Looking to switch things up from the Haines Fair this year? Sitka’s Homeskillet music festival hosted by Homeskillet Records brings acts from all over southeast Alaska and the northwest including hip hop and electronic music.
“Flying in up to 20 musicians and housing them is no small task,” said Homeskillet Festival director, promoter and curator, Nicholas Galanin, “It’s a challenge to host in this community, particularly with finding venues.” After years as an outdoor event, the music is moving inside to Sitka’s Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall.
Though the festival imports “Lower 48” artists, it makes a point of showcasing southeast Alaska talent too including the Wool Pullers, Diatribe NW, Silver Jackson, Strumming Dog, Terri Tibett and Mark Sixbe .
Juneau singer-songwriter Nicole Church is performing at the festival for her third time and looks forward to the event each year. “Hip hop, folk, blues, just all of these different types of music brought together for one weekend and the collaborations are amazing,” said Church. “Just being able to interact with every other musician is really unique to the festival.”
A new addition this year is the musician and visual artist Chocolate Chuck who will be doing video visual work throughout the festival and performing with Seattle based musician Ocnotes.
Headliners include Kingdom Crumbs, Iskaa Dhaaf, Breathe Owl Breathe, Katie Kate, Ocnotes & Chocolate Chuck, Hanna Leess, but Galanin assures the whole lineup will be amazing.
Tickets are $25 for each night, and this year they’re putting a cap on the number available. Find them on the Homeskillet website for special $45 for both July 26th and 27th. Children under 10 are free.