Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The actual Folk on the Rocks doesn't get started until Saturday but the pre-festival activities kicked off Thursday night with Rock the Folks.

It's a battle of the bands-type event at the Folk on the Rocks site and the winner will get a slot on the left stage during the actual festival on Saturday.

The executive director of Folk on the Rocks, Penny Ruvinsky, said it's also a good chance for young performers to experience the business.

"It’s a great opportunity for youth to get involved, it’s a great opportunity for them to mingle with some professional performers, and see what that really is about and get an understanding for the work that’s involved. Because it is an intense career choice and it’s a lot of work, it’s a lot of fun but it’s a lot of work."

Rock the Folks is followed by Warm the Rocks on Friday, which Ruvinsky said is sort of like a pub crawl, taking place in three locations.

"Tickets are available only at the door, we have three different groups playing at the Top Knight, we have three different groups playing at the MacKenzie Lounge, and we have different groups playing out at the site for the family friendly venue which is non-alcoholic"

Performers at Warm the Rocks will include Hot Vibrator, The Jerrycans, and Kate Reid.

CJCD Mix 100 News