Poops Gone Wild
We all know that wilderness in the Yukon is plentiful, and many Yukoners enjoy disappearing off the grid for a weekend or more…
Heating Up With Yukon Sauna
Yukon Sauna, started by Tyler and Joyce Rempel, originally came to be when the two wanted a portable sauna for their own use.
Wyrd: A Musical UnFairytale
The idea for Wyrd first came about after playwrights Katherine McCallum and Angela Drainville met for the first time in 2017.
Yukoners At Canada Winter Games
The 2023 Canada Winter Games, officially called XXVII Canada Games, are taking place Feb. 18 to March 5 and will be hosted in P.E.I.
Get Glammed Up for LDAY
The Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon, also known as LDAY Centre for Learning, is celebrating its 50th year in operation in 2023.
This Year’s Yukon Prize for Visual Arts
Following the success of the inaugural Yukon Prize for Visual Arts, in 2021, the Yukon Prize committee has launched a 2023 edition…
Safe At Home
The Safe at Home Society is a Yukon organization that works to end and prevent homelessness in the territory…
The Gift Of Community
The Boys and Girls Club Yukon has announced that they are renewing the Gift of Community program for the eighth year this Holiday Season.
The Yukon’s Basketball Star
Dikran Zabunyan is all about teamwork. Whether it’s a basketball team or the staff at a hotel he manages that he’s talking about…
25 Years of Radio Rob
It’s been 25 years since Rob Hopkins, often known as Radio Rob, started up his first radio station, CFET-FM, in his home of Tagish.
The Purolator Artist
Purolator has unveiled this year’s limited-edition holiday art boxes representing all provinces and territories including a Yukon artist.
The Choir Is Back
The Whitehorse Community Choir’s annual Christmas shows are happening Dec. 2-3, and won’t be scaled down due to pandemic restrictions.
At Home With Art
Lemker is at home with art and calls Whitehorse his home, as well as an endless source of inspiration to create.
Off To The Races: Mount Sima FIS Event
Having a ski race, as part of Mount Sima’s pre-season training, were already happening two years ago, according to general manager.
The Yukon Remembers
The Remembrance Day ceremony at the Canada Games Centre (CGC) is something many community members have missed, over the past couple of years.
Sass Is Coming Back
Sass Jordan, the multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning songstress has been constantly busy since her career began 40 years ago.
Queerlesque Comes To Town
Come what Mae and Chérie Coquette Cabaret present Queerlesque Convoy: A Transportation-Themed Cabaret and Peepshow November 19
What’s Going on at KIAC This Fall?
It seems things are finally back in full spring, or fall, after a long two years with limited opportunities for arts and culture events.
Young Frankenstein At The Guild
Young Frankenstein, based on the book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, is coming to Whitehorse.
From Paris, With Love
After nearly a decade in the Yukon, Paris Pick is moving away to pursue music school and then her career as an music artist.
Youth Today, Language Leaders Tomorrow
A new program through the Yukon Native Language Centre focuses on revitalizing traditional First Nations languages
Guided to an Imperfect Light
Rick Massie’s songs are often long, complex and multi-stylistic, they usually start with one riff or idea and grow from there.
Outhouses: Highway Drop-offs
The outhouses along the Yukon’s highways are truly unsung heroes. Here’s what you should know, to better appreciate them.
‘The Force’ Courses Through the Paton Family
Josh Paton has always been a Star Wars guy. It’s common to see him in a different Star Wars T-shirt every night. He owns close to 90.
There’s a new festival in town
A weekend festival in multiple locations. The inaugural Yukon Music Festival, by the YRMTA, runs from April 21 to 23.
Whitehorse’s Japanese Taiko Drumming Ensemble
“We were practicing with garbage bins,” said Yoko Oda of Whitehorse’s Japanese Taiko Drumming. “Finally, we got the funding,”
This Spring at the Jenni House
Jenni house welcomed Paris Pick, working on new songs; & Martha Ritchie, printing on repurposed textiles, as resident artists.
New Yukon Media Funds
Media funding for filmmakers has four new funding programs: Predevelopment, Development Fund, Media Production Fund and Training Fund.
Erica Mah is trying something different
Erica Dee Mah’s new album isn’t exactly a new album. “On this project, I feel like I’m leaning into my classical training a bit more,”
Music From the Edges of Canada
A new live-streamed concert series features artists from rural parts of Canada, including Yukon musicians.
Danger Pay: Uncertain times have not stopped Whitehorse’s Speed Control from pushing on, with a new EP due this winter
Speed Control released “Danger Pay,” with an accompanying music video best described as over-the-top. It BLEW UP!
Nakai Theatre’s Pivot Festival 2022
Sometimes, you have to pivot! Nakai Theatre’s Pivot Festival 2022 will still take place this January, albeit with some modified programming
The Fiddler in the North
Simon Crelli is a Yukon musician with quite an impressive resume, and a mentor to many of the territory’s young musicians.
The recipient of the second annual Yukon Prize for Visual Arts is Joseph Tisiga
The winner of the 2021 Yukon Prize for Visual Arts, selected from 107 entries, is multidisciplinary artist Joseph Tisiga
Yukon Venture Angels has launched
Yukon Venture Angels is an angel investment group. Experienced & first-time angels looking to learn about growing businesses are welcomed.
No job is too big or too small for Jacobs Industries
Jacobs Industries, founded by Edmund Jacobs: the first civilian to drive on the Alaska Highwayand is in the Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame.
Whitehorse stars Soda Pony are back with a new album and a short film to go with it
Soda Pony’s Senior Year is an album & a movie. Aiden Tentrees and Patrick Hamilton cooked up this visual album in “post-gig glory chats,”
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Winterval Santa Parade December 4
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Winterval Festival Santa parade pivots to a parade through multiple Whitehorse neighbourhoods for a 2nd year.
Christmas with the Choir: COVID-19 restrictions mean an online (but still joyful!) holiday concert this year
The Whitehorse Community Choir, “Tidings and Tinsel,” for 2021. COVID-19 restrictions mean an online (but still joyful!) holiday concert.
And the winner is … Commissioner of Yukon Award Joanna Lilley
Whitehorse author Joanna Lilley has won this year’s Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution.
Pumpkins in the North
Getting Pumpkins to the Yukon isn’t easy. There’s a lot of shipping logistics to bring them from B.C., maybe Alberta, maybe even California.”
Through a Dark Wood
Jenifer Davidson, Yukon artist, has been creating art for as long as she can remember. More than a hobby, It’s benefitted her mental health.
Welcome to the Belly of the Bison!
Belly of the Bison offers dishes that are “upscale but simple,” as Scmidt describes them. “The food is elegant comfort food,” she said.
The Wonders of our territory
Though never in the Yukon, a fascination with its aura—the “nature, wilderness and rugged beauty”— led to the name Wonders of the Yukon
Yukon Prize for Visual Arts: And the winner is …
The Yukon Prize for Visual Arts provides one prize of $20K to help one Yukon artist focus full-time on creating art.
Year of the… Grease?
“We were going to push the boundaries of what a house concert on a private property could accomplish,” says Pick.
Mean Old World: Gordie Tentrees album release
Of everything he’s recorded, Tentrees is confident that his upcoming studio effort contains his best work to date.
At the drive-in – Yukon style & Pandemic safe
Two nights of drive-in movies in Whitehorse and Carcross. Soul, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, You Are Here: A Come From Away Story and Beans.
Finding History
Beaver castoreum found on an ancient throwing dart has led to new discoveries on traditional hunting technology in the North
Business Profile: Half Moon Ice Cream
with a supportive community, this ice cream maker has been able to stick it out in 2021, and even return with some impressive upgrades.
125 years of gold
2021 marks 125 years since the discovery of gold in the Yukon. This year there is a series of new commemorative activities.
What’s on for Yukon Riverside Arts Festival 2021?
Yukon Riverside Arts Festival will take place this year in Dawson City August 13-15
Paris Pick – A Star is born
Whitehorse musician Paris Pick’s most recent video, the title track from her album I Can’t Help It , is blowing up on YouTube
Family Feud Casting… In The Yukon!
Family Feud Canada is looking for families including Canada’s north, for their unique way of life and sense of community
Cypherfest 2021 is happening!
This year’s edition of Cypherfest will take place from July 23 to 25, with COVID-sensitive programming.
Farewell, Kona’s Coalition
Animal welfare service Kona’s Coalition is shutting down after nearly a decade
Drea Naysayer is still rocking
A new incarnation of The Naysayers will be releasing a self-titled album on June 25 via Coax Records
Come and see the wildlife!
The Yukon hasn’t seen many nice days yet this summer, but there are still ample outdoor opportunities. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, for example, has a full season planned.
A summer of sports
Some activities and events will look different this year, but Yukoners can still get their sport on.
Arts in the Park is back on the air
For the second year in a row, Arts in the Park will be presenting an adapted season to fit with pandemic protocols.
Summer Music Camp
This year’s Yukon Summer Music Camp is going ahead, with a new producer and administrative officer at the helm. Yukon Music Camp Society has opened registration for the second year of Yukon Summer Music Camp, pandemic edition.
A new arrival
The August Arrival’s first new music in a decade. “ it’s nice to be putting out something a little more public.”
Quest for Water
The 2021 Yukon River Quest will happen, come hell or high water, and there will be high water. “We all feel a little bit rusty this year”
Alone Together at Wood Street Centre
With COVID consuming a year of everyone’s lives, it seems almost for creatives to produce work that reflects the strangeness of these times
The Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay reimagined
After taking a year off, the cycling event will be back for 2021, but things will be looking a lot different.
Canoeing this summer?
Whitehorse’s canoe and kayak rental companies are shifting their focus to the local market for a summer without tourists.
Dreary and Izzy at the Guild
This May, Whitehorse’s Guild Hall is presenting Dreary and Izzy, a play by Tara Beagan which centres on a pair of sisters who have lost their parents in a car accident.
Music for a cause
Local musicians Keitha Clark and Graeme Poile donated the proceeds from their new EP to Whitehorse’s Community Outreach Van.
The Masked Singers
It’s been a complicated year for Whitehorse Community Choir. Around a year ago, they went from regularly scheduled full rehearsals to absolutely nothing, and had no idea when or how they’d be able to return.It’s been a complicated year for Whitehorse Community Choir.
The show must go on
The All-City Band’s March concerts take place the evenings of March 30 and 31. They will be presented through the Yukon Arts Centre.
Out of Nowhere
Yukon artist Ambrose has been challenging herself to grow as a singer and songwriter for years, and she’s just released her second full-length album.
Goodbye, Smith House
Music Yukon has been forced to seriously rethink its future and make plans to stay afloat in a changing industry and economy. One of those changes includes moving out of the Smith House, the little blue house in Lepage Park that Music Yukon has called home for nearly a decade.
The N.U.E. kids in town
Northern Underground Expressions (N.U.E.) is a Whitehorse-based independent record label focused on giving a bigger platform to underground hip-hop artists from the Yukon.
Melia Hudgin
The second artist featured in our “Musicians in Isolation Series,” multi-stylist Melia Hudgin is currently working on her debut EP and preparing to move to Toronto in the fall.
From the vaults
After 17 years, late Yukon musician Aylie Sparkes’ album has finally gotten a digital release.
Shining Lights
Shine Your Light is a weekly radio show featuring live music, poetry, comedy and conversation, spearheaded by Matthew “Toots” Toothill.
A storm is brewing
Last time What’s Up Yukon spoke with Whitehorse-based prog metal artist Rick Massie, he had just released his debut solo album, Eclipse. Now, only five months on, Massie is already working on new music.
Diyet and the Love Soldiers
This July, Diyet and the Love Soldiers released a video project to accompany their song, “Brave Face.” The track was the third single and opener from the multi-stylistic group’s recent studio album, 2018’s Diyet and the Love Soldiers. The album had already received recent accolades including winning the Canadian Folk Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter …
A Look Back at Arts in the Park 2020
I didn’t expect Arts in the Park to happen at all this year. Everything was getting cancelled, from big festivals like Atlin Arts and Music Festival and Dawson City Music Festival, to smaller bar shows with local acts. It just seemed like live music wasn’t going to be something that was happening at all, and …
Musicians in Isolation: Fawn Fritzen
Fawn Fritzen had originally planned on releasing her new album, How to Say Sorry and Other Lessons, in the spring and touring in support of it. But like so many other artists, she had her summer derailed by COVID-19 and had to completely reimagine her album release and promotional plan.
Radio Stars!
Yukon Arts In the Park returns for 2020 season and will broadcast live on CJUC 92.5 FM radio station. Check out the line up!
Full eclipse
It just hit me—I need this back.” Rick Massie hadn’t played guitar or any other instrument for around 15 years before he started working on his debut solo album. He claims he never really prioritized music, and though he played in all kinds of bands when he was younger, he drifted further and further away …
Total Eclipse of the Heart
“It just hit me—I need this back.” Rick Massie hadn’t played guitar or any other instrument for around 15 years before he started working on his debut solo album. He claims he never really prioritized music, and though he played in all kinds of bands when he was younger, he drifted further and further away …
It feels like there’s just a hole in my chest
Local Boy the same situation as musicians everywhere; every show he was looking forward to this summer has been cancelled or is likely to be.
Going the Distance
Physical distancing has thrown a wrench in the plans of musicians all over the world—here’s how the Yukon’s own are dealing with these times
A peek behind the curtain
Jona Barr (left), Patrick Hamilton and Brendan Preston produced the unique Beneath the Broadcast video segment in CBC Yukon’s Basement last winter Last winter, nine bands entered the CBC Yukon basement. There, each completed a one-shot live music video. The clips were compiled into a 45-minute segment and released as Beneath the Broadcast at an April screening in …
Still feeling the love
Paris Pick has been up to a lot this past year. Last November, she was featured in What’s Up Yukon for the local release concert of her debut album, Feeling Love, and its subsequent touring. It’s been nearly a year since then, but the Whitehorse soul and pop singer hasn’t slowed down. In fact, things are getting even …
This is Groan Boy
Dawson Bealieu, known by his stage alias Groan Boy, is instantly recognizable in his blue blazer—the same one he’s wearing on the concert flyers plastered all over town. In recent months, he’s had a schedule that would exhaust the most zealous workaholics, but he still managed to bring an awful lot of enthusiasm for an …
Coming into the light
The Adäka Cultural Festival is quickly growing into one of Canada’s premiere Indigenous arts and culture festivals
Summer is here and so is Arts in the Park
The 23rd annual Arts in the Park, running from May 21 until August 2, is here to usher in the summer season. There are few events in Whitehorse that mark the arrival of summer like the kick-off of Arts in the Park. With its 23rd annual season underway, Arts in the Park has become an …
The Vinyl Cut
Take a listen to Antarticus’ album—you almost won’t believe it was released this year. The prog-rock record is packed with extended solos, synthesizers and sci-fi/fantasy themes. As if that’s not old-school enough, it’s also being released on vinyl. “I think it makes sense for our style and mentality,” said bassist, keyboardist and vocalist Mack Smith. …
Paris Pick: Are you feeling the love?
There hardly seems to be a local show these days singer, musician, songwriter and enthusiast of all things tack, Paris Pick.
48 hours of music and film
From Friday, August 24 until Sunday, August 26, musicians and filmmakers are invited and encouraged to take part in the creation of a music video that will be completed in only two days.
Dancing with the stars
The 2nd annual Yukon Star Party will take place from Friday, August 24 to Saturday, August 25.
Canada Wide Science Fair Winners
All three Yukon participants in the 2018 Canada Wide Science Fair have brought home medals
Canadian concert series comes to Whitehorse
Aurora, a Canadian company that produces and distributes medical marijuana, is putting on a national series of free concerts to celebrate cannabis culture and the imminent legalization of marijuana through music and arts.
It’s an attack of breakdance, hip hop and street-style art
Intense break-dance battles, powerful performances, live painting showcases and wild parties — CypherFest consistently delivers it all.
Seize your Canada Day
No summer in the Yukon can be complete without the yearly Canada Day events. The very mention of Canada Day can conjure up memories and build anticipation for just about any Yukoner.
BC/DC is back (not on Black, on Jarvis)
It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ’n’ roll, but British Columbia’s famed tribute act to legendary rockers AC/DC, aptly named BC/DC, is already there.
Pride and joy … 24 Hours of Gaylight
This month, Yukon Pride: 24 Hours of Gaylight is happening for the sixth year in a row—and it just gets bigger every year.
Ride to Live, Live to Ride
Whitehorse’s ninth annual Ride for Dad is happening … and you can help out.
Play that funky music
Any Yukon music fan should be familiar with Major Funk—the raw live energy and mechanical tightness the band boasts often makes them the talking point of shows and festivals in the territory.
Just Dance
The upcoming edition of Leaping Feats’ annual year-end dance show, Dancing Through Life 2018, will be taking place over four nights, with one show per day from May 31 until June 3.
Local Artists Team Up for a Night of Live Hip Hop
“You’re Doing Great Work” reads the massive block letters on the front of Splintered Craft’s building on 4th Avenue. Other messages, pictures and tags cover nearly the entire exterior, and all have been made by local youth. The arts studio is a place where the youth of Whitehorse can discover, practice and hone their artistry …
Local Artists Team Up for a Night of Live Hip Hop Read More »
Back in Town
Among Whitehorse’s talented music scene are Madi Dixon and Sarah Ott. Since their early teen years, Dixon and Ott have been staples of the local artistic community, performing as part of grand scale events and intimate gigs alike, and each possessing a multi-stylistic skill set. The duo will be playing selections of indie, folk and …
There is always time for Soda Pony
It is a typical Sunday evening in Whitehorse, and the Whitehorse two-piece alternative rock band Soda Pony is hard at work rehearsing and perfecting material for their upcoming CD release show in June. They have just finished the recording and mixing process of their second full-length album, aptly called Sophomore, and are eager to showcase …
