Benefits produce unexpected gems

At the first Ken Peltier fund-raiser at the Mat-Su Resort, I had the pleasure of hearing a country singer named Dave King. He was something else, seemingly coming out of nowhere.

He was on hand to perform at the fund-raiser, but hadn’t performed publicly in quite a while — years even.

Boy, I couldn’t help but be impressed. Here’s this guy in a cowboy hat, whom I’ve never seen before, playing and singing at a professional level.

I couldn’t help but listen, making a mental note to remember his name. It’s not every day someone emerges from the proverbial woodwork of Alaska’s music scene, especially someone like King.

Then, at the second Ken Peltier fund-raiser, which was at Raven Hall, I missed my chance to hear yet another country rock act, the John Hillborn Band.

I was at that event, taking pictures and enjoying all the bands, but I left to grab a bite to eat and missed the performance. I was hoping I could get back sooner and catch the last half of their set, but unfortunately I didn’t.

I walked in right when the band was leaving the stage, but the residuals of the performance still resonated with the people there, who were buzzing about the band.

Hearing so many people talking about the band made me wish I had gotten fast food.

This Saturday starting at 3:30 p.m. things come full circle, with both of these country acts converging at the Mat-Su Resort, bringing their sounds to the Mat-Su.

Along with these great local music acts, the Valley’s newest radio station, Country Legends 100.9, will be there broadcasting live.

Who knows, you might even hear these local musicians on our new station, but probably not. So you’ll have to make sure and be there this Saturday and show your support for these local musicians and welcome the new radio station to the scene!

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.