The revised start date for the "Not Close But Personal Concert Series" will be April 13th 2020.
Yukoners living in isolation will soon have local musicians performing regularly in their living rooms, while maintaining important social distancing. A live-streaming concert series is to feature a selection of Yukon's professional musicians performing from an empty Yukon Arts Centre, and from their homes in the communities.
The concept is the brainchild of Yukon artist Matthew Lien in harmony with similar live-streaming concert initiatives by the National Arts Centre, Music Industry Associations, Home Routes, and Ontario's MusicTogether initiative.
"The economic situation for musicians has already been challenging in recent years, and this health crisis really hits hard if you're a performing artist," said Lien. "But I think this is a powerful opportunity for musicians to do what they do best, using live music to bring us all together, even if it's done from a distance."
Presented by Music Yukon in partnership with the Yukon Arts Centre, supported by a host of partner organisations, produced by Whispering Willows Records and Larrikin Entertainment, and funded by Yukon Government's Departments of Tourism and Culture and Economic Development, the concerts will bring much needed income relief to Yukon musicians and technicians who are particularly vulnerable in the current economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
"The Yukon Arts Centre is pleased to support this initiative that will support our Yukon artists and help connect Yukoners to each other and to our artists. The collaboration of these individuals, organizations and broadcasters is so reflective of our community spirit and will help us all get through this difficult time," said Michele Emslie, programming director for the Yukon Arts Centre.
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai stated, "During these difficult times, the efforts by our music community to connect Yukoners in all communities, bring comfort and continue sharing their work is appreciated. Now more than ever, an innovative approach is needed to keep us together while we physically need to be apart."
The series plans to present six shows live-streamed on Facebook from musicians' homes in the communities, and twelve concerts presented in the Yukon Arts Centre - absent an audience - also live-streamed on Facebook, and broadcast on Northwestel Community TV and CHON-FM, with select performances made available on the Yukon Film Society's Video On Demand platform.
While the ever-shifting health crisis may impose changes, community-based performances will be available for viewing on Facebook at 7:00 PM on Mondays from musicians homes, while Yukon Arts Centre shows will stream to Facebook Live Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. The concert series will launch on April 13 and continue until May 29, 2020.

BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns
Selkirk First Nation announces election results
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade