Cabin Radio’s guide to NWT arts events

January. Sometimes it’s bleak outside but, like our hearts, it’s never bleak inside. Here’s our guide to arts events coming up this month.

We’ll be updating this page throughout the year with details of events related to the arts in the Northwest Territories, in a bid to improve the visibility of the territory’s various arts communities.

If you know of an event that you don’t see on the list, email us with details.

Yellowknife

Throughout January: Yellowknife NOW! will remain at the Yellowknife Visitor Centre art gallery, showcasing Yellowknife artists such as Mike Mitchell, Terry Pamplin and Bob Wilson. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sundays.

Thursday, January 19 to Saturday, January 21: Offbeat astrophotographer Paul Zizka and Offbeat contributor Kris Andres are hosting Nights of Wonder, a creative night and aurora photography workshop at the Explorer Hotel.

Friday, January 20: Gather: A Spoken Word Open Mic will be hosted by NorthWords at the Top Knight. Those interested in participating will have five minutes each to perform an original spoken-word piece. This includes poetry, comedy skits, excerpts from a novel, and stories. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start time.

Saxifrage Studio is hosting Art on the Van Gogh – Starry Night from 7-11pm. Art supplies, wine, and chocolate are provided. The cost is $65 but until January 14, entry is offered at 10-percent off.

Aurora Fiddle Society is hosting a Fiddle Dance at Northern United Place. From 7-9pm, live music, square dancing and jigging will be led by local musicians including Andrea Bettger and Ryan McCord.

From 12:10-12:50pm, the Yellowknife Public Library is hosting a Ukulele Choir for youth and adults ages 16 and up. All levels are welcome to strum in a low-key group. Ukuleles are provided, or bring your own if you have one.

Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21: The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival will be at NACC as part of its world tour. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Overlander Sports.

Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21: Nikolai Deleff will show original paintings at the Gallery on 47th in a reception on Friday from 5-8pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Saturday January 21: Aurora Fiddle Society is hosting a fiddle workshop with Stacey Read and Linda Duford at NJ MacPherson School. All levels of fiddlers are welcome.

The Ditch Hearts will perform a Rock & Roll Revival at the Top Knight. Starting at 8pm, the night will include special guests The Stray Dogs and Andrew Shedden. Tickets are $15.

Sunday, January 22: The second of Saxifrage Studio’s Masterpiece Sundays: 10th Anniversary Edition will happen from 1-4:30pm at 5507 47 Street. Art classes in Munch Screams in the New Year will be offered at 10-percent off the regular $185 entry fee.

Sundog Trading Post is hosting the third of their weekly family friendly music afternoons of 2023. From 4-6pm, folks are invited to join local musician Ryan McCord in a music-filled afternoon. Entry is free, though donations to musicians is encouraged.

Monday, January 23 to Wednesday, January 25: Offbeat photographers Paul Zizka and Kris Andres will host a second Nights of Wonder workshop in night and aurora photography at the Explorer Hotel.

Tuesday, January 24: This is the last day for singers to sign-up with Aurora Chorealis, or the Fireweed Children’s Chorus for kids grade two to eight. Aurora Chorealis meets for rehearsals every Tuesday from 7-9pm at the Cavalry Community Church. Information regarding Fireweed rehearsal times and location will be provided upon registration.

Thursday, January 26: Personnel Support Programs Yellowknife is hosting an Aurora Photography Workshop in the JTFN Mess hall from 7:30-10:30pm. Registration is free and participants must be 16 years of age and older.

Friday, January 27: From 12:10-12:50pm, the Yellowknife Public Library is hosting a Ukulele Choir for youth and adults ages 16 and up. All levels are welcome to strum in a low-key group. Ukuleles are provided, or bring your own if you have one.

Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28: Nikolai Deleff will be at the Gallery on 47th for a second weekend showing original paintings from 5-8pm on Friday and 11am-4pm on Saturday.

Saturday, January 28: The Children’s Festival of Silliness will be at NACC on January 28 with an English play and a French musical, performed with puppets and costumes making the songs accessible to those who don’t speak French. The English show starts at 1pm and the French show will follow at 5pm. Tickets are $5.

Intro to Encaustics: Fire Painting will be held at the Saxifrage Studio from 1-5pm. Artist Tracey Bryant will guide participants through the introductory workshop. The cost is $150 per person, which includes materials, coffee, tea and treats. Until January 14, entry costs are 10-percent off.

The NWT Pipe Band’s Robert Burns Dinner and Dance will return to the Elk’s Hall after a two-year hiatus. The night begins with cocktails at 6pm, and dinner at 7pm, followed by a DJ dance. Tickets are $100 and no minors are allowed.

Sunday, January 29: NACC will hold its Annual General Meeting online at 1pm. Those wanting to participate can email NACC to register.

The third of Saxifrage Studio’s Masterpiece Sundays: 10th Anniversary Edition will happen from 1-4:30pm at 5507 47 Street. Art classes in Dali Long Legged Elephants will be offered at 10-percent off the regular $185 entry fee.

The NWT Music Teachers Association is hosting its final Music at the Museum performance, a free concert by music students of all ages. The performance will be held at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Cafe from 3-4pm.

Sundog Trading Post is hosting their weekly family friendly music afternoons of 2023. From 4-6pm, folks are invited to join local musician Ryan McCord in a music-filled afternoon. Entry is free, though donations to musicians is encouraged.

Sunday, February 5: The final Saxifrage Studio Masterpiece Sundays: 10th Anniversary Edition will happen from 1-4:30pm at 5507 47 Street. Art classes in Miro Creatures will be offered at 10-percent off the regular $185 entry fee.

Hay River

Monday, January 16: Wade Vaneltsi and Louie and Leanne Goose will be at the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Community Hall at 7:30pm performing Songs and Stories of the Beaufort Delta. Tickets are by donation.

Fort Smith

Tuesday, January 17: The third show of Songs and Stories of the Beaufort Delta will be performed by Wade Vaneltsi and Louie and Leanne Goose at 7:30pm at the Salt River First Nation’s centre. Tickets are by donation.

Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29: Tracey Kuffner will be teaching a Felted Mitten Workshop at the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre. Entry is $100 per person, which includes all materials needed. The workshop will run form 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-12pm on Sunday.

Norman Wells

Wednesday, January 18: The final performance of the Songs and Stories of the Beaufort Delta tour will happen at the Dennis Drolet Community Hall. Wade Vaneltsi and Louie and Leanne Goose will share stories of the North starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are by donation.