Juneau Afternoon
Juneau Afternoon is locally produced and airs on KTOO 104.3 FM from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. It’s repeated at 7:00 p.m. on KTOO 104.3 and is available on demand below. Our hosts interview a range of guests from local business owners to artists and speakers. If it’s happening in Juneau, you’ll hear about it on the show.
If you’d like to be a guest on the program, contact us during regular business hours at 907-463-6473, or email juneauafternoon [at] ktoo [dot] org. Send pictures for Foodie Friday and other segments to juneauafternoon [at] ktoo [dot] org.
#JuneauAfternoon
Tuesday, May 17, 2022: Juneau String Ensemble’s Aurora Strings to play at Carnegie Hall. Juneau Fine Arts Camp registration. Girls on the Run 5K celebration.
Some of the best and brightest young musicians in the country will soon be headed to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall — and that includes the Aurora Strings, the advanced students from the Juneau String Ensemble. On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, we’ll celebrate what these students have accomplished, how they’ve worked…
A sit-down with four members of Aurora Strings, the group of advanced Juneau Strings Ensemble students headed to perform at Carnegie Hall in Juneau. In the midst of a pandemic, it hasn’t been an easy journey, but the students say it’s helped them grow as musicians and as people.
Girls on the Run is about more than a Saturday 5k run. Although it does give girls a chance to exercise and build physical stamina, Natalie Watson and her daughter, Maya Breedlove, talk about how Girls on the Run is really about the journey of building trust, teamwork and empowering girls to realize…
After more than 40 years, the Juneau Fine Arts camp has become a multi-generational experience for many in the community — a chance for students to explore the arts and much more. Electra Gardenier, who is now director the program, was once a student at the camp, as was her husband. Her daughter has…
Part 1: Juneau Strings Ensemble: The journey to Carnegie Hall.
Guests: Juneau Aurora Strings Ensemble Members: Alex Yu, 1st Violin.Tobin Montalbo, 1st Cello. Cerys Hudson, 1st Cello. Elizabeth Djajalie, 1st Violin.A sit-down with four members of Aurora Strings, the group of advanced Juneau Strings Ensemble students headed to perform at Carnegie Hall in Juneau. In the midst of a pandemic, it hasn’t been an easy journey, but the students say it’s helped them grow as musicians and as people.
Part 2: Girls on the Run: Beyond the finish line.
Guests: Natalie Watson, Girls on the Run & Toowú Klatseen Manager. Maya Breedlove, longtime participant in the program.Girls on the Run is about more than a Saturday 5k run. Although it does give girls a chance to exercise and build physical stamina, Natalie Watson and her daughter, Maya Breedlove, talk about how Girls on the Run is really about the journey of building trust, teamwork and empowering girls to realize…
Part 3: Juneau Fine Arts Camp: A family tradition.
Guests: Electra Gardenier, Juneau Fine Arts Camp manager.After more than 40 years, the Juneau Fine Arts camp has become a multi-generational experience for many in the community — a chance for students to explore the arts and much more. Electra Gardenier, who is now director the program, was once a student at the camp, as was her husband. Her daughter has…
Friday, May 13, 2022: President’s Own U.S. Marine Jazz Band. Zuill Bailey. Juneau Public Library’s May update.
The President’s Own U.S. Marine Jazz Band rocking out on KTOO’s Juneau Afternoon. Band members: Ryan McGeorge on trombone, Greg Ridlington on saxophone, Tyler Lindsay on trumpet, Chris Rose on drums, Eric Sabo on bass, Alan Prather on guitar and Russell Wilson on keyboards. It may have been Friday the 13th, but if you’re a…
The President’s Own U.S. Marine Jazz Band was one of the crowd pleasers at this year’s Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival. Trombonist Ryan McGeorge even wrote a song for the group’s Juneau tour called Malamute Strut, inspired by his Alaskan sled dog, who lives with McGeorge in the Washington D.C. area but seems to…
It’s only fitting that classical performers in the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival improvise like their jazz counterparts. But Zuill Bailey wasn’t expecting that to happen with the concert schedule. Due to flight scheduling problems, two of the members of the Arianna String Quartet wound up stuck in St. Louis and didn’t make it…
There’s a lot of excitement at the Juneau Public Libraries this month which has begun offering a new digital service called Hoopla. Library cardholders can download an app and use it to check out e-books, videos, music and other media, 24-7. Also on Saturday, May 21st, there will be no shooshing at the Mendenhall branch…
Part 1: Seven members of President’s Own U.S. Marine Jazz Band pack into KTOO’s Studio 2K for impromptu concert.
Guests: Band members: Chris Rose, Alan Prather, Eric Sabo, Russell Wilson, Ryan McGeorge, Tyler Lindsay and Greg RidlingtonThe President’s Own U.S. Marine Jazz Band was one of the crowd pleasers at this year’s Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival. Trombonist Ryan McGeorge even wrote a song for the group’s Juneau tour called Malamute Strut, inspired by his Alaskan sled dog, who lives with McGeorge in the Washington D.C. area but seems to…
Part 2: Zuill Bailey: Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival emerging from Pandemic
Guests: Zuill Bailey, cellist and artistic director for Juneau Jazz and ClassicsIt’s only fitting that classical performers in the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival improvise like their jazz counterparts. But Zuill Bailey wasn’t expecting that to happen with the concert schedule. Due to flight scheduling problems, two of the members of the Arianna String Quartet wound up stuck in St. Louis and didn’t make it…
Part 3: Juneau Library promotes Hoopla streaming service and kid’s rock band concert
Guests: Margaret Luedke, Juneau Public Libraries Programs and Marketing CoordinatorThere’s a lot of excitement at the Juneau Public Libraries this month which has begun offering a new digital service called Hoopla. Library cardholders can download an app and use it to check out e-books, videos, music and other media, 24-7. Also on Saturday, May 21st, there will be no shooshing at the Mendenhall branch…
Thursday, May 12, 2022: Black in Alaska: An ambitious multi-media project, telling the stories of Blacks living in the 49th state.
Black in Alaska’s mission is simple but daunting – to profile 50 people whose stories will help explain what it’s like to be Black in Alaska. The goal: to dismantle stereotypes and connect the Black community to fellow Alaskans. On this week’s Culture Rich Conversations, Christina Michelle talks with her mother Sherry Patterson, about her…
Jovelle Rennie realized there was a need for a story telling project about what it means to be Black in Alaska, when he asked people to name fifty Blacks who live in Alaska. Most couldn’t do it. Yet when Rennie began to make up his own list of Black Alaskans with interesting stories, that list…
Listen to the program: The story behind the Black in Alaska Project
Guests: Jovelle Rennie and Mayowa Aina, team members of the Black in Alaska project. Sherry Patterson, profiled in the Black in Alaska Project.Jovelle Rennie realized there was a need for a story telling project about what it means to be Black in Alaska, when he asked people to name fifty Blacks who live in Alaska. Most couldn’t do it. Yet when Rennie began to make up his own list of Black Alaskans with interesting stories, that list…
Wednesday, May 11, 2022: Arianna String Quartet. SAIL Challenge Course. Theater Alaska’s reading of Pride and Prejudice. Garden Talk tips on Strawberries.
Critics have said that quartet playing doesn’t get much better than the Arianna String Quartet, a group that is in Juneau this week for the Jazz and Classics Spring Festival. On this Wednesday’s Juneau Afternoon, the group talks about its mission to teach as well as perform. Also, on this program: The SAIL Challenge Course…
The Arianna String Quartet spends as much time teaching, as performing. Why they encourage students to do more than just play the notes on the page, but take the music to a whole new level by turning it into a whole body experience.
For the first time, the Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) challenge course is fully operational. It’s an outdoor team building and leadership program set in the rain forest, that offers courses tailor-made for your group’s skills and abilities.
Theater Alaska will bring readings of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to the stage this weekend. They’re working from a playful adaption of the novel, written by Kate Hammil — a theatrical conversation about gender and self determination from a feminist perspective. All the performances are outdoors and free of charge.
In this week’s Garden Talk, Ed Buyarski talks with KTOO’s Rhonda McBride about how to help your strawberries survive an onslaught of threats — from mold, mildew and slugs, to porcupines that dine voraciously on their leaves, as well as the squirrels who love the berries.
Part 1: Arianna String Quartet: Beyond the notes on the page
Guests: Kurt Baldwin, cello. Jane Price, violin. John Mcgrosso, violin. Joanna Mendoza, viola.The Arianna String Quartet spends as much time teaching, as performing. Why they encourage students to do more than just play the notes on the page, but take the music to a whole new level by turning it into a whole body experience.
Part 2: Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) re-opens outdoor challenge course
Guests: Emma Van Nes, ORCA Director, Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL)For the first time, the Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) challenge course is fully operational. It’s an outdoor team building and leadership program set in the rain forest, that offers courses tailor-made for your group’s skills and abilities.
Part 3: Theater Alaska: Rollicking readings of Pride and Prejudice
Guests: Christina Apathy, director. Bostin Christopher, performer.Theater Alaska will bring readings of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to the stage this weekend. They’re working from a playful adaption of the novel, written by Kate Hammil — a theatrical conversation about gender and self determination from a feminist perspective. All the performances are outdoors and free of charge.
Part 4: Juneau strawberries face many hurdles
Guests: Ed Buyarski, Host of KTOO’s Garden TalkIn this week’s Garden Talk, Ed Buyarski talks with KTOO’s Rhonda McBride about how to help your strawberries survive an onslaught of threats — from mold, mildew and slugs, to porcupines that dine voraciously on their leaves, as well as the squirrels who love the berries.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022: US Pacific Fleet’s Big Wave Brass Band. Juneau Hope Endowment Fund. World Bird Migration Day. An evening with humorist David Sedaris.
High energy is an understatement for the US Pacific Fleet’s Big Wave Brass Band, in town this week for the Juneau Jazz and Classics spring concert series On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, a few of the band members will drop in on the show. They’ll talk about their lives as touring professional musicians, who…
The US Pacific Fleet’s Big Wave Band is headquartered in Hawaii. It provides support for ships, military installations, foreign dignitaries, and community events throughout the Pacific.
The Juneau Community Foundation’s Hope Endowment Fund gave grants to two dozen non-profits in Juneau this year. Each received a share of more than $1.95 million in funding. The grants were prioritized to serve people in crisis — programs aimed at stabilizing some of the community’s most vulnerable — such as those in need…
The Juneau Audubon Society is celebrating World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 14th with a bird-banding demonstration from 7:00-10:00 a.m. It’s a chance to see songbirds up close and learn about techniques for studying birds.
David Sedaris, a humorist, writer and regular NPR contributor, returns to Juneau on Wednesday, May 18th, to bring an evening of wit and social critique. The performance is a fundraiser for KTOO, the station’s first in-person event since the pandemic.
Part 1: US Pacific Fleet: Making music in the military.
Guests: Musicians Chief Chris Jerome, US Pacific Fleet Band, unit leader and sousaphone playerThe US Pacific Fleet’s Big Wave Band is headquartered in Hawaii. It provides support for ships, military installations, foreign dignitaries, and community events throughout the Pacific.
Part 2: Hope Endowment Fund awarded almost $2 million in grants
Guests: Amy Skilbred, Executive Director and Reed Stoops, grants committee member — Juneau Community FoundationThe Juneau Community Foundation’s Hope Endowment Fund gave grants to two dozen non-profits in Juneau this year. Each received a share of more than $1.95 million in funding. The grants were prioritized to serve people in crisis — programs aimed at stabilizing some of the community’s most vulnerable — such as those in need…
Part 3: Juneau Audubon Society marks World Migratory Bird Day
Guests: Gwen Baluss, Juneau Audubon Society board member.The Juneau Audubon Society is celebrating World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 14th with a bird-banding demonstration from 7:00-10:00 a.m. It’s a chance to see songbirds up close and learn about techniques for studying birds.
Part 4: David Sedaris brings laughter to Juneau
Guests: Jeana Varney, Membership and Marketing Director and Bostin Christopher, Business and Community Support –KTOO.David Sedaris, a humorist, writer and regular NPR contributor, returns to Juneau on Wednesday, May 18th, to bring an evening of wit and social critique. The performance is a fundraiser for KTOO, the station’s first in-person event since the pandemic.
Friday, May 6, 2022: Ken Waldman returns to Juneau for book signing. Juneau Jazz and Classics Spring Festival. Marty Sharp featured at Juneau Artists Gallery. Juneau Super Plant Sale is back!
Leave it to Ken Waldman to turn a book signing into a jam session. With fiddle in hand, Waldman has returned to Juneau to promote his twentieth book, “Now Entering Alaska Time.” On this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, Waldman talks about the characters in his novel, who drink a lot beer, fall in love and play…
Ken Waldman’s new book, Now Entering Alaska Time, actually got its start in 1989, during a Juneau winter. He set it aside and recently returned to it, a mix of heartbreak, tragedy, comedy and drama.
From big bands and blues, to spicy Cuban jazz and a classical string quartet, this spring’s Juneau Jazz and Classics festival features a diverse musical line-up.
Marty Sharp’s exhibit at the Juneau Artists gallery feature what she is known for — watercolors that capture the scenic vibe of Southeast Alaska. She says her work is inspired by its natural beauty and colorful people.
After the pandemic sidelined this popular event, Juneau gardeners felt there was something missing from spring. But now they can rejoice. The Juneau Super Plant Sale returns to the Carr’s parking lot this Saturday.
Part 1: Ken Waldman’s 20th book was a long time in the making
Guests: Ken Waldman, writer and fiddler.Ken Waldman’s new book, Now Entering Alaska Time, actually got its start in 1989, during a Juneau winter. He set it aside and recently returned to it, a mix of heartbreak, tragedy, comedy and drama.
Part 2: Juneau Jazz and Classics: Spring Festival overview
Guests: Laura Haywood, Board Chair, Juneau Jazz and Classics.From big bands and blues, to spicy Cuban jazz and a classical string quartet, this spring’s Juneau Jazz and Classics festival features a diverse musical line-up.
Part 3: Marty Sharp’s exhibit features Juneau themes
Guests: Marty Sharp, water color painter and Juneau Artist Gallery co-op memberMarty Sharp’s exhibit at the Juneau Artists gallery feature what she is known for — watercolors that capture the scenic vibe of Southeast Alaska. She says her work is inspired by its natural beauty and colorful people.
Part 4: Juneau Super Plant Sale: Plants galore and more!
Guests: Susan Cox and Patricia Harris, Juneau Garden Club.After the pandemic sidelined this popular event, Juneau gardeners felt there was something missing from spring. But now they can rejoice. The Juneau Super Plant Sale returns to the Carr’s parking lot this Saturday.
Thursday, May 26, 2022: Interracial friendships: A tale of two Michaels and two moms
There were two Michaels growing up in Juneau. One was black, the other was white. And although interracial friendships were unusual for the times, the two were best friends and their families, the Pattersons and the Barnes, became close because of the two boys. On this week’s Culture Rich Conversations, Michael and his mother, Sherry…
Listen to the show:
Color-blind friendships: How mothers can help to heal racism.
Guests: Michael Barnes and his mother, Lynn, longtime friends of the Patterson family.Listen to the show:
Wednesday, May 4, 2022: Juneau Arts and Humanities Council: Nancy DeCherney bids farewell as director. Juneau-Douglas City Museum features work of Rie Muñoz. Juneau Maritime Festival set for Saturday.
After 16 years at the helm of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Nancy DeCherney is finishing out her last days on the job as she heads into retirement. At the beginning of each month, DeCherney has been a regular on Juneau Afternoon, when she gives a round-up of First Friday art exhibits and concerts. …
As executive director of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Nancy DeCherney has overseen a lot of change. When she first took the job, the JAHC operated out of a basement in downtown Juneau. A short time later, she was tasked with transforming the National Guard Armory into its new headquarters. Recently, JAHC took over…
You’ll find Rie Muñoz paintings in living rooms, offices, and just about everywhere you go in Alaska — colorful slices of life — from fishermen at the dock, to Alaska Native women picking berries on the tundra, to a hot tub soak in Tenakee Springs — evidence that she traveled widely across the state, painting…
The Juneau Economic Development Council works year round is to raise awareness about Juneau’s economic ties to the sea. And one of its big events, the Juneau Maritime Festival, takes place this Saturday, a gathering that draws the community out to the waterfront to celebrate Juneau’s rich maritime culture and heritage.
Part 1: Nancy DeCherney’s final First Friday round-up
Guests: Nancy DeCherney, Executive Director, Juneau Arts and Humanities CouncilAs executive director of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Nancy DeCherney has overseen a lot of change. When she first took the job, the JAHC operated out of a basement in downtown Juneau. A short time later, she was tasked with transforming the National Guard Armory into its new headquarters. Recently, JAHC took over…
Part 2: A window into the world of Rie Muñoz
Guests: Niko Sanguinetti, Curator of Collections and Exhibits, Juneau Douglas City MuseumYou’ll find Rie Muñoz paintings in living rooms, offices, and just about everywhere you go in Alaska — colorful slices of life — from fishermen at the dock, to Alaska Native women picking berries on the tundra, to a hot tub soak in Tenakee Springs — evidence that she traveled widely across the state, painting…
Part 3: Juneau celebrates its maritime culture and history
Guests: Alex Vrabec, Juneau Economic Development Council.The Juneau Economic Development Council works year round is to raise awareness about Juneau’s economic ties to the sea. And one of its big events, the Juneau Maritime Festival, takes place this Saturday, a gathering that draws the community out to the waterfront to celebrate Juneau’s rich maritime culture and heritage.
Tuesday, May 3, 2022: SE Cooperative Extension Service summer boat tour. Juneau Community Bands chamber music concert. Annual Blessing of the Fleet. Alaska Fashion Week.
Many Cooperative Extension Services across America bring expertise in food preservation and gardening to remote communities. There’s nothing unusual about that, but there are probably few like the program in Southeast Alaska, where agents like Sarah Lewis travel by boat. On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, Sarah Lewis will talk about this summer’s Maritime Extension program,…
Sarah Lewis says she could use an airplane or ferry to bring her Cooperative Extension programs to Southeast Alaska, but it’s actually more cost efficient to use a boat. She says traveling by water also gives her the ability to develop a closer connection to the communities she serves.
The Taku Winds is one of several groups that are part of Juneau Community Bands. In their upcoming May 6th concert, the program showcases clarinets and flutes, as well as the oboe and the mandolin.
Juneau’s annual Blessing of the Fleet takes place every year on the first Saturday in May at 10:00 a.m. It’s held downtown at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial Wall on the harborfront. The ceremony remembers fishermen and seafarers with a reading of names on the wall. This summer, 15 new names will be engraved on…
Designers from all over the state have converged on Juneau for a week of events that include a runway show at the Crystal Saloon on Saturday, May 7th. Organizers hope this annual gathering will not only bring designers and retailers together, but also tell Alaska’s story through fashion. Indigenous designers play a major role…
Part 1: Southeast Alaska Maritime Extension Program
Guests: Sarah Lewis, Associate Professor, UAF Cooperative Extension.Sarah Lewis says she could use an airplane or ferry to bring her Cooperative Extension programs to Southeast Alaska, but it’s actually more cost efficient to use a boat. She says traveling by water also gives her the ability to develop a closer connection to the communities she serves.
Part 2: Friday, May 6th Juneau Community Bands Concert: Mozart and much more
Guests: Sarah McNair Grove, President, Juneau Community Bands.The Taku Winds is one of several groups that are part of Juneau Community Bands. In their upcoming May 6th concert, the program showcases clarinets and flutes, as well as the oboe and the mandolin.
Part 3: 32nd annual Juneau Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday May 7th
Guests: Carl Brodersen, Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial.Juneau’s annual Blessing of the Fleet takes place every year on the first Saturday in May at 10:00 a.m. It’s held downtown at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial Wall on the harborfront. The ceremony remembers fishermen and seafarers with a reading of names on the wall. This summer, 15 new names will be engraved on…
Part 4: Indigenous designers showcased at Alaska Fashion Week
Guests: Cordova Pleasants, Dana Herndon and Maggie McMillan. Founders of Alaska Fashion WeekDesigners from all over the state have converged on Juneau for a week of events that include a runway show at the Crystal Saloon on Saturday, May 7th. Organizers hope this annual gathering will not only bring designers and retailers together, but also tell Alaska’s story through fashion. Indigenous designers play a major role…
Friday, April 29, 2022: Vanderbilt Creek wetlands clean-up. Jensen-Olson Arboretum Family Beach Day. UAS Summer Career Academy.
As they say, many hands make light work. That’s what the Southeast Alaska Land Trust is counting on for this year’s community wide spring clean-up. On this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, some “trash talk” today about the importance of keeping trash where it belongs, out of the wetlands and in the landfill. Also on this program:…
Organizers of this year’s citywide spring clean up say Benjamin Franklin described the spirit of this Juneau rite of spring best: “The good we can do together surpasses the good we can do alone.” The Southeast Alaska Land Trust is hoping to recruit plenty of volunteers to help haul trash out of the Vanderbilt…
There’s much to see on the rocky shores and sandy beaches of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, especially at low tide. This Sunday, the tide will be out at 8:20 a.m. Families are asked to gather at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum 20 minutes earlier. You may want to bring small shovels and a container for your…
The UAS Summer Career Academy is a week-long program that gives high school students a head start on college courses and career certification.
April is a month that was marked by a number of celestial events, including two new moons.
Part 1: Juneau Community Wetlands Clean-up starts at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30th
Guests: Nancy Waterman, Southeast Alaska Land Trust board member.Organizers of this year’s citywide spring clean up say Benjamin Franklin described the spirit of this Juneau rite of spring best: “The good we can do together surpasses the good we can do alone.” The Southeast Alaska Land Trust is hoping to recruit plenty of volunteers to help haul trash out of the Vanderbilt…
Part 2: Family Beach Day at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, a chance to explore plant and animal life.
Guests: Corinne Conlon, Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum.There’s much to see on the rocky shores and sandy beaches of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum, especially at low tide. This Sunday, the tide will be out at 8:20 a.m. Families are asked to gather at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum 20 minutes earlier. You may want to bring small shovels and a container for your…
Part 3: UAS summer program: A chance for high school students to earn college credit and explore careers
Guests: Tina Ryman, UAS STEPS Program Coordinator. Mary McEwen, Director of Southeast Alaska Area Health Education Center.The UAS Summer Career Academy is a week-long program that gives high school students a head start on college courses and career certification.
Part 4: Stargazing with Steve Kocsis: April ends with a Black Moon.
Guests: Steve Kocsis, Marie Drake Planetarium.April is a month that was marked by a number of celestial events, including two new moons.