Guitarist and musical impersonator Alan Pysar rocked the John Wayne Kiktorak Centre's first-ever benefit concert with covers of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash Saturday, Feb. 17.
Samantha McKay/NNSL photo
Local artists Louie Goose, Glen Brake, and Brian Turner opened the show and supported Pysar's act.
Pysar said he's been performing for 15 years for fundraisers and free events at missions.
"I know Joey from Hope Mission where I work in Edmonton as a senior chaplain, so we decided to work together to put together a fundraiser for the John Wayne (Kiktorak) Centre here," Pysar said. "I only really perform for benevolent agencies and ministries to help out."
Joey Amos, manager of the John Wayne Kiktorak Centre, called the benefit concert a success.
"The people that came out seemed to enjoy it," Amos said. "Even though the performers only had a short time to practice together, it sounded like they had been playing together for months, if not years."
He added that the firefighters who were providing security at the door said they heard guests leaving and remarking on what a good show it was.
"To me, that said it all," Amos said. "Things like this that benefit the community and also folks that are marginalized, the community always steps in to help and support us without any expectations."
Amos said while it was a fundraising event, it was also meant to give back to the community.
"Since my hiring in November 2015, the community has always been there. Always," Amos said. "We would not be where we are without their support, so this event was more for the community than it was for us."
The benefit concert took place in the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex's community hall during IRC Cup weekend.
Amos said he hopes to host another benefit concert for the warming centre in the future.
The fundraiser was sponsored by Canadian North and the Gwich'in Tribal Council.
"A huge thank you to Canadian North, Gwich'in Tribal Council, Inuvik Volunteer Firefighters' Association, Howie McLeod, Louie Goose, Brian Turner, Glen Brake and to Alan Pysar," Amos said. "And thank you to the IRC Wellness Department for the donated hall."
