Tradition meets tributes with return of Aqpik Jam to Kuujjuaq

Traditional and returning performers will share the stage with tribute bands in Kuujjuaq this week as Aqpik Jam returns.

The festival runs Tuesday to Friday, with performances set to take place at the Kuujjuaq Forum.

“We’re really excited for this year’s edition. We have an amazing lineup, as usual,” said Tunu Napartuk, one of the volunteer board members responsible for organizing the festival.

Many artists on the schedule this year are returning performers from previous years, such as Niivi Snowball, Juurini, Gustin Adjun and the Kuujjuaq Youth Group.

Florent Vollant, formerly of the folk duo Kashtin, is set to perform again after making several Aqpik Jam appearances more than a decade ago.

This year will also feature tribute bands playing the music of hard rockers AC/DC and prog-rock legends The Doors.

“We, the previous generation, really grew up with The Doors, so their songs, of course, bring back memories,” Napartuk said.

“I think a lot of people — and I’m not going to be surprised if there’s some of the younger generation who’ve gotten to know The Doors as well too — will really enjoy this tribute.”

Napartuk said people should listen to local radio and watch out on Facebook for daily updates to Aqpik Jam’s schedule and lineup.

The daily list of performers partially depends on people’s flights landing in the community.

In addition to the evening musical lineup, Kuujjuaq Pinguatitsijingiit Inc. is organizing several daytime events throughout the week.

Those include canoe races Tuesday, the aqpik berry picking contest Wednesday, poker and a shooting competition Thursday, and a quadrathlon (swimming, running, shooting and cycling) Friday.

The daytime event schedule can be found on the Kuujjuaq Pinguatitsijingiit Inc. Facebook page.

“The past couple of weeks or so, it’s the most aqpik that we’ve seen in such a long time, in close to 10 years, so the aqpik pickers from Kuujjuaq have been boasting and showing off their aqpik picking,” Napartuk said of the orange cloudberries that grow around Kuujjuaq.

Admission to the music festival is free, Napartuk said.

As well, the Aqpik Jam Facebook page will again broadcast evening performances, allowing anyone with an internet connection to watch.