Portland-based pianist Randy Porter did not need much convincing to come to Alaska mid-winter to play jazz. He says Sitka's beauty -- even in wild weather conditions -- is reinvigorating. Porter met Sitka Jazz Festival directors Terry and Jan Lovett a couple of years ago at the Stanford Jazz Camp, when they extended an invitation play here. Porter will perform with his quartet tonight (2-3-12) and with his trio tomorrow.
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Tax panelists share concerns, offer few ideas for closing Sitka's budget gap. Costa Concordia disaster not expected to affect Alaska cruise bookings. Memorial scheduled Feb 12 for Hoonah mayor Alf "Windy" Skaeflestad.
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A Chamber of Commerce panel discussion on local taxes went into overtime this week (Wed 2-1-12),...
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Engineer Craig Warren, with the Sitka Fire Department, installs a new halyard on the flag pole in front of Sitka's city hall this morning (2-2-12). The department has been training in a variety of situations since acquiring the 70-foot ladder truck a few months ago. This was a particularly tall (work) order.
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Seattle-based percussionist Ed Littlefield realized one night that a 12/8 jazz beat fit perfectly with a traditional Tlingit lullaby he learned growing up in Sitka. The discovery eventually led to the formation of his Native Jazz Quartet, featuring bassist Christian Fabian, pianist Ruele Lubag, and vibraphonist Jason Marsalis, of the famed Marsalis family. The quartet will perform Friday evening (2-3-12) at the Sitka Jazz Festival (as well as at lunchtime concerts on Thursday and Friday).
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Paul Allen Foundation grant intended to build sustainable businesses in rural Southeast communities. Proposed Interior appropriations for timber development draw fire from conservation groups. Board of Fisheries modifies regs for "identical" buoys on crab pots. State Dept. of Public Safety evacuates its Juneau headquarters because of heavy snow load.
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Sitka JazzFest co-directors Jan and Terry Lovett, and Sitka High jazz student Owen Fulton, run down this year's festival lineup, which will feature Sitka's own Ed Littlefield (with Jason Marsalis, Ruele Lubag, and Christian Fabian), the Randy Porter Quartet from Portland, trombonist Dave Martell from the Bay Area, and the Greatlanders Air Force Band of the Pacific.
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Sheldon Jackson trustees turn over college archives to state. Sixty-percent of Coastal Zone initiative signatures qualified on first computer review. Juneau's Celebration 2012 to have added focus on traditional and contemporary art. Record profits mean AK Air employees will receive 6.5 percent bonuses this month.
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Sitka High sophomores Ryan Apathy and Ben Gordon took first in Duo Acting at last weekend's final regional meet in Haines. They say the team is in good shape for the state tournament in Anchorage. Mt. Edgecumbe basketball players Kacy Green (Jr-Hooper Bay) and Cody Sherman (Sr-Nome) say they'll meet Sitka's tough inside game with speed in tonight's "Battle of the Bridge" at Sitka High.
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New Tlingit "encyclopedia" baffles scholars, Tlingit speakers. Proponents argue for purchase of surplus Inter-Island ferry for use by Alaska Marine Highway.
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