The Southeast Alaska Odyssey Show
The Alaska String Band brings their extraordinary music and fascinating Southeast Alaska Odyssey Show to the McPheter's Hall stage in historic downtown Juneau, Alaska. This family-friendly performance artfully weaves a tapestry of atmospheric impressions giving an intimate peek into the curiosities of one of America's treasured and pristine wilderness escapes...
Live Music
Moving along at a lively pace, American-roots music favorites are showcased, touching on genres such as swing - jazz - bluegrass - pop - folk - dawg - gospel - Celtic and Russian. Of particular interest are original tunes composed and sung by this ensemble which reflect the hardship of the Alaskan gold fever experience as well as a ballad, The Wreck of the Princess Sophia, which soulfully depicts the courage and tragedy of early explorers in Alaska's untouched wilderness. As gifted multi-instrumentalists the family often swap instruments throughout a performance with an impressive collection of acoustic stringed instruments including guitars, violin-fiddles, mandolins, dulcimer, banjo, bass, ukuleles and percussion; knitting it all together are the "Z" family signature vocal harmonies.
Dance
Energetic dance ignites the performance with color and movement; and show stopping musical stunts executed by the children infuse an electrical charge to the show.
Photography
Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop of rich historical context in the spirit of Alaska; featuring wildlife, scenery, history, hard rock mining enterprises, native culture, the Zahasky family homeplace and Alaskan contemporary lifestyle and adventure.
Stories
The Zahasky family narration brings to life ancient customs and stories as well as an intimate peek at the lives of contemporary Alaskans - laced with humor, scandal, tragedy and celebration.
Costumes
Of particular delight to audiences, the Alaska String Band appears in this season's gorgeous and authentic Alaskan Upik Eskimo tribe kuspuk. From the Alaskan native Upik tribe comes the term "quspeq." This article of clothing was traditionally crafted as a hooded cover-all made from skins to be worn over a fur parka, thus keeping the fur clean. Kuspuks are a favored attire for Alaskans year around, as they are worn for every day activities. They also hold a celebrated place in special occasions such as a potlatch or a wedding ceremony. The tradition of the kuspuk is kept alive today in the homes of Alaskans as the craft of designing and sewing them is handed down from mother to daughter. Various fabrics are chosen for durability depending on the occasion of use and the season of the year. Calico cotton is a popular choice for the ladies dresses which feature a hood, Eskimo style pockets and a flounced skirt. All kuspuks are generously decorated with rick rack or ribbon trim and at times they are edged in fur. Working from a vibrant palette of beautiful materials the Alaska String Band celebrates this custom; designing and sewing their own costume wardrobe.
Z-Family
Hailing from Alaska's capital city of Juneau, the Zahasky family, also recognized internationally as the Alaska String Band makes it's home on the last frontier and is the subject of much curiosity and inspiration for all those who happen to be fortunate to see one of their shows. An inside note will reveal Paul and Melissa, husband and wife of 27 years; and their three children - daughter Laura 20, son Quinn 17 and daughter Abigail at age 13. When not out recreating in the magnificent wilderness setting of their remote home town this family occupies itself by entertaining visitors making the trek north to the land of the midnight sun. On board a forty-foot bus, the Alaska String Band ventures further abroad touring Canada and the lower forty-eight states bringing it's extraordinary music and fascinating Southeast Alaska Odyssey Show to thousands.
Testimonials
What are others saying about the Alaska String Band???
"The last event in which I served as keynote speaker had really good entertainment. But these folks (Alaska String Band) are Alaska good. The Alaska String Band Rocks!"…….. Sarah Palin -- former governor of the state of Alaska.
"The Alaska String Band are one of the most entertaining groups you will see."…..… Byron Berline -- world famous fiddler and founder & director of the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival.
"A perennial favorite in and around Alaska for their lively, high quality string music. Their concerts are relaxed, up-beat and charming. Audiences love them."…….. Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
"This group is polished and harmonies are totally off the charts. Not just your typical bluegrass group but truly a showstopper." ……… T.C., Texas talent seeker.
Contact Information
For booking email us: zfamily{at}gci.net
Southeast Alaska Odyssey Samples
(YouTube links):
Show Brochure
- Download Show Brochure (PDF 2.7M)
Show Times
- Mondays 7 p.m.
- Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays 6 p.m.
No Shows on the following dates:
- June 13, 14, and 15
- June 27, 28, and 29