The Atlin Whisper, November 23, 2022

The Atlin Whisper

THE ATLIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

There’s a First Time for Everything by Paul Lucas

Faro, Yukon,1981. Stan slammed his glass down on the table. His brother, Garnet, was sitting across from him and I was off to one side, closer to Stan’s bass player, vocalist and arranger, David Alan Eadie. We were all backstage at the Farrago Folk Festival (a yearly summertime event in Faro, Yukon).

Stan was becoming huge in the acoustic music scene with hits like ‘Northwest Passage’ and ‘Barrett’s Privateers,’ and Yukoners loved him. He had recently written ‘The Canol Road,’ a ballad in the tradition, about a bushed cabin dweller murdering a fellow drinker at the Kopper King in Whitehorse, and his flight up that particularly nasty stretch of road in the dead of winter to escape the RCMP. The locals ate it up.

Stan, Garnet and David had just finished singing a whisky fueled version of something or other, and I was as high as a kite. Everybody who knows Stan’s songs, knows them at a cellular level. It’s just one of those things the legacy of great songwriting.

Appearing on the same bill with Stan at Farrago that year was the legendary Roosevelt Sykes barrelhouse blues piano player/vocalist the ‘Honeydripper.’ He was a piece of living history and there he was onstage at a music festival in the middle of the Yukon.

At the time, the 1980’s, the North was wild and wooly. The price of gold was through the roof and anything was possible. Music was everywhere, and festivals were sprouting like low bush cranberries. From the winter Frostbite festival in Whitehorse, to the spring Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau and the many summer festivals Folk on the Rocks (Yellowknife), the Dawson Music Festival, the Haines fair, and Farrago, they littered the landscape.

These were great venues for presenting new material and new ideas, and they were fun to play. Each one was a gathering of old friends and a place to meet new ones. I played every one of them many times. Predictably, Atlin didn’t want to be left out of the mix so, sure enough, we ended up with a festival of our own.

The Atlin Arts and Music Festival is pretty well known these days. It takes place in a huge tent with a high tech sound system and a full complement of technical/management support, and it draws acts from all over. But its first incarnation was a much humbler affair. The idea surfaced, like most everything else in this little town, around the kitchen table, between tunes, plates of moosemeat, and bottles of beer.

I remember when it first came up. We had just finished belting out an acappella version of ’Let It Be Me’ not the Everly Brothers hit the real gospel version performed by ‘The Sweet Inspirations’ with Cissy Houston, and we were still gasping for air, when some bright light piped up,

“We should invite a bunch of performers down here one weekend, just for fun. We could stick ‘em in a big wall tent, maybe set up something at the Rec Centre for the locals.”

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead

“Well, you know what I’ve been thinking …” Jeff McPherson chimed in, “ … I’ve been thinking we should have our own damn music festival, right here in Atlin. Every other town has one why not us?”

Well, there it was. Once the idea spread, people came out of the woodwork to throw their shoulders behind the project. A few hardy souls took on the task of heading up the logistics and, against all odds, made it happen that very same year. Welcome to the North.

Now, I am not saying it went without a hitch. We were all neophytes in this festival business. The obstacles were formidable and many of the elements were out of our control turnout and weather being the most important of them. It was assumed the location would be outside. But where? There were many possibilities in this magnificent landscape. After the Taku River Tlingit First Nation offered us the use of Five Mile Point though, all bets were off. The spot, a flat area morphing into a sandy beach that looked out over Atlin Lake and Atlin Mountain, was stunning.

Next came the stage no big thing for a pile of folks who, by necessity, had to be carpenters, surveyors, and jacks of all trades. The sound system, we had to rent from down south. It came, all parts intact, and went up without incident. As it turned out, it was a tad underpowered for an outside venue. Still, it worked and for the moment that was enough.

The headliners we booked were Valdy, Diamond Joe White and Dan Ruben, a roster rounded out with Yukon talent.

There were plenty of mistakes made, all of them due to lack of experience. Along with our underpowered sound system, we hadn’t worked out the accommodation for the performers, camping space and food services for the audience, and we had completely forgotten about an M.C. We did, however, have Stan ‘The Man’ Milos handling security and Dave Stecker transporting performers to the site in his freighter canoe ... a little colour goes a long way. Besides, whaddya want from a bunch of hillbillies?

In the end, we were lucky. The site came together and we were blessed with good weather. All that remained was to see whether anyone would show up for the affair.

As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. Early Friday afternoon, cars and trucks started to line up on that serpentine gravel road like ants ascending an ant hill, and they never stopped. It was a wonderful sight.

It would be 20 or so years before another Atlin music festival came around. But sure enough, in 2003 it came back to life in a much more ambitious form, and the current ‘Atlin Arts and Music Festival’ was born. It is now an annual affair and continues to be a hit every summer.

POSTSCRIPT

Stan Rogers was a major force in folk music. He had a powerhouse of a voice that matched the power of his writing. He was undeniable. Born in 1949 in Hamilton Ontario, he had Maritime roots, and this was what most often showed up in his songs. He exploded onto the scene with his album ‘Fogarty’s Cove’ and the rest is history. He died, most likely of smoke inhalation, on an Air Canada flight from Dallas Texas that had to make an emergency landing due to a fire in the rear of the aircraft. There was a lot of wailing when they broke the news.

An indication of Stan Rogers’ legacy became clear at a party thrown by Manfred Janssen at his little place in Whitehorse … yes the same Manfred saved from freezing by his dog, Ellie May Clampett, in an earlier tale. For one reason or another, every musician, singer, baker and candlestick maker was in town this particular weekend, and they were all there, crammed like sardines into that little blue clapboard house looking out over Fourth Ave.

We had been singing Stan’s ’Barrett’s Privateers’ in our little band, the Ozone Rangers, and Hilbo started up with the opening line: “Oh, the year was seventeen seventy eight.” And the place erupted. Everybody knew every line and every harmony part, and we almost lost the roof. I don’t think there is a sensation quite like it on earth. Coming from one of the shipbuilding epicenters of the UK, Tyneside, this stuff runs in my blood. I guess I wasn’t the only one.

Three 30x100 lots in central Atlin, near Tarahne Park. One lot includes an historical cabin and garage. Would prefer to sell the three lots together. $275,000 Drive by at the corner of Munroe and Second St. to view. If interested, call 250 651 7502.

WANTED

Amélie (Kershaws) is looking for one set of antique dining table with 4 chairs, Turkish/Persian carpets of all sizes, outdoor garden chairs/sofas/tables in either wrought iron or wicker, indoor sofas, Victorian furniture, oil lamps, candles, frames, old radio 1910s 1930s, gramophone, Tiffany lamps, Atlin antique pictures, brass decorations, chandeliers, mirror, clocks, wall decorations, paintings, a grand or baby grand piano.

Call me at 250 651 2111 or email me at: a.remon@me.com if you think you have something interesting for sale or to give away. Thank you for your attention!

BIG WATER SOCIETY COUNSELLING SERVICE

COUNSELLOR: Katie Israel, GN, MA, RCC

At Big Water Society we recognize the realities of human experiences, the diversity of innate worlds and states through these experiences, and we believe that we can, when we connect and share these experiences. Be it traumatic experiences, emotional turbulences, depressive and anxious states, we are here to join hands with you and work through your unique experience. You do not have to go it alone.

Phone: (250) 651 2189; (867)334 9524 Email: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality Martin Luther King, J r

Did you know that Big Water Society provides the community with FREE professional mental wellness counselling?

If you feel you would like to talk to Katie Israel, please call her at: 250-651-2189 or 867-334-9524

November December Summary

The Historic Globe Theatre (On Yukon Time)

Movies

Sunday November 27: The Wonder Doors Open 6:30 Runs 7:00 9:00

Starring: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay

Directed by Stephen Chbosky

Uplifting: Auggie, is a boy born with facial differences. When Auggie enters mainstream elementary school for the first time, his extraordinary journey unites his family, his school, and his community and proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

Sunday December 4: Sorry No Movie

The Trumpet

When ye hear the sound of the trumpet throughout the land…………………………………………….. Pay attention Pay attention

The Sentry

The sentry has blown the horn Something big this way comes

The Prudent

The prudent listen Ponder, then act without delay

The Ship

The ship will be lost But no one need perish

The Lusitania

The ship was lost But no one needed perish The Lusitania 1916, Set up for bait The ship set sail into dark and deceptive waters Despite all warnings and protestations And the Great War was enjoined

The False Flag Operation

The friendly flag is hoisted for all to see Then, when within cannon shot The enemy flag is flung And foolish ships go down

The War

There’s a covert war raging The objective: Your mind Your body And ultimately, your soul There’s a war raging Hold fast, it’s about to go from covert, to overt

The Resistance

The few who choose to choose their future Rather than wait for it to be handed out

The Answer

Love, Light, and laughter Joy, beauty, and faith

Family, fellowship, and community Prudence and prayer

The New World Order

What: One World Government Where: the entire planet When: now through 2030 Who: the globalists Why: absolute power How: only through our compliance

The Great Deceiver

It is written that he will come “To kill, steal, and destroy” So…. Like, is he here yet?

Badhwar 2022

Stephen

NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Warm Bay Road

This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around! $239,000

Lake View

A great daily view awaits in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds $535,000

43.6 Acres

Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY! $597,000

5 Acres

With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker! $259,000

Fourth of July Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $68,000

4th of July

.78 acres of Crown Land lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities, there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042.

$53,500

HIDDEN GEM

This stunning gem in an Enchanted Forest has been lovingly crafted by the hands of this talented owner never to be duplicated! On 4 acres with guest cabins and a short walk to hidden lakes plus easy access to the highway, $399,000 SOLD

STUNNING

Inside and Outside

Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you.

$349,000 SOLD

Mi 43 Atlin Highway

34+ acres of land, surrounded by grazing lease, with 1700 sq.ft., 2 BR, full basement home, great well, septic field, solar and generator plus lots of extras. If you wish, will come with 2 loveable nags who consider this home. Quick possession is possible.

$535,000 SOLD

Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019

Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Will be in Atlin for showings November 4th & 5th Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.

“Flurries”

by Jeff Salmon

Late Autumn this year saw cooler air than normal arrive in town.

For many the chill came too early with cloudy skies putting a damper on some days.

If this was not enough, cold Arctic air showed up without them putting out a welcome mat and brought hours of snow flurries often.

Was this a harbinger of having a Winter much colder with more of a snowfall?

Some folks were quite concerned about what the flurries and cold could lead to yet believed they were up to the challenge.

Some others in town had a different outlook.

They relished the flurries as they turned neighborhoods and higher elevations white and beautiful with a fresh innocence.

They enjoyed the process of flurries slowly descending, as light as a whisper upon everything in sight.

This group pictured the delicate white flakes being playful while dancing gracefully in air and when they landed were lovely like powdered sugar dusting on a cake.

Snow, when it arrived, would be like icing on a cake…fairy tale beautiful, mouthwatering delicious.

Another group encompassed both the artistic viewpoint that a magical treat was about to come calling and concern about the demands of the upcoming cumbersome weather.

They prepared for the weather while anticipating the cherished gift that could soon be theirs.

Fishing Charters

Custom Fish Art- Fiberglas and Wood

GARY HILL’S FISH ART GARY HILL’S – CUSTOM, FISH REPRODUCTIONS

PHONE 250 651 7553 EMAIL garyphill59@gmail.com

7 MONARCH Drive – ATLIN – BC. V0W 1A0

WEB SITE http://gary hill.com

Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721 0710

St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!

You learn to love by loving. Frances de Sales

Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry 250651 7769

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Sunday 250 651 7789

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE

AVAILABLE

Contact: Alain Vanier 250 651 0037 Reasonable Rates!

Smallwood Enterprises Ltd

We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, Firewood and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651 2488 or email bobscontracting2020@ gmail.com

Atlin Community Library

Open Every Friday and Saturday 2 4p.m. BC time Everyone Welcome

The next Whisper is Wednesday December 7th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm December 4th

The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece. Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin.

Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit.

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