VPA hosts second Songwriters' Sampler

WASILLA -- Song will ring out at Machetanz Theatre the evening of Feb. 29, but not because Valley Performing Arts is presenting a musical.

Instead, VPA is hosting the second Songwriters' Sampler to showcase five Alaska musicians. The event featuring Tom Begich, Katherine Ericson, former Valley resident Terry Holder, Evan Phillips and Jared Woods begins at 7:30 p.m. in the theater at 251 West Swanson Ave. in Wasilla. Tickets are $15.

"VPA's interest in this is to reach out to the community and offer a wider spectrum of entertainment," said VPA's John Fairfield. "It's my hope we'll do a lot more of it, but, of course, that will depend on how successful this is. Our venue is intimate and a good place to provide this type of thing."

The first Songwriters' Sampler was held November 2003 in Anchorage's Wilda Marston Theatre. Now the artists are going on the road to perform in the Valley.

Begich has been described as the Bohemian son of a family steeped in Alaska politics, although his music doesn't delve into politics. He has released three CDs, including "Such a World" in 1997, "Hotel Metropol" in 1999 and "Albuquerque Road" in 2001.

Begich has opened for PBS musician-comedian Mark Russell in addition to recording artists Kim Richey, Don Morrell, Paul Geremia and Stephen Fearing. He lists Taj Mahal, Harry Chapin and Christopher Parkening among his musical influences.

Ericson is relatively new on the Anchorage music scene. A simple guitar backup usually accompanies her lyrics. The Chicago native says she has been influenced by Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Dar Williams.

Holder once performed solo, but now is accompanied by husband, Jerry. He sings harmonies while plaing lead and rhythm guitar. Her first CD, "Am I Here, Is This Me," was released in 2001 and consisted entirely of original songs. Two of the songs made the finals in that year's Alaska Public Radio Network song of the year contest.

In 2003, Holder again the the APRN contest's finals with two new songs in the pop category. A new CD entitled "Colored Rooms" is scheduled for release this spring.

Phillips is a self-taught musician whose work has been described as a cross between Jay Farrar and Neil Young. He is a former front man for the Anchorage band, Whipsaws, and has performed in Alaska for the past 10 years. Phillips' first album is scheduled for spring release.

Woods plays solo acoustic in addition to rock with his band Woodrow. A 25-year-old Anchorage native, he grew up listening to Cat Stevens and the Beatles. Woods' first album was "Carnival Ride," and his second album entitled "Spilled Drinks and Starlight" will be out next month. He was voted the best singer in Anchorage last year by the Anchorage Press.