A uniquely northern concert venue will host a fundraiser this weekend for Aaron “Godson” Hernandez.
The Tiny Tent Concert will take place in a canvas tent on the frozen ice of Great Slave Lake, near Air Tindi’s float base.
Brothers Shaun and Scott Robertson are organizing the event in their father’s wall tent, which he sets up outside his home every year. They aim to raise funds for longtime friend Hernandez, who has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.
“I’ve always kind-of jokingly said I’d love to have a tiny tent concert, like the Tiny Desk Concert series, and this seemed like a great opportunity,” Scott said.
Shaun said he grew up with Hernandez and they played basketball together as kids, before Hernandez became more broadly known as hip-hop artist Godson.
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“He got into music, I also got into music – but not to that same extent – and just kind-of continued being friends through that,” Shaun said. “I got to play guitar on some of his albums and I got to go to some of his concerts, early days when he was performing around the North.”
“I was the big brother growing up and so I got to see Aaron and Shaun and all their friends hanging out at the house. Really great kid,” Scott said. “He’s not a kid any more, so it’s really nice to be able to do something with my brother like this to support Aaron and his family.”
Scott will host Saturday’s concert while Shaun is set to play alongside musicians Kyle Galbaransingh, Bryce Styan, Margaret Bell, Mike Westwick and Leela Gilday.
John Dooley, the elementary school teacher who taught Shaun and Hernandez, has submitted a video from Newfoundland to be played at the event, Shaun said.
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“Not to give much away, but I watched it yesterday and I’m sitting in a coffee shop in Edmonton trying not to cry,” he added.
About 15 people can fit in the wall tent, the Robertsons said, while other attendees will be able to enjoy the concert outside. They said Sundog Trading Post has offered its space for people to go inside and watch the concert on a screen.
For people outside Yellowknife, the brothers plan to stream the concert on Facebook.
Admittance is by donation, with funds accepted in person and online through a GoFundMe page.
“I think it’s going to be a fun night. It’s a unique Yellowknife experience,” Scott said.
The concert will begin on Saturday at 7:30pm in front of 8 Mitchell Drive.
