After much speculation, it was announced this spring that Arts in the Park would be returning for a summer 2020 season after all—only things would be different. A lot different.With large gathering bans and restrictions on events like live concerts still in effect as the Yukon gradually reopens in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided that Arts in the Park would have to be presented virtually, as a radio show. It will still follow its familiar format of one performance per weekday at noon and an additional performance at 7 p.m. each Wednesday, and this year’s festival will also feature story readings from the Yukon Literacy Coalition on Wednesday mornings.The performances will take place from July 6-31 and will be broadcast live on CJUC 92.5 FM, from the radio station’s cabin in Shipyards Park, with the Thursday shows being broadcast from Dawson.Performing from Whitehorse will be Drea Naysayer, Local Boy, Cryptozoologists, Steve Slade, Stockstill & Rose, Erica Mah and Darcy McCord, Selina Heyligers-Hare, Groan Boy, Toots, Michael Brooks and the Bingo Bongo Boogie Band, Ellorie McKnight, Speed Control, Ragtime Annie ad Yukon Sal, Alex and Dan, Edith Cocotte, Hank Karr and Kevin Barr, Claire Ness, Elijah Bekk and Garbage Man. Performing from Dawson will be Andrew Laviolette and Kristen Poenn, Susu Robin, Sopjie Noel and Evrytt Willow. The festival will also include a grand finale with performances by Calla Kinglit, Fawn Fritzen & David Restivo, Paris Pick & Aiden Tentrees, BJ Maclean with Bob Hamilton and Sour Do Re Mi.Music Yukon has once again partnered with Yukon Artists at Work for Arts in the Park. Yukon Artists at Work will be presenting a weekly “Artist in the Window” series at their gallery, with each week’s artist present and working from 11-2 p.m., Wednesday to Friday.Because of the ongoing pandemic, extra safety measures have to be taken, even in presenting a virtual concert series. Under advice from CMOH Brendan Hanley, all Arts in the Park performers and staff will be adhering to physical distancing guidelines, all equipment will be sanitized between uses and the number of people in the radio station at any time will be limited.Hope you’ll listen in!The Staff of Arts in the Parkhttps://www.whatsupyukon.com/arts-entertainment/yukon-music/a-peek-behind-the-curtain/
