Ken Peltier Band, w/Brook Faulk

My previous comments about Melissa Mitchell not withstanding, by far the most enjoyable band I had the pleasure of seeing perform during my travels in Alaska was the Ken Peltier Band with featured guest singer Brook Faulk. This group has a great country sound with a very capable blues ability as well.

What struck me was the family feel this band has within itself and with the people who come to watch them perform. Intimate is a great word which describes the atmosphere they create and their audience relationship.

I saw this group perform at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, AK as well as at Eddies Underground in Anchorage. Both venues were packed with fans of this band - and the dance floor was festive and hopping!

The musical ability of every member of the band is outstanding. The musical leader of the band is drummer Mike Lashbrook. Mike does an excellent job keeping time and rhythm, but also has an excellent voice and sings lead on a number of popular tunes. Bonnie Thayer plays Bass and provides back-up vocal support, but on occasion she takes the vocal lead. Doug McCullough plays a very smooth lead guitar and excels at everything from country twang to a driving blues lead that will melt your heart. Of course the founder of the band, acoustic guitar player and lead singer is none other than Ken Peltier. Ken is one of those singers that can emulate many great country singers sound as well as croon his own tunes to make a young womans heart flutter as well as fill the dance floor with two-steppers and line dancers.

On both occasions in which I had the opportunity to see the band perform I was blessed with an incredible addition by the name of Brook Faulk. Brook is a beautiful woman with a powerful, yet sultry, voice with the range to carry a blues song home and the touch of a country singer which will bring a tear to your eye. Brook has an stunning stage presence and a lovely voice capable of mind blowing musical diversity. Brook told me that she will be touring the lower 48 sometimes towards the end of this year, so keep an eye out for this budding star.

Another Alaskan icon is a singer/songwriter named Hobo Jim Varsos. Hobo Jim performs routinely with the Ken Peltier band at various shows around the state. Jim is a true Alaskan troubadour. A few photos from his set at Eddies Underground can be seen via this link.

Photos from both Ken Peltier Band shows I saw can be seen via this link.

Ken Peltier's Myspace link is here.

Brook Faulk's Myspace link is here.

Cheers,

Monty Chandler