Loon Returns

Loon Returns – an ethereal performance on McLean Lake.
July 31, and Aug 1,  9:00 pm

In this summer of “returning,” Longest Night Society, in association with Nakai Theatre, is very proud to be presenting Loon Returns.

A fabulistic music-driven evening evoking our humanity, and stirring our imaginations.

Loon Returns is a location-specific environmental operetta in the style of R. Murray Schafer and work by the Vancouver Soundscape Project.  Members of the Problematic Orchestra – Yukon’s favourite pop-up orchestra – will be joined by guest soloist Rachel Fenlon – formerly with Vancouver Opera and now living in Berlin. The ensemble will also be joined by special guests, the Kwanlin Dághàlhaan K’e Dancers featuring a new song composed by Sarah Johnston Smith.

What do we mean “Returns”?

In 1986, a small group of musicians and visual artists under the direction of Daniel Janke presented Loon Part 1, a fantastical outdoor music event on McLean Lake, in Whitehorse, Yukon. Thirty-five years later, Janke returns to the inspiration with this very timely outdoor event.

Loon Returns promises to be a gem of an event in the Yukon summer, a delight for the eye and the ear in a stunning outdoor location. It is an offering of hope as we begin to emerge from the pandemic that has so long changed the very way we live, nurturing contemplation on how we might look anew to the future.

Admission is free by donation.
Pre registration is required to ensure everyone’s safety.

McLean Lake Whitehorse, July 31, and Aug 1,  9:00 pm

Parking at the road, and walk in to the site.
(Shuttle service will be available for those requiring assistance.)

Buy a poster

Loon Returns posters are for sale as a fundraiser for Longest Night Society

The 20” X 40” embossed and numbered artist prints were designed by Mike Rice, and silk-screen printed by Adam Green at Greenscreen Printing

$250 or $500 framed with glass.

Loon Returns – Credits

DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM

Composed and directed by: Daniel Janke

With guest artists:

Lara Secord-Haid – Soprano

Kwanlin Dághàlhaan K’e Dancers
Sarah Johnston Smith
Sean Smith
Natalie Thompson
Terell Brockman
Ann Smith
Lewis Thompson
Alaya Sutherland
Dylan Charlie
Azaria Smith

The song Haa khu.oowú hasdu jiyís át tooshí (We sing for our people) was composed by Sarah Johnston Smith, and commissioned by Longest Night Society

Members of the Problematic Orchestra:

Toby Moisey – flute
Marie Gallagher – bassoon
Erinn Komschlies – clarinet
Jake Paleczny – bass clarinet
Adrian Burrill – trumpet
Andrea McColeman – marimba
Kimberley Hart – percussion
Brian Gaas – percussion

Loon and Set Design and Construction:
David Skelton and Scott Price

For Nakai Theatre:

Jacob Zimmer – Artistic Director
Norah Paton – Managing Producer
Liam Russell – Production Assistant
Claire DeBruyn – Production Co-ordinator
Todd Vanderlinden – Loon Wrangler

Poster design: Mike Rice, Catalyst Communication
Silkscreen printing: Adam Green, Greenscreen Printing
Sound Recording: Jim Holland
Video: Marten Berkman and Willow Berkman