Star studded lineup of Alaskan grown bands scheduled to perform during virtual Recycle Revival concert

WASILLA— Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) is moving its annual fundraising concert, Recycle Revival, to a virtual model this year to accommodate social distancing measures.

Despite the limitations, VCRS staff and volunteers are expecting a large audience of streamers this Saturday after securing acts as big as Portugal, the Man.

“It’s all Alaskan. It’s all Alaskan raised music,” Longtime VCRS board member Randi Perlman said.

Perlman said the hype for this event has been building up for this event, not just because of the roster of musicians, but also through the month long silent auction that wraps up the day of the concert.

“It’s been very popular and well received, and we appreciate that very much,” Perlman said.

The auction and subsequent concert serve as an annual fundraiser for the recycling center’s Sustain Campaign, a “rainy day” fund that can be used to cover unexpected expenses.

“Not too many of us have made events in the virtual world, but we’re learning and it’s fun,” Perlman said. “We just pulled it all together.”

According to Perlman, the live streamed performances will go for about two to three hours. She said this year’s event is dedicated to VCRS founding member and former Executive Director Mollie Boyer, with numerous speakers ready to honor her life and legacy that was fueled by her never ending cause to inspire lasting change for the betterment of the planet, one recycled object and change of habit at a time.

“It’s about what Mollie created,” Perlman said. “I think it’s gonna be really uplifting and inspirational, I really do.”

Recycle Revival is free to watch, but donations are encouraged. Perlman said that various speakers, including their sponsors and each participating band will take a moment between acts to share messages about the importance of recycling and the value of VCRS staff and volunteers’ efforts around the clock.

“It’s people who truly believe in what we provide to the state, to individuals, to the planet,” Perlman said.

The 2020 Recycle Revival has a star studded lineup of Alaskan grown acts. This year’s performers include Hobo Jim, Marty Raney, LuLu Small, Matt Hopper, Emma Hill, and Roots and Branches.

Perlman said the virtual model helped them secure so many big names across the state and beyond, including Portugal. The Man, a Wasilla raised band that left the state and went on to win a Grammy in 2018 for their song, “Feel it Still.”

According to Perlman, Another factor that helped was the fact that event organizer Terry Coch is a longtime friend with founding member and bass player Zachary Carothers.

“They’re all very happy to be a part of it because they believe in recycling, and of course, let’s face it, it’s COVID and people want to get the music out there, but they can’t perform anywhere live. So, they’re going to be able to get on the airwaves,” Perlman said. “We think it’s gonna have a really good audience.”

The ultimate goal for Recycle Revival is to raise awareness for VCRS and its ongoing mission to save more recyclable items from landfills. Perlman said that she’s encouraged by the continuous support that’s poured in since they started planning this event.

“It’s like Mollie said, ‘together we’re turning it around,’” Perlman said. “It’s a good feeling to know people are supporting and wanting to be a part of it.”

Recycle Revival goes live Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. For more information, call 907-745-5544 or visit valleyrecycling.org.

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