Link Here to the original article from Alaska Business Monthly.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Dance Theatre and Theatre Artists United will present three songs from their critically acclaimed production, Spirit – The 7th Fire of Alaska, at the Alaska State Fair. The performance will take place at 3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, as part of the Fair’s celebration of Alaska Native Heritage Day. The event, free with Fair admission, will take place at The Gathering Place: Celebrating Alaska Native Heritage.
Spirit – The 7th Fire of Alaska, which appeared at the Alaska Performing Arts Center earlier this year, is an Alaska Native adaptation of Peter Buffet’s multicultural rock and dance spectacular. The powerful production combines the dazzle of Broadway, and the power of contemporary dance and music, with the dynamic artistic expressions of Native American and Alaska Native cultures.
“We are very pleased that this special and exciting Native dance performance is coming to The Gathering Place,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair general manager. “We believe fairgoers will thoroughly enjoy the dance and music of the Alaska Native performers. Entertainment aside, the production also captures the intent of The Gathering Place, which is to recognize Alaska’s First People, and provide a focus on Alaska Native history, culture and traditions at the Alaska State Fair.”
The production at the Fair will feature nine contemporary dancers, 10 Alaska Native dancers, and artist/musician Stephen Blanchett in a three-song performance of https://vimeo.com/129300486" style="color: rgb(44, 61, 181);">“Spirit Dance,” https://vimeo.com/129187674" style="color: rgb(44, 61, 181);">“New West” and https://vimeo.com/129096534" style="color: rgb(44, 61, 181);">“Thunderbird,” all from Spirit – The 7th Fire of Alaska.
Spirit performance sponsors include Hall Quality Homes, Rasmuson Foundation, MTA, Combs Insurance Agency, Inc., and Diversified Tire.
In addition to Spirit, the September 6 Alaska Native Heritage Day event line-up also includes:
Storyteller Jack Dalton, 12 and 2 p.m., The Gathering Place
Imamsuat Dancers, 1 p.m., The Gathering Place
Alaska Native Heritage Center Dancers, 3:30 an 5:30 p.m., The Gathering Place
Never Alone Video Game Presentation, 4 p.m., Wineck Barn
Unangax Dancers, 4 and 6 p.m., The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place, which is open throughout the Fair, is dedicated to celebrating Alaska Native heritage with performances of Native dance groups, concerts, traditional storytellers, an Alaska Native arts market, artisans and a salmon bake. During the run of the Fair, The Gathering Place will host performances by Pamyua, Jonathan Maracle and Broken Walls, Paul Pike, Gene Tagaban, Jack Julian Dalton and more. Please see the daily schedule for details on events, dates, times and locations.
For more information, visit www.alaskastatefair.org.
