Fairgoers in 2008 will get two acts for the price of
one, and can shake their tail feathers to rockabilly, country, and rhythm and blues music.
This year’s double headliner at the 40th Southeast Alaska State
Fair features rockabilly guitarist and vocalist Deke Dickerson, and singer Barrence
Whitfield, best known for his 1950s-era rhythm and blues reminiscent of Little Richard or
Screaming Jay Hawkins.
Both will play Saturday, July 26 at Payson’s Pavilion, with a
teaser preview Friday.
Fair entertainment coordinator Byrne Power said he felt his mandate was
to bring dance music to Haines. He feels he’s succeeded. "If you can’t
dance to this, you’re probably comatose," he said.
The two musicians, neither of whom has played in Alaska, crossed paths
professionally in the past and were excited to play together.
Dickerson will open with his band the Ecco-fonics. While their music is
often labeled rockabilly, the band plays in a variety of genres, including bluegrass,
western swing, Memphis soul and rhythm and blues.
Dickerson has toured widely, and his music was featured in the movie
"Sideways" and the HBO documentary "Dirty Driving: Thundercars of
Indiana," as well as on the XM satellite radio show "Theme Time Radio Hour with
Bob Dylan." Dylan interviewed Dickerson, who played background guitar music on the
show.
Barrence Whitfield likewise is a versatile musician, performing 1960s
style soul, funk, and even a bit of country. Over the years, Whitfield has opened for and
performed with Bo Diddley, Tina Turner, George Thorogood, Los Lobos, and Taj Majal.
More popular in Europe than in the U.S., one online review of Whitfield
called him an "untapped talent."
After Dickerson and Ecco-fonics finish their set, they will play backup
for Whitfield. As a finale, they’ll close the show together, Power said.
Power said he tried to get the most bang for the buck in choosing
headliners. He said he was able to book two quality acts for about $15,000, less than a
single name has cost the fair in years past. "It’s an excellent deal."
Power hopes a drop in ticket prices for this year’s Saturday
concert – from $25 to $15 – will boost attendance. "The goal is to get
people to the fair." He said the fair would be advertising the concert around
Southeast and in Whitehorse.
Anyone interested in hosting the musicians and showing them Alaskan
hospitality should contact Power at 766-2476.
To learn more about Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-fonics and preview
their music, visit the website www.dekedickerson.com. Various clips of Barrence Whitfield
performing live can be viewed by searching "Barrence Whitfield" at
www.youtube.com.
