This past week the Áak’w Rock Indigenous music festival made its first in-person debut since it began virtually two years ago. It started Thursday and proceeded into the weekend with hundreds of patrons each night.
[‘It’s pure resiliency’: Áak’w Rock kicks off]
The three-day festival invited more than 70 Indigenous performers from across the state, the country and the world to partake in what organizers say is the only Indigenous music festival in the country.
The festival won’t be held again in Juneau until 2025 — it alternates with Celebration, one of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native communities that occurs every two years.
• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651) 528-1807.
See photos from the event below.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids rappers Yung Trybez and Young D sing to the crowd during a performance as part of the final night of the Áak’w Rock music festival at Centennial Hall Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Marie Mead performs a traditional dance during the Inuit-soul musical group PAMYUA!’s performance as part of the final night of the Áak’w Rock music festival at Centennial Hall Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Pura Fé of the Tuscarora Indian Nation sings to the crowd during a performance as part of the final night of the Áak’w Rock music festival at Centennial Hall Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Anchorage musician Quinn Christopherson sings to the crowd during a performance as part of the final night of the Áak’w Rock music festival at Centennial Hall Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Cary Morin plays guitar during a performance as part of the final night of the Áak’w Rock music festival at Centennial Hall Saturday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
