The twenty second Blue Feather Music Competition put the emphasis on soothing the thoughts with music.
The occasion, which occurred from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6 in Whitehorse, gathered a number of artists from the world over, with a give attention to youth and Indigenous performers. For competition founder Gary Bailie, Blue Feather — a mainstay on the territory’s music scene since 2000 — is all about bringing totally different technology of artists collectively.
“Though this competition has a First Nations grassroot starting, it is actually about inviting all people,” Bailie instructed CBC Information.
“I all the time thought that the grandest half of First Nations tradition … is that we welcome individuals and we share. As we’ve come out of plenty of issues, residential colleges, intergenerational trauma, and reconciliation … simply attempt to make issues proper once more. We’ve got plenty of good, hidden abilities.”
Bailie stated this yr’s theme, “Peace of Thoughts,” was not solely chosen to advertise serenity and internal calm, but in addition in honour of Ukraine.
For the event, splashes of the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine’s flag have been thrown throughout the stage’s artwork work.
“We consider find peace for ourselves, in our thoughts, but in addition peace on our planet,” stated Bailie, who’s been volunteering his time towards the competition for the previous 20 years.
“Music has a common language, and it simply appears that when the music is enjoying, there may be peace on the planet. However as quickly because the music stops, wars begin.”
Musicians younger and outdated
The 2-day occasion featured some well-known artists together with Stevie Salas and Bernard Fowler, who’ve each carried out beforehand with the Rolling Stones; rock and blues singer Sass Jordan; and Bria Rose, who made her Blue Feather stage debut this yr.
One of many competition’s youngest artists, Sierra Levesque, instructed CBC Information this was an opportunity to attach with people who find themselves like-minded.
“I typically really feel somewhat bit overlooked in school, individuals do not actually perceive musicians,” Levesque stated. “Most of my songs are about that feeling, eager to be some other place.”
The 17-year-old from Pembroke, about 150 kilometres from Ottawa, stated she’s been performing for the previous 10 years — at bars, parks, even behind pickup vehicles — however hitting the Blue Feather Music Competition stage is a milestone.
“It feels wonderful, I am so glad to have traveled this manner as a result of I would have by no means anticipated to be performing within the Yukon, it is an awesome alternative to fulfill plenty of rock artists who share the love for the music,” she stated.
Whereas the occasion showcased skilled musicians, one of many competition’s missions can be to mentor youth in all areas of manufacturing and performances, Bailie defined.
“A few of these guys have been round, they take music to a complete different stage,” he stated.
“They apply so much, they got here and rehearsed for 2, three days earlier than they hit the stage … It was very distinctive, we had younger individuals interacting with them and observing. These are the sort of issues which can be actually cool and rewarding. That is my paycheck.”
