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By Two
Concert Series
Performer Bios |
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Robin Hopper
Well-known to audiences for her smooth, rich voice and easy-going style, Robin is an established songwriter and performer. The Anchorage Daily News calls Robin’s music “as warm and comforting as a favorite sweater.” She's shared the bill with names such as Tom Paxton, Dave Carter/Tracy Grammer, John McCutcheon, Christine Lavin and Bryan Bowers. |
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Emily Kurn
With a bachelor's degree in Theater Arts and 25 years of performance experience ranging from classical ballet and voice, to piano and musical theater, Emily Kurn is undeniably at home onstage. Since her relocation from the San Francisco Bay Area to Alaska 6 years ago, Emily has piled up a long list of songwriting awards including the Woody Guthrie Folk Fest Songwriting Contest, the International Songwriting Competition, and Kerrville New Folk Finalist. Her albums have charted consecutive months on folk and roots charts, and she was a recipient of a 2008 Rasumson Artist Grant. |
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Esther Golton
Esther Golton is a clear-voiced Alaskan singer-songwriter who accompanies herself with a mountain dulcimer. She plays it in her own individualistic, non-traditional way, perching it on a home-made stand, crossing genres from gentle folk to pop to blues and jazz, coaxing out interesting chords, and meddling with texture in order to add dimension to her lyrics. Golton’s music has such a rich vibe about it, the kind of sound that sends chills down my spine, because it is like I’ve discovered a secret that the rest of the world will soon find out about... - from Josh Cole, in The Frontiersman, Mat-Su, Alaska |
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Will H. Johnson
Inspired at a young age by guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani, Will H. Johnson followed in their footsteps before gradually melding into an acoustic singer-songwriter. With a knack for electric leads and chord progressions, he taught himself the instrument by practicing along with his favorite CDs. Over the years, he's earned numerous accolades including 1st place at a Battle of the Bands and final round placings at The Great Alaska Riff Contest and a coveted "1" at Solo & Ensemble. After a temporary relocation to Bellingham, WA, Johnson is back in Alaska working on his second album "Highway of Souls". Although the material is a bit darker, it completely captures Johnson's identity: accomplished guitar playing with a melodic edge. |
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Evan Phillips
Evan Phillips is a life-long Alaskan and has been writing songs and playing guitar for 15 years. For the last 5 years, Phillips has made his living as a professional musician, and has toured all over Alaska and the U.S., as well as Europe. Phillips is the principle songwriter for acclaimed Alaskan rock band, The Whipsaws. In addition to his band and solo work, Phillips is a member of indie-folk trio, Easton Stagger Phillips (Tim Easton, Leeroy Stagger). Phillips' has received positive press in acclaimed music magazines such as No Depression, Uncut, and MOJO. Additionally, Phillips has shared the stage with well known acts such as: Wilco, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Son Volt, and Laura Veirs. |
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Amy Lou
Born and raised in a log cabin her parents built in the knobs of Kentucky, singer-songwriter Amy Lou grew up surrounded by an amazing family of musicians. Her mama will tell you that she caught on early to all that music business, and that the neighbors across the woods often heard her wailing away. Three years ago, she began to write her own songs and migrated north, and promptly fell in love with the Alaskan mountains and people. Just back from an intense year of completing a masters degree at Harvard, she's glad to be home. Amy Lou’s fresh and uplifting music has been called “edifying,” and her voice, “lilting” and “angelic.” |
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