Lute Festival Breaks Records

NWT – The fifth annual NWT International Lute Festival had a record-breaking year, with more people than ever before turning out in Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife for the shows. The festival is organized by the Hay River Early Music Society, and its director Tyler Hawkins said he was very impressed, especially with one of the venues. 
”We had about 300 people come out for the performances,” said Hawkins. “I really liked the Fort Smith Cathedral. I mean, it is built for that style of music.”

Hawkins said he isn’t sure what accounts for the increased turnout – in previous years the festival has averaged around 80 viewers – but he does have some ideas. He suggested that his “media blitz” may have been the reason, or just having it in the fall, surrounded by Culture Days. In the past, the festival has been held in the winter and spring.

Story from nnsl.com:
Monday, October 17, 2011