The 36th Annual Anchorage Folk Festival! featuring Guest Artists AJ Lee and Blue Summit and Corey Ledet Zydeco!

The full festival schedule will be posted here shortly. In the meantime, please consult the following pages for schedules of Main Stage and Folk Week performance sets at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium and at venues around Anchorage as well as Workshops held at the Wendy. All events listed here are free and open to the public!

Schedule Of Events

Jan 24,2025

Main Stage

JJ and Friends 7:00 pm
JJ and Friends plays originals and covers comprised of classics and modern hits spanning from the ’60s to today. JJ Shockley – guitar and vocals; Donnie – cajón and vocals; Jerry Cochran – guitar

Justin Cano 7:15 pm
Justin’s original songs reflect his experiences and lessons learned growing up in the Pacific Northwest and living with his family in Alaska. Justin Cano – guitar

The Midnight Sons Chorus 7:30 pm
The Anchorage Midnight Sons A Cappella Chorus has been entertaining audiences since 1967 and represents Anchorage as a member chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). With a mission to spread harmony and joy to the community, we offer a wide variety of fun a cappella arrangements, free voice lessons, coaching from some of the nation’s best vocal coaches and surrounded by the nicest Alaskans you’ll ever meet! Our philosophy is to share harmony in our community while improving musically ourselves and have fun! Phil Cheasebro, Director; Jacob Marsh – Assistant Director; Tim Tillman – President

Na Mná agus Fear Amháin 7:45 pm
Traditional Irish music on flute and button accordion, from na mná (the women) agus fear amháin (and one man). Lisa Maloney, Willow Feighery, and one gentleman musician (probably)

The Roland Roberts Band 8:00 pm
The Roland Roberts Band is a nationally touring Alt Country act out of Hatcher Pass, Alaska. Roland Roberts – guitar; Matt Faubion – guitar, mandolin; Garrett Monroe – bass; Matthew "Wally" Wallace – drums/percussion

Robin Hopper 8:15 pm
Award-winning songwriter from Chugiak. The ADN called Robin’s music "as warm and comforting as a favorite sweater." Robin Hopper – vocals and guitar

The Hot Club of Nunaka 8:30 pm
This year the Hot Club of Nunaka will be playing a small set of some of the more unusual compositions of Django Reinhardt. With references to Debussy, Monet, Mozart and the use of augmented and unitonic motifs, we hope you find this music as interesting (not to mention challenging) as we do. Adam Bartlett – guitar; Nathan Levine – bass; Derek Christianson – guitar

Mike and Matt 8:45 pm
Father-son duo returns with something folky, something swingy, something original. Family harmony and fancy picking. Michael Faubion – guitar and vocal; Matt Faubion – guitar and vocal

Guest Artists: AJ Lee and Blue Summit 8:45 pm
AJ Lee and Blue Summit are an award-winning energetic, charming, and technically jaw-dropping band quickly rising on the national roots-music scene. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group met as teenagers, picking and jamming together as kids at local music festivals and jams. Currently made up of AJ Lee on mandolin, fiddler Jan Purat, and guitarists Scott Gates and Sullivan Tuttle, the band carries that youthful, festival-parking-lot energy with them still today, but at the same time there’s a genuine ease and confidence to their music-making.

Jan 25,2025

Main Stage

Uncle Ned and the Harp Unstrung 1:00 pm
One man and his harmonica playing songs from around the world. Ned Gaines – harmonica

Silly Strings 1:15 pm
Nora Esping – guitar and vocals; Logan Esping – guitar; Ellie Trevithick – violin

Sweet Pow 1:30 pm
The sweet sounds of baritone ukulele driven by the steady beat of the cajón and haunting melodies of harmonica all wrapped up in the poetic lyrics of a troubled soul. Joe Schumacher – vocals, baritone ukulele, harmonica, cajón, and high hat

Reed Wirschem 1:45 pm
Guitar and vocals.

Lizzie Guillot 2:00 pm
Blending elements of alternative, indie, and folk, Lizzie creates emotional, heartfelt music that resonates deeply with listeners. Lizzie Guillot – vocals and guitar

Megan and Nigel 2:15 pm
Megan and Nigel have been playing music together at home and for the occasional open mic night for the past few years. Megan works as a choir teacher, and Nigel is a programmer here in Anchorage. This is their first performance together at Anchorage Folk Festival. Megan Webb – guitar; Nigel Kibodeaux – bass

j@y and abigail 2:30 pm
J@y and Abigail are siblings who are excitedly making their second presence with the Anchorage Folk Festival. They are fully supported by their family who love seeing them learn and grow.

Musical Friends 2:45 pm
We started as a family band last year and, with the coaching and guidance of Mary Schallert, we have grown into a larger group, including our musical friends! Greta Cladouhos – guitar; Tova Cladouhos – cello; Della Cladouhos – vocals; Joel Cladouhos – bass; Alicia Besh-Barber – violin; Anya Besh-Barber – violin; Bea Besh-Barber – violin; Juniper Stone – violin; BJ Stone – violin; Amy Rayess – guitar; Sylvia Rayess – vocals; Lucy – piano; Brooke Rayess – vocals; Emmi

Russell Ariel 3:00 pm
The greatest folk punk musician you are ever going to see in this time slot. Russell Ariel – acoustic guitar

Cy Two Elk 3:15 pm
Three original songs that tell a story of youth, love, loss, and redemption. Cy Two Elk, acoustic guitar

KG on the SAX 3:30 pm
A variety of tunes played on the sax. Kathy Goins – on the sax with a variety of tunes

Uke Oughta Be Kiddin’ 3:45 pm
Light-hearted tunes with ukulele. Allen Levy – Ukulele, Koko Meinig – vocals

Benjamin Heller 4:00 pm
Benjamin Heller is a dynamic guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with a wide background in rock, blues, jazz and classical and world music. After graduating with a music degree in Seattle, Ben has been a regular performer in Alaskan music for over ten years.

Fearsome Folksome 4:15 pm
Four musical friends who’ve combined their talents for decades between the Folk Festival, Renaissance Fair, Summer Markets, and the Fur Rondy Melodrama; this year’s Melodrama was written by Kathy and Van. Natalie and Kathy are members of the Alaska Sound Celebration chorus, which produces the Melodrama. Van Horn Ely, Kathy Hughs, Timothy Tucker, Natalie Tucker

Point McKenzie 4:30 pm
Dad and daughters’ homegrown harmonies. Dean Paulson – vocals, guitar; Sadie Paulson – violin, vocals; Sophie Paulson – guitar, vocals

A band called "To be determined" 4:45 pm
We are three brothers, born and raised in Anchorage, who have been attending and loving folk fest for over ten years now. We felt the next step for us had to be an onstage performance! So here we are! Freeman Vander Lugt – mandolin; Arch Vander Lugt – guitar; Hardy Vander Lugt – violin

7–11 pm
Just Riding Through 7:00 pm
Classic Rock and Country meet Classical Guitar (solo). Scott Helle

Belle 7:15 pm
Belle presents her original works on acoustic guitar—rhythmic and lyrically driven pieces fueled by youthful optimism. Karina Elliott – acoustic guitar

Umucyo Band 7:30 pm
These African sisters sing praise to God from their hearts, supported by their American brothers. Mwiza – vocals; Jackie – vocals; Hope – vocals; Forrest – fiddle; Krister – guitar; Miles – his choice

Clay Arnold 7:45 pm
I grew up in Anchorage and now live in Wasilla. I write songs from memories of growing up in Anchorage, in the form of mental health issues and friends’ perspectives and drug/suicide and self-worth. Clay Arnold – guitar/vocals

Song Writing Experiment 8:00 pm
Lois Fedele, Karen Lease, and Wendy Luft are back again to write three new songs from the same prompt.

Greatland Chorus 8:15 pm
The Greatland Chorus provides a choral music education for homeschool students, grades 2-12. Students experience the beauty and goodness of singing with others while preparing and performing quality choral music from various genres, and they enjoy the added benefit of friendships and community. Jessica Swan – director; Cade Jeter – accompanist

Denise and Jim 8:30 pm
Hammered dulcimer and guitar duo Denise Martin and Jim Kerr.

definitely not the legs of jake 8:45 pm
"C’mon folks, let’s make a big splish splash!" Peter – fiddle; George – guitar; Jason – fiddle; Johnse – banjo, a boom boomer; Jeff Snedgen – bass

Suzy Crosby 9:00 pm
Finger-pickin’ good original and traditional folk and country tunes. Suzy Crosby – guitar and vocals

Paul Sangl 9:15 pm
Paul is a self-taught guitar player and songwriter. His original songs are inspired by life, family and everyone from John Prine to Hobo Jim to Johnny Cash.

Music Is Medicine 9:30 pm
Music Is Medicine is a folk-pop music group made up of four high schoolers with a shared love of playing and creating music. The group formed at a summer camp in July of 2024, with three ukuleles they had brought with them, an old guitar they found, and their own voices. Ruby Kelsey – vocals, cello; Anna Kanyer – vocals, guitar, shaker; Izzy Elbow – vocals, Sticks; Zoe Hartlieb – vocals, guitar

Taylor Maids 9:45 pm
Direct descendents of the leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion (circa 1792). Jeremy Cohen – guitar and mandolin; Karen Loso – guitar/bass; Mike Loso – banjo

Tim Samuelson 10:00 pm
Tim plays and sings country folk fingerstyle guitar tunes. Travis-style picking—come see some great moves. Tim Samuelson – guitar, vocals

Woody Bill 10:15 pm
Folk and bluegrass originals inspired by his travels in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. Woody Bill – acoustic guitar

The Empty Chair 10:30 pm
A new trio trialing a set of folk tunes with carefully crafted harmonies and graceful guitar melodies. Jonathan Schick and Nicole Swenson – rhythm guitar and vocals; Bryan Jipping creating magic as lead noodle guitarist

Jan 26,2025

1–5 pm
Chugiak Eagle River Senior Center Monday Jam 1:00 pm
We love to get together every Monday Night at 6–8pm at the Chugiak Eagle River Senior Center to play music together. Everyone is welcome to join and have fun with us. Bring an instrument or just come and sing. We know you will have fun. Small group of people who love to play and sing.

Country Memories 1:30 pm
Country—Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and others; Gospel (e.g., When the Saints Come Marching In) and other songs. Jill Ekstrom – fiddle; Billie Martin – washboard; Davis Norman – guitar; Barbara Roberts – vocal

Down from Lazy Mountain 2:15 pm
We are a husband-and-wife duo. Our roots are in Bluegrass, Country, and Folk music. We plan to do some fun soulful tunes together with some currently relevant topics. Mike Hansen – guitar; Betty Hansen – mandolin

Gal Pals 2:30 pm
Bluegrass gals playing some of our favorites. Marianne See – guitar; Mary Oudean – fiddle; Angela Oudean – mandolin; Mandy King – bass

Arctic Diamonds 2:45 pm
We are individually unique in styles and backgrounds which blend together in a way that creates a different kind of inviting harmony. May our music resonate within you. Lyn Franks – guitar, percussion; Petersen – guitar and vocals; Kris Nesteby – guitar; Suzanne Little – guitar and other things

Cherie Bowman 3:00 pm
Cherie is a longtime Alaskan resident, most recently residing and working in Juneau. This is her first performance with the Anchorage Folk Festival, and she hopes you enjoy her unique blend of folk and blues!

Turnagain Blues 3:15 pm
This country blues duo, a married couple, has been practicing in their basement, performing around town, and playing at this festival for 10 years. Their blues covers the range of human emotion through the performance of traditional and original songs. Sarah McCabe – vocals and bass guitar; Bill Ostrand – acoustic guitar

Fiora Denali 3:30 pm
As an Alaskan born singer and songwriter, Fiora Denali has spent her adolescence documenting her own experiences through song. Over the past three years, she has begun performing and is soon releasing music. Fiora Denali- vocals and guitar

Jin Ave 3:45 pm
Jin Ave is a trio that writes and performs original songs. The songs they write span many genres—folk to bluegrass to rock to punk to shanties to pop. Levi Adams – vocals, guitar; Chris Dalton – bass, trumpet; Mike Simpson – banjo, guitar, vocals

Garrett Playing by Himself 4:00 pm
I write songs in hopes to unite people instead of dividing them. I just hope my music helps people see the light at the end of a dark tunnel. Jamea Garrett Hermansen – guitar/vocals and harmonica

Alaska Main Squeeze 4:15 pm
We are a cover band playing a variety of styles to include folk, country, waltz, swing, and, of course, polka!! We perform at many public and private events such as Oktoberfests, Alaska State Fair, assisted living facilities, and school and church functions. Jason Ott – Guitar, vocals; John McCleary – Accordion, vocals; Jill Williams – Accordion, harmonica, vocals; Joyce Haugstad – accordion, vocals; Donnie Foss – drums; Gary Stevens – vocals

Jonny J 4:30 pm
Edgy folk with a bone to pick, wounds to lick, and stories to tell in a style that weaves raw and vulnerable energy into dark and melancholic themes. Jonny J Solo is a singer/songwriter from Fairbanks, Alaska. Jonathan Hutchinson – guitar, vocals, kick drum

Alaska City Folk Arts and Friends 4:45 pm
Attendees of any folk arts camp since 1992. We will play songs and tunes. Led by Mary Schallert.

starting at 7 pm
Anchorage Mandolin Orchestra 7:00 pm
AMO is composed of mandolin family instruments as well as guitar and bass. Our group is composed of a few professional musicians but mostly hobbiests ranging in age from 26 to 79. Armin Abdihoži?, Bob Clark, Jessica Filley, Yvonne Goldsmith, Garth Hangartner, Suzanne Little, Kathy Means, Chris Richardson, Jeff Silverman, Jed Smith, Heather Thomas, Joan Unger, Jon VanOmmeren, Karl Wilhelmi

Terry Kelly 7:15 pm
Original pop/folk songs about bears, love, and other wildlife.

Fiona Rose and the Show Ponies 7:30 pm
Whimsical tunes written for the folks. Come join our growing family band! Fiona Rose – vocals, guitar; Logan Bean – bass, vocals, trumpet; Matt Roberts – drums; Matt Faubion – guitar; and maybe a surprise friend

Shakedown Strings 7:45 pm
Drawing upon their improvisational prowess and experience as jazz musicians, Kansas City-based Shakedown Strings celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead and explore the band’s vast repertoire of songs and musical ideas. Adam Galblum- vocals, violin; Clayton DeLong – vocals, acoustic guitar; Rick Willoughby – vocals, upright bass

Shake City String Band 8:00 pm
Alaska folk fusion. From traditional folk tunes, to reimagined covers, to original songs, Shake City brings an eclectic flavor to the Anchorage music scene. Katie Wasko – violin, vocals, guitar; Kade Bissell – hammered dulcimer, percussion, guitar, vocals; Kyle Lindsey – viola, violin, vocals, aux percussion; Brett Lindsay – cello; Zach Akins – bass

The Apples and the Trees 8:15 pm
Mary, Miles, and Ryan have been playing together in some form since 1993 and playing at the folk festival. Mary Schallert, Miles Allen, Ryan McLaughlin

John Cook and Ben Heller 8:30 pm
John Cook and Ben Heller perform original music that covers a range of styles including folk, blues, jazz, and rock music. John Cook: guitar, Harmonica, vocals; Ben Heller – guitar, vocals

Guest Artists: AJ Lee and Blue Summit 8:45 pm
Currently made up of AJ Lee on mandolin, fiddler Jan Purat, and guitarists Scott Gates and Sullivan Tuttle, this group is proud to be Californian, proud to represent the neo-traditionalist bluegrass and folk from the state and the mighty communities surrounding them. Their music shines with this "think global, act local" sort of approach.

Jan 31,2025

Thunderbird Ukulele 7:00 pm
This ukulele ensemble from Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School performs orchestral arrangements of pop songs we all know and love. They perform throughout the school year at different festivals and events and are looking forward to returning to Hawaii again in March this year to tour the island of Oahu. In Hawaii they will be performing and working with schools there to share their special brand of ukulele music. All the performers in Thunderbird Ukulele are students from East High, and they are directed by their teacher Kiel Schweizer. The group has seven kinds of ukuleles along with a drummer, and one of the students even mixes the sound levels during the show.

Chris Thompson and Friends 7:15 pm
Artfully presented, melodically and lyrically, our music probes themes of love and lost love. Current social issues that bring tears to our eyes as we sing them. All in all, our fine group of musical professionals will tickle your ears artfully. Chris Thompson – vocals and guitar; Rolfe Buzzell – harmonica and banjo; Harrison Jennings – mandolin and fiddle; Rebecca Bingham – vocals; Bruno Zino – percussion

Wings to Fly 7:30 pm
High-flying harmonies. Shonti Elder – fiddle; Elsa Aegerter – guitar; Karl Wilhelmi – mandolin

Spit City Slickers 7:45 pm
Old-time country music from way down south in Homer. Willy Dunne – bass; Colin McGovern – guitar; Kate Meyer – banjo; Scott Meyer – fiddle

Stephen Hendricks 8:00 pm
Stephen plays music, sometimes with abandon and other times with clear focus, but always with higher purpose of making notes sing and tell tales of life’s songs, sadness, and joy.

Adam Stewart 8:15 pm
Adam Stewart is a multi-instrumental performer (fiddle, guitar, bass, cello, mandolin, drums, didgeridoo), vocalist, and music-educator in Anchorage. Adam creates a full-band sound by looping his fiddle and performs multiple styles of music spanning from Bluegrass, Blues, and Bach to Reggae and Rock. Adam Stewart – fiddle and vocals

Bluestockings 8:30 pm
Good friends offering a musical feast of favorites. Marianne See, guitar; Shonti Elder – fiddle; Suzanne Little – bass; Karl Wilhelmi – mandolin

LuLu Small 8:45 pm
LuLu has been known as Alaska’s first lady of entertainment for over 46 years. Her original music can be heard on local radio stations in the valley and live performances. She is also a popular featured performer yearly at the state fair.

Corey Ledet Zydeco 9:00 pm
Bill Wilson, writing for Reflections in Blue, says "Corey Ledet merges pop, funk, RandB, gospel, reggae, and zydeco for a sound that is totally today, aimed at a younger generation, upbeat, completely danceable and yet, somehow tied to his roots in such a way that the blues related aspects are not completely lost on the shuffle…." Come dance to the rich-in-traditions musical experience of this twice-Grammy-nominated artist to end the first night of Week 2 of the festival at the Wendy!

Feb 1,2025

Main Stage

Alaska Sound Celebration—A Cappella 1:00 pm
We are Alaska’s premier female a cappella chorus, and our mission is to inspire the love of music and cultivate the talents of the next generation of singers. Alaska Sound Celebration Chorus, Sweet Adelines

Thomas Moore 1:15 pm
I perform original songs, combining lyrics of melancholy and memories with moody melodies on guitar. Thomas Moore – guitar/vocals

Aurora Kreiner 1:30 pm
Aurora (13) started writing songs at the age of 11. She entered last year’s Country Music Hall of Fame "Journey of a Song" contest as one of the youngest writers, and her song Glimmer of Hope was selected as the 3rd best song. Aurora loves writing songs and sharing them with the world. Aurora Kreiner – guitar

Rousted by Bulls 1:45 pm
Rousted by Bulls is a folk/Americana band that plays a mix of covers and originals. The name is derived from various songs performed by RBB that have train themes. Historically, railroad companies hired security, called "bulls," to roust vagrants off rail cars. Jason – guitar and vocals; Dave – bass and vocals; Donnie – cajón and vocals; Jerry – lead guitar

Sarah Cleary 2:00 pm
Sarah Cleary arranges and performs traditional songs and radio hits for solo Celtic harp. Sarah Cleary, Celtic harp

Evie Bear 2:15 pm
Evie is a nurse with a sound and energy healing practice who will be playing guitar and singing some original songs. Evie Bear – voice and guitar

Jia and June 2:30 pm
Dad and daughter play instruments together. June Kim, Jia Kim – guitar, violin

Zatoichi 2:45 pm
…play electric guitar, sing: one-man band Kenneth Vartan.

Mary Walker and the Takonis 3:00 pm
We play cover songs from the 60s to today primarily at AFA fiddle dances here in Anchorage. Mary Walker – rhythm guitar/vocals; Jerry John – lead guitar/vocals; Frank Hunter – bass guitar

Jim Maloney, Alaskan Storyteller and multi-instrumentalist 3:15 pm
Storytelling lyrics, multi-instrumental one-man band. Jim Maloney – vocals, guitar, foot percussion, harmonica, didgeridoo, and handpan

The Imperfect Squares 3:30 pm
Just like an alarm clock on silent, you’ve never heard anything like this before! Kristen Holmes – vocal and bass; Natalie Tucker – vocal), Tim Tucker – vocal and guitar; Lou Nathanson – vocal and guitar

Laurie Prax 3:45 pm
Singer/Songwriter from Valdez, Alaska, will share original songs. Laurie Prax – guitar

Ryan LittleEagle 4:00 pm
A vagabond and storyteller, Ryan LittleEagle is a traveling Indigenous singer-songwriter from the Black Hills of South Dakota. A Midwest musician with a country charm, LittleEagle shares his unique blend of Country/Americana music with the soothing and haunting sounds of contemporary indigenous music. Ryan LittleEagle- vocal, guitar, Native American flute

Lois Fedele and Karl Wilhelmi 4:15 pm
Lois Fedele is a singer, songwriter, musician who will sing original songs and/or covers. She will be accompanied by well-known musician Karl Wilhelmi on guitar. Lois Fedele – vocals;Karl Wilhelmi – guitar

Bayou Glacée 4:30 pm
Traditional Cajun music with French vocals. Bill Allen – guitar; Beverly Grogan – fiddle; Suzanne Little – bass; David Predeger – triangle; Eric Stice – fiddle; Celine Vaillancourt – accordion

Alaska Button Box Gang 4:45 pm
The Alaska Button Box Gang has played in the Anchorage area and at festivals around the country, including the Anchorage Folk Festival, for some 36 years. We play polkas, waltzes, two-steps, Latin, and original music, and have recorded five CDs. Nancy Baum, Marge Ford, Mary Lu Harle, Eddie Johnston, Ida Johnston, Susan Klein, Trudy Knudsen, Theresa Pajot, Flo Pearson, Roger Weinfurter – button box accordion; Patti Gersich – keyboard; Mike Pajot, Mary Lou Catron – percussion

Donnie 7:00 pm
Donnie has played the folk festival with various groups over the years; this is the first solo set. He enjoys celebrating his Irish heritage in song and hopes you do as well. Donnie – vocals

Katie Scoggin 7:15 pm
Katie Scoggin is a singer-songwriter who has been performing in the Anchorage area since she was 11 years old. She produced her first album, called, Eleven, when she was 16 years old and hopes to release new music in the future. Katie Scoggin – vocals and guitar

Ten Dollar Bet 7:30 pm
For fans of vintage music Ten Dollar Bet will be your new favorite band. Hear contras, rags, polkas, swing, jump, and Old World favorites performed on fiddle, clarinet, mandolin, and a variety of string instruments. Dancing shoes recommended but, of course, not required. Mike Lane – guitar; Rose Fitch – clarinet, flute, fiddle; Bill MacDonald – bass

Bill Falsey 7:45 pm
Bill is an amateur guitar and piano player, who is happy to share a few cover songs. Bill Falsey – guitar and piano

Squash Blossoms 8:00 pm
Amy Hayes, Peggy Finnegan, and Jessica Speed are the Squash Blossoms. With mandolin, guitar, and bass, these three gals sing sweet harmonies playing their favorite folk, Americana, and original tunes.

John Cook 8:15 pm
Original acoustic finger-style guitar, singer-songwriter, playing music in various guitar tunings. John Cook – guitar, vocals

Lou Nathanson 8:30 pm
We don’t actually have a set list yet, but we do have a Concept of a Plan for a set list! And we do have a new album! For reals! Lou Nathanson – vocal, guitar; Dan Booth – bass; Kat Moore – vocals, keyboard; Marge Ford – accordion; Tim and Natalie Tucker – vocals

Four Fish in a Tree 8:45 pm
Harmonious family originals and more. Devin Frey – guitar, vocals; Lily Frey – vocals; Bill Frey – vocals; Kluonie Frey – vocals; Shonti Elder – fiddle/harmonies

Meg and Her Married Men (and The Other Woman) 9:00 pm
We will be performing as a combination of Almost Angels and Meg and Her Married Men. Hence the name, Meg and Her Married Man (and the Other Woman). Almost Angels began as a Christmas and holiday duo, and then Tom joined us. Tom Lambert also joined as a Married Man a couple of years ago. Meg Anderson – rhythm guitar; Michael Faubion – lead guitar; Don Walker – piano; Suzanne Hickman – vocals

Steve Durr 9:15 pm
Acoustic singer guitarist songwriter Steve Durr

The Hoppers 9:30 pm
Growing your own band has its perks. Robin, Bruce, Caiti, and Grady play a mix of folk and bluegrass, guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Robin Hopper – vocals, guitar; Caitlin Hopper – vocals; Bruce Hopper – vocals, mandolin; Grady Hopper – bass

Spindrift 9:45 pm
Harmony-driven acoustic originals. Jim Pfeiffenberger – guitar and vocals; Stephanie Robertson – vocals

Peter Chan the Weatherman with Cellist Brett Lindsay 10:00 pm
Intimate set of original ballads and perhaps a fun, folksy twist on a pop cover? Enjoy the musical alchemy of an introspective meteorologist and accomplished symphony cellist. Peter Chan – guitar and vocals; Brett Lindsay – cello

Midnight Sun Zombies 10:15 pm
The band returns from the crypt, bringing traditional tunes and classic songs recast in a modern acoustic string band setting. Brett Jokela – mandola; Todd Kelsey – guitar; Nino Muniz – guitar; Tim Gould – bass

Steve Schoonmaker 10:30 pm
Original Alaskan Fisher poetry performed by Steve Schoonmaker to the accompaniment of Homer-based musician Jim Maloney on hand pan and/or acoustic guitar and didgeridoo.

Tom Begich and Sarah Sledge 10:45 pm
Singer/songwriters Tom Begich and Sarah Sledge perform their original music that looks at the road ahead and the distances we’ve all traveled. Tom Begich – guitar and vocals; Sarah Sledge – vocals

Feb 2,2025

Main Stage

Guido’s Paddleboat Jam 1:00 pm
Jam group who meet every Tuesday at Guido’s Pizza on International Airport Road from 7pm–9pm. All playing levels are welcome to come join. A large number of community members who love playing music together.

We Might Panik 1:15 pm
We started playing as a duo in 2018 and play blues, soft rock, ballads, covers, and originals. We have been honored to be chosen to play the folk fest since 2020 and mostly play at open mics around the Mat-Su Valley. Scott Oviatt – guitar and mandolin; Becky Oviatt – vocals, hand percussion

Amy Helkenn 1:30 pm
Solo voice and piano performance of pop tunes. Amy Helkenn, vocals and piano

Gary Stedman 1:45 pm
I play an eclectic mix of classic rock, country, folk, and blues. Gary Stedman – guitar and vocals

Three Little Birds 2:00 pm
Three Little Birds is comprised of Megan Webb, Amanda Cash, and Emily Madsen. All three are busy musicians, educators, and parents here in Anchorage. This is their second time performing together at Anchorage Folk Fest. Megan Webb – guitar, bass, and vocals; Amanda Cash – guitar and vocals; Emily Madsen – violin

Jim Pfeiffenberger 2:15 pm
Ethereal sounds of the handpan, a truly 21st Century instrument. Jim Pfeiffenberger – handpan

Keil and Brown 2:30 pm
We are two friends who enjoy playing music together when schedules allow. We draw our repertoire from traditional Irish tunes, heartfelt Country ballads, and other folky sources. Only one of us will play the guitar and sing at a time. We are back after a 4-year hiatus of playing at the folk festival! Kohl Keil – acoustic guitar, electric bass, vocals; Trevor Brown – fiddle, penny whistle, acoustic guitar, vocals

Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs 2:45 pm
If Jerry Garcia and Tom Waits made an Appalachian music duo, it might sound a little like the Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs. Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Zack and Kendra Harding blend the traditional with the trippy to create original music they like to call "folk(ish)." The two have played extensively throughout the US, as well as toured internationally. Their unique blend of sounds and easygoing personalities have earned the duo slots at Mill Farm Music Party (UK), Mallarme Dynamic Duos, Rockwood Music Hall, Piedmont Folkways, and more. Kendra Harding – vocals, guitar, melodica, percussion; Zack Harding – vocals, guitar, bouzouki, banjo, harmonica

Alaska Jumping Flea Society 3:00 pm
The Alaska Jumping Flea Society is made up of community members who just love to have fun playing the ukulele together. An all-ukulele band.

Ben Balivet and the Acoustic Oosik 3:15 pm
We are an original Alaskan rock/ folk/alt band. We play live all around Alaska and have performed at several Anchorage Folk Festivals, the Alaska State Fair, the Iditarod Finish Celebration in Nome and many venues throughout Alaska! We want to offer our unique style of music to the Folk Festival with hopes of providing something entirely different to this year’s lineup! Ben Balivet, Bruno Zinno, Matt Kimmel

Twisted Tunes 3:30 pm
A diverse group of musicians who enjoy harmonizing to classic tunes and creating "music with a twist" for all ages. Felicia Cassel – vocals; Erica Ivy – vocals; Joan Unger – vocal and mandolin; Natalie Tucker – vocal and bass uke; Tim Tucker – vocal and guitar

Jane Goody’all 3:45 pm
Two idiots from different climates trying to make music together 2,000 miles apart. Finger picking guitar, flute, pennywhistle duet, singing harmony. Who knows! Short and sweet. Willow Feighery and Elliot Lowell (this may change!)

Anna Joy 4:00 pm
This goth-adjacent party princess is a public servant by day and a folk-punk singer-songwriter by night. A mother of five, she puts her heart and soul into everything she does, whether it’s writing a searing anthem or tucking her kids in at night. Follow her (and her mandolin, Florence) on Instagram for performance dates: @nightingaleak. Anna Joy Luckett-Ariel – mandolin and vocals

Uncle Jim, The Eastside Balladeer—aka Jim Haack 4:15 pm
Uncle Jim loves to play and and sing a variety of musical styles: Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Old-Time Rock and Roll, Vintage Rhythm and Blues. Great music for toe-tapping or singing along. Jim Haack – guitar and vocals

TuckerTunes 4:30 pm
Tim and Natalie Tucker (TuckerTunes) are a husband-and-wife singer/songwriter duet specializing in twisted covers, clever originals, and delicious harmonies. They are lifelong Alaskans with extensive backgrounds in music and theater. The Tuckers have been composing, recording, and performing together for 13 years and counting! Natalie Tucker and Tim Tucker – nylon string guitar and bass ukulele

Ruby Rakes 4:45 pm
Ruby Rakes is a bluegrass collective that came together at the monthly jam at Organic Oasis and made their debut at the 2024 Anchorage Folk Festival. Since that first performance, they have brought their style of "dadgrass" to various stages throughout Alaska. Mike Doyle – guitar; Patrick Flaherty – mandolin; Ryan McLaughlin – fiddle; Sashi Parameswaran – guitar; Eric Stuart – bass

starting at 7 pm
terry re.e.d 7:00 pm
terry re.e.d performs original compositions about his life and travels in Alaska over the last 20 years, and the prior years in the Lower 48. This is his 50th year of playing and performing music, originally coming to Alaska to teach and live. terry re.e.d, singer/songwriter – guitar, harmonica, mandolin, vocals

The Forest That Never Sleeps 7:15 pm
As a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and poet, The Forest That Never Sleeps transports her audience with infectious enthusiasm and raw emotion. From rhapsodic piano lines to gentle finger-picked strings, her dynamic performances leave her audiences feeling connected to the human; experience. Kat Moore – piano/vocals

Mountain Waxwings 7:30 pm
Soaring bluegrass harmonies from these Matanuska Valley girls. Suzy Crosby – guitar and vocals; Melanie Keenan – fiddle and vocals; Jessica Campbell – vocals

The Chillys Quartet 7:45 pm
The Chillys sing barbershop and more, but barbershop is at the top of the list! All of us also belong to Alaska Sound Celebration, the local Woman’s barbershop chorus in Anchorage. We are all varying degrees of chilly except our bass who is never chilly. And a fun fact about us is we all live on a cul-de-sac but not the same one. Liesl Davenport – tenor; Stacy Miller – lead; Cheryl Ekstrom – baritone; Janet Henry – bass

Formerly Rude Mechanicals 8:00 pm
Acoustic band plays original songs with a jazzy flair. Jeff Silverman, Bob Clark, and friends

The B Sharps 8:15 pm
Good people playing good music. Ezzy Allwright- Cello; Eric Rodgers- fiddle, mandolin, and maybe three other instruments; and some strays off the street!

Rogues and Wenches 8:30 pm
Wild escapades, blooming romance, and the ever-present risk of dying at sea, still longing for the rolling hills of Ireland. Songs of the sea, sporting an Irish pub-song flair with all the salty tang of the pirate adventures you’ve been yearning for! Singer/songwriter Devin Frey sings and plays his acoustic guitar. Hunter Woofter sings and is our percussionist playing the bodhran, cajón, bones, and djembe. Erin Wells is a lead singer and plays the flute, Elena Gonzales is a lead singer who plays the tambourine, Harrison Jennings plays both mandolin and fiddle, and Lucia Tappero plays the piano accordion.

Corey Ledet Zydeco 8:45 pm
Twice-Grammy-nominated Corey Ledet, inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2024, infuses old and new styles of Zydeco and blues into his own unique sound. "Ledet keeps one foot in the tradition of Chenier and Stanley ‘Buckwheat? Dural while still exploring styles of Zydeco," says Richard Ludmerer of Making a Scene magazine. This rocking dance party is the ideal way to end the 2025 Anchorage Folk Festival!

Folk Week - Live Music around Town!
A list of venues and their contact information follows this listing of free Folk Week gigs.

January 27,2025

Middle Way Café
2–4pm - Uncle Jim, the Eastside Balladeer

Hearth Artisan Pizza
5pm - Gary Stedman
6pm - Gal Pals
7pm - definitely not the legs of jake

Organic Oasis
5pm - Call Us What You Want
6pm - Sixteen-five
7pm - Terry Kelly

Sleepy Dog Coffee Co.
6–8pm - Adrienne McVey

Reilly’s Irish Pub
6pm - Meg and Her Married Men and the Other Woman
7pm - Sweet Pow
8pm - Anna Joy

January 28,2025

Middle Way Café
2–4pm - Arctic Diamonds

Hearth Artisan Pizza
5pm - Lou Nathanson
6pm - Uncle Jim, the Eastside Balladeer
7pm The Old Overholt

Sleepy Dog Coffee Co.
6pm - Paul Sangl
7pm - Robin Hopper

Reilly’s Irish Pub
6pm - Fiona and the Bean
7pm - Outer Bend
8pm - Midnight Sun Zombies

Organic Oasis
6–8pm - Irish Session

Guido’s Pizza
7–9pm - Paddle Boat Jam

January 29,2025

UAA Student Union Cafeteria
12pm "Noon Music"

Middle Way Café
2–4pm - Paul Sangl

Hearth Artisan Pizza
5pm - Squash Blossoms
6pm - Bluestockings
7pm - Thomas Moore

Sleepy Dog Coffee Co.
6–8pm - Laurie Prax

Organic Oasis
6-8pm - Songwriters Showcase

Reilly’s Irish Pub
6pm - Bone-In
7pm - Jin Ave
8pm - Arctic Diamonds

The Writer’s Block Bookstore and Cafe
7pm - TuckerTunes 8pm - Jim Pfeiffenberger

January 30,2025
Reilly’s Irish Pub
6pm - Mike and Matt
7pm - Ruby Rakes
8pm - Bayou Glacée

Guido’s Pizza
7–9pm - Old Time Jam

Date : Jan 23-Feb 2,2025

Loaction :Various Venues in Anchorage, AK

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