Glowach, drummer for Priscilla's Revenge, said Smith has contributed a lot to the community during his stay.

"Steve has done a lot of good things for a lot of people and has been a very positive influence, so he'll be missed," he said.