From throat singing to ‘T.N.T.’: Aqpik Jam’s 2nd night rocks Kuujjuaq

From throat singing to T.N.T., the Kuujjuaq Forum was once again a rocking place Wednesday as hundreds took in the second night of the Aqpik Jam Music Festival.

After throat singers, led by Puvirnituq’s Akinisie Sivuarapik, got the evening started, Kuujjuaq’s the Johnny’s set the evening’s tone with a bluesy show.

David Hart, a singer-songwriter from Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation in Labrador, was next with collection of songs about loving family members and embracing your culture, mostly sung in his Innu language. Hart thanked the crowd for the love Aqpik Jam has shown over the years, calling Nunavik “one of those special places.”

And the crowd showed him love back.

Heading northeast, Greenlandic band DDR kept the rock music going. The four-piece group remarked that it had been 18 years since their last Aqpik Jam appearance, and promised “we will meet again” as they closed out their night.

The musical talent swung back to Nunavik, and Inukjuak band Qimutjuit was ready to party.

Just a few songs in, the concrete arena floor began to shake as dancers tapped their toes and formed conga lines at the front of the stage.

It was pure joy to the sound of an accordion (played on an electric keyboard). From start to finish, through every song, there was always at least one person singing every lyric and moving their feet.

Much of the crowd departed after Qimutjuit and as the clock neared 11:30 p.m.

But an AC/DC tribute band called 21 Gun Salute that made the trip to Kuujjuaq kept the party going with covers of the legendary Australian band’s hits Shoot to Thrill, T.N.T., Hell’s Bells and many more.

It was clear AC/DC’s music is beloved in Kuujjuaq as audience members of all ages danced and made the devil horns hand gesture — a common expression of appreciation heavy metal or rock music — as the party went on past midnight.

Aqpik Jam continues through Friday.