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Play that funky music!

By Jennifer Edwards

Pure Canada maps out the best of Dawson City's music festival.

For three short days in July, Dawson City (located not far from the Alaskan border in the Yukon) is Canada's finest place to hear music and to spot bands that are on the verge of breaking out. Launched in 1979, the Dawson City Music Festival (July 21-23, 2006) quickly developed a reputation among musicians as one of Canada's pre-eminent festivals to play. Now some of the country's brightest up-and-coming bands share the stage with more established players. And with everything from rock to jazz to bluegrass, there's something for everyone.

For festival-goers, the joy of attending Dawson's music fest is all about choice and intimacy. You can see every act and really get to know your favorites. As Edmonton musician Bill Bourne says, "It's the kind of weekend where you can't sleep because you're afraid you’ll miss something." And aside from the huge red and white striped main stage tent where exuberant dancing reigns, the venues are cozy and relaxed. There's St. Paul's Anglican Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church, where musicians take to the pulpit and play to the pews; the gazebo on the grassy banks of the Yukon River; the beautifully restored Palace Grand; and the gold-rush era theatre and dance hall.

But what really gives Dawson an edge is its knack for picking the country's best just-about-to-break bands. Groups like the Barenaked Ladies and the Crash Test Dummies appeared in Dawson long before "If I Had a Million Dollars" and "Superman's Song" received non-stop radio play. And indie gems like The Sadies, Be Good Tanyas, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Fred Eaglesmith and the Constantines also got their start here. This year's lineup features the same proven mix, including acts like Final Fantasy, Cuff the Duke and Les Batinses.

Vancouver's Georgia Straight described the Dawson fest as "Canada's tiny, perfect festival," which is no surprise to those who've been there. The Dawson City Music Festival isn't just about the discovery of great new bands; it’s about meeting new people and taking in the sweet sounds and sights of this historic gold-rush town. As the last strains of music die out on Sunday night and you're massaging your dancing feet, you'll reflect on the weekend past… and already be plotting your return next year.

DCMF Sneak Peek

From a dazzling fingerstyle guitarist to a comic book-inspired duo to a singer with funky R&B; songs sung in Maori, this year's Dawson City Music Festival gets major points for eclecticism. Here’s a preview:

Les Batinses: These spirited Quebecois folkies like to frolic with all kinds of musical influences and stir up a dancing frenzy. www.lesbatinses.com. CD: Eaux-de-vies.

Cuff the Duke: Originally from Oshawa, this quintet has recently won kudos from critics for their exuberant and intelligent country-rock. www.cufftheduke.com. CD: Cuff the Duke.

Donné Roberts Band: A member of the Juno Award-winning band African Guitar Summit, Roberts leads his own group, combining soul and the music of Madagascar. www.donnerobert.com. CD: Rhythm Was Born.

Christine Fellows: Arty, inspired and clear-voiced, this Winnipeg native uses her songs to tell her intricate stories. www.christinefellows.com. CD: Paper Anniversary.

Final Fantasy: At turns sprite and whimsical, romantic and fierce, Final Fantasy's pop orchestrations are always enchanting. CD: Has a Good Home.

Hank & Lily: Inspired by their self-penned comic book series, Hank Pine and Lily Fawn show that good things come from complete derangement. www.hankandlily.com. CD: The Road to New Orleans.

Hungry Hill: Bluegrass that burns a hole through your boots is what this Yukon-based group delivers. www.hungryhill.ca. CD: Hungry Hill.

Tomás Kubinek & Edith Tankus: This vaudevillian clowning and acrobatic duo are as charming as they are absurd. www.kubinek.com; www.edithtankus.com.

Mihirangi: Hailing all the way from Melbourne, Australia, New Zealand-born Mihirangi performs funk-meets-roots music with plenty of traditional Maori thrown in for good measure. www.mihirangi.com. CD: Moemoea Reka.

Art Turner: With fingers that fly, this acoustic guitarist creates lush musical soundscapes that are adventurous and uplifting. www.artturner.com. CD: Sonora.

Photo credit: Jay Armitage