Made in Alaska: Anchorage Music Co-op

Cooperative aims to open more venues to musical acts

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Feb 13, 2013 at 6:47 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2013 at 7:27 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Music has a way of bringing people together. Like Chris Snyder, who met Nici Peper in the Lower 48 and formed the group Firefly, which will take the stage this weekend at Fiori D’Italia.

“Those of us who play every weekend rarely get a chance to go out and hear other musicians play. So I think it will be a fun opportunity for us to play for a group of musicians. I've never done anything with the Music Co-op but I really like what they're about,” said Snyder.

Firefly is the second show of the season for the Anchorage Music Co-op, an organization that aims to provide more music venues for artists, whether they’re up and coming or already have a following.

"It's a group of people getting together and appreciating the arts and sharing the arts together. It's an amazing concept,” said Peper.

Middle Way Café is also getting involved, opening its doors to those 21 and under.

"If we don't provide opportunities for youth to expand their skills and get some stage time, they tend to not continue with performance. So it's all about performance opportunities and networking,” said Laura Oden, who co-founded the Anchorage Music Co-op.

Oden hopes by giving more people a place to play it can spread more culture throughout Anchorage.

“Music and art is part of what makes your community vibrant and exciting. Anyone who writes a song that's made in Alaska.”

Snyder said, as a native Alaskan, he’s proud to be able to make music in his hometown.

“We really like the sense of community Alaska has. Whether it's making hats or crocheting scarves or writing music, it seems like the arts are appreciated. It's cool to have someone like the Anchorage Music Co-op be that glue that brings us together.”

The Anchorage Music Co-op will host an open mic night on Friday, February 15 at Fiori D’Italia in the Spenard neighborhood. Firefly will perform at the same venue on Saturday night. Middle Way Café’s 21-and-under night is Friday, February 22.
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