Palmer, Alaska – The “Nicest Man in Stand-Up” is making an appearance at the 2023 AT&T Concert Series at the Alaska State Fair! Comedian Nate Bargatze takes the ConocoPhillips Borealis Stage on Saturday, August 26, at 7 p.m., rounding out the 2023 line-up. Tickets are on sale now.
Widely known for his clean and relatable comedy for all age groups, Bargatze has several specials, including his latest, “Hello, World.” The Grammy®-nominated stand-up comedian from Nashville, Tennessee, has more than 10 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and has performed for the troops in Kuwait and Iraq, with Chris Rock, and
at Bonnaroo and SXSW, among others. Bargatze is currently selling out shows all over the world with his new “The Be Funny” Tour. When not on the road, Bargatze is the creator and host of the weekly podcast “Nateland.”
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. AKDT on Friday, June 9, at alaskastatefair.org. Concert-goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission.
The included admission is at a discounted price and good any day of the Fair. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 17. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply on all concert ticket purchases.
Bargatze is the final act announced in the Fair’s 2023 concert series line-up, joining:
Sat Aug 19: Turnpike Troubadours
Sun, Aug 20: Noah Kahan
Mon, Aug 21: FOR KING + COUNTRY
Thur, Aug 24: Blues Traveler
Fri, Aug 25: Flogging Molly
Sun, Aug 27: Home Free
Mon, Aug 28: Yung Gravy
Thurs, Aug 31: J Boog
Fri, Sept 1: MEGADETH
Sat, Sept 2: The String Cheese Incident
Sun, Sept 3: Little River Band
Mon, Sept 4: Noah Cyrus
Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on the 2023 concert series.
MENTION MAKEASCENE AND RECEIVE
Ninilchik, AK - Salmonfest announces 2023 headliners including 2x Grammy Award winners Old Crow Medicine Show (Surprisingly not for their global hit Wagon Wheel), American Music Award Nominee Sierra Ferrell, Leftover Salmon, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Blues sensation Jackie Venson, The Burroughs, & festival favorites The High
Hawks. Top Alaskan acts include Medium Build, H3, Hope Social Club, Black Water Railroad Co. and Roland Roberts Band.
Tickets, camping and the full lineup available now at salmonfestalaska.org. Four stages, 60 bands, 100+ vendors, Alaska’s top food trucks, premium local beer & wine, Salmon Causeway and a daily kids program. Children under 6 are FREE!
Other national touring acts performing this year are Tom Rigby and Flambeau playing uptempo New Orleans Cajun music, The Bright Light Social Hour, Days N’ Daze belting Houston “Thrash-Grass,” an enticing combination of folk, bluegrass and punk, as well as festival stalwart Moonalice.
More info at: salmonfestalaska.org
June 8 Creekbend Cafe, Hope
June 9 Colony Days, Palmer
June 10 Music in the Park, Wasilla
June 15-19 Seldovia Arts & Music Fest, Seldovia
June 21 Koot’s Supporting Morgan Myles, Anchorage
June 22 Everett’s Mat-Su Resort with Morgan Miles, Wasilla
June 23 Fishhook Bar & Grill, Hatcher Pass
June 24 Backyard BBQ with Chris Young, Kendall Marvell, Anchorage
June 29 Four Corners, Palmer
June 30 Surprise Show
July 3 Lions Club Park Fireworks Show, Eagle River
July 4 Koot’s Supporting The Ken Peltier Band, Anchorage
June 6 Koot’s, Anchorage
July 8 Palmer Garden & Art Faire, Palmer
July 19 Youth Songwriter Showcase at Sunset View Resort, Big Lake
July 20 Koot’s, Anchorage
July 22 United Way Mat-Su Appreciation Show, Elk’s Lodge
July 27-28 Susitna Brewing, Big Lake
Aug 2-3 Creekbend Cafe, Hope
Aug 4-6 SalmonFest, Ninilchik
ALASKA STATE FAIR: Aug 18 Sluicebox 3:30-5PM; Watering Hole 7-8:30PM
Aug 19 Sluicebox 7-8:30PM; Aug 21 Bluebonnet Stage 1-1:45PM; Aug 21 Watering Hole 7-8:30
A
8 Creekbend Cafe, Hope
June 17th @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park
FREE Concert Series
11th Airborne Band 3PM
Lulu Small Band 6PM 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla Makeasceneak.com
June 17th @ 12PM
Art on Fire Art Fest
Museum of Alaska
Transportation &Industry
3800 W Museum Dr, Wasilla valleyartalliance.com
June 17th @ 3PM
June 17th @ 3PM
Ralley Recovery Ride
Starts at Anchorage
Alano Club
Ends at Denali
Harley Davidson
Find more info on Facebook @Rally Recovery Ride 2023
June 17th @ 3:30PM
Personal Efficiency Course
Church of Scientology
Mission of Anchorage
1300 E 68th Ave, Anchorage scientologyanchorage.org
June 17th @ 7PM
Battle Dawgs
Midnight Sun
Charity Golf Classic
7307 S Frontier Dr, Wasilla jesse@battledawgs.org battledawgs.org
June 17th @ 7PM
Hope Social Club Concert Musk Ox Farm 12850 E Archie Rd, Palmer muskoxfarm.org/events
June 18th @ 10PM
Murda Beatz at Williwaw Social 609 F St, Anchorage (907) 868-2000
June 22nd @ 11AM
Alaska Behavioral Health
Grand Opening Celebration 351 W Parks Hwy, Wasilla info@akbh.org akbh.org
June 24th-25th @ 8AM
Alaska Scottish Highland Games
Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer alaskascottish.org
June 24th @ 12PM-9PM
Music in The Park FREE Concert Series 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla makeasceneak.com
June 24th @ 2PM
2nd Annual Summer
Solstice Float for Hope Recovery Community Awareness Event
Wasilla Lake, Wasilla 907-631-2370
June 24th @ 3PM
Celebration of the Life of Barb Nord 610 S Valley Way, Palmer celebratebarbnord@gmail.com
June 24th @ 4PM
34th Sutton
Coal Miners Ball
Alpine Inn, LLC Mile 61 Glenn Hwy, Sutton 907-745-9955
June 25th @ 2PM
Aloha Music Festival
1142 N Muldoon Rd Suite #115, Anchorage alohainalaska907@gmail. com
June 25th @ 6:30PM
Emma Hill & Emily Anderson
The Forest That Never Sleeps at The NAVE. Northern Cultural Exchange All Ages Co-Op 3502 Spenard Rd, Anchorage info@thenavespenard.com
June 30th @ 6PM
Film Rant Film Fest at Williwaw Social 609 F St, Anchorage filmrantalaska.com
July 1st @ 10AM-5PM
Open House, Yard Sale & BBQ, Wild Birds and MORE at the AK WildBird Rehabilitation Center 12235 Birch Rd, Houston
July 4th City of Wasilla 4th of July Parade @ 11AM
Mayor’s Picnic @ 1PM
Music in The Park @ 12PM 594 W. Nelson Ave, Wasilla 907-373-2698
July 5th @ 11AM
KW Presents: Food Trucks Inside Wasilla City Center 621 S Knik Goose Bay Rd
July 7th-9th
Girdwood Forest Fair
LIVE MUSIC, FOOD, FESTIVAL & MORE 250 Egloff Dr, Girdwood girdwoodforestfair.com
July 12-16 @ 12PM
Bear Paw Festival
LIVE MUSIC, CARNIVAL, FOOD & MORE
12001 Business Blvd, Eagle River cer.org/bear-paw-festival 907-694-4702
July 14th @ 5PM
Cardboard City 2023
Family Promise Mat-Su 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer promise@mtaonline.net
July 19th @ 5PM
Three Days Grace LIVE
At Matanuska Brewing Co. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River Matanuskabrewco.com
July 21st @ 6PM
College Fund Concert
Caitlin Buxbaum at Black Birch Books 2901 E Bogard Rd, #104, Wasilla WEBSITE: fb.me/e/e4undq3CK
July 22nd @ 12PM 4th Annual Underground Pride
The Queen’s Guard
Alaska State Fairgrounds 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer contact@thequeensguard. org
July 28th @ 6:30PM-9:30PM
Passerine Party
Beer, Food Trucks, Mini Golf Raffles & MORE at Wildbird Rehabilitation Center
Big Lake Lions Club 2942 S Lions Ct, Big Lake 907-892-2927
July 29th @ 5PM
Stick Figure LIVE
At Matanuska Brewing Co. 11901 Old Glenn, Eagle River Matanuskabrewco.com
August 13th @ 11AM
Running with the Bulls! Annual Event Musk Ox Farm muskoxfarm.org/events
info@muskoxfarm.org
(907) 745-4151
Join us for this exciting & informative 3-day oil painting workshop with one of the top artists in the West, Mark McKenna. This workshop will be focusing on wildlife portraiture. We will be creating a dynamic wildlife/pet painting, from start to finish.
Mark was born in Logan, UT and has lived in the West most of his life. His work is inspired by what he loves, the beauty of the West. He grew up hunt-
ing, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and site seeing, and has personally experienced much of what the West has to offer.
Art has been a part of Mark’s life from very early on, but he started to show real promise as early as 9th grade when he began receiving commissions for his pencil portraits. After high school, he studied art at Brigham Young University – Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration as well as a Bachelor of Science in
Art Education. Mark pursued illustration for a few years and worked with several publishing houses across the US.
Mark taught art at the high school level from 2010 to 2018, and has transitioned out of teaching to be a full-time artist. -- Mark has been fortunate to study under and be personally tutored by some great artists. Subsequently, he has spent thousands of hours at the easel practicing and implementing the techniques and skills gained through-
out his education. -- Mark has had his work included in shows across the U.S. & Canada and is currently represented by Astoria Fine Art in Jackson, WY, and Mountain Trails Fine Art in Santa Fe, NM.
All levels welcome. For more information or to sign up contact Diane @ 907-355-4632 or
email: dianypaol@gmail.com
A: “There are companies who act as the ‘middle man’ to get licensing from the publishers for musicians to legally cover songs. Those licenses cover streaming and downloading sites, physical albums, etc. It’s not difficult to obtain, but it can get expensive! Releasing versions of public domain songs or original compositions is definitely a better move financially! Most social media sites have their own deals worked out with publishers for cover versions. Those deals are constantly changing and your cover could be removed at any time – even if you have paid for licensing!”
of others. We love creating music just for ourselves, but there is something so special when we hear that our music has helped someone going through a hard time, calmed anxiety, or given someone a moment of joy. The greatest gift we could have in life is bringing light to someone.”
Q: Andy Mullen asks: What is your definition of success?
Q: What’s your approach to sound checks and dealing with sound technicians?
A: “Be nice! It might sound obvious, because most of the time, people are professional and lovely! However, sometimes musicians encounter a sound technician who might be difficult to work with, doesn’t believe that we know what we’re talking about, or is just having a bad day. However, we have found that kindness generally wins out. We once had someone tell us that we were ‘almost violently positive’ after working with us for an entire weekend at an event. We found that quite amusing!”
Q: How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within the group on tour?
A: “We make the offending party get out of the van and walk to the next venue. Just kidding! We get coffee! Seriously, if someone seems cranky, they usually just need food or sleep! Thankfully we get along super well. Otherwise, touring wouldn’t work because we spend soooo much time together!”
Q: What are the biggest misconceptions about touring that you’d like to clear up for new musicians?
A: “The biggest misconception that we have seen from people is the thought that touring is glamorous. People see the highlights on social media and view touring like it will be that sunshine, roses, and trashing hotel rooms. Lol. However, touring is a lot of hard work and long grueling hours on the road. You have to be okay with enjoying the little moments and realize that most people can’t tour like a rock star. ;) ;)”
Q: Harp Twins are known for beautiful interpretations of well-known songs, as well as original music. How do you strike a balance between the two?
A: “When we started releasing music online and touring, we primarily shared covers of rock, metal, soundtrack music, etc. However, as we grew, we began to share our original music because we have loved writing our own music since high school. We were nervous about the reaction of our followers since they found us through our covers. However, the reaction was incredible! We have been told by SO many people that they enjoy our original songs much more than our covers. We now focus most of our arranging and writing time on creating more original music. However, we still enjoy releasing covers and will still continue to do that!”
Q: When it comes to original music, what does your writing process look like?
A: “Writing every song is different. For some, we write the lyrics first, and then write the music. For others, we add lyrics after the music is finished. Many times, our original songs begin with some little melody idea and grow into a song from there. When we have lyric or music ideas, we will grab our phone and jot some notes or hum the tune so that we don’t forget our ideas. It amazes us at how often we will be simultaneously working on the same piece and what we’re working on just fits seamlessly together. We have such similar souls and that seems to shine through when we write music together. We love that writing is an organic process for us and that every song or piece was written by both of us.”
Q: When recording cover songs, how do you go about getting legal permission to record those songs? Are there legal and financial considerations that most musicians might not understand?
Q: What advice would you give young musicians that you wish you had been given early on in your careers?
A: “Learn the business side of things! We have degrees in Harp Performance from a University Conservatory of Music, and we weren’t required or even encouraged to take a single business class. We also know of very few people who were at our conservatory who now perform full time. We think it is extremely important for independent musicians to learn basic skills in managing a business, finances, etc. It should be something that is taught in music schools and conservatories, but if it isn’t, seek out that knowledge and those skills on your own.”
Below are some questions that were submitted by other independent musicians who live in or work in the Alaskan music scene:
Q: Elicia Pettit asks: What are the compromises you are glad you made?
A: “Spending less time at home so that we can tour. We think it’s easy to become a bit of a homebody – especially for artistic people who can tend toward the introverted side. However, we have found that a compromise between home and the road is very rewarding! We appreciate our time at home and on the road so much more! Friday pizza night while watching OnPatrolLive or Doctor Who on the couch is so much more enjoyable when we’ve had shows every Friday night for 2 months and finally get that pizza and tv night!”
Q: Hope Cassity asks: What’s made you the happiest out of all your work?
A: “We think the happiest times of our careers have been hearing the positive impact that our music has made in the lives
A: “Joy and contentment with where we are at the moment is our success. Being able to create music for a living is what we dreamed of and we’re so happy to have the privilege of doing that. We know we’ll never be the most successful musicians in the world, but we don’t mind that! We can still have continuous goals for the future while being happy where we are now.”
Q: Van Horn Ely asks: Top 3 must-do’s to share your art widely?
A: “1) Release your music on streaming / download platforms, 2) Post regularly on social media, 3) Create music videos – all you need is a phone!”
Q: Becky Bloomquist Oviatt asks: What was your defining moment? When you went from “garageband” to national recognition?
A: “We’re not sure we ever had one defining moment. We’ve always felt a bit like the tortoise in that old children’s tale. The media loves those stories of instant stardom and people love to hear about someone who blew up “accidentally” on TikTok. We’ve just kept making music and kept doing what we love, and our career has continued to grow and expand. We still don’t think of ourselves as being famous at all!”
Q: Rod Rongstad asks: Do you think interviews contribute to your success?
A: “It’s interesting, because we have commented to each other that we never know when or how someone will discover us! Some of our biggest long-time fans have found us through interviews on tiny local news sources! So yes, we definitely think interviews can help contribute to your success!”
Harp Twins will be performing, along with the Volfgang Twins, at the 2023 Alaska Scottish Highland Games, June 24th and 25th, at the Alaska State Fair grounds (see next page). Follow them online for other special performances they’ll be doing while touring Alaska.
GATES OPEN AT 8AM OPENING CEREMONY SATURDAY AT 10AM
GAMES MEAD & SCOTCH TASTING LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
SATURDAY & SUNDAY JUNE 24TH & 25TH
PARKING FREE AT RED GATE8AM GATES OPEN - WELCOME TO THE GAMES!
ALL DAY Celtic Marketplace (140+ Merchants & Vendors)
ALL DAY Heilan Coo (Highland Cow) Jade & Baby Fergus
ALL DAY Blacksmith Demonstrations by Palmer Folk School
ALL DAY Entries for Shortbread Competition (Informational Tent)
8AM-1PM Entries for Tall Tales Competition (Informational Tent)
10AM-5PM Tea Tent Hosted by Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage
10AM 6:30PM
Highland Pub located by Athletic Fields
Hosted by Van’s Dive Bar
11AM-3PM Birds of Prey Exhibit by Alaska Wildbird Rehabilitation Center
11AM 6:30PM
Highland Pub located in Cèilidh Theatre
Hosted by Van’s Dive Bar
11:30AM Midnight Sun Spurtle Challenge
Sponsored by Alaska Restaurant Supply and Bob’s Red Mill
11AM-5PM British Sports Cars (Tartan Circle)
Athletics:
ALL DAY Scottish Heavy Athletics Events (Main Athletic Field)
ALL DAY Lightweight Elite Invitational Class (Main Athletic Field)
ALL DAY Sheaf Toss Sponsored by Drive and Avis Alaska (Gathering O The Clans Area)
11AM-4PM Children’s Throwing Events Sponsored by Truog Consulting, Fred Moore and Phyliss Shoemaker
12PM Eskimo Stick Pull/Swindle Stick/Mas Wrestling Tournament and Demo
2PM Tug-O-War Sponsored by Truog Consulting and Beard Brothers Meadery (Scottish Strength Field)
Hosted by Van’s Dive Bar 11AM 6:30PM
Highland Pub located in Cèilidh Theatre
8AM GATES OPEN - WELCOME TO THE GAMES!
ALL DAY Celtic Marketplace (140+ Merchants & Vendors)
ALL DAY Heilan Coo (Highland Cow) Jade & Baby Fergus
ALL DAY Blacksmith Demonstrations by Palmer Folk School
10AM-5PM Tea Tent Hosted by Anchorage Spice & Tea Exchange
Celtic Stage:
11AM MarineSandpiper Rock & Roll Bagpiper
11:30AM Fireweed Fling & Highland Heather Dancers
12PM Alaska Treble Makers Irish Dancers
12:30PM Midnight Sun Cloggers - Percussive Step Dancers
1PM Fireweed Fling & Highland Heather Dancers & Melissa Scholten - Highland Dance
1:30PM Irish Dance Academy Irish Dancers
2PM Beginner Highland Dance Lesson w/ Melissa Scholten
2:30PM Midnight Sun Cloggers - Percussive Step Dancers
3PM Alaska Treble Makers Irish Dancers
3:30PM Fireweed Fling & Highland Heather Dancers & Melissa Scholten - Highland Dance
4PM Nerea the Fiddler Cape Breton Fiddler & Step Dancer Performance & Beginner Dance Lesson
Gathering O’ The Clans Culloden Memorial Stage: ALL DAY Gathering O’ The Clans
ALL DAY Kids Passport Start and Finish
9AM Kirkin’ O The Tartan and Clan Roll Call
11AM Deadline to Enter Shortbread Competition (Info Tent)
11AM-5PM Highland Pub Located by the Athletic Fields
Hosted by Van’s Dive Bar
11AM-5PM Highland Pub Located in Cèilidh Theatre
Hosted by Van’s Dive Bar
11AM-5PM British Sports Cars (Tartan Circle)
Athletics:
ALL DAY Scottish Heavy Athletics Events (Main Athletic Field)
ALL DAY Sheaf Toss Sponsored by Drive and Avis Alaska Gathering O The Clans Area)
11AM-4PM Children’s Throwing Events Sponsored by Truog Consulting, Fred Moore and Phyliss Shoemaker
12PM Eskimo Stick Pull/Swindle Stick/Mas Wrestling Tournament and Demo
2PM Tug-O-War Sponsored by Truog Consulting and Beard Brothers Meadery (Scottish Strength Field)
4PM Farmers Walk Event Sponsored by The City of Palmer
1:45PM Northern Lights Celtic Dancers
2:45PM Alaska Treble Makers - Irish Dancers
Bagpiper
Nerea the Fiddler Cape Breton Fiddler & Step Dancer 1:15PM Jim the Juggler: Man of Gravity
The Good Old Good Ones - Scottish Music Duo
4:15PM MarineSandpiper - Rock & Roll Bagpiper
The
4PM Challenge Stone Sponsored by Granite (Main Athletic Field)
4PM Alaskan Scottish Salmon Toss (Main Athletic Field)
3PM Alaskan Scottish Challenge Caber Sponsored by Arctic Chiropractic & Physical Therapy (Main Athletic Field) Cèilidh Theatre (Borealis Theatre):
10AM OPENING CEREMONIES
11AM The Harp Twins Featuring the Volfgang Twins
Fiddler & Step Dancer
1:30PM Jack Lite - Scottish & Celtic Musical Duo
2PM Tall Tales Sponsored by Diane and Dean Carson
4:30PM Haggis Eating Contest Sponsored by Macski’s Highland Foods & Gear
Beloved Parisian Portrait artist, editor and author Iris Hart is coming back to Alaska after 60 years, this July.
Iris recently answered a short interview with Alaskan R.L. Marcy about her work, here are here answers:
My name is Iris Hart. I’m from California but have been living in France for 43 years. I write, edit, translate, teach English to adults, and do portraits.
My friend John Stelnicki, her direct descendant, translated Countess Anna Maria Berezowska’s hand-written diary into English when he was in high school, with his Polish grandparent’s help. He would speak to me often about this. Years later, he let the writer James C. Martin use it as the basis for a fictionalized version called Push Not the River, which I read in 2006.
Push Not the River was an awardwinning novel and full of historical data. But I didn’t have the feel of Countess Anna as a real flesh and blood person. I told John I’d like to read her real diary. He gave me a four-inch thick falling-apart binder of worn and crackled papers manually typed back in the day. Despite difficulties getting past the spelling and grammatical mistakes, faded spots, and uncertain chronological order, I couldn’t put these
writings down! This girl Anna came alive to me, and I determined to get her true story into print.
After 15 years of work, I’m delighted to say that Countess Anna’s authentic diary is now available as a paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.
Countess Anna’s fervent wish was to share her writings with posterity. It is a coming-of-age story written over a four-year period when, after losing both parents at age 17, she was thrown into unforeseeable situations ranging from the ecstacy of love to physical brutality, attempts on her life, and a bloody war.
Gone are the days of horse-drawn carriages, royal ball gowns and powdered wigs. Yet the issues Anna faced are still present today: abandonment, deception, subjugation of women, forced marriage, jealousy, unjust imprisonment, rape, single parenthood... And so are the emotions she so vividly describes: infatuation, devotion, entrancement, terror, rage, amusement, exasperation, excruciating pain, desperation, and love.
The enduring message Countess Anna conveys to us, as relevant now as it was over 200 years ago, is to never give up, never succumb to self-pity, bitterness, resentment, or depression. To see the bright side, keep focused on your goal. How she achieved this in all that she miraculously overcame is an inspiration for anyone, anytime.
I married Don Lewis Hart in 1961 and embarked with him on the aventure of trying to homestead in Alaska. Though we never did stake out a homestead, we did rough it in Spenard, then a wilderness. However, for multiple reasons, after two years I gave up the romanticism of the pioneering life and moved back to San Francisco.
Now that Anchorage is rebuilt after the 1964 earthquake and tourism has become a major state industry, I’m eager to see how it’s become. And particularly, after 60 years, I passionately want to see Alaska’s grandiose nature with fresh eyes. John Stelnicki, the co-editor, doesn’t use internet or even own any devices more modern than a telephone. When he gave me his ancestor Anna’s diary to read, it
was when I happened to be visiting in San Francisco.
Because I live in France and fortunately can make free calls to the States, all our collaborative editing and re-editing was done by phone with each of us working from a Word printout. It was arduous and painstaking. Each detail needed to be correct. Historical data and translations of Polish words, mostly by John’s Polish grandparents in Florida, had to be verified.
For instance, harmonicas hadn’t come into being yet. So we changed John’s grandma’s term for the instrument to “mouth harp,” certainly what the young lad on horseback was whimsically playing. Same with bustles. Those weren’t fancy dames’ accoutrements till the mid19th century. So the fashionable derrière enhancer that Anna stuffed between her backside and the long gowns she wore I called a “rump pad.”
We also needed ro recount episodes chronologically. What a task! Sometimes Anna didn’t have parchment, ink, or a quill for months. Then when she finally got writing implements, memories cascaded back to her, which she’d hastily jot down as they came, not always in the right order.
To make for more interesting reading, we tried to find synonyms for adjectives that were repeated, such as “beautiful” and “huge” -- always keeping the sense that we hoped Anna intended. She was a farm girl at heart, and the way she naively describes some of the ridiculously-attired hoity-toidies at royal balls, like comparing them to sows or goats, gives comic relief to what would otherwise be a somber tale of woe.
We tried to find a balance between old timey and contemporary English and strongly sensed that we were working in symbiosis with Anna. John, who felt this more than I, would sometimes call me at three in the morning, excitedly exclaiming, “I got a channeling from Anna! On page so-and-so she says we’ve got to say ‘headdress’ and not ‘headscarf.’” Or that she told him to elaborate on the scandalous comportment of the wanton women at one of her cousin Sophia’s wild parties.
Believe this or not, it’s how we worked, at all times trying our utmost to respect the tone and spirit that the young countess intended.
I myself experienced something maybe paranormal once when I was riding my bike to work. I had to stop and pull over, get out my pen and paper, and write down these words: “The sun cast dappled shadows through the treetops overhead.” (This is now in the book!) Otherwise, I did my best to stay attuned and allow words come to me rather than imposing my own.
And then there were the fill-ins. Like when Anna borrowed a dress but didn’t write about returning it. In cases like that we endeavored to make these passages as much possible what Anna would have said, and in her particular way. It was like we’d attempt to get into her skin.
Anna was way ahead of her time and never in her heart accepted how women had to have everything decided for them, meekly accepting their lot. She had no one to confide in -- only the nonjudgmental blank pages of her diary. She certainly would have been a forerunner in the #metoo movement.
John dream was and is to share his great-great-great-great grandmother Anna’s story with the world. And several times in her diary Anna says the same. She wished for future generations to learn from it. The fact that these pages survived blizzards, fires, downpours, theft, and more convinces me that what Anna so meticulously put in writing is meant to be shared.
For John and myself, the over 15 years we spent on this project was an honor, a blessing, and a unique labor of love.
Iris will be in Alaska promoting the book “The Diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska”, about the life of the young 18th century Polish noblewoman.
She will be at Black Birch Books in Wasilla, July 7th, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Barnes & Noble in Anchorage on July 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. For more info about the book visit: countessannadiary.com
Subheading: Bradford Jackson Films, SickDay Productions and The Williwaw Social team up to host a groundbreaking non-profit event dedicated to elevating Alaskan filmmakers and connecting remote communities.
Anchorage, Alaska - April 7th- Two renowned production companies, Bradford Jackson Films and SickDay Productions, are joining forces to bring an exciting and innovative filmmaking education event, Film Rant, to Alaska. This Alaskan-based non-profit event aims to empower local filmmakers, enhance the quality of their work through entertaining and engaging events and extend filmmaking education to rural native villages throughout the state.
Film Rant’s mission is to connect, inspire, and boost the skills of Alaskan filmmakers by facilitating a rich and collaborative learning environment, bridging the gap between industry professionals and passionate individuals in remote communities. Through hands-on workshops, screenings, and networking with renowned Alaskan Filmmakers, Film Rant participants will benefit from a wealth of filmmaking knowledge tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of Alaska’s creative community.
The event will reach some of the most remote and underrepresented communities in Alaska, ensuring that its educational opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic location. Film Rant aims to create a vibrant network of filmmakers throughout the state and contribute to
Alaska’s thriving creative industry.
Bradford Jackson Films and SickDay Productions have a combined experience of over 30 years in the film industry, producing a wide range of awardwinning projects from feature films to short documentaries. Their vision for Film Rant is grounded in their love for the Alaskan landscape, its rich cultural heritage, and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
“Film Rant reflects our commitment to investing in Alaska’s local talent and providing a platform that nourishes growth, inspiration, and collaboration,” said Bradford Jackson, founder of Bradford Jackson Films. “We firmly believe that this event will have a significant impact on the filmmaking scene in Alaska and create new opportunities for communities to preserve their stories and contribute to the diverse fabric of global cinema.”
Film Rant is currently holding their main event on June 30th from 6pm10pm at The Williwaw Social in Anchorage. The organizers are seeking partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and businesses interested in supporting this groundbreaking initiative.
To learn more about Film Rant’s mission, programming, and partnership opportunities, please visit www. filmrantalaska.com, get in touch with the organizers at filmrantalaska@gmail. com
Media Contact
filmrantalaska@gmail.com
bradfordjacksonfilms@gmail.com
sickdayproduction@gmail.com
www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com
(907) 841-3173
Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit group of dedicated volunteers who are devoted to enriching the lives of companion animals in Alaska.
In order to do this, we will place homeless pets in loving environment, adress medicals concerns, spay or neuter, microchip, vaccinate, and offer training as is needed.
We believe that every animal deserves a loving home, for his/her entire life and Alaska Animal Advocates will provide the resources to make this happen.
In order to make this mission possible, we need the help of volunteers and foster homes.
Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seniors
www.alaskabvi.org
(907) 771-4322
The Alaska Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired provides blind and low vision Alaskans tools to eliminate vision loss as a barrier to employment, independent living, and community participation. It is the only statewide training and resource center for vision rehabilitation. In the Mat-Su Valley we sponsor two monthly support groups for socialization and informational activities, titled “Living Well with Vision Loss”, meeting at the Wasilla Area Seniors and the Palmer Senior Center. Low Vision Clinics demonstrating low vision devices and home assessment visits for independent living are offered to those who qualify and who have uncorrectable vision loss.
Connect Mat-Su
www.connectmatsu.org
(907) 373-2628
Connect Mat-Su is a program of the Mat-Su Health Foundation that provides access to information and referrals specific to the local community. Assistance is available in the areas of care, education, food, health, housing, legal services, social connection, transportation, work, and more. It is a network that is both a physical and virtual resource center linking residents to the things needed to thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.
Connect Palmer, Inc.
www.connectpalmer.org
(907) 746-9675
Connect Palmer is a Christ Centered Training Center and Housing for Women, located in downtown Palmer.
Connect Palmer’s two primary programs are God’s Work Desgin, and LIFE Connect. We also have Sarah’s House, a safe and caring place for ladies without homes to live while they participate in our back to work and life skills programs.
We also offer different community assistance programs, such as The Locker, to provide personal care and basic house hold cleaning items, and Scarlet Tapestries which offers basic sewing skills instructions. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
www.mea.coop/mea-in-the-community
meacontact@mea.coop
(907) 761-9300
$1.6 million and counting! This is the financial impact MEA’s members have had in our community since 2011 when MEACF introduced Operation Roundup. To scratch the surface on those impacted by your generosity are our seniors, recreation, local agriculture, family services, food pantries, and everything in between.
We want to continue adding to this lost, so if you know of an organization interested in applying for the MEACF grant and has a specific project in mind, please check us out online for the application process - including financials. Grants are capped at $10,000 and are approved at each quarterly MEACF meeting. Individual grant requests are now completed through Connect Mat-Su; individual grant requests regarding a disability can contact Access Alaska.
www.healthymatsu.org
(907) 352-286³
The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. The tools we use include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change.
We have generated significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services.
Visit www.healthymatsu.org to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities.
www.mshsak.org
(907) 376-2411
Dedicated to improving the health of our community, one person at a time through affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care. The clinic is a Federally qualified health Care Center and we accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most other third-party insurances. For those who qualify, there is a sliding scale payment, based on household income.
We offer early morning and evening appointments. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral criss intervention line by calling the main number: (907) 376-2411.
www.myhousematsu.org
(907) 373-4357
MYHouse is a homeless youth drop in center with two for-profit businesses that train and employ homeless youth. Gathering Grounds Cafe is a coffee shop with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
SteamDriven is a trendy thrift shop featuring Ste-
ampunk items made from repurposed donations by our youth designers. Fiend2Clean and Young People in Recovery offer support for substance abuse recovery with activities and events.
We offer transitional housing for qualified 18-24 year olds, outreach services to connect homeless youth, organizations and groups to services, and access to public health and job education services on site.
www.onwardandupward.org
email: info@onwardandupward.org
(907) 953-5360
Onward & Upward is an evidence-based, accredited, 501c3 nonprofit organization based in the Mat-Su Valley. Our mission is to establish a culture of “One Health” in Alaska through evidencebased action. We accomplish this by engaging our students in adventurous, inspiring, meaningful, and empowering experiences with varying degrees of challenge methodically designed for positive growth and development.
We offer a diverse range of course offerings from open enrollment summer adventure courses, professional development courses, to year-round after-school and homeschool opportunities. Check out our website at www.onwardandupward.org for more information!
United Way of Mat-Su (907) 373-5807
www.unitedwaymatsu.org
550 S Alaska St., Suite 205 Palmer AK United Way of Mat-Su strives to make our community a place where all individuals can thrive. We focus on the building blocks of education, financial stability, health for all, providing resource assistance, community collaboration and advocacy, outreach and engagement across the health, human, and social services spectrum.
Early childhood and family support, youth programs, grants for non-profits, and disaster relief; Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide; volunteer opportunities; Stuff the Bus; Project Homeless Connect, and more. Call for more information on Thrive Mat-Su Mat-Su Coalition, Early Childhood Partnership, Youth 360, and the Alaska Wellness Coalition.
Valley
www.valleycharities.org
400 N Yenlo Street, Wasilla AK Valley Charities Inc has proudly served the MatSu community since 1956. Our mission of “Connecting those who need help with the help they need” is demonstrated through our Homeless Prevention and Reentry Programs. The first creates housing sustainability, and the later, assists ex-offenders to become successful citizens and make our communities safer. For inquiries on Housing please call 907-354-4660. For inquiries on the Re-entry program call 907-2327125.
“Our partnership with other local agencies have
allowed Valley Charities opportunities to reach more individuals and families”.
Our locally owned non-profit thrift store, called turn-A-leaf, keeps all the excess proceeds in the MatSu Valley using it to support the store, the staff, and maintain our community service programs.
Our Durable Medical Equipment Lending program has supported valley residents since 1956 providing this equipment at NO COST to the user. For inquiries on the Medical Equipment availability call 907-5211908.
Valley Arts Alliance
www.valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Arts Alliance, bringing the community together through the arts... We are a place for both new and established artists of all types - painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts - to network and to experiment with new ideas and media.
We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events.
Join us at our informal weekly meetings, every Thursday @ 11 at Sophia’s Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Check out our archives at www.valleyartsalliance.com
Valley Recycling
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
www.valleyrecycling.org
(907) 745-5544
REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Drop off your clean, separated recycling Mon-Fri 9:30 to 5:00 and Saturday 8:00 to 5:00. We accept cardboard boxes, aluminum beverage cans, magazines, this newspaper and more!
We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, near the MSB Central Landfill, just past the MSB Animal Care Shelter. Follow the smells. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Become a member, visit our classroom, schedule a field trip, find out more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can make a difference in your community. #dontfeedthelandfills. Go to our website for more details.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc.
www.wasillaseniors.com
(907) 376-3104
Wasilla Area Seniors mission is to provide for the lives of seniors living in the Matanuska Susistna Valley and to enable seniors to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
WASI provides services, resources, and activities to promote health and independence such as Club50 Fitness Center. Club50 is for individuals 50 years of age and older and provides clean, accessible exercise equipment and offers a variety of FREE fitness classes for seniors of all skill and mobility levels. For more information, give us a call or find us on Facebook.
My Granny was pugnacious, Full of life and canny, too. Troublesome at times, was she, But always loved us two.
An animated creature, Whose past paints in artists’ hues. Though colorful she had been, To me, t’was not new news.
Gobs of mysteries entwined her, Dark rumors our folks did tell. Sharp gasps from all the grownups Intensified their spell.
As kids, we used soft whispers, Quietly behind her back. Wondering who, what or when Put “feist” in Granny’s sack?
Much baggage she surely bore, To invigorate her so. And we, precocious kids, dreamt, While electrified to know!
The day before her passing, A brave question I did ask, “Why do they call you feisty?” I, in her sass, could bask.
“Child, if you grow to my age, Life’s adventures show you much, You’ll find there is one chapter That you had dared to touch.
Of the loves I’ve won and lost, Of the glories and times bleak, The one most inspiring — Kids’ honesty to speak.”
Upon these words her breath ceased, She departed quietly. These I pondered scores of years, And did so, piously.
Then, when my young son asked me, “Mom, are you a ‘feisty queen’?” I thought of what Granny said, Had I opt her demean?
Gran, was not dispirited, Nor she lifeless or morose — Was blessed with the spark of life, And shaped me, operose.
The sun, the moon, the light and dark, enters the world, a new life mark. Forced forward from an inner warmth, into a strange and hostile swarth. Experience from moment one, every cell this fate begun.
Innocent eyes, so appealing, personality revealing. Growing, changing, sharing laughter, understanding even faster. Curious, looking for answers, grown-ups tend to most disasters.
Developing fear of unseen, exploring sometimes finds things mean. Wondering why people get mad, comprehending there’s good and bad. Troubles and cares, not really grasped, whenever scared, a hand to clasp.
Interaction has attraction, ‘specially those of like action. Desiring with each to speak, as everyone seems unique. Venturing further to inspect, a deep found treasure-retrospect.
Duplicating and then balking, independence comes a-stalking. Wanting to make own decisions, seeing all with blinded vision. Problems before unknown, perplex, demanding answers are complex.
Playing, learning, finding pleasure, while pursuing new endeavors. Goals, objectives, unknown ‘til now, accomplishment excites know-how.
Stimulating plans for future, dreams to be and dares to nurture.
Tom Cat
No longer afraid of being alone
In the dark
A yearning, fragile moth
Delicately clings to the warm window
Where the yellow glow is blind
To the pre-morning, cool dark
Asking to be age once remembered
Awkward, indoor violet
Lacks the minor struggle to endure
The dependence on a whim
Afraid to run out of daylight
Stones like small, smooth egg shells
Sit at the foot
How long has it been? Bright, glowing
Sun sifts through plant leaves
Making an intricate, lacey shadow
On dimpled surface
A striking surprise of chilled air
Makes you tense
Anticipating easy warmth of being inside
Who’s work is this?
Ready for reward of day to day
Subsistence
Early morning finds pale light peeking through the kitchen window
The wind whispers through the leaves on the tree by the front door
A coffee cup turning cold by the sink
Bathroom floorboards creak with the gentle weight of her bare feet
Dusty secrets are swept into the corner by the toilet
She leans into the broom, letting it press into the crook of her arm
A heave escaping the lungs
The abdomen recalls a memory
Muscles contract and swallow; the process of elimination on repeat
Digestion held hostage by density and grey matter
She blinks and recovers herself, wiping a tear against her palm
Carry on, dear one
The dust will find its way out of your heart in fragments
Vibrancy demands cultivation
Hello everybody, happy June. Welcome to my new column.
Each month I will draw a Major Arcana tarot card which represents one of many possible paths to follow. Major Arcana cards represent the archetypical themes of life, presenting the overall possible experiences.
Today’s Deck: Mermaid Tarot By Leeza Robertson Illustrations by Julie As we get caught up in our day-to-day lives, stress can weigh heavy on our shoulders. Make yourself a priority. Make time to find beauty and joy in everyday life. Allow yourself to exhale!
Make time to laugh and play. To dance and be silly.
Pull out your favorite childhood games and find comfort in the peace that nurturing your own self brings. You deserve laughter - every day!
Celebrate all that you are, all that you have accomplished and realize how far you have come in your journey.
Today’s card: The Sun. #19.
Brittani with Grace facebook.com/BrittaniwithGrace (907) 308-9135
Chugiak - Eagle River Alaska's
Contributed by Sam I Photography
Women of music! May 21st I was stage side as the women of Anchorage Cabarets, performed their final show of the season! Honoring the best of the best, that are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Each song that night, came from someone in that hall. Peter Gabriel, to Led Zeppelin to a beautiful rendition of Steve Nicks “Landslide”
Their closing show of Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Had an energy like no other, it felt as if I was on the floor of an arena. As thousands cheered their favorite musician on. All of it in the confines, of the main stage of the great Chilkoot Charlie’s. If you have a chance, follow them on social media! Catch one of their electrifying shows! You will be a fan for life, with the talent they provide on that stage! The women truly give their all!
WORKSHOPS TEAMBUILDING EVENTS PARTIES YOUTH CAMPS BOUTIQUE
My name is Caitlin Buxbaum, and I need your help!
If you’re a regular Make-A-Scene reader, you’ve probably seen my poems appear in these pages. You may know I’m the president of Alaska Writers Guild, and the owner of Red Sweater Press (a small publishing company, through which I’ve published eight books of my own poetry, prose, and photography). I’m also a lifelong Alaskan, a former Frontiersman reporter, and I’ve been teaching or substitute teaching in the Mat-Su Borough since 2016.
Now, I’m working to further my writing and publishing career with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Antioch University in LA. It’s a low-residency program, meaning most of the work is completed remotely, but in collaboration with high-caliber faculty and professional writers from across the country. It’s the only MFA program I found that allows students to “genre jump” and graduate with a dual concentration in, say, Poetry and Screenwriting or Fiction and Translation. Opportunities abound, and I’m hoping to take you on this journey with me.
Right now, each semester will cost me just over $9,000, after my $1,000/ semester scholarship is subtracted. Each year, two 10-day residencies occur on campus in LA, which will cost me
about $2,500 in terms of plane tickets, lodging, transportation, and food (and that’s a low estimate). I’m heading out for my first residency this week!
To focus on my writing and education and get the most out of this program, it is necessary for me to leave my full-time teaching job, which means the flow of income will be scarcer in the next couple of years. I had enough money saved up to pay for the first semester out of pocket, but that doesn’t leave much for my monthly expenses. So, I’m hoping to raise at least one semester’s worth of financial support to
pursue my passion at Antioch, starting this summer.
One way I’m raising money is by putting myself out there as a musician. I’ve been playing guitar and piano for half my life, and I picked up the ukulele a couple of years ago; I’ve done my fair share of open mics, but never a solo show. While I won’t technically be playing on street corners around the Valley, I do have my first gig booked at Black Birch Books on July 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. If you like pop/rock/indie music by US and UK artists from the last six or seven decades (or you just like me) please
come and enjoy an hour of guitar and ukulele covers (and maybe even an original song or two)!
Another way I’m hoping to raise money is through the sale of antique and special edition books from the personal library of the late James A. Misko, Alaskan author and founder of Alaska Writers Guild. I haven’t re-listed many titles for auction since ebay changed their policies and updated their website a couple years ago, but I will be doing so throughout the summer, and you can get a preview of some of the books available on my blog at caitbuxbaum.com (Search for “Rare Book Liquidation Sale”). If this is something you’re interested in, you can find and follow me on ebay at ebay. com/usr/cmsbuxbaum, or simply send me an email through my website if you see something you like.
The last way you can help me raise tuition money (aside from donating directly through PayPal or Venmo; email me for the info) is simply by purchasing copies of the books I’ve written from local bookstores or my publishing website. You can find all of my books at Black Birch Books in Wasilla and online at redsweaterpress.com/store, and select titles at Fireside Books in Palmer and The Writer’s Block in Anchorage.
So, what do you say? Want to help me achieve my writerly dreams? Have other ideas on how I can raise money and be creative at the same time? Let me know! Every little bit helps.
