2009 Seward Music & Arts Festival
Performer Bios
Band MembersOrion- Vocals, Guitar,
Metis- Vocals, Lap Steel Guitar
Jimmy Jazz- Vocals, Banjo, Guitar, Washboard, Harmonica, Mandolin, Kazoo, Ladder
Dirty Boy- Vocals, Uke
Black Metal Dan- Mandolin
Boot- Vocals, Guitar
Jason- Percussion
Jeff Jacobs- Gutbucket Bass, Saw, Spoons
Clay- Acccordian
Eddie Lee- Vocals, Harmonica
Just Johnny- Fiddle
Their Influences - The crack Dealers and Crack ho's on hyder, this rotten rollercoaster ride of a life, and the voices in our heads.
Sounds Like - Crap unless we're faded, it helps if yer faded too.
Band MembersChad Reynvaan: Vocals.Harmonica.Guitars , Cody Keim: Electric Upright Bass. 4 String Electric Bass Guitar. Backing Vox , Simon Evans: Drum Kit.Percussion (Chimes!) , Daniel Hodge: Keyboards. Backing Vox
The 11:20's refreshing blend of rock, pop and americana is winning over audiences everywhere in south-central Alaska and beyond. Chad, Cody, Simon & Daniel hail from home towns across the United States from New York to Washington State and have found a truly Alaskan musical connection which shines through in each and every original song. The 11:20's are pleased to bring this unique & refreshing brand of music to The Seward Music and Arts Festival, 2008! Keep an eye out for 11:20s CDs and t-shirts for sale at the merch booth. We hope you enjoy our set! See you soon.
Smile Ease, an Anchorage, Alaska-based indie rock band was formed in 2001. The current line-up of Paul Jacks (singer, songwriter, vocals, guitar, piano and synth), Marc Bourdon (bass, guitar, synth, and back-up vocals), Nate Foerster (guitars, back-up vocals), and Shane StClair (drums) is a decidedly organic amalgam which maintains the influence of past band members and finds inspiration in a diverse group of guest musicians who augment their sound. “We’re more of a collective than a definitive group,” says Jacks.
The band’s amorphous line-up brings an intriguing eclecticism to the music. Lush, complex, and romantic melodies are put in clean relief by the straightforward drum work of StClair. Bourdon says the songs rely on “an emotional base” with the music crafted around literate and sometimes witty lyrics. Says Rose Wallin of the Anchorage Press: “The songs aren’t driven by instrumentality or lyrics alone, but by the way the sounds supplement words so intuitively that all elements become essential. Nothing sounds overblown and the music is so close to seamless it’s easier to absorb if you’re not listening for a particular riff or turn of phrase… The tracks are complex and absorbing, easy to fixate on and difficult to stop thinking about.”
Band Members
Sarah Bartholomew, Fiddle, Bass, lead Vocals
Steve Bartholomew, Guitar
Matt Spence, Mandolin
Dustin Rider, Banjo
InfluencesBearfoot and Foxfire Bluegrass
From Girdwood, Alaska, Sarahndipity is a bluegrass band that began in 2006 when, then 9 year old Sarah, decided it was time to take this family band to the stage. They like to play a range of bluegrass and old-time tunes as well as ones that Sarah has composed and dancing is encouraged. Sarah plays fiddle and bass while Dad, Steve, keeps the beat with guitar. Dustin kicks it up with the banjo and cousin Matt whips up a mandolin tune. (Matt also plays “the mouth.”)
The band has performed at several festivals and events around the state of Alaska, as well as in local hang-outs and private events. Their first CD is scheduled to be released in September.
Illaskan Assassins are an Anchorage based b-boy(break-boy) crew that reps Alaska to the fullest, in state and also out of state. The crew consists of about 9 b-boys- Victamone, Glu, Siam, Erv, Chips, Xpreshun, Ika, kou, and Lucky. Ages ranging from 18 to 27. IA has been together since about 2006. Since then, they've competed out of state in places such as; Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, L.A, Texas, and Vancouver Canada. IA is actively involved with local hip hop events and is the leading b-boy crew in all of Alaska. Their main goal is to put "Illaska" on the map in the world of b-boying
This eclectic group of energetic women is comprised of Heather Beggs, Peg Belcastro, Janet Bowen, Beth Graber, Dorle Harness, Wynn Levitt, Sara Reinert and Mo Wilkinson. The original members of Tamba! first began their love of marimba ten years ago. The players then established their identity as Tamba Marimba! and recently changed their name to Tamba Hadzi! Although none are professional musicians, group members’ prior musical background includes varying levels of training and experience with piano, flute, French horn, guitar, voice and drums.
Tamba Hadzi! is an eight-member ensemble from Homer, Alaska’s growing marimba community who all share a love of the music of Zimbabwe. The traditional and contemporary music of Zimbabwe’s Shona people, as originally taught by Dr. Dumisani Maraire, is the foundation of their repertoire, which also includes original compositions by their teacher, Michael Breez, of the Rufaro School of Marimba. Their seven primary instruments—which include soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass marimbas (wooden xylophones)—are locally handmade.
Anchortown Circus's lead ringer, Meghan Holtan, has traveled and performed with Runaway Circus, Le Vorris and Vox Circus, and most recently, the New Old Time Chautauqua. Meghan currently teaches and performs theatrical circus across Alaska. She is joined by the aerialist Jessica Joy and musicians, Matthew Lohr and Noah Diamond. www.anchortowncircus.org
Singer-songwriter Melanie Trost offers acoustic guitar and vocals with a folksy and country flavor. She grew up listening to her bronco riding dad play and sing country music, and a guitar was given to her for Christmas when she was ten years old. An early musical debut of songs played around a bonfire with friends and family has grown to include original compositions performed at a number of local venues.
About Rogues & Wenches
Our performing group was born three years ago in the barrels of ale fermenting at that renaissance locale of drink and revelry, the Crooked Toad Tavern. In our music we love to explore the rich and varied texture of interchange between the sexes as described through the wit and wisdom of Irish and Scots folk pub tradition. Our songs dance a lyrical tight rope spun taught with sexual tension and desire, which transports us across joy and raucous laughter to utter despair and desolation and all points in between. Gawd, we have fun
The Rogues: Benjamin James (wee); Robert Woofter (not-so-wee); Kevin McClear (friggin' huge); Hunter Woofter (lad).
The Wenches: Lucia Woofter; Erin Wells; Shannon Lambert
Gypsy Underground is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Indian and Western Sound. Featured instruments: hand percussion, drum kit, bass, keyboard, sitar, guitar, oud, and vocals. Featured dance styles: American Tribal Style, Kalbelia Gypsy, Flamenco, Modern, Cabaret and Urban Tribal.
Spiff Says,
“. . . I grew up in Iowa, and have been living in Girdwood for the last 8 years. I work in the tourism industry in the summer, and play some tunes in the winter. I like the winter.”
Melissa Mitchell:
Soulful.. Introspective. Socially conscious. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe singer/songwriter Melissa Mitchell.. "Rain or Shine” is the second full-length album for Melissa Mitchell, following her first album, “Alma.” Her freshman release was an eclectic mix of songs that takes the listener through the highs and lows of life’s journey. The same can be said for “Rain or Shine” however, the songwriters level of growth and maturity are quite evident in this new batch of songs. To Melissa, writing and creating music is a healing process; and she passes the fruits of her labor on to fans hoping it can be a means for them to heal as well.
Sonny’s early CDs include This Is My Story, This Is My Song, released in 2002, followed the next year by Sordid Tales of Love and Woe, Sweet Lorraine featuring Jolie Holland on harmonies. In 2005, Watchword Literary Magazine commissioned Sonny to produce One Act Plays, a CD that includes Edith Frost, Neko Case, Miranda July, Jolie Holland, Andy Cabic, Virgil Shaw, Mark Eitzel, and John Dwire, Rico Bell, among other talented artists. 2007 saw the release of Fruitvale, a collaboration with Chicago musicians Leroy Bach, Kelly Hogan, and Graeme Gibson, that features songs Sonny wrote about his old neighborhood in Oakland.
Anchorage fans voted Woods best singer and best guitar player in 2006 and is often referred to as the town’s most popular acoustic performer. “If you know anything about anything where local music is concerned, chances are you’ve heard of Jared Woods,” Monica Bradbury of the Anchorage Press wrote. Woods plays shows up to five times a week, either solo or with his band Woodrow. He also hosts Anchorage’s most popular open mic night at Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse.
Discography:
“Carnival Ride” released January 2000 “Spilled Drinks and Starlight” released in March 2004 “Wren” released December 2006 In the coming months he will record a full-length, pop-rock album, which he hopes to promote heavily through
Press Quotes:
"He's got a big sound for a lone guy with a string instrument."
-Anchorage Daily News (Dec. '06)
“Woodrow’s set was one of the highlights of the evening. Jared Woods, accompanied by his brother Christian Woods on bass guitar and Michael Holtz on drums, was in fine form. Woods is in a class with sensitive singer-songwriter types like Elliot Smith and could easily slide into the mainstream pop world in this full-band format.” –Anchorage Press (2003)
Gigged with:
John Gorka, Shawn Mullins, Erin McKeown, Third Eye Blind, Son Volt, The Gin Blossoms, The Donnas, Rose Polenzani, Kristen Hoffmann, The Young Dubliners, Steve Forbert, Maura O'Connell, Tony Moore (Cutting Crew), Marty Jones, Hamell On Trial, The Devil Whale, Matt Lewis Band, The Whipsaws, Andrew Norsworthy, Sleep Machine, Delmag, Yesman, Xavier Rudd, and Kate Earl
"LuLu Small has been Rocking the Last Frontier for 31 years, inclusive of many different formats between bands, and her solo performances. Now playing with "The Small Band", they have become very popular with fans as well as venues, playing all the favorites as well as many original tunes of LuLu's. Let's not forget about the wild and uncanny humor and entertainment that often comes with their shows, pleasing audiences of all ages. LuLu and her "Small Band" will be featured at the (4th, 5th,???) Seward Music and Arts Festival on Saturday @ 8pm, then again at the Yukon Bar..."
Diana has been writing her own songs for the last 10 years. In 2002 she took a road trip by herself to the Southeastern US armed with only her guitar. Diana sang her heart out from ‘The Attic’ in Chattanooga to the ‘Hall of Fame’ in Nashville. During this trip she began to write even more songs, many of which are on her first CD release “All I Want.”
From this trip onward she progressed and continued to play at various venues in and around Toronto such as Free Times Café, PJ O’Briens, The Summer of Love Festival in Yorkville, and Galway Arms in Etobicoke. A favourite highlight was playing in front of hundreds of people at a Tsunami Benefit concert in Toronto’s Beach District.
SPENARD comes to SEWARD!
Spenard JazzFest is an annual Anchorage festival featuring ONLY original compositions! The festival was started in 2008 on a musician's whim - wouldn't it be fun if . . . . .
Already in its second year SJF 2009 featured nearly 100 original jazz tunes by 18 different Alaskan composers played by 85 musicians! Check out these homegrown pieces at Sunday's late brunch monster jazz set. Spenard Jazz Fest's only goal is to make musicians make music. Jazz is one of the proudest American musical traditions, and we are making it one of Alaska's proudest too! Spenard Jazz Fest is supported by a Community Arts Grant from Alaska State Council on the Arts through Alaska Jazz Workshop.
Their sounds are brought to you by:
Featured SJF composers: Joe Craig, John Damberg, Rama Ishaya, Liz Malys, Nick Petumenos, Yngvil VG
Joe Craig guitarist, composer, teacher/mentor is originally from the New York City metropolitan area, but has made his home in Alaska for the past 25 years. His beautiful Karma Helix cycle includes five pieces based on musical themes inspired by a study of our chakra energy centers. Other pieces are explorations into a new compositional organization of our existing 12 tone system that Joe is currently trying to understand. Recently completed projects include a web based music theory text at www.jacmuse.com
John Damberg - is the man in AK jazz education. He runs Alaska Jazz Workshop which annually feeds dozens of talented young jazz musicians into the food chain, and he also employs jazz artists! John's a good man. John's passion is Latin music (and all other music maybe?) and he regularly backs up the big jazz names visiting Alaska as well as performing with his local Latin Jazz Quintet.
Rama Ishaya began studying classical piano at the age of ten, under the tutelage of Connie McFarland, and later Svetlana Velichko. His knack for Jazz appeared early. In his teens he spent long hours listening to Jazz, reading theory books, playing and jamming with local artists. At eighteen he won the prestigious Lionel Hampton Scholarship at the Lionel Hampton School of Music. Feeling that Jazz is on the inside, and wanting to develop that aspect of himself, Rama left the Lionel Hampton School and spent most of his twentieth year practicing the Ishaya's Ascension techniques, a form of meditation. He is now pursuing a career in Anchorage in Jazz Piano whilst taking classes at the UAA.
Liz Malys From NY, schooled in Tucson, and currently living in Anchorage. For Liz, travel is not just a leisure activity but a way of life. Liz is very excited for her new album, "Desert," which she flew to Tucson in the dead of an Alaskan winter to record. Liz has performed across the United States: from the small coffeehouses in Vermont, to the Annual Folkfest in Tucson, to the Alyeska resort. In addition to creating and producing new songs, Liz performs and teaches in Anchorage. A passion for collaboration between the arts has involved Liz numerous projects for modern dance and music/composition. She is currently an accompanist for ballet classes at AK Dance Theatre in Anchorage.
Nick Petumenos Nick Petumenos was made in Spenard, and aspires to jazz musicianship. He is therefore honored to be featured in the Spenard Jazz Festival. He writes great music but is also happy to just "play with others"... Nick is really your first call guitarist in Anchorage and is a coveted collaborator for many prominent artists and bands in Alaska and beyond.
Yngvil VG moved to Anchorage 6 years ago touring with an international theatre company. She now writes, plays and teaches music in Anchorage and Homer. She produces and directs multimedia, dance and theatre shows in Alaska, Norway, the UK and Canada - and promotes green living to Hummer drivers. She still makes a go at keeping up with her friends in the international music community, in 2009 she's featured trumpeter on CD releases in Norway, Canada, UK and South Africa and Alaska. Yngvil is exited about developing a uniquely Alaskan jazz festival, and invites you to get involved!
These SJF composers are joined by eminent bassist Erroll Bressner and the ever present Cameron "Behind you" Cartland on the drum set!
Moose Pass Praise Posse- is a contemporary Christian rock group with a Moose Pass flavor. Original praise and worship arrangements feature honest, heartfelt lyrics and driving percussion licks. Warm, harmonious leads soar from a variety of instruments that give this ensemble a rich folky sound with lots of raw passion. Chris/rhythm guitar/lead vocals, Kathy/lead vocals, Keith/rhythm & lead guitar/vocals, Christin/mandolin/vocals, Bill/dobro/banjo, Wendy/violin/keyboards/vocals, Dave/bass guitar, Jeremy/rhythm & lead guitar, Dakota/drums, Bill/congas/bongos/ and anything else he pulls out of his bag.
Nick Petumenos - guitar
Erroll Bressner - bass
Cameron Cartland - drums
John Damberg - Tuned Percussion/Drums
Yngvil VG - Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Harmonic Flute
Liz Malys - Vocals/Keyboards
Rama Ishaya - Keyboards
Joe Craig - guitar