Spring Lineup at the Sitzmark: Old, New, Borrowed and Blues

By Allison Sayer

TNews Staffwriter

This season of music at the Sitzmark features new faces alongside familiar acts. According to Alyeska Resort Director of Special Events Arab Ginnett, the mix is intentional.

Ginnett’s goal was for every month to feature one Outside band, one established Alaska band, one emerging Alaska band, and one “wild card.” She wanted to create variety in both the music and the price point to serve a wide range of fans.

One of the “wild card” events new to the venue this season was a two night music showcase in December. Each night featured a series of bands playing short sets. This event was a fundraiser for Toys for Tots, and raised $1635.00

Bands from the Lower 48 often want to return after they get a taste for Alaska’s scenery and friendly, appreciative fans. However, Ginnett decided to book Outside bands that have not played in Alaska for this season’s lineup. She also used social media to ask locals who they would like to see. Dizgo, who will be playing March 21 and 22, was one of the requested acts.

Other upcoming national bands include The Sextones, playing February 28 and March 1. On January 16, the resort announced that Thumpasaurus will play April 24 and 25.

Chugiak based Black Barrel and the Bad Men, who will play at The Sitzmark March 14 and 15. Photo by Gustavo Del Real. (Courtesy photo)

Fan favorites continue to be a big part of the season. Hope Social Club played two sold out shows over Solstice weekend. “It really is an experience” when they play at the Sitzmark, said Ginnett, because of their intimate knowledge of the venue and the crowd. Blackwater Railroad Company will play February 21 and 22, and the Super Saturated Sugar Strings will play April 18 and 19.

This is Ginnett’s second year in her position. Booking bands is not just about selling tickets to her. She believes the shows help locals “shake off their winter funk” and come together as a community. “What better way than music?” she mused.

One of the emerging bands Ginnett highlighted is Black Barrel and the Bad Men, who will perform March 14 and 15. “They played for us at the Blueberry Festival back in August, put on a fantastic show at the time, and I knew they had to have their debut at the Sitzmark,” she said.

I caught up with Black Barrel and the Bad Men’s keyboardist Dylan Budke and singer/songwriter Luke Aschenbrenner, both 29, to learn more about their recent emergence on the Alaska music scene.

Budke said they “played in the garage for years,” until they opened for a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band at the Matanuska Brewing Company in Eagle River. Bob Lester, from the radio station KWHL, was at the show. He “gassed [them] up” after that, helping them to secure more gigs.

Black Barrel and the Bad Men play original music with a strong Motown influence. Most members have known each other since playing in middle school band and singing in the Chugiak High School Choir. Drummer Dave Vajdos is bass player Rider Vajdos’ dad. Matthew Bennett, also a singer/songwriter, and Leo Ash on lap steel/slide guitar are the other members of the band.

Budke hopes Girdwood fans will appreciate the song “Dying Trying,” which is about how “being out of shape is a bad time” when hiking up a boot pack.

Aschenbrenner shared, “We’re super grateful for the reception we’ve received. We’re excited to play more music for everybody.”