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Arts
Art exhibit superintendent Michelle Cornelius is reaching out to remind all you amazing artists, it’s almost time for the Alaska State Fair! As an artist herself, Michelle has created many works in the last few years, especially during quarantine and restrictions. If you have art
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created within the last two years, consider showing at the Alaska State Fair! This is a call for art! Are you fabulous Alaskan artists ready to share your work with thousands of fairgoers?
link below to see all about guidelines regarding entries, shipping your art, what is required for entry, and dates of entry and pick and a lot more: www.alaskastatefair.org/ site/exhibit/art-2022
Be sure and check out the Alaska State Fair Art Exhibit. Check out the
Hope to see you, and your art, at The Alaska State Fair! Trinity, Age 4
Sailor, Age 7
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Nora & Liberty, Age 9
Sammy, Age 11
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Community tions, or just say ‘great job’! People feel respected, appreciated, and empowered when their voice is heard, be it in print or on the radio, and it has helped open expanded dialogues on many important, timely and sensitive topics.
Contributed by Randi Perlman One day back in spring 2011, right after the soft opening of our new business, a friendly young man sauntered into our shop. With a soft southern drawl, he proceeded to tell me & my husband about his company, its philosophy, and what he could offer us. I liked him immediately, listened intently, and loved his concept of letting the voice of the people be heard. Despite the fact that we had just opened and had no advertising budget, I signed on for a series of print ads to help market our business. His graphic artist/righthand man helped design a catchy ad, and it was like a magic wand had been waved; customers fill under its spell, started coming in, and never stopped! Eight years later, as our business grew larger than my husband and I could handle, we made the thoughtful decision to sell. Once again, this time featured on his newly acquired radio
station, a campaign advertising the sale of our business led to a successful outcome. Now, Josh Fryfogle is celebrating 15 years at the helm of his brainchild, Make A Scene! From the beginning, office manager Bryce Burkhart has worked alongside Josh to help run the many tasks involved in producing multiple mediums under one roof. These two young men have taken a simple concept and given it the heartbeat of a community.
Make A Scene is a full-service media company now. In addition to publishing both Make A Scene Magazine and The People’s Paper monthly, they broadcast daily on 95.5 The Pass KNLT FM, build beautiful websites, create video products, and are involved with and contribute to multiple events throughout the Mat-Su. As the saying goes, they have come a long way, baby! This is my toast
to everyone at Make A Scene who has helped make it all happen, but particularly to Josh & Bryce. Anyone who has started and grown a business knows the blood, sweat & tears that go into that kind of venture, and I raise my glass to those two young men for hanging in there through all the tough times, and holding strong to their beliefs. Make A Scene has grown to portray the pulse of the Valley, the voice of the people, and the portal for community information. Happy 15th Anniversary, Make A Scene! I’m looking forward to the next 15 and beyond, because we, the people, have a lot to say…
All articles are written by community members – there are no paid reporters on staff. At Make A Scene, the goal has always been to harness the power of self-expression, and it is working! Residents from around the Valley send in contributions in the printed form of articles, poetry, opinions, and more. And with the addition of 95.5 The Pass radio station, acquired in 2018, listeners can call in music requests, event notifica-
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Music
Contributed by Matt Rowley Don’t miss this fantastic evening of country music entertainment with artists Justin Biltonen and Hope Cassity. Justin Biltonen is best known as the bassist for the alt-rock group 3 Doors Down. With an adoration for country, rock, punk and hardcore, Justin went from singing in hometown worship groups to traveling the nation playing southern-fried rock ‘n roll. From playing bars and basements to global tours and the Presidential Inauguration, the North Carolina native owes his success to nothing more than his sincere, unwavering respect for music. “At the end of the day, I know I’ll always be able to focus on my love of an honest melody,” Biltonen reveals. “Whether I’m doing my own thing or touring with the band, thriving through the ups and downs in the name of the music is always going to matter more than anything else.”
Her effortless tone is reminiscent of Patty Loveless and Emmylou Harris, while her evanescence and at times, rocker chicesque performances are enough to capture even the most distracted audiences of today. She brings audiences to tears while bringing them to their feet. She creates pin-drop silence in the chattiest of rooms, and she inspires budding songwriters with her unrelenting work ethic and her generous heart. Rounding out this evening of pure entertainment is Emcee and comedian Jeff Varvil, undoubtedly the funniest guy in Alaska. Save the date! Brought to you by MATSU Events, this concert is one night only, July 30th, at the Menard Center. Tickets at: www.matsuevents.com
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It’s no coincidence that Hope Cassity’s first name is usually associated with words like belief, optimism, faith, and love. Before her brush with a rare form of cancer in 2018, Cassity lived in Tennessee for 6 years and graduated Nashville “hard knocks” school of music. Eventually, she earned her place as a respected songsmith on Music Row. Cassity was a threetime Nashville Country Music Association Nominee (NCMA),
including a winner for NCMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2015. Working alongside greats like #1 hitmaker Jim McBride and Grammy award winning writer Jerry Salley (Outlaw State of Mind, Chris Stapleton) , Cassity’s self-awareness and maturity rival even the most experienced in the business. Traveling around the southeast, armed with only a guitar, Hope’s philosophy is simple: write and perform honestly. Her easy listening melodies and honest words are enough to break down the toughest of genre barriers with influences of rock, blues, and classic country.
PAGE 6 Contributed by David Stearns There is nothing quite like an Alaska summer. Pleasant days that seamlessly roll into long nights offering endless possibilities that beckon the adventurous spirit of Alaskans and visitors alike. There is fishing, camping, boating, biking, and parties galore. There are mountains to climb, rivers to explore and glaciers to visit. The Kenai Peninsula often has been referred to as Alaska’s playground and that’s because all the various activities that we love are available somewhere on the Peninsula. Quaint and welcoming towns dot the landscape. Hope, Moose Pass, Seward, Cooper Landing, Kenai, Soldotna, Kasilof, Anchor Point, and Homer, all have unique elements to offer visitors from near and far.
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Along the central Kenai Peninsula coast sits the charming and picturesque village of Ninilchik, home of the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds and the newly created ARCHES Amphitheater and campground. Ninilchik has hosted one of the summer’s most dynamic weekends for over a decade. Salmonfest, widely considered the state’s largest and most compelling festival, returns Aug. 5-7 for another fabulous weekend celebrating salmon culture. Perhaps you’ve attended one of the previous festivals or maybe you’ve heard through the grapevine that it’s worth the journey. We believe that it is indeed worth joining the collective excursion to one of the most diverse and comprehensive festivals, not just in Alaska, but also in the entire country.
Headlined by 20+ nationally renowned acts, dozens of Alaska’s top bands, 100+ crafters, artists and brewers along with exquisite cuisine, the Salmonfest experience will not disappoint. There is truly something for everyone including world class music, the family friendly atmosphere (there are children’s activities each day and kids 10 and under are free), the colorful stages and costumes, and other surprises make the weekend an endless multifaceted sensory experience. If you decided that you need a break from a steady stream of eclectic and high-octane music that is rolling on four stages virtually all weekend, you can wander the local beaches and and rivers, catch a salmon, go for a halibut fishing trip or just chill out at your campsite or cabin with family and friends, new and old. While ARCHES camping is sold out, additional camping is within walking distance or along the free shuttle route running until 2:30am Fri & Sat and 10pm on Sunday. Now, people from the lower 48 are coming to Alaska, as Salmonfest steadily establishes a reputation as a destination event. Last year, tickets were sold in 45 states and nearly 20 countries. Many people who have always wanted to come north, in particular those who have friends and family in Alaska, are now using the festival as an incentive and an anchor date to make the trip. Whether you’ve been a part of the extended family in the past or are planning to join us for the first time this year, we can assure you we are working tirelessly to bring you the
best possible experience. Whether it be an incredibly talented and diverse group of musicians, top production, delectable cuisine, unique arts and crafts, refreshing brews, or just the magic that happens when an incredible group of people gather for a special weekend, we strive to create something
that cultivates spontaneous magic and lasting memories. We hope you’ll join us August 5-7 for a weekend of song, dance, delight, a little craziness, spirit, love, fish, music, imagination, goofiness, family, friends and fun!
It’s back! Valley Recycling’s 4th annual Recycle Revival music festival is live at Skeetawk Ski Area in beautiful Hatcher Pass, Saturday, July 30th, from 2-11pm. Musical performances by Alaska’s favorites: Feral Katz, Carhartt Brothers, Denali Cooks, and Matt Hopper & The Roman Candles.
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Music Valley Market Real Estate, Dr. Joanie Kirk, ND., Princess Cruises, Valley Arts Alliance, The North Face, Valley Country Store, and Susitna Organics. Come and join our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, recyclers, music lovers and anyone else willing to pay a paltry $20
donation for a full day of fun and music, all while supporting a good cause – recycling in Alaska!
end this with an enthusiastic sentence and the final exclamation point. Count ‘em up, and we’ll see you there!
If you are unable to attend, feel free to donate at valleyrecycling.org Donation link is valid year-round! And I needed to
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit taxdeductible organization.
There will be food vendors, beer garden, lift rides, and a silent auction with cool outdoor stuff. This year’s music festival fundraiser is a zero-waste event, so don’t forget to bring your reusables in your backpack. We will have earth friendly items available for use – even the food vendors will be prepared with sustainable, single-use plastic and Styrofoam FREE serving options! Bring your own reusable container and receive a free sticker to decorate it! Or count the exclamation points in this exciting article and get a free sticker!! Hint: there are two in that last sentence! And it’s not too late to donate to the silent auction. We are accepting mindful items until July 25th, at the recycling center office. Major funding for this event provided by SUBARU of America #DontFeedTheLandfills. There will be limited dedicated “rock star” parking for Subaru vehicles only and Subaru swag to bid on in the silent auction. Additional funding provided by 95.5 THE PASS, Make-a-Scene, Aethereal Coffee, Mat Valley Federal Credit Union,
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Music
Norm Hamlet, born in 1935, is a 2-time hall of fame legendary American steel guitarist who performed, recorded, and toured with Merle Haggard for 49 years. Additionally he was also band leader for Merle’s band “The Strangers” winning 8 ACM awards during his time as band leader. Norm began playing steel guitar as a teen in California, and in the 60’s became an important influence in the Bakersfield sound. Norm has performed on over 30 #1 hits and in countless concert halls throughout the United States including performing at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square garden, and opening for the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams. He has performed for 2 presidents. He currently tours with Mario Carboni, and has performed with Kris Kristofferson. He has also appeared on Jay Leno and the Tonight Show.
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Mario Carboni, also known as the Honky-Tonk Rebel, was born in 1986, and started playing keyboards at a very early age (9 months!) He has been delighting audiences ever since with his extensive repertoire of honky-tonk, country-western, piano rock and roll,
New Orleans jazz, blues, and boogie woogie. He currently tours 35 states every year from Alaska to New York City. He has performed and recorded with Country Music Legend Red Simpson. Additionally, he has recorded with Jimmy Phillips, Susan Raye, Johnny Rodriguez, & Earl Poole Ball (pianist with Johnny Cash for 20 years) Norm and Mario unite their generations by teaming up to entertain fans, showcasing select hits from the Bakersfield Sound including songs from Merle Haggard, Red Simpson, Buck Owens, and brandnew original material! Each energy filled performance includes selections which showcase Mario’s unique ability to perform piano and trumpet simultaneously, as well as featuring Norm on Steel guitar! There will be a special meet and greet with Norm Hamlet and Mario Carboni immediately following their Palmer Friday Fling performance (August 5th, 11:30-1:30PM), across the street at the Alaska Veterans’ and Pioneer Home, during their annual music festival! For more information and event calendar, please visit: www.honkytonkrebel.com
Special thanks to LINKS Resource Center & Mat Su Sertoma for sponsoring The Deaf & The Musicians Alaska tour! The Deaf and The Musician, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanded outside of Utah with their first out-of-state tour, to Alaska. The Deaf and The Musician is a combination of deaf artist Cindy McAllister and singer-songwriter Ben Brinton, as they combine visual sign language with music. www.benbrinton.com
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Poetry & Prose Contributed by Charles Dean Walker This homophobic bigotry needs to die out in our community. Being a hateful bigot isn’t Christ like. To be a Christian is to try to follow Jesus’s example and teachings. Where in the Bible did it tell us to try to change people’s sexuality? Where in the Bible did it say it was alright to spew hateful rhetoric? We Christians may fail God, we may fail other believers too. But I’m not ashamed to love my Queer friends. Even in the view that they are sinners, coming to their aid from hurtful people. Is what Jesus would do. Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, Mary Magdalene was Jesus friend and follower. If we were kinder to the LGBTA, and showed we weren’t hateful, more would want to come to Christ too.
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Contributed by Karly O’Loughlin Sadness dressed in blue A faded denim; familiar, soft Sitting on the hips with ease Pores opening and closing Opening and closing Remembering bread kneaded between fingers Flour in the cracks of a palm pressed to the counter Sadness baked in lemon and rosemary A lingering aroma; familiar, soft She is in the details Perched on the rise of lips curved around a word She is slipping through teeth Tongue flicking the corners of a thought still wet on the mouth She is volatile and rich with spices Damp velvet soul food, heavy in the gut Sadness held in the feet for many miles A drawn out ache; familiar, soft Situating in pockets of fluid with ease Eyes opening and closing Opening and closing Remembering oceans from a shell pressed to the ear Sand gathering in a froth around toes curling downward Sadness steeped under the arches A grainy memory; familiar, soft
But this hate that we let preachers preach, well, we know not what we do. Some will probably think I’m not Christian, or question how can I call myself a Christian. Because even though I don’t think the Bible was talking about two male or female lovers. I can’t sit here as a young adult Christian and not help the marginalized. Christ can come to the aid of a sex worker, I should come to the aid of homosexuals trying to love. It’s not too late for our community to become better, in fact people are trying. Homophobia will always have a place in the WORLD, but it has no place in the Kingdom of Heaven. I am a heterosexual, I am a Christian. You will not, can not shame me for spreading love to these minorities you hate. People can curse my name, but I choose to do what Jesus would truly do. To love my queer friends.
Contributed by Katherine Baker Group violence said we want peace, then peace more violence released. In confusion the truth decreased, and the old ways begun to cease. Perhaps we just waited too long, watching some things, not wise but wrong. The ways of old which once were strong, some right, some wrong, were not prolonged. The ways of now, some good, some bad, this sorrow we’ve already had. Forgot the good of old to add, another generation sad.
Contributed by Caitlin M.S. Buxbaum The fire alarm is going off at Newark International— travelers & staff glance around waiting for instructions on how & when to escape. No one changes course.
Contributed by Katherine Baker Oh Lord, I saw the earth today, and all my thoughts, I paused to weigh. Quiet and vast, this great expanse, how small, how lone, my human stance. As I view these acres of land, and seek to find of me, the am. With hand I touched the earth to skin, still there, the love which dwells in kin. Bits of wisdom, from those who were, their hopes and dreams, myself, I’m sure. Was long ago they worked this land, was here today, I held those hands.
Contributed by Mark Austin The Musk Ox Farm invites you to an evening of music with the Super Saturated Sugar Strings, July 22nd! Come and enjoy a wonderful outdoor show at the Musk Ox Farm on Friday July 22, with doors opening at 6:30pm and concert beginning at 7:30pm.
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Music
enjoy with the show, but remind you that there will be no outside alcohol allowed on the premises. This is just one of a few public shows this summer at The Musk Ox Farm. For information and tickets go to muskoxfarm.org.
Local craft brews will be provided by Bleeding Heart Brewery! Bring your own pint cup to enjoy a 16 ounce pour or get stuck with the guilt of plastic and a 12 ounce pour. We encourage you to bring a picnic to
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