THANK YOU to the performing artists and all donors!
Together, we raised $73,015
Thanks to you, 142 donors contributed $23,015 during the online event. With First National's matching donation of $23,015, a total of $46,030 was donated in connection with the concert to the United Way to support food distribution to hungry Alaskans.
Due to the high number of struggling Alaskans during the holidays and in the coming months, the bank generously made an additional donation of $26,985, bringing the total amount donated to United Way to support food programs to $73,015.
We're proud to be a part of such a supportive Alaska community.
Watch the Full Concert
Participating Artists
Qacung
Stephen Qacung Blanchett has played with the award-winning, self-styled tribal funk/world music band Pamyua for more than twenty years and now. Blanchett joins the Spirit of Alaska concert as Qacung, a solo composer and performer — sharing his gift of song and music to bridge traditions from the past to the present.
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The Chamberliners
These classically trained symphonic musicians join together to combine Celtic, classical, folk and popular music. Band members are: Kade Bissell (Hammered Dulcimer, Percussion, Guitar & Vocals); Brett Lindsay (Cello & Whistle); Katie Wasko-Klink (Violin, Mandolin & Vocals); and Kyle Lindsey (Fiddle & Vocals).
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9th Army Band
The 9th Army Band was first constituted in January of 1944 and was first activated in Alaska at Fort Richardson in 1951. The "Arctic Warrior" band is composed of soldiers who serve U.S. Army Alaska by providing music through the full spectrum of military operations and is known as "the coolest band on planet earth."
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Anna Cometa & Molly Buttars
Opera singer and local talent Anna Cometa grew up listening to her mom sing folk music and play guitar, but then went on to pursue classical singing. She is joined with piano accompaniment by Molly Buttars, an Anchorage resident and business owner, music instructor, violinist and organist.
Cometa on Facebook Buttars on Facebook
Ann Fernandez & Jonathon Taylor
Pianist and piano teacher Ann Fernandez joins one of her former students, Jonathon Taylor, to perform a special arrangement of Winter Wonderland. Fernandez is originally from Hawaii, and Taylor was born and raised in Alaska. This former teacher-student duo are now close friends who enjoy sharing their gifts of music.
Anchorage Opera
Opera singers Kate Bass and Kaylee Wagle perform Sull’aria from The Marriage of Figaro and For Good from Wicked. Both have performed with the Anchorage Opera. Accompanying Bass and Wagle is well-known pianist, Janet Carr-Campbell, who has been sharing her love of performance since 1982 as the artistic director at The Music Machine.
The Forest That Never Sleeps
The Forest That Never Sleeps is Anchorage-based poet and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, Kat Moore. Whether behind the keys, a cello, guitar, or anything she can get her hands on, The Forest That Never Sleeps explores the gamut of human emotion through song.
Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums
Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums is dedicated to advancing traditional piping and drumming in Alaska and beyond. The band was formed in 2005 by a group of veteran pipers and drummers. Members now range from veterans to students, promoting these great traditions through music instruction and performance.