Aqpik Jam returns to Kuujjuaq for first time in 3 years
Free live music events set to take place Aug. 9 to 12 at Kuujjuaq Forum
The Kuujjuaq Youth Group is seen here performing at the Aqpik Jam Music Festival in 2018. For the first time since 2019, the festival is set to go ahead in person this week. (File photo by Isabelle Dubois)
For the first time in three years, people will be able take in live music at the Aqpik Jam Music Festival in Kuujjuaq.
The festival, which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is welcoming music lovers to the Kuujjuaq Forum for four nights of free live music from Tuesday to Friday.
“We’re looking forward to our Aqpik Jam,” said Mary Johannes, Kuujjuaq’s mayor.
The festival opens with a performance from music impersonator André-Philippe Gagnon, whose repertoire includes David Bowie, Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, and dozens of others. Other performances include Salluit singer-songwriter Elisapie, Pangnirtung musician Riit, and Kuujjuaq-based artist Derek Tagoona.
While masks won’t be required at the venue, organizers will provide them to those who want one, Johannes said. There will also be hand sanitizer available to anyone who needs it.
The concerts will also be broadcast on the local FM radio for elders and others who aren’t comfortable being in crowds.
“Some people are still afraid to be in public due to COVID, so this will help a lot,” Johannes said.
Aqpik Jam is not just about the music. Daytime events are scheduled, organized by Kuujjuaq Pinguatitsijingiit Inc., the local recreation committee.
Among the daytime events, which started Monday and run through Friday, is lunch-hour bingo, happening all week.
There are also berry picking, canoe races, darts, golf, target shooting and poker tournaments scheduled.
Johannes, who is taking part in Aqpik Jam for the first time as mayor, said she’s excited to welcome people back to Kuujjuaq again for the summer festivities and for a fun week of activities with the community.
“We’re looking forward to having some families and friends meet since they haven’t met for a long time,” she said.
“We welcome everyone to come to watch Aqpik Jam, wherever they’re from.”
The daily activity schedules are being posted and updated on the Aqpik Jam Music Festival and Kuujjuaq Pinguatitsijingiit Inc. Facebook pages.
Once again children are forgotten from activities and left dreaming about becoming old enough to play healthy community enriching games of darts and poker.
Kuujjuaq ,also known as BINGO .
It’s sad to witness the same gambling, late night drunkenness associated with Aqpik jam…is anyone surprised that the kids are bored, left alone to be vandals?
It’s time for a shake up of recreation committee members.
Question: if a recreation committee member wins an organized game with a select few players, is that legitimate?
During the golf tournaments and dart tournaments, what are the children doing?
kuujjuaq pingatisijingit are all realatives and only like to gamble. they should be called kuujjuaq gambling committee!!!!