After more than 50 years of broadcasting faith and inspiration, news and information to the people of Western Alaska, KNOM broke new ground this summer and hosted the first KNOM Music Festival on a weekend in June.
Local musicians, indigenous dance groups, and special guests from across Alaska graced a newly constructed stage on KNOM grounds for the event. Each day of the festival began with a prayer led by community elders. Over 300 enthusiastic attendees from Nome and beyond braved chilly winds and cloudy skies to participate in the festival. In addition to the performances on stage, attendees enjoyed fresh-grilled hamburgers, bratwurst, door prizes, and home-baked desserts from members of the community.
The idea of hosting a music festival began when KNOM helped facilitate American Idol auditions across Western Alaska in 2023. While helping organize the auditions, KNOM Program Specialist Teresa Trigg built strong relationships with the performers, and many of them returned to perform on KNOM’s stage at the festival.
“Seeing how many people attended in person, online, and live on the air was so rewarding. All the work we put into organizing the festival was so successful and the community response has been wonderful,” Trigg said.
KNOM would like to thank the City of Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome Eskimo Community, Northern Air Cargo, and Lynden Air Cargo for their generous help to make the KNOM Music Festival possible.
