89.9

Music Monday: Nor’easter, With Video.

Alaska, Black & White, Music, Photography, Portraits

Boston-based band Nor’easter, founded by Max Newman of Fairbanks, spent some time sharing music in the KUAC studios Feb. 1, 2013. This contra-dance band features Max Newman on guitar and mandolin, Cedar Stanistreet on fiddle and Julie Vallimont on piano and accordion.

Being a band with Alaska roots, Nor’easter got the filming treatment during their Alaska Live session, which I will embed at the end of this post. Want more? Check out their full Alaska Live podcast.

It’s evident they have fun sharing their music, which indeed induces foot tapping.

Boston-based band Nor'easter performs in the KUAC 89.9 studio Feb.1, 2013.

Boston-based band Nor'easter performs in the KUAC 89.9 studio Feb.1, 2013.

Music Monday: Fairbanks Winter Folk Festival

Alaska, Music, Photography, Portraits

Welcome back to the second installment of Music Monday, on Far North Light.

Twice a year, in summer and winter, The Fairbanks Folk Festival offers a chance for some of the many Interior Alaska bands a place to conjoin and perform. February 9th, at Pioneer Park’s Civic Center, over 30 acts took turns filling 15- and 20-minute sets. Performances ran the gamut from solo singer-songwriters and a comedian  to picking sessions with dozens of stringed instruments.

I was there finalizing recordings for my internship at KUAC, which allowed me some time to photograph as well.

Check out “The Best of the Fest” podcast on KUAC’s website, where you will also see a slideshow with more pictures that I took. I recommend the recordings that start with Ester Jelly Jam and New Cut Road.

Bruno Grunau, of the band Ice Jam, plays mandolin with his 6-week-old daughter Annabelle.

Bruno Grunau, of the band Ice Jam, plays mandolin with his 6-week-old daughter Annabelle.

Warming up in the green room at Fairbanks Winter Folk Festival.

Warming up in the green room at Fairbanks Winter Folk Festival.

A very full stage.

A very full stage.

Emcee Lori Neufeld chats with members of Zingaro before they take the stage.

Emcee Lori Neufeld chats with members of Zingaro before they take the stage.

Ukulele Russ: One man, one ukulele, lots of hair.

Ukulele Russ: One man, one ukulele, lots of hair.