Tourism and Culture minister helps bring focus to Yukon artists in Ottawa

FOR RELEASE #13-105
April 25, 2013

Whitehorse—Yukon artists are front and centre as the Northern Scene Festival launches in Ottawa today. As part of the opening day, Tourism and Culture Minister Mike Nixon will greet audiences attending A Circumpolar Soundscape produced by Yukoner Debbie Peters and featuring Diyet van Lieshout of Burwash Landing.

“We are pleased to be part of this festival that brings the spirit of the North to the nation’s capital for the next ten days,” Nixon said. “The opening night’s performance produced by and featuring Yukoners really celebrates the North’s vibrant cultures and sets the tone for the entire festival.”

While in Ottawa, Nixon will tour several visual arts exhibitions at Northern Scene and attend the Welcome Ceremony, which features Yukon artists Boyd Benjamin, Diyet and the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers.

Northern Scene is a 10-day festival that celebrates the North’s artistic excellence. It was organized by the National Arts Centre and features 250 emerging and established northern artists, including approximately 80 from Yukon.

On April 27, Yukon band Speed Control, featuring brothers Graeme and Jody Peters and drummer Ian March, will be part of the Northern Rock event celebrating beat driven rock music.

“Being at Northern Scene is huge for us,” Graeme Peters said. “We are able to bring Yukon music to a new and larger audience and government support is integral to taking our music outside the territory. We are extremely excited to play Northern Scene and will do the Yukon proud.”

In addition to showcasing their work, many Yukon artists participating in Northern Scene will explore touring opportunities beyond the festival.

“The appearance at Northern Scene will allow us to build on the interest generated during previous shows in Ontario and open doors to return gigs in Ottawa,” Jody Peters added. “On a national and international level, we hope to meet with presenters who we know have been invited to Northern Scene. We will make the most of this great opportunity to generate new fans.”

For video interviews and more information on Yukon artists participating in Northern Scene visit tc.gov.yk.ca.

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Contact:

Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca

NT5