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Just a little note to say hi and welcome anyone with an interest in Just Plain Folks in AK.

My name is Rodney Hughey and I'm the new chapter coordinator for Just Plain Folks in Alaska. We have a beautiful state and a diverse, charismatic music scene. There's a lot of honesty in the music here.

I'm currently in Fairbanks and I move around the state a lot, which shouldn't be a problem in JPF matters. The state is so big and everything is so far apart, that an hour or three's drive to get to the next town is no big deal. That strikes me a little funny because I remember when I lived in Davison, Michigan, I had friends in Flint that wouldn't come out to my place because the 15 minute drive was a pain in the neck for them!

A little about myself...I am a singer, guitar player, songwriter, harmonica slobberer and keyboard novice. I picked up music from my dad's side of the family (all the guys play something), my dad playing in the 60's with and in the same circles as Grand Funk when they were still Terry Knight and the Pack, Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band, and backed up early Simon and Garfunkel and P-Funk. Needless to say, I've pretty much always been influenced by music. I moved to Alaska 4 years ago and was largely influenced by the popular local bands here. That inspired me to start writing in 2001 and performing at open mics (there are quite a few of them here) and now it is just a part of me. I have a lot of other interests, which is easy to fall prey to in such a magnificent state, and that takes me all over the place, whether mushing dogs, mountaineering, hiking, fishing, whatever - wherever my interests take me, there always seems to be music around.

So, if you live in AK, or just work seasonal here and want to be a part of this chapter, I invite you to drop me a line and introduce yourself. I'd like to know who you are, what your musical interests are, where you're at and what's happening there.

[This message has been edited by rodhughey (edited 01-18-2005).]

[This message has been edited by rodhughey (edited 01-18-2005).]

Thanks for getting the ball rolling Rodney! Alaska is one of only 2 states we haven't visited and we look forward to finally getting up your way to see what our Northernmost members have going on!

Brian

For all newcomers -

Be sure to check out the other General Discussion forums too. You may find an inteeresting topic or learn something you didn't know before. There are lyric and MP3 critique forums, a Mentor forum, and just about anything under the sun.

Cheers,

Fur Rodney

Hey Rodney,

Are there any existing AK music orgs? Something like "The Anchorage Songwriters Association" etc?

Brian

Not really, Brian.

Here's what I know of...

alaskanbands.com - a local message board that is all encompassing in virtue yet popular among primarily the teen metal community.

Alaskathismonth.com - a monthly free publication highlighting entertainment around the state and focusing primarily on music - I recently found a ton of resources on thier site and just haven't had time to puruse and pursue them all yet.

aksoul.com - they're pretty new, but are growing by leaps and bounds and have gotten into promotions this year, putting a lot of shows and a couple of really big ones with our local celebs, 36 Crazyfists.

Other than these and what I haven't been able to check out from AK This Month, I'm not aware of much else - but maybe I'm not the authority. Time will tell.

Cheers,

Rodney

Rodney,

Here's a quick list of AK members who entered the awards last year and are still active members:

Akream
Anwr
Ben Linford
Brian Gale
Dan Coleron
Danielson, Kokborg and Nodler
Don Walker
Ginger Boatwright
John Damberg Latin Jazz Quinte
John Jeffers & Glenn Gano
Ken Waldman
Lili McGovern
Robin Hopper
Sarah C. Hanson
The Derry Aires
The Sis Bolivar Band
Volitar


Do you know any of them?

Brian

Just thought I would say hello to everyone. My wife and I are relocating to Anchorage from Louisiana in August. Does Anchorage have a music scene? Can a blues/guitarist find a decent band to work with there? Is it true that moose never pay a cover charge?

Much Love,
Mike

Wanted to introduce myself and my site. I'm looking for Alaskan artists, venues and events to include in my FREE directory and calendar. Members can upload photos and music files as well. I'll also be doing some music and show reviews that will be distributed as a podcast.

Be happy to help or answer any questions that people may have about Alaska. Been here 30 years and travelled to just about every corner of this huge and beautiful state. If I don't know it, I know where to find out about it.

------------------
Emperor Bob
YourAnchorageRadio.com

Thanks Bob..

With everyone so spread around it's tough to get any community going in AK. We welcome your and anyone elses involvement to bring folks together from the North! = )

Brian