Seldovia Arts Council ...Events for Summer 2007

The Seldovia Arts Council is delighted to announce its summer 2007 events, beginning with the Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival on June 22 and 23. Known for showcasing topnotch headliners in an intimate venue, this year’s festival brings an entire lineup of impressive artists from Alaska, Canada and across the lower 48. Blues, roots and rock guitarist Matt Andersen brings his soulful voice and larger-than-life onstage showmanship all the way from New Brunswick Canada. Matt has released three CDs, including "Solo at Sessions" which was multi-nominated for the East Coast Music Awards. He has headlined festivals, clubs and theater events throughout North America, and toured with artists such as America and Bo Diddley. Oregon blues artist Lauren Sheehan also headlines the show. Her music is drawn from an eclectic mix of old time banjo, country and modern folk tunes, simple ballads and Memphis blues. She is the consummate entertainer, weaving songs, stories, and intricate guitar work with an ease based on her time spent with many of America’s greatest folk and blues artists. ‘A formidable musician and singer’ (SingOut! Magazine). Lauren brings with her sideman Joel Tepp, wizard of slide guitar, harmonica and clarinet. Joel’s playing has been a regular addition to the music of many great artists including Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat. He has recorded with the likes of Jerry Garcia and Crazy Horse and can be heard in several major films and television shows.

We are also delighted to bring Boston singer/songwriter Antje Duvekot to the Festival. Antje’s many achievements include winning the Best New Folk competition at Kerrville as well as taking 1st and 2nd place in the prestigious John Lennon songwriting contest. Alex Weed, currently a guitar performance major at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, blends soul, roots and R&B style with a raspy, soulful voice and accomplished fingerstyle technique that belies his 21 years. Award winning songwriter Caren Armstrong mixes sophisticated guitar chops and soaring vocals, creating her own personal blend of folk, country, blues, jazz, traditional and popular music. Freebo has spent 10 years playing bass in Bonnie Raitt’s band, and joined artists such as Maria Muldaur and Ringo Starr in countless studio sessions and tours. He has appeared on television shows including Saturday Night Live, played tuba with Dr. John and Spinal Tap, and has put out three solo albums. Poet Tim Mason returns to the festival, as does the Terry Holder Band, Tom Begich, and Lia Zito and David McCormick. You’ll hear Seldovia’s own bluegrass band Billy Goat, great Irish music by Back Alley Banned, and have a chance to get up and dance to the music of Irish bluegrass band Muskeg Sally. You’ll love the Seldovia Fiddlers, and if you missed Simone de Bibliotech last year you should not miss the performance of this sultry, exotic and rarely seen Seldovian.

Festival performances are Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7pm and Saturday workshops begin at 1pm. Workshops are a great way to have a lot of fun learning a new skill or honing an old one. Harmonica, blues guitar or contra dance, songwriting, bluegrass instrumental or harmony singing, folk guitar, fingerpicking, piano or Irish fiddle – there’s something for everyone. There are workshops just for kids too. Performances and workshops will be held at Susan B. English School, where you can buy your tickets at the door. Ticket prices for the festival are to be announced.

Later in the summer we look forward to some wonderful music when an old friend returns to Seldovia with a new band, the Dan McElrath Jazz Band (July 8). On August 14 BeauSoleil brings us their Grammy winning Cajun music from Lafayette Louisiana. Master songwriter, slide guitar and dobro player Doug Cox returns to Seldovia September 1, bringing with him Chris Proctor. Chris is known for such intricate, challenging compositions and precise technique on acoustic guitar that the LA Times called him “the only Baroque fingerpicker”. Also this summer we look forward to a watercolor workshop with Fairbanks artist Vladimir Zhikartsev. Check the Seldovia Arts Council website for updates on these and other summer events. Performances are in the Susan B English School, and tickets for these non-Festival performances can be bought at the door for $15 adult, $8 child.

Join us in Seldovia for some of these wonderful events. Where else can you enjoy all this great music and art in such a beautiful place?