On a warm, sunny, afternoon, while I’m sure you were working hard, I got to venture down to the Snowking’s Snow Castle to look around. The castle has been under construction since December when the windows were first being constructed and is just about ready for the first weekend of events. The crew was putting the last touches on the roof while we were there.
The castle is every kids, dream snow fort, with several rooms and path ways. When you enter the castle through the front door you will pass the admission box and proceed into what I assume is the common area. In this area you’ll find an igloo, slide, viewing point, bathrooms, and open ceiling. When you follow another tunnel you’ll enter into the, what I am going to call, Great Hall part of the castle. This is where the concerts, showings and weddings take place. This room is enclosed and can be heated if needed. At one end is the performing stage, with bleachers at the other and a large floor area. There is a wedding altar and art gallery to the side of the floor. In all it is an amazing structure and something very rare. Something as special and spectacular should be seen by everyone, so I hope you take the time over the next 3 weeks to head down and see it.
Although busy I got the chance to ask the Snowking a couple questions about the castle and how it was going this year. I asked him if the warm weather we have had is affecting the castle at all and his response to me was ultimately no. Although he did point out that the once clear windows are now opaque but other than that everything was going as planned and they will be ready for the weekend.
Finally are the photos and a video. The photos are in a slight bit of an order, we walked into the castle and enter the common area. From there we went into the great hall and then back into the common area. The video is much the same. You can see all the photos by going to our flickr set.
Have you been to the castle yet this year? What do you think?
It was going to be big for me, I was going to have an awesome set-up for live streaming the Snowking Fireworks, the evening of Sunday February 28, right here in on YkOnline.ca, but of course it didn’t work out as well as I hoped. We were too far away. I parked on the Dettah Ice Road, not knowing how big or high up the fireworks would go. As they started I quickly realized that we were to far away, but didn’t know what to do. The way we have the camera setup it wasn’t as easy as moving the truck, although next time the camera will be on the somewhere. Halfway through the show we decided to move, so while still streaming, my brother reached out of the truck window and picked up the camera and we went. Rattling over the make shift ice roads and then making our own path we found a place which I thought was close enough, unfortunately it wasn’t but we made it work. During the first half I was playing music on repeat so there was not dead air, then for the second half went to commentary by my brother and I, which in my opinion we better, would love feedback.
Here are two videos, one from my video camera which I edited down and added music. The second is a recording of the last part of the firework live stream, commentary starts at mark 4:25.
Of course I tried to take some photo and failed horrible. I didn’t have a tripod and I couldn’t remember what the best settings for fireworks would be, but they did turn out slightly artist.
The show was excellent and I was not expecting that much, so congrats to everyone who put on the show. They have started off the 15th Snowking Festival on a good foot and look forward to the rest of the events that will be put on. Below is two photos of how I had the cameras set up. It was warm enough that they could be outside. I also want to thank the 55 people who took at look at the live stream, I can certainly say I will be doing this again, as long as it doesn’t cost too much.
Do you see the Firework Show, what did you think? How does it measure up to the other 2 firework shows we have had this winter? You can also see Photos and Video on Life in the Knife
The Snowking Winter festival will be having their opening ceremonies this Sunday evening with fireworks, at the same time, the 2010 Olympic closing ceremonies will be happening. This is a dilemma for some I’m sure. Because of that I am going to attempt to live stream the fireworks. At this point I’m not sure as to where I will be set up or if it will work at all.
Here is what I am offering: If you are not planning on going to the fireworks because you can’t make it out or just don’t want too, come over here to YkOnline.ca. At the bottom of this post there will me an embedded uStream player which at around 8pm will come live and at 8:30pm will show the Snowking Fireworks. You can also go to http://ykonline.ca/live and see the same thing. Join in the fun, where ever you are. Want to help? Tell your friends, on Twitter, on Facebook or where ever.
Well I am truly impressed with the City of Yellowknife fireworks this year. I don’t have much more to say other than I hope you are having or have had a wonderful New Year. Here is a video and pictures of the fireworks. I will post the uncut fireworks video on Youtube later.
For someone who has only been in Yellowknife for two days and on the last day of their tour to say how excited and overwhelmed they are about our city means a lot to a person who shares there passion. That is exactly what happened Saturday, December 19, 2009 at NACC. You see it was the second showing of Singing for Supper, and the last on the cross country tour. It was a benefit concert for not only our local food bank but also the national food bank.
Tom Jackson along with the band Pear, Shannon Gaye and Kristian Alexandrov sang the night away and what joy it was. It had been some years since I had been to NACC and it was a pleasure going back. I was looking forward to Mr. Jackson himself, but when I realized the rest of the musicians would be playing along side him I was thrilled. Tom with his powerful voice, Denis and Lynae of Pear on vocals, fiddles and mandolin, Shannon Gaye on vocals and percussions, Mr. Alexandrov on keyboard, and Tom McKillip and Craig Bignall on guitars all made up a wonderful sounding band.
First up in the evening was Shannon Gaye accompanied by Kristian Alexandrov. Shannon, a recording artist based out of Vancouver, has preformed at festivals across Canada and has toured more times than you can count on both hands. She is a layered and dynamic writer and combines energy and her prospective on life to create the music she loves. Kristian, who is Shannon’s musical director, was named Smooth Jazz Pianist of the Year 2008. Together with Shannon’s powerful voice and well written lyrics and Kristian’s very skillful musical talent they both did a wonderful job preforming for Yellowknife.
Pear, who came to the stage next, was a great couple. Lynae and Denis Dufresne, who are married, make up the duet that is Pear. They are just starting out and this is their first ever cross country tour. They both have a definite passion for music and for each other for that matter. They are a sweet yet gritty “pear” that can really let loose with a fiddle. They were very impressed with Yellowknife and loved it so much they even might return for Folk on the Rocks. Follow them on twitter @PearBand.
Mr. Tom Jackson came on last but was accompanied by the rest of the performers. Most of us may know him from his six seasons on North of 60 but he is also a magnificent musician with 14 albums under his belt. He is a dedicated actor and musician always helping those less fortunate. He was appointed an Order of Canada in 2000, was bestowed with the Humanitarian Award at the 2007 Junos and has done many other things through out his life that can be notable.
The group did several originals by Mr. Jackson and covered some wonderful Christmas songs. It was truly a delight being able to attend the concert. If nothing else it has put me into the festive spirit.
Did you get a chance to attend either Friday or Saturday nights show? What did you think of it? Would you like more concerts in Yellowknife?
On Wednesday night I got the opportunity to check out the Home for the Holidays caroling concert. The concert was held at the Legislative Assembly here in Yellowknife and featured Aurora Chorealis, The Yellowknife Chamber Choir, Fireweed Children’s Chorus & Guests. The wonderful directors of the evening were Margo Nightingale, Shad Turner & Jackie Boersma.
The evening was filled with many Christmas classics as well as International and multi-language Christmas Songs. Not only that but there were also a couple remix songs such as “12 days after Christmas” which is quite funny.
I was able to take some video and pictures while there. I encourage you to watch the whole movie and listen to the words of some of the songs.
Thanks to everyone who put on the concert. I look forward to next years concert. Did you attend? Did you enjoy it?
Well I’m all lit up inside. With that feeling, it feels as if the holiday season has officially started, apparently extended shopping hours just don’t do it for me. I went down to City Hall at 4:45pm Thursday evening for Capital City Light Up. When I arrived I found a very packed City Hall foyer. I actually didn’t know what was going on as I thought it was all going to be outside, but I was wrong. Inside was the Youth Choir was signing all of our favorite holiday classics. I wasn’t able to get any photos unfortunately as I was at the other end of the building halfway in the door.
Shortly after a couple songs the crowd was directed outside. Everyone gathered around the tree, joined hands and started reenacting a scene out of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Okay maybe that didn’t really happen, but everyone did join together around the giant tree. Mayor Van Tighem took to the mic for a quick speech and then together with the choir counted down to the moment when the lights turned on, or at least some of them. After a few minutes they all came on. Take a look at the photos I was able to take, I really need to learn how to take photos in the dark properly.
Now if you not in the Christmas mood yet, head over to Flickr to see all the pictures.
I had a really good time at Folk on the Rocks 2009 and I will definitely be going again next year. I will also be able to enjoy the performances in the Beer Garden a little more.
All the bands that played were awesome and really opened my eyes to the great talent not only those from the north but also from the rest of Canada. My itunes library will be growing over the next couple days. How did you find the bands/ performers? Who was your favorite?
I’m not a photographer by no means but I was taking some pictures while I was there during the day. Unfortunately while Sam Roberts was playing the there was a horrible haze in the air and I was not close enough to get any good photos. Here are just some of what I got:
You can find all Folk on the Rocks photos HERE or maybe HERE
A Big thanks go out to all the organizers, volunteers and of course performers. If you didn’t have a chance to get out there this year I definitely suggest you make it a point to attend next year.
If you want to share the photos you took please share the link in the comment section.
Well today is the Friday before Folk on the Rocks, which means it is the last day that tourists and performers will be trickling in for the festival. Folk on the Rocks is one of the big sellers for coming to the end of the road (Yellowknife) in the summer, so for the couple days the festival is on, the streets seem that little bit busier as well as musical.
I have posted about the festival, the line up, and the schedule for each day and they all can be found here:
Taking a quick glance at the weather forecast for this weekend it looks to be a good one. As you all know this summer definitely hasn’t been an outstanding one.
Having never been to Folk on the Rocks personally I am probably not certified to be giving advice about what you should know about attending the festival but I thought I should mention a couple things you might want to consider.
As this event runs for two full days and chances are you are going to be sitting in one spot for the majority of it I must remind everyone, that although it wont be overly hot outside during the afternoons. The suns rays will still get to any exposed skin, so don’t forget that sun screen or at least a hat. While on the topic of exposed skin, do I really need to remind anyone that the bugs are out. And in full force. I suggest you pick up a can of Muskal for yourself, you may just use the whole can in two days.
The Folk on the Rocks site is a big place and there will be a lot happening, which means there will be a lot of people all over the place. As far as I am aware there will be some seating provided in some areas but as the amount of people will be so great, it would be a very good idea to bring your own foldable chair. If you do not have the use of a foldable chair or you purely don’t want to take one, maybe a blanket is more your style.
There will be food and drinks for sale at the festival but bringing your own water bottle is a good idea as well, especially if it is going to be sunny.
If you have any tips or tricks for Folk on the Rocks let everyone know in the comment section.
Finally, If you are taking any photos and upload them to Flickr, make sure to tag them with fotr2009 for everyone to see. Hope to see you all there.
Rock the Folks was last night and I hope you had a chance to get out there to watch some awesome local youth bands. But if not here are some of the photo I managed to take. Mind you I wasn’t even able to stay for the whole thing as I had to go to work, either way here they are.
Shortly after this photo was taken all the empty picnic table filled up and the festival commenced.
The above dancer was the most out going fan there. He would jump table to table flailing around giving high-fives to everyone. To top that off he had a broken arm while doing it all.
To see all the 2009 Folk on the Rock photos CLICK HERE . Make sure if you upload your festival photos to Flickr to tag them with fotr2009 so everyone can see them.
On a warm, sunny, afternoon, while I’m sure you were working hard, I got to venture down to the Snowking’s Snow Castle to look around. The castle has been under construction since December when the windows were first being constructed and is just about ready for the first weekend of events. The crew was putting the last touches on the roof while we were there.
