The Inaugural Great Alaska Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend is often called “the unofficial start of summer.” Another one has just come and gone and this year Alaska found a new way to kick it off and celebrate. In the vein of music festivals and family fun, Alaska has just launched the inaugural Great Alaska Music Festival.

The festival offered national and Alaskan bands performing all weekend from morning and onto late night. It all happened at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer, giving residents another reason to visit before the Alaska State Fair itself and signaling the end of summer. In addition to the constant music happening around, the festival features camping, new and familiar food booths, a ‘Children’s Village’ play area, arts and crafts, free workshops, a display of dancers, aerial acrobats, fire eaters and more.

There was no reason not be excited as far as the musical acts and entertainment were concerned. This festival brought in some of out best local talent playing both the main Borealis Theatre playing next to established national acts, and the Showcase Alaska Stage thanks to strong sponsor, the Alaska Independent Musicians Initiative (AKIMI).

The local lineup included Hope Social Club, Ava Earl, Cold Country, Super Saturated Sugar Strings, Tanana Rafters, Steve Norwood, Lulu Small, performers from Spenard Jazz Fest and more. These artists were sharing the festival with the likes of Asleep At The Wheel, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Yonder Mountain String Band, Chris Robinson Brotherhood and others.

The music didn’t even stop within the perimeter of the fairgrounds. Attendees were encouraged to continue the party over at Klondike Mike’s in Palmer for some late nights jams featuring more great Alaskan music.

Some of the local musicians who performed on the main stage were stoked to be playing such an iconic venue. Kevin Worrell with the Super Saturated Sugar Strings and Parlor In The Round exclaimed, “It was an honor to play for the mountains. I loved seeing our fellow Alaskan musicians bringing their ‘A game’ to the Borealis Theatre.” He added, “This is where I saw my first concerts, so it feels like it’s coming full circle to be looking out from that stage at Pioneer Peak.”

The atmosphere there alone was worth being a part of. Walking beyond the entry gates and into the GAMF, you easily felt that fun family, good time charm you feel at any large community extravaganza. The vibe was positive and that was evident due to the smiles on everyone’s faces. As you drew closer to the stages, people were enjoying live music while savoring something good to eat and drink from the vendors, or they were out in the grassy viewing area of the theatre getting loose. One of those people, Rain Schumacher, was caught dancing and took a moment to share her feelings about the day.

“I’ve seen a lot of traditional bluegrass, old-timey stuff and good ‘ole country. Then you get some of the jam band scene.” Schumacher explained. “It’s been a really fun fix — everyone’s having a really good time.”

She also went further on to explain how seamless the entertain has been.

“There’s no down time. You have music playing the main stage, and then when they’re changing between sets, there’s a little stage down below featuring Alaskan musicians — there’s music all day, it’s great.” declared Schumacher.

Some people in attendance were lucky enough to have won tickets to the festival. Educators Paul School and Taylor Prewitt, were two folks there appreciating the music from an oversized adirondack chair provided by event sponsor GCI. They heard about the GAMF through listening to KNBA.

School said, “Loren Dixon called me cause I won the tickets through the radio station. I’m a fan of Loren because I listen to him driving to work and whatnot, so I thought, ‘Yeah, this is the coolest thing ever. Loren Dixon tells me I get to go see Chris Robinson.’ [Laughs]” Then Prewitt made sure School added in what he told Dixon upon receiving his tickets; School admitted, “I knew I was going to win.” and explained that he felt good about his chances thinking not many people would fill out the application on KNBA’s website. Thus proving that if you take advantage of the beneficial opportunities that come your way — good things will happen.

Aside from all the action happening everywhere, the grounds were being kept clean and safe through the help of some helpful volunteers handling the situation.

Kevin Vacca was out there with a wagon and a trash picker making connections. “As I was collecting trash and recyclables I’ve noticed everyone been super friendly. People are saying ‘Hi’ and being super accepting of each other.” Vacca observed and then revealed, “I offered to do some volunteer work here and in return I get to listen to some good music and help out the community.”

During the live performances on the main stage, the promoters of the GAMF found ways to keep it local even during the national acts. They invited artist and owner of Lunchbox Tattoos in Palmer, Stevo Chancey. While watching each band inside the Borealis Theatre, he was there off to the right of the stage, painting various works of art onto a canvas. He continued this routine all day, both days.

Chancey said, “They invited me and I’m friends with several of the bands so it all worked out.” He added, “It’s been a real nice day. Asleep At The Wheel was very good, and the Kyle Hollingsworth Band is real funky, so that was fun.”

A true highlight for many was the inclusion of Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

Regarding all aspects to the GAMF, admittedly, being there you realized that there was plenty of breathing room with attendance being a more than a bit sparse. Factors contributing to low turnout included the great number of Alaskans who get out of town on Memorial Day weekend.

Musician and a founding members of AKIMI, Michael Howard stated, “The teamwork within the Alaska music community is amazing. It takes so much energy, faith, and collaboration to launch a big festival like this.” He concluded, “The folks organizing GAMF are seeding something really special here. Alaskan musicians are looking forward to being a part of this as it grows.”