This week on State of Art we’re talking with Spenard Jazz Fest director Yngvil Vatn Guttu. She tells us about pivoting to a virtual fest, what’s happened so far, and what’s coming up. She also tells us about their efforts to raise money for struggling musicians with the Spenard Jazz Fest COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Keeping with the theme, we also hear from a local historian who recently wrote a column about the colorful character Joe Spenard. We learn about Spenard’s shady past, why we have a neighborhood and road named after him and the legend of how Spenard Road got its curves from a drunken cow.
Spenard Jazz Fest runs from May 16 – June 7
LINKS:
- Spenard Jazz Fest website
- Spenard Jazz Fest Facebook
- Spenard Jazz Fest Instagram
- Spenard Jazz Fest YouTube
- SJF COVID-19 Relief Fund
Ammon Swenson is Alaska Public Media’s Audio Media Content Producer. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from UAA in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and integrated media. He’s previously worked for KRUA radio, the Anchorage Press, and The Northern Light.
