Musicians of the Midnight Sun is very pleased to welcome respected Deh Cho elder, Jonas Antoine onto the roster. In this interview, Jonas talks of growing up in the traditional lifestyle of the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ got’ine. on the Rabbit Skin River and of the music he experienced as a young man. In 1959, Jonas jumped on a floatplane that took him to Yellowknife to attend high school where he resided at Akaitcho Hall. There he met Albert Canadien and John Radcliffe, both of whom would later become instrumental in the formation of “The Chieftones”. Jonas worked with “The Chieftones” as their road manager and soundman from 1966 – 69, The band performed at state and county fairs and showrooms across the US, opening for iconic American artists and bands such as “The Beachboys”, Jerry Lee Lewis, “Sir Douglas Quintet”, “The Everly Brothers” and “Johnny and the Hurricanes”. Jonas’ memories and anecdotes provide a fascinating perspective of touring with “The Chieftones”, through the continental US from the mid to late 1960s.

Philip Stobo and his family immigrated from Glascow, Scotland to Fort Simpson, NWT in 1969 when he was 15 years old. In 1971, Philip moved to Yellowknife, to attend Sir John Franklin High School and lived in Akaitcho Hall, where he formed the band, “Mother, Flag and Country”. Philip’s insights and his experiences bring what could be described as one of the final pieces of the puzzle to fill out the dynamic tapestry of Akaitcho Hall bands dating back to the early 1960s.

In this interview, Inuit Musician/Singer/Songwriter William Tagoona chronicles his young musical life through the 1960s and 1970s. In his lifetime, William has been driven to fuse his love of popular music with his love for Inuit culture and most importantly, the Inuit language, Inuktitut.

Bill Gilday has lived a life full of passion for his music and his family. As a music educator in Yellowknife, he influenced generations of youth with his ambitious choir and band programs Bill was a founding member of “The Gumboots”, a six-piece group that played innumerable live shows and recording 4 CDs over a remarkable 25 year run.

Yellowknife Bass player Rob Wickson came of age surrounded by the vibrant local music scene in the early 1970s. He worked multiple day jobs, paying close attention to the musicians and to the music scene as it was unfolding. Later, Rob and Wayne Bertrand were joined by the late Brian Killeen and drummer Kim Ferrie to form the band “Sky Syrkle”.

Ray Dube caught the DC3 in Fort Smith, NT and landed in Yellowknife to attend Sir John Franklin High School in 1964. He boarded at Akaitcho Hall, joined the school music program and took up the Bb tenor saxophone. Ray started to play for dances at Akaitcho Hall and in town at the Elks Club with his band, “The Nomads”.

Born and raised in Sǫ̀mbak'è/Yellowknife, NT, Guitar player, Singer/Songwriter John Tees was a founding member of the celebrated band “Stained Glass Illusion” in the late 1960s.

Guitar player, Singer/Songwriter Wayne Bertrand was an active player in the vibrant Yellowknife music scene through the late 1960s. early 1970s and beyond.