I wrote this a month and a half ago and never published it. Since Yellowknife seems to be getting its last bit of Summer I thought I would throw this out there.
I have become obsessed with sitting out on patios and decks around town to enjoy the wonderful Yellowknife weather, when it is nice of course. That is why I love grabbing a quick-lunch at Le Stock Pot. Although I would recommend taking a late lunch if you plan to eat on their patio, it can get full, quick.
The building itself, was, I’m sure at one time a residential home, and then transformed to house a small business. A hair salon once occupied the space before Le Stock Pot took over. The patio, which is to the left in the photo below, has just enough room to fit 8 or so tables, which makes it feel comfortable, and not crowded.
The Chicken Club Panini, which quickly became my favorite meal item, is pre-made with a thick chicken breast, bacon, tomato and delicious sauce, which I can’t pin point. As it is pre-made all that needs to be done is a quick grill and you are good to go. If you don’t want a Panini there is the option to build your own sandwich. There are many breads, meats, cheeses and toppings to choose from and the staff always seems happy to help you build your master piece.
I have to admit, the first time I got the Chicken Club Panini, I did it purely because I felt rushed in line, but I am glad I did. In my opinion I felt I was getting more than what I paid for, then again my Money to Food ratio might be off. Either way the Panini was a good size for me and if need be, a good choice for on the go.
If you are looking to change-up your lunch menu a bit, or are craving a good fresh sandwich or Panini, I would check out Le Stock Pot. Then when you do leave a comment about your experience, what is the best to get?
Did you see the living dead wobbling down the streets of Yellowknife today? These fine specimens braved the sun light and came out for the 2nd Annual Arctic Apocalypse. 25 Zombies walked, crawled, limped and wobbled up Franklin Ave around 3pm Saturday afternoon.
The earliest Zombie Walks can be dated back to 2001. According Wikipedia, Zombie Walks, were billed as The Zombie Parade and the “brain”-child of Bryna Lovig. Just like any other public event, the Zombie Walk has a vibrant history, known to help charities, broken World Records and of course brought up controversy.
One of the “head” Zombies said he was happy with this years turn out and hopes to continue making this any annual event. Here are pictures and video of the walk.
Have you ever felt the rhythm of a song and just wanted to dance, well you could call Zumba exactly that, but much more intense. Back on Canada Day Tara Newbigging, head instructor of Fit 2 the T Zumba, and her two co-instructors Donna and Heather, were about to go on stage to give a Zumba demonstration when she saw, local hip hop artist, Godson performing some of his songs. Tara said his music was really getting them going and they all thought how awesome would it be to workout to some of Godson’s music. A few weeks later the Fit 2 the T Zumba class has a routine choreographed to Godson’s Yellowknife City song, which they use to cool down after an hour-long class.
Godson, who has become a local sensation has just released a new CD just over a month ago. He has many originals, including Yellowknife City, but also mixes it up a bit by collaborating with guys like Frank Sinatra. His music can be heard on the local radio station or at CD Plus.
Watch the short video to get a full idea of what Zumba is and see the Yellowknife City routine.
So What is Zumba?
In short is a way to have fun while working out. It can best be described as Latin based fitness and dance combined together for a fast paced workout while enjoying it. From what I saw, it looked as those a Zumba class could be closely related to how backup dancers for big music artists train. You move with music, but not as if it is a task, but rather because you want to. Heck, just being in the same room as the music, makes you what to start moving. This is how Zumba is described:
Lets face it, working out can be healthy, rewarding, beneficial… working out can be lots of things, but its never been known to be much fun… UNTIL NOW! Zumba fuses hypnotic musical rhythms and tantalizing moves to create a dynamic workout system designed to be FUN and EASY TO DO! Our goal is simple: We want people to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. By integrating Zumba into everyday life individuals may achieve long term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour of caloric burning, heart racing, muscle pumping, body energizing movements meant to engage and captivate for life… More at Zumba.com
For Everyone!
Although there were no guys at the class I attended, there are a few that do attend other classes. I can see why it would be hard for a guy to attend, heck I would have a hard to bring myself to attend one of these classes, but I can see the benefit. As someone who is out of shape, and finds it hard to workout or do any physical activity, I would definitely have a good time at a Zumba class. That being said, I’m a bit of a closet dancer and get be rather goofy.
Get Involved!
If I have persuaded you to get involved here is some basic information to know. Fit 2 the T offers 7 classes, 6 days a week, so there is always something going on. All classes take place at Breakaway Fitness. To find out when classes are or more information about the classes, either head over to Breakaway Fitness or email Tara at FIT2theT [at] live [dot] com. Class information is also in the video.
I am a little disappointed in myself for not taking more of the Old Town Ramble and Ride in this year. Then again, another part of me is glad I relaxed at home for more of the weekend.
That being said, I did get down on Saturday to check out some of the happenings of the event. I really enjoy this event, for many reasons. The first is because it is hosted and based around Old Town, and I love Old Town. There is just a unique vibe at that end of town, that I don’t think a person can get enough of. Another reason being the local talent, both in music and art. There are a lot of amazing jewelry makers in this town, and a lot of them are focused on using northern materials.
The Bob Bromley Stage was definitely a hit, while I was down there, David Strauss was playing one of their signature songs, “together forever, for 8 months”, and the crowd was really getting into it. just around the corner the SPCA was doing their Dog Wash which looked busy. Then up the road beside the old Johnson’s building several tents were set up with many artists displaying their art, paintings, carvings, and jewelry. Music also accompanied them.
Through out the rest of Old Town many more “stations” were set up with activities and displays. Face-painting, houseboat tours, photography displays, and horse carriage rides were just some of them.
Did you get down for any part of the Ramble and Ride? What was you favourite thing to do?
It started off slow and a little wet, but by 12 noon the place was packed.
The 2010 Northern Skies Yellowknife Air Show took place this weekend, and we were all unsure of the weather, once again. Most people like me arrived at 10am, when the gates opened, so we could get a decent parking space. The weather was overcast, but reasonable. As we all wandered around the grounds, admiring the static booths and food vendors, a storm started our way. Thick dark clouds full of rain came in off the big lake and ended up over the city. I thought for sure it was going to come right over us at the airport. Lightning could be seen striking the ground towards the city. The announcer came over the speakers informing us that if the storm came over head we should head into the DND Hanger. Then, as if it had a change of heart, the wind changed directions ever so slightly and the storm went right around us, and presented a clear blue sky with a scorching sun.
Early in the show, Ken Fowler and his aerial partner put on a show in their Harmon Rockets over head. Just as one of our very own was going to show off his talent, he reported some mechanical issues with his plane, while in the air, there was no emergency, but did present a rather long delay. At this point the local band, Big Ethel, took to the stage to try to keep the audience entertained.
Finally after weather and plane delays the much-anticipated Snowbirds took to the air to show off their well-practiced maneuvers. They showed off many different formations, some with all nine planes together and others with just a few. Needless to say, they had the audience glued to the skies trying to guess which direction they were going to come from next.
To finish off the day, Ronald MacDonald preformed a magic show for the kids. Although slightly corny for us Adults, he presented a good message to the kids.
Thus concludes the 2010 Air Show in Yellowknife. It was slow to get started, but was a sunny success in the end. It seemed like everyone who came out had a good time, the vendors certainly did, with 30 minute long lines. Did you go to watch or do you prefer the at home on the deck method of watching the show? To get a full feel of the air show watch the video below.
If you are viewing this post in an email or RSS, click the title to see all the photos below in proper format.
So there is this folk fest that happens in Yellowknife, every July, on the shore of a lake. Maybe you have heard of it? You know, it is nothing special just a bunch of crazy people hanging out and shooting the breeze, while listening to some music.
Are you kidding me! Of course you have heard of Folk on the Rocks. A matter of fact, you are probably sick of reading about me go on about it. Well I am sorry to disappoint you, because we have a lot of content on Folk on the Rocks 2010 to pump out over the next week. Photos, video and more. By more I mean me writing about the food, spirit and, well, the music too.
The weather was up in the air for the weekend and we were all anticipating the worst, but that never happened. It was cloudy for a good portion of the weekend, yes, but we only ended up with short spats of rain. I saw people huddling together in rain jackets under umbrellas as they sing along to acts like Buffy Saint-Marie and Leela Gilday. I did hear some complaints, but the number of people having a good time out weighed them.
This was my first year covering the whole event, last year I did a quick post, nothing near what I have this year. I thought about how I wanted to approach the festival this year and I always seemed to come back to how it makes me feel.
While watching a lot of the sets and crowd from the right of the stage, I feel free and energized. It is an odd feeling to explain, yes. So let me try and paint you a picture, figuratively. Several times throughout the weekend while watching a performance, the energy of the music would just climb, up, and up. It would be overwhelming and what would happen is I would end up with a huge smile on my face, unintentionally, as I tried and capture that moment.
Although there were many things to make this event worthwhile, there were two that I think really did it, the people and the musicians.
The musicians, obviously being who everyone is coming to see, always seem to have just as much fun or more than the crowd they are playing for. The one thing that makes a festival like Folk on the Rocks better than a CD or seeing the artist live, is the collaboration. When are you ever going to see our own Digawolf and Greg Keelor jamming together with Pat Braden and friends, where I ask. Or Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, a banjo playing room mate, and the drummer from BAM (Caleb Harrison) just all of a sudden halfway through a set get together and jam. No where, that’s where. This is where they shine as artists in my opinion, when without any practice or warning, they just breakout in song together and make amazing sounding music. One of the final day collaborations of the event, when The Dudes invited at least half the other performers up on stage during their set to show their appreciation for the weekend and each other, even had the crowd involved singing along. I am on the edge of saying that these collaborations make events like this priceless and memorable.
Although a music festival like this one is traditionally all about the music and it definitely sets the mood, I think it is only part of the experience. One of those other parts is the people. Hands down this is Yellowknife’s biggest party. Everyone I met or saw throughout the two long days out there, seemed relaxed and mellow. Not mellow like they are dragging their feet, but more like they have forgotten all about real life and just wanted to have fun. Isn’t that what it is suppose to be all about? People would gather with those they hadn’t seen in ages and rock like they’d never been apart. Personal space was no longer an option for many as they came to the stage area to jump up and down along with the bands. It’s the spirit of the event which makes even the grumpiest looking people, like myself, smile. Yellowknife has awesome people, you are truly amazing!
The days were long, musicians played hard and the crowd partied harder, actually I’m fairly certain the musicians also partied just as hard. So the the question is, how did you enjoy the 30th annual Folk on the Rocks? My time was amazing, and something I wanted to note was how few bugs I noticed. Am I just a seasoned northerner and didn’t notice them or were there really just that few? Have anything to add, by all means. Now lets relive it.
Use the “Next” and “Previous” buttons to see more photos, and click to make them bigger. If you are viewing this in an email or RSS, click the title to see it in a proper format or head over to Flickr.
Another Rock the Folks was a success or you could say they did Rock the Folks. I even have proof, see the picture of the guy reading his book, he put ear plugs in half way through.
As the crowd started to gather Hello Paisley took to the stage and did was they do best. You might remember them from Music in the Park 2009, they took first place. The night consisted of several great local acts, but there were two from out-of-town. Atisa and Scott Walker, who ironically both played solo with their acoustic guitars. Atisa, who is from Vancouver, shared a couple of original songs as well as a couple Tegan and Sara songs, stating that they are her influence. Scott, who is from Barrie, Ont, played a cover of a Jack Johnson song, and did well at it too.
It was then taken up a notch when the Beat Officers, Flaherty’s Wake and Whiskey Jack performed. Each with their own style. Beat officer very punk/rock/I’m not really sure. Flaherty’s Wake was very Celtic/ East Coast/Irish with they fiddling. Then Whiskey Jack with their cover of Rock Banks like ZZ Top.
Then there was Billy Bangarang, how do I write about them. They got skills, I’ll say that. Although rap at a Folk Fest, I’m not really sure about that one. Tina Roy was also there and did her thing, as per usual. She has a cool, jazzy style which makes it really easy to listen to her play.
To finish off the night was the quickly rising in popularity, David Strauss. The 3 member band still hadn’t gotten another keyboard, but I think I’m finally coming around to them and their cocky ways. I mean they have been together forever, for 8 months. The band also took home first place, but unfortunately won’t be performing on Saturday. The runners-up, The Beat Officers, will get the honor of performing in front of a crowd in the Beer Garden at 1pm.
I think everyone had a good evening, and the turn out seemed decent. Although I have to comment on the crowd. There was no dancing this year. Last year people were on table givin’r, this year nuttin’. What gives?
If you are viewing this in an email or in an RSS reader, click the title to see a better formatted version of the gallery.
Surely you know about the biggest folk festival in the north, happening on the weekend of July 17 & 18. Of course you do, you don’t need me to tell you again. But I will.
This year marks 30 years for Yellowknife’s Folk on the Rocks music festival. As it is the 30th year, this year appropriately is themed the Evolution of Music. The festival takes place on the shore of Long Lake, just past the airport. Several stages have been constructed over the years, and offer a variety of musical talent. The grounds will have kids activities and lots of food vendors ready to take your money .
If you are still unsure about what Folk on the Rocks is, I suggest you take a look at our FOTR Category and go back to last years festival. I, myself, am excited for Jim Cuddy and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, as you can see in this video. That being said a lot of other GREAT artists are set to perform. Check them all out on the FOTR Lineup.
The schedule has been set and is available in a couple different forms from the FOTR website, but I will like to the printable one.
Like I said above the Festival site is out passed the airport on Long Lake. If you do not own a vehicle and have no friends, there is a Bus Schedule. If you are interested in buying tickets head to the FOTR website.
I think that covers it. If you have any other questions call the folks at the FOTR Office 867-920-7806. I will be there the whole weekend so if you see me, say Hi! Be sure to check back here for coverage of all kinds, maybe even some raw interviews, maybe.
One last thing, there will be a special performance by Tim Hus, Friday 12pm – 1pm at the Somba K’e Civic Plaza and its free. I suggest you check it out.
I had the pleasure to speak with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald before he travels to Yellowknife for the 30th Folk on the Rocks. Listen to the full interview using the player above or click the link to download it.
My first impression of MBF when talking to him was that he is a very genuine person. He was about as thankful to be doing the interview with me, as I was doing it with him.
He spent all of April touring Canada playing shows and then went solo in May for a road trip. He said the idea behind heading into the US on a solo road trip was to help with some creativity and to just have some fun.
He started playing acoustic guitar in 2005 and it took off from there. Having started writing songs in Junior High, he gets his inspiration from music like Motown, choral arrangements and choirs. He says he likes the simplicity of acoustic guitar, but also enjoys the big band sound.
MBF committed to his music full-time only two years ago, but also mentions that there was never a defining point whether or not to do it. He says he always knew he wanted to make music and as he did the momentum and support grew.
Having organized several shows around Alberta, with an almost sold out show of 1600 with 120 different people on stage, he is not afraid to push the envelope and push himself to the limit. He did tell me, that if I find the plane, he would make the calls to get all those people up to Yellowknife. He says he enjoys those types of challenges, doing things that are original and not seen often.
To wrap up the conversation I asked him if he would be treating us to any news songs that will be on his new album, which is set to be released in 2010, this weekend at Folk on the Rocks. He told me you never know, but at the moment says he is still working on them and making sure they are just right. In his words he is letting them simmer for the time being.
To get the full extent of the interview listen to it above. Make sure you check out Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s music on iTunes and his website, iLoveMBF.com. Follow him on Twitter @iLoveMBF and on Facebook.
I’m sure most of us, at one point or another, get tired of our jobs. We don’t enjoy it anymore, it makes us miserable, it is too easy or we just get too comfortable. Well that is exactly what happened to 32-year-old Dave Conroy when he turned 30.
He was living in Vancouver working in the Information Technology industry and worked from home. His commute in the morning was a mere 15 steps. He said when he turned 30 he needed a change. In his words he needed to press the reset button. That’s when he took up biking. With minimal research he said he got a bike and one thing led to another and soon enough he was biking across Canada, then possibly the world.
It didn’t just happen over night though. For a little more than a year and a half a lot of planning and prep was put in place. While sentimental items might have been put in to storage, most of it was sold. Eventually the bed and house were sold as well. That is when Dave knew it was real.
Dave first came on my radar back when he first left on his journey in April, from Vancouver. He had mentioned Yellowknife as a possible destination, which came up in a Google Alert. I looked through his website, TireofIT.ca, which has a lot of his stats, reviews, video and blog posts. It was interesting, but no date was mention as to when he might me in town, so gradually I moved on. That was until, I got an email from Dave, and I jumped at the chance to hear about his journey of a life time.
We got together one afternoon and created the videos below. The one thing that I think will interest a lot of people is Dave’s take on bicycling to Yellowknife. I often think Yellowknife is missed on tours of all kinds, just because we are the end of the road and so far away from anything. Bicycling to Yellowknife presents several risks, due to the lack of services and people and places. It is also a real downer to think you have to travel back the same road you came on. That being said, I got the impression that Dave was glad he came. He said “the reward at the end of the road was greater than expected”. Mentioning that within only being in town for a day or two he had found a place to sleep and was invited to a traditional fish fry. To top that, Yellowknife made such an impression on Dave, he will be flying back for a visit in the coming weeks.
Watch both video below to get a full idea of what it is Dave is doing and why (If you can’t at work, bookmark for later). Make sure you follow Dave on his website, Twitter and on Facebook.
.
Loading ...