Laura Power
Northern News Services
Published Friday, August 31, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - With Random Order's return to Yellowknife comes more than just a rockin' night for ska fans.

The B.C.-based punk-ska group, which is travelling North to play in this city for the fourth time, is about to help give something back to Yellowknifers.

Lynn Phillips (on guitar) and Leyla Tshongo (on bass) will be playing in Yellowknife with Random Order this weekend. - NNSL file photo

This Sunday at Squatterz Books and Curiosities, Random Order is to be the main attraction at a fundraiser for the Yellowknife women's shelter.

"I think it's fantastic. I think it's a good sign when musicians who are not from here really take part in things that give back to this community," said Arlene Hache, executive director of the Yellowknife Women's Centre for Northern families.

The goal for the recently organized event is to raise money to go towards new laundry facilities at the centre after the effects of a fire destroyed the existing machines.

"It was a small fire that was caused by lint in a dryer. There was really no fire damage at all, but there was significant water damage, so as a result of that the shelter was closed down for a week," Hache said.

She said the Side Door and the Salvation Army have been helping the centre cope by providing shelter and food. The kitchen, she said, is still closed.

The idea to produce an all-ages show with Random Order came from Daron Letts of Squatterz Books and Curiosities, who contacted the band after they announced they would be playing in Yellowknife tonight.

"The book store has been incredibly supportive of the Centre for Northern Families and the work that we do, and I find it really interesting because quite often our industry is really marginalized," said Hache.

She said that while the corporate sector in the community responds well to the centre's needs, she marvels when initiative is taken to provide support in ways that are unique.

"I find that incredible," she said.

Letts said Random Order's music is uplifting and thus perfect for such an event.

"Their music is upbeat, they have a social conscience and I know that in Toronto Random Order performs at similar initiatives in the Toronto context," he said. "And for them to plug into a community institution such as the women's shelter ... is not different from what they would be doing in their home community."

Guitarist Lynn Phillips said she is happy to take part.

"I'm actually excited about it, and I'm glad that we can be there at the same time to do it because it's a different situation," she said.

She said she can see the need for such a shelter in a place like Yellowknife that has extreme temperatures in the winter.

"It gets pretty cold in Toronto, too, but there's a lot more services I think," she said.

Along with donations to go towards laundry facilities, items such as blankets, towels, facecloths, vinyl-covered furniture, groceries and pillows will be collected. The centre staff asks that all items be new or in new condition. Hache, though appreciative of the efforts, said she hasn't yet heard Random Order play.

"They seem really edgy and cool but I don't know that band so I'm looking forward to hearing them," she said.

Random Order will first play tonight at the Top Knight. The fundraiser will take place outside Squatterz Books and Curiosities on Sunday afternoon starting at 1 p.m.