AUG 2016
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uaonline.alaska.edu
The Alaska State Fair is
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matsu.alaska.edu
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Register NOW for the fall semester!
Be prepared and call Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line or enroll online for FREE nicotine replacement including patches, lozenges or gum to help you quit for your day at the fair or for life. AUG 2016
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Music
Have you ever longed for the sound of music that is real, honest - that speaks to your soul? Without the glitz and glamour- just raw beauty with exquisite harmonies, thought provoking lyrics and melodies that take you away. Spend an evening in concert with the Redhead Express and you will be captivated by their sound, their realness, their passion and most importantly, their heart. The 4 sister group left Alaska in 2007 and has performed over 2000 shows. The music of the Redhead Express takes you back to your roots in a way that feels fresh and new. They have been touring North America for the past 9 years, performing at fairs, festivals and performing arts
VARIETY. GOT IT. AUG 2016
WE
MAT-SU 365-7384 Wasilla • Palmer
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centers. Now based out of Nashville, Tennessee, they are working with industry professionals, creating a unique harmony-rich, folk country sound that is taking the world by storm. Their music is being played by DJs from the US to New Zealand to Sweden, Ireland to South Africa and in between. The Redheads are thrilled to be performing at the Alaska State Fair for the third year in a row. Redhead Express has opened for the likes of Sammy Kershaw, Parmalee, Clay Walker, Chris Young, Chris Lane, Bea Miller, Jerrod Niemann, Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard and The SteelDrivers. Look up Redhead Express on YouTube and enjoy many captivating music videos that are taking YouTube by storm!
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY 8/16/2016 - 12PM Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Dena’ina Elementary School, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 864-5600 STARTING A BUSINESS 8/17/2016 - 9AM FREE Event - (907) 373-7232 www.aksbdc.org DRAG RACING TEST & TUNE 8/17/2016 - 4PM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$10 - (907) 746-7223 www.raceak.com DONOR APPRECIATION BBQ 8/18/2016 - 4PM MATSU Food Bank, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 357-3769
ESSENTIAL YOGA WORKSHOP-BALANCE 8/19/2016 - 6PM Midnight Sun Yoga Center, Wasilla Cost: $35 - (907) 723-5262 “BEER MEETS CHOCOLATE” TASTING 8/19/2016 - 6PM Arkose Brewery, Palmer Cost: $25 - (907) 746-2337 www.arkosebrewery.com INTRODUCTION TO MUSHROOMS OF THE MAT-SU VALLEY August 19-21, 2016 - 6PM Mat-Su Cooperative Extension Service Cost: $20 Single Session, $100 All Sessions WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER 8/20/2016 - 8AM Wilderness Emergency Medical Education Spring Creek Farm, Palmer FREE Event - 907-982-6945 www.akwildmed.webplus.net ART WORKSHOP: PERSONAL QUOTE TO PERSONAL IMAGE 8/20/2016 - 10AM Enhanced Well Being Thru Expressive Art, Wasilla Cost: $25 - (907) 460-8481 EnhancedWellBeingAK@gmail.com WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE COURSE 8/20/2016 - 10AM Point Blank Firearms & Self Defense Training, Palmer Cost: $65 - (907) 745-1133 www.pointblankak.com
35TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE 8/20/2016 - 1:30PM Palmer Veterinary Clinic FREE Event - (907) 745-3219 Check us out on Facebook NASCAR OVAL RACE 8/20/2016 - 2PM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$20 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com GOVERNMENT PEAK MUSIC FESTIVAL 8/20/2016 - 4PM Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation Government Peak Recreation Area, Palmer Cost: $30 www.matsutrails.org DAN O’NEILL “FIRECRACKER BOYS” BOOK SIGNING 8/20/2016 - 4PM Fireside Books, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-2665 barbara@goodbooksbadcoffee.com www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com DAN O’NEILL “FIRECRACKER BOYS” DINNER WITH THE AUTHOR 8/20/2016 - 6PM Fireside Books Turkey Red, Palmer FREE Admission - (907) 745-2665 barbara@goodbooksbadcoffee.com www.goodbooksbadcoffee.com EGAN DINNER, MAT-SU DEMOCRATS 8/21/2016 - 5:30PM Mat-Su Democrats Turkey Red, Palmer FREE Admission, $25 Dinner - (907) 373-5074 www.matsudemocrats.org FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS 8/22/2016 Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District All Schools in District FREE Event www.matsuk12.us KRISANNE HALL-ROOTS OF LIBERTY 8/22/2016 - 12PM Glenn Massay Theater, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 360-1572 John.nelson@gci.net www.libertyfirstalaska.com OLD GLORY BUTTE HIKE 8/22/2016 - 6PM Bodenburg Butte, Palmer FREE Event Check us out on Facebook SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTRACTING PROGRAM 8/24/2016 - 1PM Alaska Small Business Development Center, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-7232 www.eventbrite.com
TALK 8/28/2016 - 6PM Alaska State Fair Cost: $25-$45 www.alaskastatefair.org
HOME FREE CONCERT 8/25/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $25 www.alaskastatefair.org
OLD DOMINION CONCERT 8/30/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $25-$35 www.alaskastatefair.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS) 8/26/2016 Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District All Schools in District FREE Event www.matsuk12.us
“HEALTHY LIFE” MY SCHOOL COLOR RUN 8/31/2016 - 3:30PM Sunshine Community Health Center & Su Valley Peer Helpers Su Valley High School, Talkeetna Cost: $25 - (907) 733-2273 www.sunshineclinic.org
X AMBASSADORS 8/26/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$55 www.alaskastatefair.org
Midnight Stroll Paintastic Painting Party 8/31/2016 - 6PM Paintastic Painting Parties Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, Wasilla Cost: $35 - (907) 227-7115 www.paintasticpaintingparties.com
FIRE ON THE HILL - WATCH THE STATE FAIR FIREWORKS ON TOP OF THE HILL 8/26/2016 - 8PM First Baptist Church of Palmer FREE Event - (907) 745-4483 amanda.knighten@fbcpalmer.com www.fbspalmer.com HOBO JIM CONCERT 8/27/2016 – 11AM Wasilla Knik Historical Society Knik Museum, Wasilla FREE Event www.wkhsociety.org RODEO ALASKA CHAMPION’S TOUR FINALS August 27-28, 2016 - 2PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $10 Youth, $15 Adult www.alaskastatefair.org THE BAND PERRY CONCERT 8/27/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $40-$75 www.alaskastatefair.org IHRA POINTS DRAG RACING 8/28/2016 - 10AM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$15 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com KONGOS WITH SPECIAL GUEST JULY
FOAM ROLLING WORKSHOP 8/29/2016 - 5PM The Alaska Club, Wasilla Cost: $10 Member, $25 Non-Member (907) 330-0115 jwarner@thealaskaclub.com CHEECH & CHONG CONCERT 8/29/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$55 www.alaskastatefair.org
THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH CONCERT 8/31/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $25 www.alaskastatefair.org STARTING A BUSINESS 9/1/12016 - 9AM Alaska Small Business Development Center, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 373-7232 www.aksbdc.org GRAND OPENING FOR QUAKE BREWING COMPANY September 1-2, 2016 - 12PM QUAKE Brewing Company, Eagle River FREE Admission www.quakebrewingcompany.com G-EAZY CONCERT 9/1/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$65 www.alaskastatefair.org FAIR FRIDAY (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS) 9/2/2016 Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District All Schools in District www.matsuk12.us NASCAR OVAL RACING SEASON FINALE 9/2/2016 - 2PM
Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$20 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com VOLBEAT CONCERT 9/2/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $40-$70 www.alaskastatefair.org BOMBER TRAVERSE September 3-5, 2016 - 10AM Last Frontier Adventure Club Hatcher Pass, Palmer FREE Event - (907) 982-2221 Check us out on Facebook JUNIOR DRAGSTER RACING FINALE 9/3/2016 - 12PM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$15 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com A DAY AT THE BEACH 9/3/2016 - 12PM Eagle River Trail Hounds Beach Lake Nordic Ski Trails, Chugiak Cost: $20-$70 www.trailhounds.us ALL STAR MONSTER TRUCKS 9/3/2016 - 1PM & 4PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $10 Youth, $15 Adult www.alaskastatefair.org DRAG RACING: IRON MAN, KING OF THE STREET, GAMBLER’S BRACKET 9/3/2016 - 4PM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$15 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com RANDY HOUSER CONCERT 9/3/2016 - 7PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$55 www.alaskastatefair.org DRAG RACING: TOP ELIMINATOR, PRONOSTALGIA, POINTS September 4-5, 2016 - 10AM Alaska Raceway Park, Palmer Cost: $0-$25 - (907) 746-7223 pr@raceak.com www.raceak.com PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO CONCERT 9/4/2016 - 6PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$65 www.alaskastatefair.org ANDY GRAMMER CONCERT 9/5/2016 - 3PM Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Cost: $35-$65 www.alaskastatefair.org THE ALASKA HOME COMPANION-A FRONTIER VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS 9/8/2016 - 11AM Sophia’s Cafe, Palmer FREE EVENT - (907) 746-2370
AUG 2016
7TH ANNUAL BIG “M” MEMORIAL BENEFIT 8/20/2016 - 12PM Mug-Shot Saloon, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 376-1617 mugshotak@gmail.com
PISTOL BASICS TRAINING FOR MEN 8/20/2016 - 1:30PM Farm Loop Christian Center, Palmer FREE Event www.eventbrite.com
ALASKA LNG COMMUNITY MEETING 8/24/2016 - 6PM Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Team Evangelo’s Restaurant, Wasilla FREE Event - (855) 550-544 www.aklng.com ALASKA STATE FAIR August 25-September 5, 2016 Alaska State Fair Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer Price Varies www.alaskastatefair.org COMMUNITY FORUM 8/25/2016 - 6PM Peer Power of Alaska Rescare Homecare & Residentail Services, Wasilla FREE Event Check us out on Facebook
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LIVE REMOTE AT NEIGHBORWORKS ALASKA! 8/19/2016 - 12PM Country Legends 100.9, Palmer Office Donations Accepted - (907) 677-8421
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RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY 8/16/2016 - 10AM Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Iditarod Elementary School, Wasilla FREE Event - (907) 352-9100
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Non-Profit Directory Families & Children:
Non-Profit Organization? Join our growing list for as little as $15.00/mo! Non-Profit’s Help Our Community!
www.makeasceneak.com/nonprofitdirectory Families & Children: Family Promise Mat-Su
www.familypromisematsu.com (907) 357-6160 A community response for families without housing. Family Promise Mat-Su, “FPMS” uses area churches for shelter while providing meals and case management to help homeless families move back into housing and self-sustainability. In addition we provide state funds(BHAP) for homeless prevention.
OTHER Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. 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 appointment. You can also contact our 24/7 behavioral crisis intervention line by calling the main number: 376-2411.
Palmer Mayor
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DeLena Johnson
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS. PaLMer resiDent? Let your opinion be heard! djohnson@palmerak.org
ARTS:
Families & Children:
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
Valley Arts Alliance
March of Dimes Alaska Chapter
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 Join the March of Dimes for our annual High Heels for High Hopes this fall. To become a model or participant, call 276-4111. The March of Dimes helps moms have fullterm pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten our babies and work on preventing them. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
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 www.ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Mat-Su Health Foundation healthymatsu.org (907) 352-2863 The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers financial and strategic support to wellmanaged 501(c)(3) organizations that offer services and practical solutions to significant health-related problems impacting the citizens of the Mat-Su Borough. The foundation also offers academic and vocational scholarships to Mat-Su residents who wish to pursue health and wellness related careers.
Pets & Animals: Alaska Animal Advocates 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 environments, address medical 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.
www.marchofdimes.org/alaska (907) 276-4111 The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. About 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. The March of Dimes: working together for stronger, healthier babies.
HOMELESS YOUTH: Mat-Su Youth Housing (MY HOUSE)
CONSERVATION: Valley Community for Recycling Solutions www.valleyrecycling.org (907) 745-5544 It’s not just for hippies anymore! Everyone in the Mat-Su valley can recycle. Drop your stuff off Tues – Fri 10:30 to 6 and Sat 10:30 to 3:30. Recycle cardboard, magazines, this newspaper and more at your community recycling center. Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, and then RECYCLE! We are located at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the MSB Animal Shelter at the MSB Central Landfill. Volunteer opportunities available. Make a difference in your community! Check out our website for details www.valleyrecycling.org - Call us at 907.745.5544 with questions or comments.
myhousematsu.org (907) 373-4357 MY House 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 Steampunk 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 NineStar job/education services on site.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY: Wasilla Homeless-Committee
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Mat-Su Regional Adult Basic Education (Nine Star) MatsuAdultEd@ninestar.com (907) 373-7833 Mat-Su ABE provides basic education in math, language arts and English as a second language (ESL), aiming to raise student skills beyond the high-school level in order to pass tests like the GED, enter training programs or college, and advance on the job. Enrollment is open to all adult residents of Alaska, yearround. Youth Employment for ages 16-24 not in school -- get a job, keep a job, advance on the job. Nine Star 300 N Willow 373-3006 (in the MYHouse building)
www.wasillahomeless-committee.org (907) 521-2949 Wasilla Homeless-Committee is a 100% volunteer organization funded by private donations and regular fundraising events. Our sole purpose is to assist the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and others who do not meet the criteria for help that is required by other advocacy agencies in the valley. Wasilla Homeless-Committee provides case management, housing search assistance, move in assistance, job search assistance, clothing, furniture, help with transportation, and resource guidance for homeless and disenfranchised in the Mat-Su Valley. Visit our website for application, or call 907521-2949. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ wasillahomelesscommitteepage
Contributed by Nicole Kelly
Negativity is what kills their creativity. This is where her journey began as well. Jamie said that she had to write all the things that she had placed at too high a reach in my life on a scrap piece of drawing paper. “I folded and placed it in an envelope where I had drawn a tombstone with “Here lies “I Can’t” written on it. There it remains as a reminder that I have placed my fears in the ground and now I have the freedom to do the impossible dreams God has placed inside my heart!”
As she grew older, her interest in various art forms began to develop. Jamie attended school in Homer where the arts are a living part of the community. This helped shape her desire to make the love of art available to everyone from the preschooler to the elderly. Though she has been an artist for most of her life, Jamie decided to follow her dream of being a “professional” artist in 2007. Her work has been seen in venues in Alaska, Chicago, and California. Jamie’s paintings are in private, national and international collections including Puerto Rico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She has been an active member in the Mat-Su community since 2001, creating murals for local businesses and nonprofits, and painting live at conferences and events. She began instructing in 2012 and opened Awaken Arts in 2015, offering classes to elementary through high school aged children. She loves working with children above all. Jamie has developed techniques to help individuals of all personality types and learning styles. She has extensive teaching experience with ages 4 - adult, including being a preschool teacher in Anchorage, a youth pastor in Bethel, leading art workshops for a variety of camps here in the valley and co-teaching a workshop for art teachers at the AAEA conference. Her community work can be seen at Capstone Family Medicine children’s area, Satori Day Spa in Palmer and a donated mural to the talking room at The Children’s Place. Jamie and her husband, Chris, are building their family home here in the valley. They are homeschool parents since 2011 to two very active and creative boys. To set up a private art event or find out about openings in one of Awaken Arts instructional classes, please contact Jamie through her website at www.awakenartsstudio.com or email at jamiebottoms@gmail.com.
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Jamie’s artistic journey started at the tender age of three with a box of crayons and a white bedroom wall. She saw shapes and pictures in everything as a child. A swirl in the carpet could become the greatest adventure full of valiant knights and mighty dragons. Art has always been a part of who Jamie is.
In her own words, “There is art in everyday life. You can find beautiful truth hiding in everything and everyone around you. Sometimes you just have to tilt your head, and squint a little, to get a better look.”
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I would like to introduce you to a bit of creative sunshine in our community. Jamie Bottoms is a local Alaskan artists and owner of Awaken Arts Studio located in downtown Wasilla. Her dream for Awaken Arts is for it to inspire creativity in others. Through workshops, student classes and private lessons, her dream is to, “Awaken unique expression inside each artist!” Jamie continues to tell her students that in order to draw or paint something amazing, they have to get rid of: “I can’t.” “I can’t draw.” “I can’t paint.”
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Arts
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Arts Contributed by Michelle Overstreet Earlier this spring, Wasilla Mayor, Bert Cottle, mentioned that he would like to find a solution to the graffiti around the tunnel at Newcomb Park, going under the Parks Highway from Wasilla Lake to Railroad Avenue. He invited young artists from MY House to help out, saying “I’ll buy the paint if they will do the work”. MY House board member and local artist, Holly Gittlien, led the project, having always wanted to participate in a community mural. MY House outreach coordinator, Jay Dagenhart, and Fiend2Clean team leader, Kerby Kraus, rented a paint sprayer and using a generator to power it, spent an afternoon creating a blank canvas using a mold killing paint to cover the existing graffiti. Then the artistic team took over. The goal of the project, chosen by the youth, was to reflect the beauty of Alaska, but also offer a sense of inclusion that everyone matters and love is all around us. And then a quote, one that has become a theme at the MY House drop in center: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Ghandi.
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The youth involved drew an initial design, which grew as the team of artists working on the project grew. The painting was an evolution, with each individual bringing something of their own to the wall, conveying emotion and movement, and garnering interest from those traveling the bike path that travels along it. Artists used rainy days to make stencils that would clearly define bright leaves on the trees, four leaf clover and birds. With Facebook progress reports, and a “Honk if you love it!” moniker, they used the sunny days to beautify what was once dull and profane. Motivated by the honking horns, including the Alaska Railroad trains, the homeless youth created a beautiful work of art. This was the first community art project for all youth involved, but they hope it won’t be the last. Andrea Warren said “It’s an amazing feeling to work with a team and then when you stand back you can see the beauty you created. I loved it”. When the project is complete, the City of Wasilla will apply a coat of graffitiproof sealant to protect it from vandalism and weather damage.
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Film
Contributed by Ben Rowell Railbelt Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival™ (IF4™) on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Glenn Massay Theater located in Palmer, AK.
Come early for a special screening of the 2012 IF4™ Best in Show The Costa Rica Challenge. In the Costa Rica Challenge, five veracious trout fisherman travel to the heart to Central America and launch on a salty journey that most said couldn’t be done. One country, two oceans, three species, 430 kilometers, all in 36 hours. Is it possible? Film begins at 6pm. IF4™ is sponsored locally by Mossy’s Fly Shop, Cache Camper Manufacturing Inc., FisheWear, Trout Unlimited Southcentral Alaska Chapter and Mat-Su Frontiersman.
“Integrity, professionalism, entertainment and ambition lace the festival,” confirms IF4™ ambassador, April Vokey. “I am comfortable attending the films whether it be with a ten year old child or a fellow fishing bum; the festival is geared to entertain and inspire all ages, levels and viewpoints.”
The Costa Rica Challenge Advance $5, Door $7
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IF4™ consists of short and feature length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. The films at this popular event are capturing the attention of anglers around the world. IF4™ contains exclusive content and is a must see experience!
Tickets available at www.flyfilmfest.com and Mossy’s Fly Shop. IF4™ - Advance $15, Door $18
Trailers and film descriptions available at: www.flyfilmfest.com/films
Music Contributed by David Ion, Sterling Silver Band
Due to the overwhelming glut of clubs running so called Jam Sessions and Open Mic Nights, musicians per man are barely making over minimum wage for a highly professional service rendered. These open mic and jam session hosts are the only ones making anything at all.
The musicians they lure out to support them make nothing at all. The only ones making any money is the club owners. Couple this with insidious abuse by certain cliques. Adding insult to injury by establishing yet even more open mic and jam sessions every night of the week in an attempt to stay afloat financially, resulting in low pay situations and no real gigs that pay even close to a fair percentage
to the musicians whom perform in a professional and ethical manner. This small group of musicians, (who are indeed hosting these open mic and jam sessions), are making this entire problem worse by accepting $100 per night, thus yielding a total of $33 per individual if a trio or $50 per individual as a duo (and still not paying the other musicians whom support them).
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This is an update on the inequities in the live entertainment business. There has been an epidemic of low pay scale for the last 20 to 30 years.
It has reached pandemic proportions in the last 5 years, as I have mentioned in previous columns.
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Music
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Contributed by Jessie Eddings, Director of Alaska Children’s Choir After a successful first year under new leadership, the Alaska Children’s Choir is still making beautiful music with local singers. An organization with over thirty years of rich musical history, longtime owner and director Janet Stotts passed away last April, leading to a search for a new talented director. Shortly before the next season was about to begin, Jessie Eddings was announced as the new owner and director. A previous ACC alumna herself, Eddings dreams of growing the choir to its peak once more, aspiring to attain the same caliber and renown it has enjoyed over previous years.
AUG 2016
As an auditioned ensemble, students are held to a high musical standard while exploring a common joy of singing. It is the goal of the organization that children be taught to love themselves and their music through quality choral education. Students can expect to learn upwards of fifteen songs each semester, including a variety of languages and styles, and from multiple eras. Children ages 5-18 are encouraged to audition and no previous musical training is required. Auditions for the 2016 fall semester are underway and will continue
through mid-September. If students are interested, audition times can be reserved by contacting Eddings via email (alaskachildrenschoir@yahoo. com) or phone (907-982-5467). Those involved in the choir can look forward to an exciting semester this fall season. Concert performances include the traditional full-length holiday concerts in both Anchorage and the valley, as well as the loved Anchorage Museum’s Wells Fargo Day holiday event. In addition, the season will kick off with a short showcase at the Alaska State Fair on September 2nd. If you haven’t had an opportunity to hear the choir yet, this would be a great time to come out and listen! Perhaps the most exciting event this fall is the opportunity to collaborate with the famous pianist, David Benoit, in his holiday special, “A Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown.” Students will have the treat of performing at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts with Benoit and his band on December 2nd and 3rd. This exclusive opportunity gives students the chance to work with other artists in a professional atmosphere and perform on what is perhaps one of the greatest stages in Alaska. The Alaska Children’s Choir invites the community to attend concerts and support their local youth. Any families who are interested in having their children join for this exciting season are encouraged to contact Eddings for an audition time (alaskachildrenschoir@ yahoo.com or 907-982-5467).
“...And still these cliques play right into the hands of these greedy club owners who really don’t want to pay anything.” Anyone who does not fall into line with these cliques or these club owners are facing demolition of their professional reputations based on malicious falsities and hearsay, being accused of “scalping” and other unpleasant “sins” without any justification. This writer, in fact, has been so accused during this last year so
many times that I hesitate to make free with the details. And to make matters even more unbearable, the vipers are now fanging one another. I must ask, “Who’s going to be next?” This writer opposes any such accusations. In fact, I do not and would not work at their current miserable pay scale!
“Please note, that this “game” is being played by both club owners and musicians alike;
not just here in Alaska, but in fact nationwide...” There is another factor adding to this: Apparently disgusted with their low pay, they fail to keep it professional by playing far too loud and also using profanity over the mic during performances to public audiences, which may or may not include children, thereby creating an atmosphere where violence and other unpleasantness is encouraged to ensue. This would never be the case, in this writer’s opinion, if the performers were
being compensated appropriately. And by the way, I wish to thank everyone that turned out to support our Big Lake “Saturday in the Park”. I cannot describe how this turnout has warmed the cockles of my heart. There is an old adage that I have heard, used by old school musicians, “Beat me rockin, take my chair . . .” You have a nice day now, you hear. Professionally disgusted and appalled, stay tuned for more.
Contributed by Paul Johnson Aaron Biebert’s documentary, A Billion Lives, had its North American premiere in front of a packed house on 8/6/16 at the Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In attendance were Senator Ron Johnson, Pamaj Perfectionist, Corey Pieper, Vicki McKenna, Molly Fay, Herman Cain & many others. The audience agreed that the film exceeded expectations in every department.
In the second part, the focus switched to e-cigarettes and their potential to act as a gateway out of smoking – a popular, consumer-led alternative that, properly encouraged, could save a billion lives this century. To explain this potential, Biebert mustered a formidable cast of experts, including former World Health Organization tobacco control chief, Dr. Derek Yach, and World Medical Association past president, Dr. Delon Human. Aaron Biebert is a master of tone and atmosphere, and his artful filming managed to capture the energy and optimism of the vaping community without resorting to clichés. The enthusiasm of long-time anti-smoking activist Clive Bates, former head of the UK’s Action on Smoking and Health, was particularly persuasive. When someone like Bates, who has dedicated years to fighting tobacco use, endorses vapor products so strongly, it’s absurd to label them a tobacco industry ploy. After the upbeat exploration of vaping, A Billion Lives takes a much darker turn. Biebert’s bafflement at the widespread opposition to the new technology is clear and effective, and becomes all the more so
as he starts to dig into why so many people are trying to strangle vaping. The answer is as depressing as it is predictable – money. And while Biebert certainly doesn’t shy away from criticizing the tobacco industry, it soon becomes clear that they are far from the biggest villains. The pharmaceutical companies have been doing very nicely on sales of nicotine replacement products, and a blunt segment with Dr. Yach drives home the point that they don’t want to lose that income.
amazing job of capturing the warped world of tobacco controllers who are willing to protect cigarette sales to maintain their own power and wealth.
Most disturbing of all though, is the revelation that tobacco control themselves have a lot to lose if smokers switch to vaping en masse. Biebert informs us that tobacco control is far from a handful of dedicated activists scraping by on public donations; it’s a $15 billion industry that gives a lot of people very comfortable salaries. The fact that people whose business should be protecting our health are willing to sacrifice it for money is not a comfortable one.
These people are determined and ruthless, and Biebert exposes them with harsh clarity. More uncomfortably, the glare of his scrutiny is turned on vapers themselves when it’s needed – pointing out, for example, that public cloud-chasing can make us seem like their own worst enemies.
The sheer breadth of people Biebert has interviewed is one of the film’s most impressive aspects; nobody can dismiss this as the ravings of a few isolated cranks. The filming itself is excellent, too. This is no low-budget production. Artistic values are high throughout and they have done an
Perhaps the strongest impression left by A Billion Lives is the sheer scale of forces arrayed against the disruptive technology of vaping. A lot of people, from prohibitionist activists to cash-strapped governments, have a lot to lose if vaping continues to grow.
Its topic is e-cigarettes and the commercial interests that hate them, but it could be about any innovation that threatens a cozy, well-funded status quo. At heart, this is a film about corruption. It will leave you with a new appreciation of how ingrained, pervasive and murderously damaging corruption can be. Whether you doubt or believe you’re being lied to, a vaper or a non-vaper, see this film.
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Although vapers are the ones who’ve been awaiting A Billion Lives most eagerly, it was a full 27 minutes before electronic cigarettes were even mentioned. The first images, stated matter of factly in simple white on black text, was the startling claim that inspired the project: “This century, a billion people are projected to die from smoking.” Biebert goes on to emphasize exactly how serious tobacco’s toll is, and outlining the history of the modern industry and its efforts to hide the effects of its products. This first part of the film is centered on former “Winston Man” David Goerlitz, who went from being the face of one of the USA’s top-selling cigarette
brands to an anti-smoking activist. This extended introduction did make the scale of the problem starkly clear.
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Film Review A Billion Lives
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Music
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Music, Auditions
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Contributed by Jeff Sponsler About 30 years ago, the computer took off as a key device in the creative process for musicians. A revolution in studio technology that included MIDI standards, audio wave file recordings, integrated studio software, and of course the internet. An interesting program dedicated to mass copyright violations was Napster which allowed MP3 file sharing. Napster was co-founded by Shawn Fanning, John Fanning, and Sean Parker and was very popular way to steal ... sorry ... to share music. Steve Jobs took the idea for downloadable music for a fee and presented it to Warner, Universal, and Sony, giant corporations with thousands of recording artists. The idea was to promote internet song access and instead of stealing the music, customers could buy the songs and download them to their personal computers. This lead to iTunes and the iPod and so on.
Contributed by Jeff Sponsler
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The human mind is a strange and wonderful thing. Modern biology is really good at describing each part of the brain (e.g., the parietal lobe) and what each part does (e.g., sensation), but the true definition of “What is consciousness?” has not been adequately answered. The mind seems to be a live video and sound show with an internal ego entity who sits there and watches and listens to the show. The brain can conjure up states and such states include aggression, fear, confusion, sensuality, and contentment. The biochemistry of emotions is understood; for example, aggression is probably epinephrine and bonding is via oxytocin. The parasympathetic nervous system generates contentment and rest and is in balance with the sympathetic
So much change in such a short time. Vinyl albums and digital CDs are not dead, but they are facing extinction at this present time. Another key process in the digital age was Internet radio including Sky, FM, Pandora, Spotify, and the others in this class. A musician can now record an album, upload it to a service, get it distributed to iTunes or Amazon or Spotify and then someone in Tanzania can stream the song or buy the album. This is very cool. At the newly spawned Alaska Music and Arts Company in Palmer, we have been busy as beavers building a professional grade recording studio with high quality gear and soundproof rooms and an Automated Processes Inc. 1608 mixing desk. Not quite ready for bands as of this writing, we hope to be open in fall 2016. As part of our holistic approach to the music liberation, we have constructed our own Internet radio station. Located www. alaskamusicradio.com, this station is streaming live 24/7.
nervous system (which controls fight or flight emotions). Finding food or finding a mate are probably under the control of the limbic system (a brain structure that we share with fish and reptiles). Inspired by Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar, I composed and recorded a rock opera, Etheria that is now available on CD. A long time elapsed before I ventured into that scary land of composition again. But I venture I did, and in 2014 a new opera was born. The new opera, working title The Zones, is serious science fiction unlike the bizarre and non-serious Rocky Horror Show. I borrowed a character, Polyxena, from Etheria and had her rocket crash land on an unknown planet. The planet is governed by a deranged computer who lives in the Central Zone. The Central
The initial playlist is a large set of songs from the Non-Famous Artists of America (NFAA). You might be one of the NFAA. How could you be sure? Do you have a band? Original songs? Recordings? If so, you can submit your songs to our company for review. If we accept your song or CD then it will be uploaded into our playlist. Currently our playlist algorithm is pseudo-random. Also, importantly, we are not paying for music nor are we promising that you would be paid for your songs. Your gratification would come in the form of “someone in Austria is listening to my song”. If you send your music and it is not accepted into the NFAA, don’t be sad, just write more songs, practice harder, and record more. Don’t stop believing! (Ouch, sorry). Why would any sane reviewer reject your music? Substandard recording, out of tune guitars, beeps, pops, clips in the sound files, etc.
Zone is surrounded by other zones and each zone has a psychological field and the fields influence emotions of sentient beings. The zones include Confusion, Eros, War, and Peace. Polyxena is rescued by a robot, Thalamax, and together they find another humanoid, Sargon, who crash landed some years before. Polyxena develops a crush on Sargon and the three decide to journey to the Central Zone and find and repair the computer so that they can escape the planet. As they move through the zones they are influenced by the psychological fields and that pushes a lot of the drama between Polyxena and Sargon. While on their journey that are tracked and hunted by the Phalanx (a rogue group of soldiers) and by the Pre-living Seductroids (ghostly sirens).
We would also not accept music that you did not compose. You cannot submit a Rolling Stones song and say it is yours. We would notice. And besides the Stones are definitely not members of the NonFamous Artists of America. If you are a music consumer, you may wish to dial up alaskamusicradio.com and listen to some great music from the NFAA. If you hear something you really like, then you can buy the music via your favorite download system. Digital submissions of songs should be sent via DropBox or other file sharing link. Be sure to include in your email any iTunes, Amazon, or other links for your music. Send submissions to: amacontact@alaskamusic.org CD submissions should be by mail and can be sent to this address: Alaska Music and Arts, LLC 1085 S Inner Springer Loop Palmer, AK 99645
The music for the zones has been recorded and rough vocal tracks have been burned to hard drive. Antiqua Libbey recorded all female tracks and I did all the male tracks. The music in the play varies between rock, jazz and light classical, and there are synthesized sound effects that help to drive each scene. In the next several months, we will be recording the vocal parts at the brand new Alaska Music and Arts Recording Studio. Vocalists are invited to contact us and audition to be part of this rock opera. Reading music is a big plus. To get an audition, send an audition CD to the following address: 1085 S Inner Springer Loop, Palmer, AK 99645 - Email Address: jsponsler@ mtaonline.net
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Arts, Community Contributed by Carmen Summerfield On a recent trip to Amsterdam, I visited the Verfmolen “De Cat”, a working windmill from the 18th century, where raw ingredients are ground into a dry powder (pigments) for use in making artists’ paints. Contributed by Michelle Cornelius
Come by first Fridays to check out the work and visit with the talented artists. Featured artists: Aug: Terry Phillips Sep: Michelle Cornelius Oct: Judy Vars Nov: Nancy Angelini Crawford Dec: Terri Pfister Jan: Victoria Miller Peterson Feb: Martha Happs Mar: Jim Leach Apr: Rusty Clark May: Francine Long Jun: Glenda Field Artists: VFAA Membership is 25.00 annually. Your membership will gain you access to information on venues such as Bear Paw River Brewery, art shows, painting workshops taught by renowned artists, annual art retreats, paint outs and more!! For more info on memberships and bimonthly meetings go to : www.valleyfineartsassociation.org.
Love Fulfilled
Contributed by Donald J. Cutler Like rivers on a windowsill on a rain swept night, My heart captures all the pools Where it holds them tight. More precious than all the gold In all the world’s streams. These treasures are but trinkets When you are in my dreams.
And now some artists are returning to making their own paints. Local art supply stores have the raw (nontoxic) ingredients to create your own colors. So stop by your favorite artist supply store and pick up some ingredients or a tube of paint. And go create! Come and talk about painting and other arts at our weekly meeting at Sophia’s Café on Thursdays at 11. More info at ValleyArtsAlliance.com
Paint in tubes also changed the way some artists approached painting. For the impressionists, paint in tubes offered an easily accessible variety of colors for their plein air palettes, motivating them to make spontaneous color choices. And with greater quantities of preserved paint, they were able to apply paint
My heart sometimes feels bursting With all the fullness held, All the feelings that I keep Deep in my heart’s wall. My soul will never search again In fruitless restless flight, Because I hold you in my arms And you are mine tonight.
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www.bearpawriverbrewing.com 4605 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654 907-232-2718
Prior to about 1500, the dry powder pigments were mixed with egg yolk or other glutinous materials to make tempera paints. Later on, the dry powder pigments were mixed with oils (linseed oil, poppy seed oil, walnut oil or safflower oil). By the height of the renaissance oil painting techniques had almost completely replaced the use of tempera paints in the majority of Europe.
The careful grinding of materials and closely guarded formula started dying out in the mid-19th century with the invention of the paint tube. Paints could now be produced in bulk and sold in tin tubes with a cap. This allowed the bulk manufacturing of paints with a smooth consistency. And the screw-on cap preserved the paints and allowed easy painting outdoors.
more thickly. The artist Renoir said, “Without tubes of paint, there would have been no impressionism.”
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Bear Paw River Brewery will be featuring a new, local Valley Fine Arts Association artist show each month, beginning this July with Maria Mckiernan.
Windmills have been operating in this area since the mid-17th century. At one time there were more than 10,000 operating windmills in the Netherlands. Only about 1,000 windmills remain, and of these 1,000 only about 50 are still in operation.
The preparation of these oil paints was quite complex. The ingredients were first ground on the stone wheels in a windmill, and then the artist used a mortar and pestle to complete the task. Then oils and other ingredients were added to make a paste.
PAGE 14 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com
Music Contributed by Pecussion in the Valley
in Colony Day parades and drum clinics held at the studio.
play drums while also enjoying a wonderful Arkose creation.
Upon returning to Alaska after 5 years of graduate school in Iowa, Meggie Aube decided to start her percussion teaching studio in Palmer. This fall marks the five year anniversary of business for the Percussion in the Valley studio. The studio has undergone much growth and many changes over the years, with its humble beginnings in the garage of Meggie’s parent’s house.
The Percussion in the Valley studio has truly became a center for percussion education and performance opportunities in the Mat-Su Valley! Through Percussion in the Valley, students of all ages, from children to adults, have been able to experience the joy of making music.
To celebrate the 5th year anniversary with the entire community, a studio open house with food, drinks and music will take place on Friday, September 16th at 6:00 pm at the Percussion in the Valley Studio. The studio is located at 832 S. Colony Way in downtown Palmer. The open house will include performances by students, an open drum jam and food to enjoy. All are invited to celebrate!
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The studio officially began on September 22, 2011 when it opened its doors to the first student, Samuel Sturgis. Samuel was a beginning drum student at the time and was only 7 years old. Samuel was a very dedicated student who regularly practiced and showed up to lessons. He is still a member of the studio and has participated in 3 Percussion in the Valley summer camps. Since the studios inception in 2011, the studio has grown to more than 30 active students throughout the year. Many more students of all ages have also participated in summer camps, drum workshops and group classes. Even more drum enthusiasts have participated in summer drum jams, marching
The months of September and October will bring some very fun and educational opportunities to help celebrate the milestone anniversary. The very popular Community Drum Workshop September series will be held on 3 consecutive Saturdays, September 10th, 17th, and 24th. These workshops are for adult students to learn how to play hand drums in a group setting while learning grooves from around the world. The Community Drum Workshop October series will be held in conjunction with Arkose Brewery in Palmer who is also celebrating their 5th year anniversary this fall. This three week workshop will meet on October 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Participants will learn how to
For information on any of these events, please contact Dr. Meggie Aube at 907-631-8079 of percvalley@gmail.com. You can also visit the website for more information: percussioninthevalley.com
Contributed by Michelle LaRose
A flourish of original tunes written by Pat mostly in his young adult years speak of both happy and complex times in his life, as a good many of his musical selections focus on reflection and significance. With a versatile mix of folk, country and upbeat soft rock with a lively tempo, the No Wake Band delights a very wide range of audience demographics. Life growing up in the agricultural environment of Ohio influences the sentimentality in some of his lyrics to the delight of all age groups.
Meanwhile, Pat started a family of his own, and of his five children, three of them are now active young adult musicians writing their own original tunes today. The dynamic duo of Pat and son, Sean, went on to perform music, regularly traveling South Central Alaska with occasional accompaniment by the other members of the family and friends here and there. Sean bounces around on the 12-string, baritone and electric guitars, and provides lead guitar riffs with precision and magical clarity. The No Wake Band performs their original tunes throughout the South Central Alaska area with a broad, universal appeal to all audiences with everything from Pat’s spunky original tunes to familiar covers that range from Johnny Cash to Lynrd Skynrd rock with some Pink Floyd thrown in and much more. Stand-in performers are Michelle LaRose on the bass, Joe Lott in backup vocals, Kateri Houser on rhythm guitar with preferred guest percussionists thrown into the mix. The No Wake Band’s first studio CD, “Wind in My Sail”, has been released in July of 2016. They perform regularly throughout South Central Alaska and can be found on Facebook, Reverbnation.com and the No Wake Band website: www.patwake. com. The CDs are available now in several local stores around downtown Palmer, the Palmer-Butte stores, the Palmer Museum and in Sutton. Downloads are also available online at iTunes, Amazon and more.
Theatre PRESS RELEASE Elwood P. Dowd is an affable man who claims to have an unseen (and presumably imaginary) friend Harvey — whom Elwood describes as a six-foot, three and one half inch tall pooka resembling an anthropomorphic rabbit. Elwood introduces Harvey to everyone he meets. His social-climbing sister, Veta, increasingly finds his eccentric behavior embarrassing. She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium. When they arrive at the sanitarium, a comedy of errors ensues. The young, handsome and very flirtatious Dr. Sanderson commits Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion. When Elwood shows up at the sanitarium looking for his lost friend Harvey, it seems that the mild-
mannered Elwood’s delusion has had a strange influence on the staff, including sanitarium director Dr. Chumley. Only just before Elwood is to be given an injection that will make him into a “perfectly normal human being”, does Veta realize that she would rather have Elwood the same as he has always been carefree and kind - even if it means living with Harvey. Harvey opens September 9th and runs through October 2nd. Ticket prices are $18 for Students/Seniors and $20 for Adults. This hilarious comedy will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, Wasilla. Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website www.valleyperformingarts.org or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.
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Acoustic guitar found Pat at the age of 14, although he explains a universal love of music as far back as he can recall. His grandfather was the local church choir director and professional violinist. Pat continued on his own to pursue musical excellence, abashedly pointing out that he only ever had one formal guitar lesson and took it from there. Influences such as Peter Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young and John Denver are reflected in his folksy embellishments in a fluid and artful style with the harmonica thrown into the mix.
Pat pursued life’s journey with a stint in the air force stationed in Germany where his musical style won him favor in military talent show events. He was dubiously placed in a talent team and played in variety shows at the Military Performing Arts Center in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He is eager to recant his experience playing for a British Officers Club where requests for repetitive performances for one of his original tunes “More Like An Angel” were made over and over again.
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Spellbound is the best way to describe the performance of father and son’s musical entertainment from Palmer, Alaska affectionately dubbed “No Wake Band”. Patriarch father, Pat Wake, explains the name for the ensemble came about as sort of a play on the family name. A passion for boating and seeing “No Wake” signs around the docks and harbors planted the idea, but the first time the name stuck was the headline for a public performance in North Carolina with like-kind use of the catchy namesake. In North Carolina, signs splaying “Wake County”, “Wake Forest” and such were common.
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Music