Make A Scene December 2024

DECEMBER 2024

WASILLA HIGH’S BAND PROGRAM IS MAKING SOME NOISE!

Contributed by Lesa Thomas

From the football stadium to the gymnasium, the halls and in-between, Wasilla High School’s band program is getting out and making noise! The program is growing and flourishing in its second year under its new director, Tyler Martin. In addition to the Marching and Pep Bands visible at football, basketball & sometimes hockey games, the program has so much offer.

It boasts a large symphonic band, an orchestra, a percussion class, jazz band, a new AP Music Theory course as well as a concert band for new students. On top of that, Marching Band and Pep

Bands take place outside of the school day. There is a place for every level of musician at WHS!

Martin, recipient of the Mat-Su region music band director of the year award, shares that there are 65 students in the program this year between bands, percussion and classes. He is excited about the increased participation, “we are continuing with the growth the program has seen over the last several years,” noting that enrollment is up twenty students from last year alone.

” Growing in numbers and scope, we are able to be present in more places. There are events we are present at such

Students request sponsorships and auction items directly from local businesses. Band members have been pleasantly surprised to hear that many of the community members they speak to had played instruments and are eager to support band kids.

as large group adjudication and we doubled our students at All State this year, the highest level of competition in the state. Recently we collaborated for the Wasilla City Christmas tree lighting with the middle school band and the community band.”

An important part of music education is having the opportunity to perform. Wasilla High Bands get out into the community whenever possible. They have been in the Wasilla 4th of July Parade, Wasilla City Tree Lighting, Senior Centers and at satellite schools. Additionally, the band is planning a trip to New York this summer to include workshops and performances, the highlight of which is a performance on the USS Intrepid. WHS band classes produce fantastic music with two end of semester concerts and their annual Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser.

The Mardi Gras Dinner is a big event for the program and its booster club. The gymnasium is transformed into a New Orleans dining hall, filled with amazing food and music! There is a live auction where the Senior Band members take on a role with the live auction and tables are lined with silent auction items. This event is only successful because of the community support.

This year’s Mardi Gras Dinner is January 25th at 6:00 PM at Wasilla High. For anyone wanting to join the fun, tickets are available to purchase from any band member, online, or at the door. They are actively looking for auction donations, as well as program sponsors. They always welcome new community partnerships and support.

With all of the wonderful growth, the band program has some needs arising. Mr. Martin shared, “a need right now is instrument repair and replacement. Some instruments are sixty plus years old and are not going to get a lot more use.” Some students have their own instruments, but many students borrow from the program. Repair costs add up quickly, and older instruments are wearing out and will have to be completely replaced. “Growth in marching band is putting more instruments on our (purchase) list. Such as marching brass instruments that we don’t own and are unique to marching band, and percussion for outdoor use.” Martin adds, “New York is an upcoming need as well,” referring to the Band’s upcoming summer travel plans.

Wasilla’s Band and its booster club work throughout the school year to raise money for the program by running a coffee cart at football and basketball games, hosting multiple bake sales, with the Mardi Gras Dinner and through direct sponsorships to the nonprofit. The January 25th Mardi Gras Dinner is a community event, and tickets are available from any band member, or online. https://warrior-music-booster-inc.square. site/ For those looking to support the Wasilla Band through auction donations, personal donations, or business sponsorships, please reach out to Tyler Martin at Wasilla High School, 907-352-8200 or tyler.martin@matsuk12.us.

CREEK AND STONE

Contributed by Alaskan Artist Brenda Jaeger

Seattle Convention Center Welcomes the Northwest Watercolor Society Back for Signature Exhibition Including Alaskan Artist Brenda Jaeger. Show runs in the Arch Building January 23-July 15, 2025

Brenda Jaeger is showing “Creek and Stone”, in the NWWS Signature Exhibition. “Creek and Stone” is a watercolor painted en plein air and finished in Brenda’s studio in Anchorage. This watercolor depicts Thorne Bay, Alaska, where Brenda taught an Artist-in-Education Residency. Brenda worked outdoors, sitting on a tarp, enjoying depicting the river and stones in Thorne Bay. Surrounded by rainforest, Brenda painted the shapes of the boulders on the creek that ran through the community.

Alaska-born and raised, Brenda spent part of her First Grade in Palmer and lives in Anchorage the last 28 years. She now comes frequently to create studies and paintings of Palmer and the Matsu Valley.

Recently, Brenda showed her work in a solo exhibition at Jens’ Bistro through the Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage

from May-September 2024. In the month of October 2024, she had another solo show through the Georgia Blue Gallery at the Snow City Café. Her work can be seen at the Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage, and Parsons Guitars in Independence, Kansas. Brenda is listed in Who’s Who in American Art.

For this Northwest Watercolor Society exhibition, QR codes will be on each painting label directing those who wish to purchase Brenda Jaeger’s art directly to the website. The paintings will be shipped after the show to wherever purchasers want, or arrangements can be made for pickup. If you purchase Brenda Jaeger’s artwork, not only are you supporting her, but she receives 75% of the purchase price.

For more information on NWWS and all the society has to offer artists, please go to www.nwws.org.

About Brenda Jaeger Brenda teaches online through the Brenda Jaeger Art Studio. For information on lessons, call (907) 350-4539 or email brendajaegerartstudio@startmail. com. Brenda holds teaching certificates in both Alaska and Washington state, as well as an Online Teaching Certificate

from the Online Learning Consortium. She has won awards for her paintings in Alaska and Washington state, and has participated in many solo, juried, and invitational shows. Her watercolors and acrylic paintings can be found at the Georgia Blue Gallery, Anchorage, and Parsons Guitars, Independence, Kansas, as well as at her studio, Brenda Jaeger Art Studio. For more images, see her Instagram @brendajaegerartstudio.

Send in your coloring page and you can win a gift card to a local business!

Funnies Calendar of Events

DECEMBER

December 20 @ 7PM-10PM

Ken Peltier Live Acoustic Session at Palmer Ale House Upstairs Lounge Palmer Alehouse 320 E Dahlia Ave (907) 746-2537

$10 per ticket, limited availability All ages

December 20 @ 12PM-3PM

Mr. & Mrs. Claus Come to Town! Holy-Moley Donuts

2201 E Palmer Wasilla Highway holymoleydonuts22@gmail.com (907) 376-9800

Bring your own device for pictures & enjoy free hot coco!

December 20 @ 5PM

Strength & Longevity: Launch Celebration

Aspire Med Spa

Aspire Med Spa 401 E 36th Ave, Suite 101 medspa@aspirealaska.com (907) 600-3424

December 21 @ 11AM

Bioenergetics w/ Dr. McLaughlin All About Herbs 4621 East Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Suite # 104 www.allaboutherbs.com (907) 376-8327

December 23 @ 4PM

Mat-Su Ski Club Holiday Tree Tour

Mat-Su Ski Club

GPRA (Government Peak Recreation Area)

10690 N. Mountain Trails Drive info@matsuski.org (907) 982-0612

December 23 @ 4PM-7PM

Holiday Tree Tour

Mat-Su Ski Club

Government Peak Recreation Area 10690 N Mountain Drive matsuski.org (907) 745-7547

December 23 @ 12PM-12PM

Elf playing at Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill

Bear Tooth & Theatrepub & Grill

1230 West 27th Ave (907) 276-4200

Tickets available at beartooththeatre. filmbot.com

December 31 @ 6PM-8PM

New Years Eve Fireworks

Eagle River Lions Club ACF Church 18344 Eagle River Road (907) 694-7741

December 31 @ 9PM-11PM

Raised by Elephants ft. Harp Daddy Live at Fairview Inn

Fairview Inn

Fairview Inn, 101 Main St, Talkeetna (907) 733-2423

JANUARY

January 4 @ 7PM

The Jephries & ATF @ Williwaw Social Williwaw Socail 609 F Street events@williwawsocail.com (907) 868-2000

January 4 @ 10AM

emPOWDERed Women’s Ride - Practice Loading and Unloading!

Alaska Mining and Diving Supply, Anchorage Snowmobile Club

Willow Public Library

Mile 69 Parks Highway

Cost: $35 Annually for One Member, $45 for Family Membership. (registration to the Anchorage Snowmobile Club is required)

sierrawintersmith@outlook.com (907) 491-5016

January 11th & 12th @ 11AM-4PM

Alaska Music Summit

Alaska Independent Musicians Initiative

The Nave Spenard 3502 Spenard Rd info@akimimusic.org 907-227-5244

Free event, $10 suggested donation

KANSAS CITY TRIO SHAKEDOWN STRINGS ANNOUNCES 2025 ALASKA TOUR

Contributed by Robert Shatzer

Acoustic Grateful Dead Tribute Band Shakedown Strings will be making their inaugural trek to Alaska to bring some light to the dark January winter.

TRUCKIN’ TO ALASKA Jan 22-26, 2025

Wed Jan 22 7PM to 10PMSheldon Arts Hangar – Talkeetna

Thur Jan 23, 6PM to 9PMPalmer Alehouse – Palmer

Fri Jan 24, 9PM to 12AMAlice’s Champagne Palace – Homer Sat Jan 25, 10PM – 1AM -

Koots – Anchorage Sun Jan 26, 7:45PMAnchorage Folk Fest  Benefit Performance for the Denali Arts Foundation

All updated information and ticket purchase links can be found at  www.shakedownstrings.com

Consisting of Rick Willoughby on Upright Bass, Adam Galblum on Violin, and Clayton DeLong on Acoustic Guitar, the trio is known for their energy, spontaneity, and deep love for the Grateful Dead’s musical legacy. Shakedown Strings brings an acoustic perspective to the music by blending intricate improvisation with heartfelt

interpretations. With each of the three contributing to the vocals, fans can expect soulful renditions of familiar favorites, deep cuts and captivating jams that honor the spirit of the Dead’s music while making it their own.

Hailing from Kansas City, MO Shakedown Strings has been spreading their wings. Leaving their mark on Las Vegas this summer while participating in Shakedown Vegas, organizer Robert Shatzer has offered to sponsor the tour offering financial and administrative assistance. Together, Shakedown Vegas with support from Alaskan Promoter Rob Bashleben and donations from Talkeetna View Cabins and Lodge owner

DISCOVER THE JOY OF SINGING WITH MAT-SU KID’S CHORUS!

Contributed by Carol Dorman

Singing has been a beloved human tradition for centuries, bringing joy and connection to people everywhere— from fields to campfires. And now, your child can be part of this timeless tradition!

The Mat-Su Kid’s Chorus is the perfect place for kids who love to sing. Choir singing not only nurtures a passion for music but also fosters friendships, teamwork, and confidence. This spring, we’re inviting young voices to join us as we prepare for an unforgettable concert season. Rehearsals start Thursday, February 6, 2025:

•1st–3rd graders: 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM

•4th–6th graders: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: 5101 E. Mayflower Lane, Wasilla

Through fun, engaging sessions, children will learn to:

•Sing harmoniously as a group

•Read music and perform in public

•Sign in ASL, expanding their communication skills

Why sign up early?

Advanced registration helps us plan and gives your child a chance to see how many new friends they’ll make! Each choir group needs a minimum of 7 participants to run, so don’t wait—reserve your spot today!

Sign up for the adult chorus or the kids chorus on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MatSu CommunityChorus or visit MatsuCommunityChorus.org.

The Mat-Su Community Chorus is a secular, non-profit group dedicated to enriching our community through music. Let’s make this season unforgettable— together!

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE TO PERFORM AT 2025 FAIR

Contributed by Melissa Keefe

The Platinum-selling, genre-bending band Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at the Alaska State Fair as part of the 2025 ConocoPhillips Alaska Concert Series. The band takes the stage Saturday, August 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. AKST at alaskastatefair.org.

Defying a single genre and embracing unpredictability, Rainbow Kitten Surprise weaves together lyrical poetry, hummable melodies and instrumental eccentricities. The band’s breakout full-length debut for Elektra, HOW TO: FRIEND, LOVE, FREEFALL, featured

the RIAA-certified Platinum single “It’s Called: Freefall.”

In May 2024, Rainbow Kitten Surprise released their first album in six years, LOVE HATE MUSIC BOX. Featuring the lead single, “Superstar,” the album has received critical praise from Billboard, Consequence, Paste and more. Featured on the stages of Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Osheaga, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is heading back on the road for the LOVE HATE MUSIC BOX Tour, marking their largest tour to date.

Tickets to Rainbow Kitten Surprise go on sale starting at 10 a.m. AKST on Friday, November 22, atalaskastatefair. org, joining the previously announced acts: “Weird Al” Yankovic on August

17, Chris Tomlin on August 18, Billy Currington on August 23, and Foreigner on August 30.

Concert-goers have the option to purchase concert-only tickets or tickets including Fair admission. The included admission is at a discounted price and is good for the day of the concert only. Concert tickets including Fair admission must be purchased by August 14. Details on ticket options and pricing are available on the Fair website. Convenience fees apply to all online concert ticket purchases.

Visit alaskastatefair.org for additional information on this act and upcoming concert announcements. For more information, contact Melissa Keefe,

director of marketing and communications, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.