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.
This year’s Alaska Music Summit intends to find solutions to unique challenges | State of Art
The summit is open to musicians, educators and anyone who wants to attend. It takes place this weekend at the Nave and UAA.
Discussing the future of Alaska’s caribou | Addressing Alaskans
Caribou are a vital resource and cultural icon in Alaska, but they are not immune to changes in their environment.
Upcoming play examines ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ | State of Art
The play is based on the true story of an essayist and a magazine’s fact checker locked in a battle of wills over the meaning of truth.
Anchorage Festival of Music’s upcoming snow-centric concert combines music, poetry and more | State of Art
"Snow Music" will feature works like "Winter" from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" to “Walking in the Air” from the animated classic "The Snowman."
Local filmmakers hope project breathes new life in Alaska movie industry | State of Art
Meet the brother and sister directing/producing duo and hear about their project "STRANGER."
Cyrano’s upcoming holiday musical gets ‘Fancy’ | State of Art
“Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas” runs from December 2 through 17, but shows are selling out fast.
Anchorage International Film Festival’s diverse lineup includes focus on Alaskans | State of Art
AIFF organizers discuss what to expect from the unique film festival. It kicks off tonight and runs through December 9.
The Alaska Zoo celebrates Christmas for the Animals and Artisan’s Bazaar this weekend | State of Art
Meet local artist and zoo fan Jason Vukovich. Proceeds of his work featuring Grubby the Opossum will be donated back to the zoo.
Anchorage Community Concert Band to hold winter performance this weekend | State of Art
Conductor Dr. Mark Wolbers discusses the upcoming concert "Autumn Airs." The performance takes place Sunday at the Discovery Theater.
Juneau potter Mercedes Munoz in Anchorage for pop-up show this Friday | State of Art
Encouraged and inspired by her beloved artist grandmother, Munoz forged a path of her own.
Broadway Alaska and Catholic Social Services share refugee stories for upcoming musical | State of Art
"Come From Away" is a true story of humanity about a tiny community in Newfoundland taking in thousands of passengers stranded after 9/11.
Assembly discusses plans to combat Anchorage’s housing crisis | Addressing Alaskans
Hear the issues causing housing shortages in the city and get a preview of the Anchorage Assembly's Housing Strategic Plan.
First Alaska music census completed | State of Art
1,476 responses were submitted from 53 different communities around the state. Find out about the census, what comes next and why it matters.
New Anchorage Museum exhibit shares oral history of Filipinos from across Alaska | State of Art
"MANA: The History We Inherit" hopes to preserve Filipino Alaskans' legacies for future generations.
Alaska license plate design winner balances a passion for art and science | State of Art
Anchorage resident Sabrina Kessakorn's winning design was inspired by her work as a wildlife and ecology technician and a love for the state.
Hometown, Alaska: Catching up with Alaska Children’s Trust and talking poetry and science with Jane Hirshfield
ACT's President and CEO discusses a major milestone for the organization and Jane Hirshfield reflects on her new collection of poems.
State of Art: Anchorage Opera sets classic comedy in the 1980s
The company's new general director discusses "The Elixir of Love" and performing Donizetti's famous compositions while dancing like MC Hammer.
State of Art: Singer-songwriter Ava Earl explores new sonic space with ‘Too Much’
This week on State of Art we're joined by Ava Earl. Her newest album "Too Much" came out in September and and is a bit of a departure from her previous work. While her other three albums were a bit more straightforward folk-tinged acoustic Americana, this new album finds more room to explore with some pop influence while maintaining her signature lyrics and style. She tells us about reflecting on her previous work as a very young musician, the new album and coping with sudden deafness in one ear through the song "Ears Bleed."
State of Art: Reflect on the eventful life of Senator Ted Stevens with ‘Uncle Ted’
The one-man show depicts the life of Ted Stevens who served as a U.S. senator for Alaska from 1968 to 2009 and had its world premier last month. The play was written by Alaska State Senator Gary Stevens (unrelated) and is directed by Kalli Randall. We’re joined by Randall and visiting actor Dan Morrison to find out more.
State of Art: Celebrate local literature with Alaska Book Week
The series of events celebrating writing and writers in Alaska runs from Sunday October 1 to 8. There will be live events and virtual presentations featuring everything from poetry and romance to nonfiction and children's books. Professor of English and Book Week coordinator, Trish Jenkins, joins us to tell us all about it.