You'll Want To Attend The Oldest And Largest Musical Festival In Alaska At Least Once
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 06, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
There’s one sure-fire way to know that spring is finally coming to Alaska – just listen for the sweet sounds of folk music. The Alaska Folk Festival is the oldest of its kind in the state, and the largest, too. It’s happening next week, so make sure to clear your calendar now so you don’t miss it.
Head to Centennial Hall Convention Center this April for the Alaska Folk Festival. The festival got its start in 1975, and is the oldest of its kind in the state.
You'll find the convention center at 101 Egan Dr., Juneau, AK 99801.
The festival offers an entire week of concerts, dances, and workshops, all highlighting folk music and folk musicians. It's a good time for all, and people come from all over the world for this musical celebration.
The festival supports both professional and amateur musicians, and also brings in a special guest artist. This year's guest is Los Texmaniacs. The band won a Grammy Award for Tejano Album of The Year in 2010, and we can't wait for the concerts on Thursday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday night at 9 p.m.
Brian DeMarcus will serve as a guest caller for the dances this year, and he'll also offer a workshop about calling square dances and contras. He's just one of several talented callers who will be at the festival.
The coffee jams are another favorite. They're held at several different venues, including coffee shops around town. Enjoy open mic performances, food, dancing, and music.
The festival starts Monday, April 8th, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., and the last performance is on Sunday, April 11th at 9 p.m. when Los Texmaniacs brings down the house. The festival is free to attend!
For more information, including a complete calendar of events for 2019’s festival, visit the Alaska Folk Festival’s website. Have you attended this festival in previous years? Tell our readers about your experience!
