International Polar Year celebration concert to be held Feb. 1FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The University of Alaska International Polar Year office is sponsoring a concert by the Inuit tribal funk band Pamyua at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the Hering Auditorium, Fairbanks, Alaska. The concert is a celebration of the unique cultures of the north and their people’s ability to adapt to changes in both cultural and natural landscapes.
An Alaska-founded group, Pamyua started 10 years ago as a dream by two brothers to share the ancient stories of their people through music and dance. Stephen and Phillip Blanchett, who are of Yup’ik Inuit and African American descent, quickly gained international attention and after being joined by Chefornak, Alaska, dancer Ossie Kairaiuak and Greenlandic Inuit singer Karina Moller, formed Pamyua.
In 2003, Pamyua was chosen at the 45th annual Grammy Awards to represent Native American music and performed at Times Square Studios for the Celebration of American Music. The band’s latest album, “Drums of the North,” is their first strictly traditional Yup’ik album ever produced. “Drums” was recently awarded a 2007 Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Award for Best Inuit Traditional CD.
Tickets to the concert can be purchased for $5 at the door or in advance from UAF Wood Center, Gulliver’s Books, McCafferty’s and UAF Center for Research Services. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for general seating. Proceeds from the concert will be used to support IPY education programs in Fairbanks schools.
For more information contact Cherie Solie, statewide IPY outreach manager at 474-6264 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Jenn Wagaman, outreach coordinator at 474-5082 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
About IPY
The polar regions have profound significance for the Earth's climate and environments, ecosystems and human society. IPY is an interdisciplinary and internationally coordinated research campaign, ushering in a new era of polar science. For more information on IPY, visit www.ipy.alaska.edu.