Spenard Jazz Fest

Spenard Jazz Fest was established in 2008 and is run as a community, artist-first operation: the organizers state that all funds go directly to paying artists. It takes its name from the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage but has expanded across the city, using bars, coffee houses, parks, a church and private homes rather than a purpose-built site — Organic Oasis, Van's Dive Bar, the Paradise Bar at Bernie's Bungalow, The Nave, the Refuge Coffee collaboration, the Anchorage Museum, Balto-Seppala Park and house concerts have all appeared on recent schedules.

The festival describes itself as multidisciplinary and covers music across genres with one emphasis on jazz and another on Alaska, so the bill combines emerging local players with established regional performers rather than importing a national touring package. Its timing at the end of May and start of June makes it the opening event of the Anchorage summer arts calendar.