Fireweed Music Camp students put on concert at Wood and Wire Guitars and Music

PALMER — The Fireweed Music Camp students put on a concert with special guest musicians at Wood and Wire Guitars and Music Thursday, June 8.

Andrea Childers of the local band Vested Interest oversees the Fireweed Music Camp through her small business Fiddle and Annie Music. Childers said this is their first year of operation and they've had a great start.

"It's been really fun," Childers said. "I have so many talented kids.We couldn't have asked for a better group of kids to start this week off with."

Wood and Wire Guitars and Music owner Todd Farnsworth said that he was thrilled to give these students the opportunity to show what they've learned. He said that promoting local musicians of all ages is one of their main goals at the shop.

"It's great," Farnsworth said.

This new youth summer camp focuses on the fundamentals of music and runs throughout the month of June. Childers said that she plans to hold the camp in July next year to better accommodate homeschool households.

Numerous local musicians such as Davey Jones of the Glacier Hoppers and Roland Roberts of the Roland Roberts Band have agreed to perform with the participating children.

"We have some really exciting guest artists," Childers said.

Childers said that she established this summer camp to fulfill a need in the Mat-Su Valley. She said there has not been anything like this offered in the community, and she wants to continue to grow this program over the years to connect children to music.

"We try to teach them all the different aspects of performing,"

I just want to inspire kids to play music and help raise the next generation of musicians. That's how we get bands,"

Childers said that she grew up participating in music camps. She said it's a fun and enriching experience and she wants other children to have that opportunity.

"It was always the best time I ever had," Childers said.

Childers said they are still accepting applications for this year's music camp program. Families that are interested in getting their children involved can still apply by picking up applications from Wood and Wire Guitars and Music or reaching out to Childers.

For more information, call 907-887-4710.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com