Ken Waldman: Alaskan Fiddling Poet

Ken Waldman combines old-time Appalachian-style string-band music, original poetry, and mostly Alaska-set storytelling for a performance uniquely his. In Rochester he'll be joined by members of the Dust Busters, from Brooklyn NY, whose new CD has just come out from Smithsonian Folkways Records, plus several Rochester friends. Ken Waldman's calling the evening FROM ROCHESTER TO THE REAL ALASKA and will introduce the troupe members with a brief poem tied to Alaska and the music, then let the musicians take off. For his own sets, he'll be joined by various musical configurations. By the end, he expects a full-blown Bernunzio Uptown music party. A 25-year Alaska resident, Waldman's live performance has been described by Austin Chronicle writer, Ric Williams, “Feels like a Ken Burns movie. . . . Always recommended.” More recently, Shepherd Express Weekly in Milwaukee termed Waldman, “A one-man Prairie Home Companion” and the Denver Post called Waldman's mix of words and music, “Renegade Americana.” The evening will appeal to anyone who enjoys expansive string-band music, powerful singing, smart poetry, acclaimed storytelling, or Alaska. Begin the night in Rochester. Journey to the Real Alaska and back with surprises en route.