Northern talent shines at Aqpik Jam

KUUJJUAQ — The annual Aqpik Jam entertainment bash in Kuujjuaq last week proved that northerners don’t have to look south to find good music and fine musicians.

Accordionists, rock bands and throat-singers from Nunavik, Nunavut and Greenland stole the show from imported southern talent, which included a Beatles tribute band.

More than $100,000 goes into the Aqpik Jam, named after the prolific cloudberry, or aqpik. The annual festival is designed to end summer on the right note and offer something for every taste.

This year Johnny Adams, president of the Kativik Regional Government, recruited some of the Jam’s most popular acts at this year’s Pangnirtung music festival.

Accordionists Simeonie Keenainak and Kaina Naullak had everyone jigging, while Pilipusi Koonelusie’s goofy on-stage antics delighted the audience.

Newfoundland-style tunes from the Iqaluit-based Northern Ramblers, and songs from Pangnirtung’s Tim and Band were also well-received.

Other musicians included the rock band Isit, and the Olsen Kids from Kuujjuaq’s twin city in Asiaat, Greenland, as well as Jobie Arnaituk, Laina Tullaugak, Akisuktuk, Maannakut, Alacie Arngak, Edward May, Nunaqatigiit, Sinuupaa and Jack Papak.

The tight, original sound of Kuujjuaq’s rock band Angava shone, as did the community’s new drumming and singing group, the Kuujjuaq youth band.

During his act, hypnotist Blair Robertson, back at the Aqpik Jam for a repeat appearance, talked a group of Kuujjuamiut into producing goose mating calls.

And if all this entertainment wasn’t enough, every night Aqpik Jam organizers also handed out prizes galore, such as mountain bikes, outboard motors, television sets, gift certificates and cash for the best aqpik-picker in town.

Daily bingos offered jackpots worth thousands of dollars.

This year’s Aqpik Jam began and ended with a bang.

Last Tuesday several performers en route from Iqaluit to Kuuujjuaq were severely jostled when an Air Nunavut jet charter made a few rough leaps down the runway after a bad landing.

During the impact the jet’s gears were pushed through the wing, and three passengers suffered whiplash.

But by the time a fireworks display ended the festival, the good music and fun had helped everyone’s mood.

“It turned out pretty well,” summed up Ida Nassak, one of many volunteers who worked round the clock.

Organizations who helped foot the bill include Kuujjuamiut Society, the KRG, Makivik Corporation, the Northern Village of Kuujjuaq and various local businesses.