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Alianait announces festival line-up

Alianait is ready to greet summer with the announcement of its 2018 festival line-up, and Nunavut artists figure prominently.

Lazarus Qattalik of Iglulik, hot from recent performances in Whitehorse, Yukon, and Iqaluit, will hit the stage.

"Lazarus had hearts melting at his debut Alianait performance earlier this year," said executive director Heather Daley. "His first album Iqippagit is already becoming a household favourite among Inuktitut music lovers. He will be joined by his bandmates Allan Kangok and Billy Jay Ammaq at this year’s festival."

Agaaqtoq of Arviat will also hit the stage.

"He is considered one of Nunavut’s best rising talents, winning the hearts of his audience with his engaging performance and timeless Inuktitut songs," said Daley.

photo courtesy Alianait
Paul K. Irksuk, left, Sandy Okatsiak, John Kuksuk, Billy Kuksuk and David Kuksuk, front, are The Arviat Band – they join the line-up at the 2018 Alianait Festival in Iqaluit on Canada Day long weekend.

Also from Arviat comes The Arviat Band.

"The Arviat Band has been together for over 20 years, playing at countless festivals all over Nunavut, and Northern Quebec. Their Inuktitut lyrics are unforgettable," said Daley.

From Arctic Bay comes Leetia Kalluk.

"First prize winner of the 2017 Qilaut Song Contest, Leetia Kalluk is a fresh face in the Nunavut music scene and we are delighted to include her in this year's festival line-up," said Daley.

Artists from the rest of the world include: Greenland's popular band Nanook, Leela Gilday from Yellowknife, Great Big Sea founding member Séan McCann, Juno-nominated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen, Twin Flames, Australia's This Way North, singer-songwriter Evan James Redsky, Greenlandic children's entertainer Hinnarik, Toronto's Jane's Party, Old Man Luedecke from Halifax, Greenland's Hans-Henrik Suersaq Poulsen, and others.

The festival will again include a collaboration featuring Indigenous artists from around the world directed by Sylvia Cloutier.

The festival takes place Canada Day long weekend, June 29 to July 2.