The annual Anchorage Folk Festival at the Williamson Auditorium brings together musicians and singers from all over the world. Around 120 performances are held over two weekends, as well as workshops, dances and other special events at this Alaskan festival. Doyle Burnett witnessed the birth of the Alaska Folk Festival when it debuted at the Alaska State Museum in 1975. The Anchorage Folk Festival, not to be confused with the Alaska Folk Festival held in Juneau, has brought the folk community together since the first festival in 1990. The festival is a nonprofit, member-supported volunteer organization that encourages local performers and participation. Since the first festival - this year's is the 19th - has grown dramatically, with more than 120 local musicians, storytellers and dancers participating each January
 
 
Anchorage Folk Festival

Nora Dornan, president of the Anchorage Folk Festival, said that 99 percent of the time she has returning performers. There are six new performers this year out of 150. Some of the performers have been on stage since they were 7 years old, and they're now in high school. "It's a new experience for some of them," Dornan said. "That's what we pride ourselves in, is bringing entertainment and education to our youth in Anchorage."

Besides, the definition of "folk" used during what is now an 11-day festival has always been loose at best. What is folk? You might as well ponder "What is art?" Most events are free, and most events are entertaining. The atmosphere is always relaxed. Come as you are, come and go as you like. While the foundation was folk, the festival has evolved into a celebration of music and dance and, in many ways, community. So get out and enjoy it. Most events are free, and most events are entertaining. The atmosphere is always relaxed. Come as you are, come and go as you like.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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