Ammon Swenson, Alaska Public Media
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.
Should Alaska consider ranked choice voting? Hear a debate about Ballot Measure 2
This week on Addressing Alaskans we hear a debate about Ballot Measure 2 and we balance out some arguments from a previous Addressing Alaskans regarding Ballot Measure 1.
State of Art: Anchorage theater company goes virtual and pokes fun at corporate greed with their upcoming melodrama
This week on State of Art we're learning about RKP Production's upcoming play "Tanker on the Rocks or the Great Alaskan Bad Friday Fish Spill of '89."
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation presents their 3-Year Outlook
The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation recently held a virtual luncheon for their annual 3-Year Outlook. The event featured speakers and a presentation on how COVID-19 has affected the economy, a look at employment statistics and the Consumer Optimism Index.
State of Art: Fill the void with street food at this Anchorage food truck carnival
This week on State of Art we're learning about the Spenard Food Truck Carnival. A couple time a week, 10 food trucks converge on the Chilkoot Charlie's parking lot to serve up dishes ranging from classic BBQ and hot dogs to traditional Russian and Laotian food.
State of Art: Socially distant and virtual concerts, cover songs and poetry
This week on State of Art we're hearing the music of Anchorage's Juicy Harps, Ed Washington and the Modern Savage. We also check out a poem by author Don Rearden.
State of Art: Celebrating 50 years of public radio in Alaska
On a recent episode of Talk of Alaska, host Lori Townsend interviewed people involved with the origins of public radio in the state. For this week's State of Art we'll hear a condensed version of that show.
State of Art: Virtual Anchorage concerts, a new youth podcast and more
This week on State of Art we're featuring Anchorage musicians Emma Hill, The Forest that Never Sleeps and the Jephries. We also preview a new youth podcast from Story Works Alaska.
State of Art: Sexual assault survivors tell their stories with “Unheard”
On the heels of winning a Pulitzer Prize for their series "Lawless," the ADN and Propublica began publishing stories from sexual assault survivors along with their photos. The project is now an outdoor exhibit at the Anchorage Museum featuring large portraits, quotes and audio clips of the survivors themselves.
State of Art: Anchorage musician James Glaves releases solo material
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Anchorage musician James Glaves. He's been involved with a huge amount of projects from playing in bands to recording and producing them.
State of Art: Reminders of our past or symbols of oppression? An Alaska artist reflects on statues of figures with checkered pasts
This week on State of Art, we're hearing from Nicholas Galanin Yeil Ya-Tseen, a Tlingit-Unangax̂ artist from Sitka. We also check out some of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership's virtual concert series.
State of Art: Talking “21st Sensory” with Anchorage musician Chad Reynvaan
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Chad Reynvaan. His musical fingerprints are all over the Anchorage music scene, whether he's playing in a band or recording one at his own Wattage Studio. He tells us about his new album "21st Sensory," the appeal of vintage gear and his tendencies towards dad-rock. We also check out his new track "Permanently Lost."
State of Art: Anchorage photographers and community rally to raise money for marginalized groups in light of national demonstrations
This week on State of Art we're hearing from local photographer Jovell Rennie. After getting caught up in the frenzy of demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, Rennie wanted to do something more than just document the local protests. Working with friends, colleagues and community members, Rennie and company put on the "I Can't Breathe" First Friday and fundraising event at his gallery, Akela Space, in downtown Anchorage.
State of Art: “Crude Conversations” podcast highlights Alaska culture and voices worth recognizing
This week on State of Art we're hearing from journalist and podcast host, Cody Liska. His podcast "Crude Conversations" spawned from an ambitious DIY zine publication and social media presence called "Crude Magazine." He has deep roots in Alaska's snowboard scene, but Liska's interviewees range from athletes and educators to activists and artists. We talk about how he got his start, what he's learned and why we do this.
State of Art: The Spenard Jazz Fest goes online while Anchorage keeps its distance. Plus, who was the charismatic criminal Joe Spenard?
This week on State of Art we're talking Spenard -- the man and the jazz festival. We learn about the newly virtual Spenard Jazz Fest and we hear from a local historian about the colorful Joe Spenard, the namesake of the Anchorage road and neighborhood.
State of Art: Alaska’s favorite storytelling event goes virtual
This week on State of Art we're checking out two stories from the recent virtual Arctic Entries event. Hosts and storytellers connected with the audience via Facebook Live from their homes in a close approximation of a typical Arctic Entries. Our first storyteller talks about losing love and finding herself stuck in Canada, while our second storyteller tells us about connections and isolation while working in Antarctica.
State of Art: With no exhibitions, UAA art grads have an unconventional end to school. Plus, a track from Anchorage’s Juicy Harps
This week on State of Art we're finding out how graduating amidst a pandemic affected UAA art students and we hear a beer-centric track from folk trio, Juicy Harps.
State of Art: Virtual festivals aim to reconnect Alaskans
This week on State of Art we learn about AKAK, a virtual music festival featuring local musicians streaming tonight. We also find out what to expect from Anchorage Community Theater's weekly Virtual Short Play Festival.
State of Art: New music from The Jephries, Kittiwake and Braided River
This week on State of Art we're hearing new music from local bands Braided River, The Jephries and Kittiwake.
State of Art: Learn how to apply for the Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist award. Plus, a song from Duke Russell and the Shirt Tuckers.
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Juliana Osinchuk, founder of the award that ultimately became the Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist Award. Organized by the Anchorage Festival of Music, the award goes to an Alaska classical musician ready to take their next step into the professional world. We learn about the classical-music-focused award and how to apply. We also hear a track from Anchorage artist Duke Russell's musical project, the Shirt Tuckers, called "Spiritual Poptart."
State of Art: A poem from Don Rearden, a virtual First Friday from the Anchorage Museum and revisiting Arctic Entries
This week on State of Art we have a poem from local author, Don Rearden, called "Listen and Learn." We also get a glimpse into the Anchorage Museum's virtual First Friday featuring composer Mathew Burtner and his piece "Nuiqsut Bell" for the museum's Listen Up: Northern Soundscapes series. Finally, we hear a bear story from Arctic Entries from earlier this year.