Though they have never toured in small-town – or even big city – Alaska, Miss Tess and the Talkbacks are more than prepared to impress Haines residents with their blues, swing and jazz tunes 7 p.m. March 24 on the Chilkat Center stage.
The concert is presented by the Haines Arts Council.
New York City-based Miss Tess said though she is inspired by classic blues and country singers like Patsy Cline and Ella Fitzgerald, she and her band put a contemporary twist on traditional sounds.
“It’s not like we’re copying what has been done before, but there is a timeless feeling about (our music). There’s something familiar about it to people,” Miss Tess said.
The four-piece band includes Miss Tess on vocals, an electric guitarist, drummer and upright bassist. Audiences can expect upbeat dance songs and lots of solos and improvisation, Miss Tess said.
Arts council president Tom Heywood said he managed to schedule a Haines show for the band when he heard it was coming to Ketchikan as part of a Rasmuson Foundation touring grant.
“It’s some of my favorite kind of stuff. It’s a retro jazz and early rock kind of thing. Good energy, lots of great vocals,” Heywood said.
The band will also travel to Skagway and Juneau before heading back down to the Lower 48. Their latest album, “Sweet Talk,” was released in October.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $5 for students and $40 for families.