We all know someone who Marches to the Beat of a Different Drummer, this week on AK we meet a few — from a forest service biologist who testified against Tongass timber sales, to a guy who spends his time alone, next to a river, in a tent. Plus, a new documentary about Alaska’s most outspoken civil rights activists. All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.
River Mike
Fairbanks reporter Lacie Grosvold interviews Mike Cranford, a guy who’s found happiness just living in a tent in the woods.
- Music Button: “By Myself / When Your Lover Has Gone” performed by Kevin Spacey from Beyond the Sea (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Art Meets Science
The Fairbanks community was treated to something a little different recently: a variety show about a group of scientists and artists who met to explore the effects of the 2004 Boundary fire, which burned over half a million acres of boreal forest. Emily Schwing checked out the production.
A Different Drum: #1
The drum plays a central role in many indigenous cultures. Here, the Mt. Susitna Drummers sing and drum at the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s Multicultural Drumming and Dance Celebration in March.
- Break: “Heavy Metal Drummer” performed by Pickin’ On Series from Pickin’ On Wilco: Casino Side – A Bluegrass Tribute
A Different Drum: #2
The King Island Dancers perform the Wolf Dance, which wasn’t seen for decades until the group revived it during the 1980s. The song and dance was originally performed at the Messenger Feast, a celebration and trading opportunity for neighboring tribes.
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
Elizabeth Peratrovich, an early Alaska Native civil rights advocate, confronted Territorial leaders on injustices against Alaska’s indigenous people. A new documentary film highlights Peratrovich’s bravery; AK’s Scott Burton visits the set.
300 Villages
St. Michael
Ahkiok
- Calendar of Events (“We Got the Beat (Rehearsal Version)” from Karaoke – Sing Awesome 80’s, Vol. 2)
Off the Grid
AK host Rebecca Sheir speaks with former Alaska resident Doug Fine, whose new book, Goodbye My Subaru, humorously outlines the travails of transitioning to a carbon-neutral lifestyle.
A Different Drum: #2
New York City percussionist Valerie Naranjo plays the African gyil during the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s Multicultural Drumming and Dance Celebration.
- Break: “Express Yourself (Karaoke Version) [As Made Famous By: Charles Wright]” from Karaoke Pop: Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)
Remembering Glen
Glen Ith was a US Forest Service biologist who challenged agency policy. Not long ago, Ith died unexpectedly, and friends in Petersburg got together to build a coffin for him. Matt Lichtenstein was there.
- Music Button: “I’ll Be Seeing You” performed by Jo Stafford & Paul Weston & His Orchestra from Reader’s Digest Music: Jo Stafford With Paul Weston – Rare Covers and Re-records
Valerie Naranjo
AK’s Ellen Lockyer chats with percussionist Valerie Naranjo at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Naranjo composes for films, as well as for her band, Mandara; she also plays in the Saturday Night Live Band. But her love is African music, and here she wails on the gyil, an ancient instrument made of wood and gourds.
Anchortown Circus
AK host Rebecca Sheir introduces us to Megan Holton, a unicycling, plate-spinning, knife-juggling Alaskan who dreams of bringing “circus theater” to the Last Frontier.
- Music Button: “Circus in Outer Space” by Caleb Sampson from Fast, Cheap & Out Of Control Soundtrack
Your Comments & Letters
A semi-regular segment featuring your two cents about the show. To send in your comments and letters, email us at ak@aprn.org (Music: “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” played by John Pizzarelli from One Night With You – The John Pizzarelli Collection)
- Closing: “Different Drum (Karaoke Version)” performed by APM Karaoke from Karaoke Hits: Linda Ronstadt
