Aqpik Jam underway

There was a special buzz this week about an ABBA tribute band traveling all the way from Calgary for the annual Aqpik Jam music festival, which got underway in Kuujjuaq this past Tuesday.

Claude Mackenzie, formerly of Kashtin, was also on the guest list.

Among the list of other musicians scheduled to play were: Kaina Nowdlak and Looee and Josee Arreak of Iqaluit; Tim Evic and the Band from Pangnirtung; Charlie Paniguniaq from Ranking Inlet; Innu Band from Sept Isle; and Tanya Tagaq Gillis of Cambridge Bay.

Several Iqalummiut got a sneak preview of another musical guest when Johnny Olsen of Greenland’s Nuuk Posse rap group, took the mic at karaoke night at the Storehouse Bar this past Tuesday, singing his own music in Greenlandic to the sounds of Young MC’s “Bust a Move,” and great applause. Nuuk Posse will appear with another Greenlandic act, Nuutit.

Festival-goers can also expect bingo, golfing, cribbage tournaments and fireworks. This past Tuesday, a hypnotist provided the late night entertainment.