With big audiences impossible, some of Alaska’s most popular musicians record a virtual concert

Anchorage Daily News
By: Marc Lester

Many of the Alaska’s most popular musical artists performed Tuesday at the Ship Creek small-boat launch, though no large crowd gathered to see them.

Videos captured there will become the AK4AK virtual music festival, which will debut online starting at 6 p.m. May 1.

Organizers, including Showdown Productions and Anchorage Assembly member Christopher Constant, say the event was inspired by the sacrifices Alaskans made to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases and to thank shipping and port workers who keep food and supplies coming into the state.

For musicians it was a welcome chance to play since the coronavirus shutdown has kept them apart and canceled their gigs, even if few people were there other than the production crew. Electronic instruments weren’t amplified on site. They played only into the recorded mix.

James Glaves, keyboardist for popular Anchorage rock band Medium Build, said it was the first time he had played with his bandmates since their last live performance in mid-February.

View full story here:
https://www.adn.com/arts/music/2020/04/29/with-big-audiences-impossible-some-of-alaskas-most-popular-performers-record-a-virtual-music-fest/