April 9, 2015

The Bethel & Beyond tour is underway!  The Winter Bear Project team performed our first show last night in Hooper Bay, one of the largest villages in Western Alaska with a population of about 1,000.

Grant Aviation has been an incredible partner in getting us from point A to B safely and efficiently.

Ben Coffroth (Wolf) ought to be Grant Aviation’s new spokesperson.

Upon arrival on the tarmac, cast and crew were transported to Hooper Bay School via snowmachine. Quite an intro to the wide open expanses of this coastal town.

White as far as the eye can see. Hooper Bay, 2015. Photo by Anne Hanley.

The parking lot at Hooper Bay School.

In Hooper Bay, the kids seem to outnumber the adults. We immediately enjoyed rockstar treatment from students.

Technical Director James Bartlett’s dreadlocks were the talk of the town.

We performed for a very enthusiastic audience of about 300 — perhaps The Winter Bear’s largest audience ever.

Hooper Bay students joined us in wishing the real Sidney Huntington a happy birthday.

After a great kick-off to our tour, we packed up for nearby Chevak.

Thank you, Hooper Bay Warriors!

-Sarah Mitchell (Assistant Producer/Raven)