Arts and Entertainment

Alaska's Pamyua set to bring 'tribal funk' to Tap Root

One of Alaska's most enduring musical groups is preparing for a show Saturday night at the Tap Root. Pamyua, who self-describe their music as "tribal funk," blends Yupik and Inuit music and dance traditions with rolling harmonies, pulsing drums, and reggae, jazz, and R&B influences. Founding members Phillip Blanchett, Ossie Kairaiuak and Karina Moeller will be on-stage, belting out songs from the band's studio albums, including their 2003 Native American Music Award winner for Record of the Year, "Caught in the Act."

Pamyua will be accompanied by a live band, featuring Brandon Cockburn on drums, David Nathanson on bass, Ivan Knight on guitar, Nick Petumenos on keyboards, Nathan Michalski on didgeridoo, and James Dommek on percussion, plus other special guests. Tickets are $5, available only at the door and not for pre-sale. The show starts at 10 p.m., and Tap Root opens its doors at 4 p.m.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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