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Promoters Attract More Musical Artists to Alaska Amid Weak National EconomyThe Alaska State Fair and Moose’s Tooth have each attracted big name artists like Colbie Callait and Mos Def this summer.Related Content
No longer considered “that far away place,” Alaska has become a musical haven of sorts for big-time acts like Colbie Collait, Mos Def and OneRepublic.
Promoters and organizers for the Alaska State Fair and Moose's Tooth say the key to attracting top musicals acts is to create a great venue to showcase performers’ skills. So, has the time come for Madison Square Garden to move over and make way for Alaska? Not quite yet—but over the past several years, more musicians have brought their music and lyrics to the Last Frontier. “Alaska, for a lot of us, hasn't been done. People think it’s so far away and you can't get there,” says Abdul Rahman, DJ and tour manager for hip hop artist Mos Def, “but once you get up there, you say, ‘oh, this is not far.’” So why did it take so long to get big-name artists to Alaska? “It really just takes someone to reach out from the area. Artists don't just look for venues to play,” explains Rahman. Event promoters are taking advantage of a weak economy in the lower 48 to persuade acts to perform in Alaska. “We have a pretty good reputation with the people who make those decisions to send somebody up here,” says Dean Phipps of the Alaska State Fair. Heather Prunty, a promoter with Synapse Presents, says an offer has to be made to an act before the coordinating efforts can even begin. “It’s personal…the artists, they talk if any of our friends ask we say, ‘yeah Alaska—it’s cool. Anchorage is cool’ and people will go,” says Rahman. Dan Fiacco, general manager at Moose’s Tooth, says, “People love coming to see music and we love trying to bring all kinds of music up here.” |
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cooljulie said on Monday, Sep 12 at 10:03 PM
Compared to any other state fair I've been to, Palmer is small and disappointing. The vegetable/food stand near the farm building was selling produce for more than Alaska Grown at local stores. Crappy small $10 pizzas, philly cheese steaks made with ground beef....ride attendants talking on cell phones instead of checking to see if kids were properly restrained.... It sucks because it's all we have, so we go, but what a ripoff.
73726723fair fun said on Saturday, Aug 27 at 12:22 PM
I'm going next week and look forward to the experience. I've not been to the AK fair but I'll go make up my mind. I will say that there are many places in the lower 48 that aren't safe enough to enjoy the fair. As long as it is family friendly I'm sure we will have fun.
73010024john155 said on Saturday, Aug 27 at 8:36 AM
i would feel safer with kids at a talkeetna bluegrass festival than at the state fair. overpriced, tacky, and weak. ---except for the farm garden/4h stuff, which aint really worth the admission.
73002874jjj said on Saturday, Aug 27 at 1:37 AM
let's not!
72992389Rita said on Friday, Aug 26 at 6:43 PM
The State Fair does its best to provide a positive, safe, and pleasant experience for families, and everyone who comes to have a wholesome, good time. Its our State Fair, let's support it!
72984494jjj said on Friday, Aug 26 at 12:23 PM
I was at the fair yesterday when it opened. I was very much disappointed in what I saw and paid for. It was way too expensive and alot smaller than previous years. I won't waste my money or my time again!
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