Ukulele Russ (top), Hank Karr (bottom)
Ukulele Russ
The first of two performers featured in this episode is Mr. Russ Copelin from Fairbanks, Alaska – better known as Ukulele Russ.
With a stage name like Ukulele Russ, one might imagine Hawaiian shirts and inoffensive luau music kid-friendly songs. But that’s about as far away from reality as possible. He entertained the crowd with a mix of songs and stories spiced up with a good dose of satirical undertone and a kick-butt Ukulele.
Russ visited Haines Junction in February, 2014 for a house concert.
Hank Karr
Hank has being part of the Yukon music landscape for more than half a century.
Back in the 60’s, Hank performed in the Northern CBC Radio series “Northern Jamboree”. From then, and during Canada’s centennial year (1967) when he represented the Yukon at Expo in Montreal, until today, Hank Karr has been a great ambassador for the Territory. Hank’s love for the Yukon is reflected in his songs about the Yukon’s Gold Rush history and culture, and the natural beauty of the land.
With his deep, expressive voice, he delivers songs in a classic country style that brings to mind Johnny Cash and Johnny Horton. But Hank’s repertoire is not limited to country, he also covers ballads, pop, swing, rock n roll – you name it, Hank handles them all.
Hank – lead vocal and rhythm guitar – is joined by:
Chuck Charlebois – Lead guitar and back up vocals
Tom Barnaby – bass and lead and back up vocals
Wayne Smyth – drums
In June, 2014 we recorded Hank and his band at a dance event at the St. Elias Centre in Haines Junction, Yukon.