The Southeast Alaska State Fair has locked in its major headliners for the 47th annual event, including the Denver-based eight-piece The Motet, known for its energetic performances and funky afro beats.
Entertainment coordinator Scott Ramsey said the fair was lucky to get The Motet, a well-known band that has played at music festivals like Bonnaroo and Wakarusa. The group will already be traveling through Alaska to perform at Salmonstock in Ninilchik, lessening the cost to the fair, Ramsey said.
“I feel blessed in many ways to get a band like these guys,” Ramsey said.
The Motet will close down the fair Saturday night. They will be preceded by Bellingham-based Polecat, a five-piece blending bluegrass, country and rock sounds.
Fair director Jessica Edwards said she looked into Polecat after several 20-somethings in town recommended the group. Edwards checked with some friends in the Bellingham area, where she attended grad school, and got great feedback and enthusiastic reviews on the band.
David Correa and Casacada will also play Saturday evening. The world fusion band combines Latin folk and Rumba rhythms with Middle Eastern melodies, bringing a fresh sound to Payson’s Pavilion.
“I think it’s really fun to have that world music addition,” Edwards said.
The Friday evening headliners kick off with Gipsy Moon, a band whose bluegrass, folksy sound is essentially made for Haines. “I think Gipsy Moon will appeal to the similar crowd that enjoyed Elephant Revival last year,” Ramsey said.
After Gipsy Moon, guitar virtuoso Larry Keel will take the stage with his wife, who plays the upright bass. Keel is an award-winning flatpicker specializing in alternative bluegrass.
Jon Wayne and the Pain, with their “reggae-tronic-dub,” will round out Friday night. The trio’s shows tend to end in massive dance parties, a perfect last note for Friday, Edwards said.
Ramsey said his goal this year was to book bands that inspire and motivate people to move, in whatever way. “I’m looking for as many different types of music that will get people moving. Whether that is tapping your toes or nodding your head or turning in circles or square dancing,” he said.