Melissa Mitchell Band, concert wrapup
June 2nd, 2008 by Director Susan Mumma · No Comments · 2008, Events
Depite a change in the weather that drove us indoors instead of outdoors, Seldovia Arts Council’s first concert of the summer season was a rousing success. Melissa Mitchell’s Home Grown Band consisted of Alaskans: Melissa Mitchell on vocals, drummer Cliff Hopson (who came all the way from Fairbanks just because he enjoys playing with Melissa so much), Dawn Venters on string base (who in her other life is a member of the Anchorage Symphony and Anchorage Opera), Tori Duggan on electric fiddle, and Rick Nelson and Scott Jefferies on guitar. This young band is noted as one of Alaska’s best dance bands and it is true, but what singles them out is the soulful spiritual message carried by the sounds and words of Melissa’s original music. Melissa is a healer in many walks of life and her music is one of her greatest vehicles. This was a seriously fun concert.
Many thanks to Mike and Mary Webber for housing and feeding the artists; to a large crew of folks working on set up including: Susan Mumma, Savannah Lewis, Susan Zerwick, Mary Webber, Darlene Crawford, Jaqueline Brown, Paula Elvsaas, Willie Brun, Rob Rurka, Eric Rurka, Jerry Stranik, Laurel Hilts, Rod Hilts, Greg Davis and, well, anyone we’ve forgotten to name but whose contribution we value nonetheless. Special thanks goes to Susan B. English School for the use of the building, to our members and local donors who underwrite our efforts, and to the Alaska State Council on the Arts for their continued support through our funding.
For more photos, check out our photo album for this event. Got photos of your own? Share the links to where they’re posted in the comments to this post or feel free to email us any photos you’d like to contribute to the album to photos@seldoviaartscouncil.org.
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