inuvik - A few artists have been confirmed for Inuvik's End of the Road music festival, coming up in August.

Bob Norwegian and Wilbert Antoine were returning to Fort Simpson on June 28 from a trip to Rabbitskin when they discovered the carcass. The men were alongside the north shore of the mouth of the Mackenzie River when they turned off the motor

End of the Road music festival organizer Jonathan Churcher, centre, plays "Kansas City" with Dennis Allen (right) and Lorraine Walton during the Canada Day celebrations. Churcher said this year's music festival will be outdoors, weather permitting, and said two aboriginal artists have been confirmed. Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

Festival organizer Jonathan Churcher - who himself played harmonica and guitar during the Canada Day celebrations - said he was impressed by the quality of the acts so far.

But work on the festival continues, and more groups need to be found, he added.

The festival happens Aug. 10 and 11.

Confirmed so far are aboriginal artists Art Napoleon, who is a well-known singer, guitarist and storyteller, and Wayne Lavallee, who sings and plays guitar.

"He has a unique, original style," said Churcher of Lavallee.

Lavallee is a Cree from Vancouver, who incorporates traditional chanting into contemporary music.

Churcher added the music festival still needs a lot of organization.

In January, he approached town council and asked them for a paid administrative position for the festival, at a salary of $15,000, along with the use of a desk, a computer and access to equipment at the town office. He also requested free rental of the arena and community hall.

These requests were approved, and Churcher now works through the town's office.

"We're a bit late starting, but we're on track, our funding is going well, " he said on June 28.

He added that for the first time this year, the music festival is scheduled to happen outdoors at Jim Koe Park on a Saturday afternoon, and would be accompanied by a feast.

"We'll have a feast, we'll have music on stage, and everyone will get to hear what's going on," he said.

Churcher added he has advice for anyone curious about the two confirmed acts.

"Look them up on Youtube and Myspace," he said.

"It's a great way to get samples of their tunes."