Akpiq Jam spreads good music around Kuujjuaq

KUUJJUAQ — Last week, folks in Kuujjuaq were treated to four evenings of non-stop performances by some of the best musicians from the Canadian Arctic and Greenland.

And as the music ran from the traditional to unfamiliar, it invited a range of response from those present at Kuujjuaq’s Forum.

At one point, Ben Watt from Kuujjuaq’s rock band, Angava, urged the audience to stand up, break loose and make fools of themselves before the milennium.

The performance of Iqaluit’s Lucy Idlout, called “different” by one spectator, evoked strong negative and positive reactions, reportedly sending many elders scurrying out of the hall.

Crowd pleasers included accordionist Jeannie Nungak, gospel trio Johnny, Li ie and Rhoda, Broughton Island’s group, Akuliamut and Charlie Adams, who had the audience join in singing with his famous tune, “Quviasuppunga.”

The Akpiq Jam also featured a community feast as well as games and fun every evening for children at the adjacent arena.

Fireworks capped off the festival around 3 am on Saturday morning.

This year the community’s bar and lounge remained closed on Friday evening, a move which police say helped keep the Kuujuaq’s annual bash peaceful right until the very end.