Local Performer David Newland to Record Live, Arctic-Themed Album in Cobourg
Concert recording Saturday Nov 3 at Trinity United Church will feature Inuit throat singers, drum dancers and special musical guests
NORTHBOUND: The Northwest Passage in Story and Song
David Newland & Uncharted Waters with Siqiniup Qilauta / Sunsdrum & special musical guests
Saturday, November 3, 7:30 PM
Trinity United Church, Cobourg
Tickets: northboundlive.eventbrite.ca
When Cobourg-based folk-singer and writer David Newland first travelled to Canada’s fabled Northwest Passage in 2013 with Adventure Canada, he didn’t know would make 9 trips (and counting) to the High Arctic—and return with the material for an electrifying new project.
“Like all Canadians, I had a fascination with the North,” says Newland. “But the North is not what southern Canadians think it is.” Inspired by the tension between the mythical and the actual Arctic, Newland created a live show, The Northwest Passage in Story and Song. Backed by his band, Uncharted Waters (Saskia Tomkins, Sam Steafan Hannigan, Oisin Hannigan and Sam Allison), he debuted the show in January of 2016 at The Loft in Cobourg—promptly selling out multiple performances.
“The audience reaction was amazing,” says Newland. “We had touched a Canadian nerve.” With songs, photographs, and stories inspired by his own experiences in the Arctic, The Northwest Passage in Story and Song went on to sell out theatres across Ontario, and Newland has brought versions of the show on tour to BC, Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
At every turn, Newland sought to collaborate with other artists—like Inuit performers Siqiniup Qilauta (Sunsdrum), who bring drum-dancing, throat-singing and Arctic games to the show. Even more importantly, they bring Northern voices and perspectives to southern audiences.
Along with Siqniniup Qilauta and his own band, Newland will be bringing a diverse group of musical collaborators for the recording. Guests include Drew Gonsalves, front man of Juno-winning Calypso combo Kobo Town; Celtic/classical fiddler Alex Cheung; ethereal vocalists Annie Sumi and Tannis Slimmon; and singers from the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir under John Kraus. Special guest Lois Suluk, actor and musical performer is making the trip from Arviat, Nunavut just for the show.
Newland says the event is more than songs, stories, and pictures. He believes Canada needs a new view of the North. “I chose the title Northbound because as Canadians, we are bound to the North—which is the Inuit homeland. And I really hope to bring that point home—literally!”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love