Inuvik - Dennis Allen is looking forward to entertaining a crowd tonight and celebrating his debut album at the arts festival.

Allen's first professional release titled Wayward Son was officially released today in his hometown of Inuvik.

Dennis Victor Allen is hosting a party to celebrate the release of his debut album Wayward Son. He is now living in Whitehorse, but still enjoys coming home to see family and friends. The event is a free concert that takes place on Thursday night at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"It's always good to come home with something to show," said Allen.

Already an accomplished filmmaker, Allen is now living in Whitehorse, where he recorded the 12 track disc.

For Allen, recording the album was a no-brainer.

"I've been playing music for a long time now and I've always wanted to put out an album," he said.

A grant from the NWT Arts Council helped fund the creative project.

"I got the grant two years ago and just finished the album this year," he said.

Recording sessions started in early April. Allen said it took six weeks of work to hammer out the tracks for the disc.

"After that, we took another two weeks to mix it and master it," he said.

The deadline was looming and Allen made it just in time to have the CDs made for the release this week.

Allen wanted to come home and release the disc, which comprises songs reflecting on his life experiences.

Allen said the style of blues rings deep with the people of the region, who may have a connection with the emotions and feelings brought forward by Allen.

"The blues are sad songs about life, which is why I see so much in common with my own experiences," he said.

"There are so many people that can identify with the blues."

On Thursday night Allen will play with fiddler Willy Gordon, who is opening the show.

"He'll start with some fiddle songs to loosen everybody up," said Allen, who intends to perform all tracks from his opening album that night.

Mike Eyers will play drums, Mark Stevens will be on guitar and Willy Gordon will be playing bass.

Once done with his set, Allen plans to hand over the stage to musicians he invited.

"I'll be selling CDs after the show," he said.

Allen said he has always been asked when he would release a CD of his own music.

"There are a few songs that I wrote and am known for in the area; people wanted those on a CD," he said.

Allen looks forward to playing for a home audience.

"I like empowering people through my music and art," he said.