ROCK THE PARK

Frontiersman

WASILLA — Jeremy Strunk and his Schwabenhof Jam Band — aka Cottonschwab — rocked Wonderland Park Thursday. The band’s emotional blend of hard-driving melodies and soulful solos echoed through a cool, sunny evening.

Cottonschwab isn’t a new sound for the Valley music scene, playing Sundays at the Palmer-Wasilla Highway watering hole. Strunk took over the group about two months ago from Mark Johnson.

Playing at tonight’s Rock the Park concert series is just the ticket for Strunk, considered one of the Valley’s best guitar players, said Ian Gallagher of Matanuska Music. “He’s an absolutely great guitarist and they’re all great musicians,” he said.

The Thursday concerts are sponsored by Matanuska Music, in cooperation with the city of Wasilla.

From Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Cold Shot” to Jimmy Hendricks’ classics “Red House” and “All Along the Watchtower,” Wonderland Park was oozing blues. Even the modern-day king of blues himself, BB King, was represented.

“I Know the Thrill is Gone” is one of Strunk’s favorite songs to play, especially after watching King perform live during his 75th birthday tour.

“He’s fantastic; hasn’t missed a trick,” Strunk said. “Man, the guy still had it. It was an amazing show.”

Every Thursday through the first week of August, local bands will perform at Rock the Park, Gallagher said.

“There’s quite a bit (of local talent) and definitely a lot of metal bands,” he said. “There’s a lot of energy these kids have going on. It makes us feel good that there’s a place we can provide them to play.”

While some of the local bands play metal rock, all the shows are family friendly and free, he said.

“They just want to play shows,” Gallagher said. “They’re cool with our rules.”

As the crowd trickled in and found places lounging on the grass or under a tree, the band warmed up with “Sweet Home, Chicago.”

For Wasilla resident Antonio Ulibarri, the sounds were familiar.

“I watch them play at the Schwabenhof all the time,” he said. “They’re great.”

Rock the Park is supposed to be a casual, fun time, Gallagher said. Sometimes there’s also free hot dogs, other times not.

But the sounds are always local.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.