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Despite strong headwinds that drifted boats and troubled many, hundreds of Yellowknifers paddled out to a houseboat that was transformed into a concert stage for the night.
“Float on the Rocks is a festival adjacent to the actual Folk on the Rocks, where we try to boost up bands that are coming to town, but have it in a unique venue that only Yellowknife can provide,” said Darcy Bourassa, the owner of the houseboat where the concert took place.
Bobbing side-by-side in canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, this event is exclusive to those with the dedication and means to get out there. With some even daring to swim over to it, the pleasant evening is one of Folk on the Rocks’ beloved events.
“We’ve heard a lot of feedback from the artists that this is one of the shows that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives because it is so unique and such an interesting venue,” said Shea Alain, who’s been organizing Float on the Rocks for the last three years.
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“It’s easy for artists to come to any city in Canada and play a festival and only see the festival grounds. And I think the houseboat community in Yellowknife is one of the most unique parts of what makes Yellowknife special.”
For Bourassa, who spends most of his time isolated on the lake in the bliss of silence, this festival is a big change of scenery.
“It’s definitely overwhelming, but worth it,” said Bourassa. “It’s one 24-hour period where people come invading from land. We’re happy to have people out here.”
Robert Adam, a Calgary artist set to take the stage at Warm on the Rocks, attended Float on the Rocks, and echoed the uniqueness of the venue.
“This is a one-of-a-kind experience for sure, and it’s great,” said Adam.
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“I just love the community aspect that I’m seeing, like all the families and all these different people coming together to watch. It’s really heartwarming.”
Even though Float on the Rocks is a precursor event to Folk on the Rocks, this staple event was favoured equally, if not more than the main weekend’s festivities by some attendees.
“This is honestly my favourite Folk on the Rocks event in the past few years,” said Griffin Douglas, a local Yellowknifer.
As the concert came to a close, the blinding sun that was present throughout the show crept behind the clouds, signifying an end to the unique evening on the lake.
