Alaska String Band playing in Washington

WASHINGTON, Iowa ? Hailing from Alaska?s capital city of Juneau, the Zahasky family, also recognized internationally as the Alaska String Band, brings the best of American music to their audiences ... and their next performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Washington Community Theater in Washington, Iowa.

The performance is sponsored by the Washington Concert Association.

The energetic family band occupies itself by entertaining visitors on board cruise ships in Alaskan waters and at the Chilkat Theatre during the Alaskan summer months and tours nationally aboard a 40-foot bus in the lower 48 states each fall and winter.

The Zahasky family consists of husband and wife Paul and Melissa, and their three children: daughters Laura and Abigail, and son Quinn.

Paul Zahasky grew up in Decorah according to Julie Zahs, a board member of the Washington Concert Association.

?Small world!? Zahs exclaimed.

The Zahasky family shows move along at a lively pace, as they perform American-roots music favorites such as swing, jazz, bluegrass, pop, gospel and an occasional original tune.

As gifted instrumentalists, they often swap instruments during a performance, and they knit each performance together with Zahasky family signature vocal harmonies.

The family narration brings to life ancient customs and stories laced with humor, scandal, tragedy and celebration, as well as an intimate peek at the lives of contemporary Alaskans. They also often dress in handmade native Eskimo costumes.

The family band, which makes its home on the last frontier, is often the subject of much curiosity and inspiration for those who attend one of their shows.

High school and younger students and season ticket holders are admitted free to Washington Concert Association concerts. Adults can purchase individual tickets at the door for $15.

For information, call 319-863-3132.