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.
State of Art: Local performers turn to the web, a new book about Alaska journalist Genie Chance and a poem from Don Rearden
This week on State of Art we have a taste of Anchorage band Saturday Cinders' recent online performance and an interview about "This is Chance!" a new book about Alaska journalist Genie Chance and her invaluable reporting following the 1964 earthquake. We also have a poem from local author Don Rearden.
State of Art: Ways to enjoy the Anchorage Museum while keeping your distance
This week on State of Art we hear from Anchorage Museum director and CEO Julie Decker. She tells us about the museum's latest public art project, accessing their collection online and virtual tours of other museums.
State of Art: Anchorage’s Duke Russell reflects on the good and bad of childhood with his first comic book
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Anchorage artist Duke Russell. He tells us about his history with comics, self-reflection while sober and we get a taste of his current musical project, The Shirt Tuckers.
Arctic Re-Entries (with Partners for Progress AK): stories of incarceration, freedom and second chances
This month Arctic Entries brings you “Arctic Re-Entries: stories of incarceration, freedom and second chances.”
#Blessed: stories of luck, gratitude and karma
This month Arctic Entries brings you “#Blessed: stories of luck, gratitude and karma.”
State of Art: Navigating cultural appropriation with Anchorage artist and educator, Thomas Chung
This week on State of Art, artist and educator, Thomas Chung joins us for a conversation about cultural appropriation, his approach to art and finding humor in dark places.
State of Art: Young performers can cut their teeth at these Anchorage under 21 open mics
Being a young performer can be tough in Anchorage. If you're not old enough to drink, your options of venues are slim. That's why the Anchorage Music Co-op teamed up with local youth to establish Under 21 Open Mic.
State of Art: New book examines African American history in Alaska
From whalers who left port in New Bedford, Massachusetts to soldiers who helped build the Alcan Highway, African Americans have a long history in Alaska. University of Alaska Anchorage history professor Ian Hartman recently released a book called "Black History in the Last Frontier."
State of Art: Anchorage Opera’s ‘Frida’ opens this weekend. Check out this conversation with the leads discussing the unique production
This week on State of Art we're hearing from "Frida" leads Catalina Cuervo, who plays Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist, and Bernardo Bermudez, who plays Diego Rivera, the famous Mexican muralist and Kahlo's husband.
Algo Nuevo: February 9th, 2020
Here’s the Sunday, February 9th, 2020 edition of Algo Nuevo con Dave Luera —Something New with Dave Luera.
Algo Nuevo: February 2nd, 2020
Here’s the Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 edition of Algo Nuevo con Dave Luera —Something New with Dave Luera.
Night Music: February 8th, 2020
Here is the Night Music Playlist for February, 8th 2020 with Kirk Waldhaus.
Algo Nuevo: January 26th, 2020
Here’s the Sunday, January 26th, 2020 edition of Algo Nuevo con Dave Luera —Something New with Dave Luera.
Night Music: January 25th, 2020
Here is the Night Music Playlist for January, 25th 2020 with Kirk Waldhaus.
State of Art: A program at the Anchorage Museum lets people with sensory-sensitivities experience exhibits in a way that works for them
Once a month during the museum's winter hours, one exhibit is open and modified to accommodate people with sensory-sensitivities. Multi-media presentations might be turned down or off, lights dimmed and activities are provided as an alternate means of engaging with the museum.
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2020 forecast gives reasons for cautious optimism
While the Anchorage economy might be improving, a new report calls 2020 "a mixed bag."
State of Art: Revisiting past Anchorage Folk Festival performances
The Anchorage Folk Festival wrapped up its 31st annual folk music extravaganza. The festival includes workshops, performances and featured guest artists. Folk Fest chief sound engineer Lucy Peckham dug through her archives and passed these tracks along.
State of Art: Making connections with Anchorage’s Festival of Cultural Stories. An interview with Shirley Mae Springer-Staten
Springer-Staten remembers her aunt, an amazing storyteller, recounting the lynching of a young African American boy and the impact that and other stories had on her. While physical barriers to racial harmony are somewhat less blatant these days, it's the mental barriers between cultures Springer-Staten hopes to break with the Festival of Cultural Stories.
State of Art: Looking back on the Anchorage Folk Festival with long-time chief sound engineer, Lucy Peckham
This week on State of Art, Peckham joins us to talk about her time behind the board at the Anchorage Folk Fest, smoking mixing boards and watching Folk Fest kids grow up.
Algo Nuevo: January 19th, 2020
Here’s the Sunday, January 19th, 2020 edition of Algo Nuevo con Dave Luera —Something New with Dave Luera.