Kendell Marvel and Ken Peltier perform at Palmer Alehouse

WASILLA — Alaska's premier country performer Ken Peltier was joined by Nashville singer-songwriter Kendell Marvel for an indoor concert at the Palmer Alehouse Wednesday, May 31.

"I had a lot of fun," Peltier said. “It's one of my favorite places. They're just top-notch here.”

Peltier said that he also performed with Marvel during the Rodeo Alaska Memorial Day weekend event at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Peltier said that he's shared the stage with Marvel numerous times at venues across the state over the years and he enjoyed having the opportunity to reunite with him.

"It was really great to catch back up with him," Peltier said.

Peltier said that he's been friends with Marvel for many years and he feels like a brother to him. He said that he took him on a fishing trip and other Alaskan adventures while he was up here.

"He's just a good human," Peltier said.

Peltier and Marvel took advantage of the smaller setting at the Alehouse to tell stories in between songs. Peltier said they had a lot of fun.

"I'm pretty stoked about how it went," Peltier said.

Peltier said that he has a genuine musical chemistry and mutual respect for each other with Marvel and it shows on stage.

"It's always just like helping one another and that's how it should always be with musicians," Peltier said.

Marvel has an extensive and acclaimed background in the mainstream country music scene. He's written songs for some of the biggest names in the industry including Gary Allan Lee Ann Womack, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Jake Owen, Jamey Johnson, and Joe Diffie.

"Kendell's an amazing singer/songwriter," Peltier said "I just love watching him as a fan I learn every time."

Peltier added that Marvel is an all around artist that is able to perform his own work very well. He said that's special because not all good songwriters are good singers as well.

"He's the real deal," Peltier said.

Peltier has a full summer of music ahead of him. He's set to perform at various venues across the state.

"We're booked every weekend up until hunting season," Peltier said.

Peltier said that he's thankful to be able to do what he loves with fans and countless performers in and out of Alaska.

"I get to meet people and I get to hear how music helped them during a hard time. I've done a lot more than I ever thought I was going to... I still get excited. It's very rewarding."

Peltier will return to the Valley for the 2023 Alaska State Fair season. He said that he plans to host another tribute concert for the late Hobo Jim at the Sluicebox.

"I wanted him to be honored," Peltier said.

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