Alaska Folk Festival facts for kids
The Alaska Folk Festival is a big yearly party that celebrates music from Alaska, the northwestern United States, and parts of Canada. It happens in Juneau, Alaska, usually in April, and lasts for a whole week. The best part is, it's completely free to attend! This festival is put on by a group called The Alaska Folk Festival Inc. They are a non-profit organization. This means they work to help and support music in Alaska. The festival runs thanks to many volunteers and donations.
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What is the Alaska Folk Festival?
The Alaska Folk Festival started way back in 1975. It's a place where all kinds of music are welcome. While folk music is a big part of it, you can hear many different styles. Some performances even include dancing or poetry. Each act usually gets about fifteen minutes to show their talent. Special guest performers get a longer time, around 45 minutes. Performers are asked not to have long setup times. They also cannot use recorded music during their acts.
Who Performs at the Festival?
Many different people perform at the festival. You can see solo artists playing by themselves. There are also musical groups performing together. Most performers are not paid for their acts. However, special guest artists, a guest dance band, and a guest caller are chosen each year. These guests perform for two 45-minute sets. They also lead workshops and call dances.
How to Enjoy the Festival
The festival offers more than just concerts. You can join workshops to learn about music. There are also dances where everyone can join in. "Jams" are informal music sessions where musicians play together. "Singer-songwriter showcases" let new artists share their original songs. All these events are free for everyone. Performers do not need to audition. They just need to apply in time to get a spot.
Each year, a special piece of art is chosen. This artwork is created by an Alaskan artist. It is featured on posters and other items like program covers. This makes each festival unique.
Festival History and Special Events
The Alaska Folk Festival has been a community event for a long time. In 2020, the festival was cancelled because of COVID-19 rules in Juneau. In 2021, it was held online and broadcast live on YouTube. The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. It took place from April 7th to April 13th that year.
See also
- Music of Alaska
- Folk Festival
