From Nome and elsewhere itinerant miners traveled to Fairbanks where Felix Pedro had discovered gold on July 22, 1902. Many newcomers declared this interior town on the banks of the Chena and Tanana rivers to be “a place of permanence – a home” and soon their families were sent for. Music of every sort, from folk guitar sing-alongs in newly built log cabins to a performance of Gaul’s oratorio The Holy City and symphony orchestra concerts, enriched the lives of Fairbanksans in the earliest days of this city’s existence.

Music is, without a doubt, an important part of our culture. It is a means to capture the natural beauty of our surrounding mountains and waters, as well as the heart-catching, breath-stopping, or just plain fun moments in the lives that we Fairbanksans lead. It enables us to pass our moments on to others, both now and in the future.

“Made in Fairbanks” features the works of composers and performers in genres including: Gwich’in Athabascan fiddling, folk, popular, classical, jazz, contemporary, funk, rock, and the latest alternative styles. We are especially proud to include the music of Bill Stevens, a 2002 winner of the Alaskan Governor’s Awards for the Arts, and Barney McClure, winner of this year’s Song of the Year Contest sponsored by the Alaska Public Radio Network (APRN).

View a list of participants from Made in Fairbanks

Guest Curators - read their statements:
Steve Bouta, Developing Invention
James Brashear, Ceramics
Jean Carlo, Native Arts
Wanda Chin, Multimedia
Peggy Ferguson, Performing Arts
Jennifer Jolis, Food Products
Len Kamerling, Filmmaking
John Manthei, Wood
Barry McWayne, Commercial Photography
David Mollett, Visual Applied Arts
Connie Page, Wood
Todd Sherman, Visual Applied Arts
Glen Simpson, Metal
Frank Soos, Writing
Suzanne Summerville, Ph.D., Music
Penny Wakefield, Fiber Works

Return to the Made in Fairbanks introduction.

Exhibitions