When Jaimee Imrie was a kid growing up in Yellowknife, there weren't a lot of places for teenagers to hang out.

From left, Matt Fournier and Nick Hurst of The Grapefruits perform during the first After 8 youth jam held late last month. The next youth jam is scheduled for Sunday from 4 until 8 p.m. - Daron Letts/NNSL photos

"There wasn't anything for me to do and I know I would have behaved a lot better if there was more to do," she said. "The youth in Yellowknife start drinking and doing drugs at a very young age.

They grow up a lot faster than kids in the south because they have nothing to do. I really think that if kids had more things to spend their time on that got their creative juices flowing they would fill their time more constructively."

Now that Imrie is manager of After 8 Billiards, she is trying to create a youth-friendly space for artists and musicians. The second After 8 youth jam is scheduled for this Sunday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

"This is largely organized by the high school students for high school students," Imrie said.

Young bands such as When the Tide Turns, The Grapefruits and No Song, No Supper are slated to perform. Songwriter Julie Hintz is bringing more musicians out, as well.

"I have talked with all these kids and they're very sharp and talented," Imrie said. "I just want them to have a place to go out and socialize."

Imrie said in the new year more entertainment will be added, including spoken word events, dinner theatre and a poetry slam.

She is encouraging artists to use After 8 as a venue for exhibiting and selling their work. Painters Ben Westergreen, Kim Legler and Tamsone showed their art on the walls this summer, and several of the pieces sold. A few carvings are now on display, as well.

"We aren't here to capitalize on the art," Imrie said. "We want to give people a step up. If you support the local artists the local artists will support you. If you support local talent people will come and check it out."

In the new year Imrie said she will add some display cases for carving and other visual art that can't be hung on the walls.

The venue will begin serving soup, salad and sandwiches for lunch later this month. By February the menu will expand to include vegetarian fare and possibly gluten-free options, Imrie said.

"People have been used to the same old after 8, but I'm trying to breathe new life into it," she said. "Changes are afoot."