A colorful collection of local and international talent is flooding into Seldovia for the 14th annual Seldovia Arts Council’s Summer Solstice Music Festival, filling the small town with dance, music, workshops, art and performances. 

The festivities start today, kicked off with the traditional jam session from featured artists on the M/V Tustumena, departing from Homer to Seldovia at 11:45 a.m.

“We have quite an eclectic mix (of performances and workshops) this year and there is sure to be something for everybody to enjoy,” said Susan Mumma, the festival’s founder.

Friday and Saturday evening concerts begin at 6:15 p.m. at the Susan B. English School Commons. Performers include Okaidja & Shokoto, a dance and drumming ensemble from Ghana who promote world peace through teaching youth about cultural diversity; Ashu, an internationally awarded saxophonist who first played at age 10, his classical pianist accompaniment Amy Briggs; and a local bluegrass band named Billygoat made up of Jen Warren, Kirby Corwin, Chris Lillo, Jeff Snedgen and Kari Hendrich.

Upon arrival from the musical ferry ride today, festival-goers are invited to a “meet and greet” with artists at the Linwood Bar and Grill at 5 p.m. At 8 p.m. the Open Mic begins at the Susan B. English School Commons and is open to anyone who wants to share a talent.

A Songwriter’s Workshop taught by professional songwriters Inna Rivkin, Jon Crocker, Kevin Worrell and Lou Nathanson will be presented from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday at the Seldovia Sea Otter Community Center.

On Saturday an 8 a.m. yoga class will be offered at the Sea
Otter Community Center, followed by a Song Circle held at Amon’s Coffee Shop at 10 a.m. 

Twelve different educational workshops, including Kazuu instruction by Elliott Sussman, a Dance and Drumming of Ghana class by Okaidja and Shokoto, a Piano Techniques class by Amy Briggs and a Celtic Music class with Jon Crocker and Trina Uvaas will be presented between 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday at the Susan B. English School Commons.

“The workshops themselves are worth coming over for. Even if you only come for a day … it is a really important part of the festival,” said Mumma.

Throughout the weekend local and invited artists with En Plein Air will be set up in various locations around town, painting impressions of Seldovia.

Sunday offers a gospel sing at 1 p.m. hosted at the Dancing Eagles B&B.

Mumma encourages festival-goers to bring their instruments and take advantage of the spontaneous musical jam sessions around town.

Tickets are purchased at the door, a two-day pass is $49, $15 for teens. A single-day adult pass is $25 and $8 for teens. Without a festival pass workshops are $5 per day. Children 12 and under attend all workshops and concerts free.

For more information, visit seldoviamusicfestival.info.

Seldovia Arts Council’s Summer Solstice Music Festival