Musicians of the Midnight Sun

In this concluding episode, you pick up where part one left off, diving deeper into Louie Goose's musical life and the cultural world surrounding it. You learn about the characters and mentors who shaped him along the way, and explore how the rhythms of northern life, from oil booms to the roles of the church and military, run through his story. A living example of why oral tradition remains vital among indigenous cultures of the north, Louie brings it all together as a musician who has witnessed and played through decades of change and continues to thrive as a performing artist today.

In this episode, you follow the remarkable life and musical journey of Louie Goose, a musician and keeper of Inuvialuit oral tradition who has spent decades preserving his people's stories. Starting with his first "bootleg" guitar at age 8, you trace his path through bands like The Deltanaires and The Mackenzie Delta Band, through house band residencies in Inuvik, and against the backdrop of oil booms, the church, and the military shaping a northern community. This April 2025 conversation picks up where a 2018 interview left off and Part 2 is coming.

Dehcho elder Jonas Antoine shares memories of growing up on the Rabbit Skin River, attending high school in Yellowknife, and joining The Chieftones as their sound man and road manager. He reflects on touring the United States in the 1960s and working alongside legendary American performers and bands there.

Dehcho elder Jonas Antoine shares memories of growing up on the Rabbit Skin River, attending high school in Yellowknife, and joining The Chieftones as their sound man and road manager. He reflects on touring the United States in the 1960s and working alongside legendary American performers and bands there.

Louie Goose is a renowned Inuvialuit vocalist and guitar player from Inuvik, Northwest Territories. In this interview, Louie recounts his strong connection to his Inuit ancestry and heritage and the music scene in the Mackenzie Delta region through the 1960s and 70s.

Part 2 of Philip Stobo.  One of the artists who defined the golden era of musicians and bands nurtured at the Akaitcho Hall Hostel in Yellowknife in the early 1970s.

Musicians of the Midnight Sun is pleased to welcome Philip Stobo to the fold of artists who defined the golden era of musicians and bands nurtured at the Akaitcho Hall Hostel in Yellowknife in the early 1970s.

In this Part 2 interview, William Tagoona chronicles his young musical life through the 1960s and 1970s. From hearing and witnessing traditional Inuit music, to singing and playing popular songs with the bands “The Harpoons” and “The Pur” at the residential school in Churchill, MB.

In this Part 1 interview, William Tagoona chronicles his young musical life through the 1960s and 1970s. From hearing and witnessing traditional Inuit music, to singing and playing popular songs with the bands “The Harpoons” and “The Pur” at the residential school in Churchill, MB.

 

 

Musicians of the Midnight Sun is delighted to welcome Yellowknife musician, singer/songwriter, trombonist and music educator Bill Gilday to the MMS roster!

Bill Gilday has lived a life full of passion for his music, his family and his role as a music educator.