Ken Peltier closes Alaska State Fair with Hobo Jim tribute

PALMER — The Ken Peltier Band closed the 2023 Alaska State Fair season with a tribute concert honoring the life and legacy of Hobo Jim.

"It was awesome," Peltier said. "No one sings it like him exactly. I was honored to do it."

Hobo Jim (James Varsos) was often called "Alaskan's Balladeer" and regarded as one of the most famous and influential artists in the state's history.

The Ken Peltier Band was joined by Joni Harms who was a longtime friend and co-writer of Varsos. Harms is a well-established country music artist who was recognized in the Western Music Association Hall of Fame.

"She's a great artist. She's the real deal," Peltier said.

In addition to performing various Hobo Jim songs throughout the evening, Peltier put on a slideshow showcasing the iconic singer/songwriter and his performances. He said they sold several types of Hobo Jim merchandise to raise money for his widow Cyndi Varsos.

"People were so kind and gracious," Peltier said. "Everybody out there wearing his stuff keeps his name alive and his legend alive."

Varsos lost his life to cancer in October of 2021. Prior to that, he asked Peltier to carry his music onward. Peltier was a longtime friend of Varsos and saw him as a mentor so he felt a great weight of responsibility to honor his request.

Peltier has put on numerous tribute concerts at various venues since Varsos' death and plans to keep performing shows in his name. He said it's a duty that he takes very seriously.

"It's like walking in your dad's boots when you're a kid," Peltier said. "I just want to honor him and I want to be very careful how it's done."

One of Varsos' longest traditions was closing the Fair each year. Peltier said that he hopes to continue closing the Fair season in his name. He also plans to keep putting on shows at various venues to keep his memory alive.

"I'm going to ramp them up this year," Peltier said.

Like many Alaskan artists, Peltier sees the Fair as a great opportunity to reach a broad audience. He has been one of the main staples of local entertainment featured at the Fair for many years. He said he performed on several stages and enjoyed the 2023 season.

"I had a great Fair. They treat us really well," Peltier said.

The Ken Peltier Band performs across the state throughout the year. Peltier said the core members Vinnie Palazzotto (drums), Adam Stewart (fiddle, bass, lead locals), and Cacey Smyers (lead guitar) have great musical chemistry after playing together for so many years.

"It just works really well," Peltier said. "We're like family. I call it the core four."

The Hobo Jim tribute concert was held at the newly rebuilt Sluicebox. Peltier said that he and Varsos had a lot of great memories performing there. He said the new facility looks really nice and can accommodate a lot more people.

"I think it's beautiful," Peltier said. "When you can pack 800 plus people in a bar for a show you're doing well."

As of 2021, December 21 is now officially recognized as Hobo Jim Day. During this official state holiday, Alaskan residents are encouraged to reflect on his various contributions and overall impact on the Last Frontier.

For more information, visit akhobojim.com.

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