Genres: Bluegrass, Old-Time Gospel, Swing, Blues, Original
Specialty: Guitar, Violin, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bass

Known for their lively collection of bluegrass, old-time gospel, swing, blues, Celtic, original music and energetic dancing, the Alaska String Band is also known for their original costumes that reflect the Alaskan artistic lifestyle, culture and traditions.

In his younger years Paul, a native of northeast Iowa, took his guitar and headed west to California for surf and sun.  He made a stop at Steam Boat Lake State Park and signed up with Young Adult Conservation Corps, a job that led him to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and eventually to Alaska instead of California.

In Juneau he met Melissa and soon the two were married and making beautiful music together in spite of their different backgrounds.  Paul was a strongly motivated guitarist and songwriter who played mostly by ear. Melissa was steeped in classical traditions of violin and voice.

Melissa was born in California, but ventured north to Alaska with her family at the age of three. She developed a love of music and sang America’s favorite folksongs while her dad played guitar. As a child she learned to play violin and later attended the University of Alaska to further her violin studies. She played with the Juneau Symphony Orchestra before marriage and children.

When daughter Laura was born in 1991, her parents took her along as they entertained in Russia, Mexico and for guests at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. By age 10 she wanted her own microphone. Told she had to practice before getting on stage, Laura quickly learned violin, fiddle, guitar and mandolin. Today, she gets her own microphone.

Quinn took to bass playing “like a porcupine in a potato patch.”  Today, Quinn is a rock solid bass player. He also adds his fine voice to the Alaska String Band.

Abigail, born in 1997, who loves fun, wanted to join the family band at a younger age than her siblings. She plays mandolin and often takes lead. She is learning fiddle/violin from her mother and sister and joining in on bluegrass tunes.

Alaska String Band performs during the summer in their native Alaska with cruise ship lines.

Booking Information:

Alaska String Band
P: 907.321.5471
zfamily@gci.net
www.alaskastringband.net

Tour Dates

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