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Fort Wainwright's summer concert to feature diverse musical mix

Concert-goers coming from off-post must enter Fort Wainwright through the Montgomery Gate, off Badger Road. People on-post can ride a shuttle bus to the concert venue.
Fort Wainwright MWR
Concert-goers coming from off-post must enter Fort Wainwright through the Montgomery Gate, off Badger Road, to get to the venue at the Chena Bend Golf Course. People on-post can ride a shuttle bus to the concert.

Fort Wainwright will hold its annual summer concert Friday at the Chena Bend Golf Course. The concert is free and open to the public, and this year’s show will feature a diverse mix of music.

Concert-goers will be treated to a variety of musical genres Friday, from Waka Flocka Flame’s throbbing bass beat to Julia Cole’s ballads celebrating, among other things, women who dump their no-good, hound-dog husbands …

Waka Flocka Flame will make a return appearance this year to the summer concert, but it's the first time Julia Cole will perform at the annual event.
Fort Wainwright MWR
Waka Flocka Flame will make a return appearance this year to the summer concert, but it's the first time Julia Cole will perform at the annual event.

“We are excited to welcome Waka Flocka Flame, who is a rap icon,” says Rebecca Hamlin, Fort Wainwright’s special events coordinator. “And then we will have Miss Julia Cole, who is an up-and-coming Nashville artist. She is country.”

And for something completely different, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific will serve as a sort of warm-up act, performing the National Anthem and assorted toe-tapping tunes …

“The Air Force Band is coming out from Hawaii to perform for us at the concert,” she said, “and we’re excited to have them here for the first time.”

Fort Wainwright spokesperson Eve Baker says the show will get under way at 4:30 Friday afternoon at the Chena Bend Golf Course, and attendees must access the venue through a gate off Badger Road.

“All access to the concert is through Montgomery Gate on Badger Road,” Baker said. A driver’s license or other ID will be required to get onto post, she said, adding that other rules and regulations for entering a military installation will apply.

“Concert-goers must know that they cannot bring weapons or narcotics or marijuana,” she said, “Even though it’s legal in the state, it is not legal on a federal installation. So you’ll have to leave your weed at home.”

General admission is free, but Hamlin says buying a $50 platinum ticket get you a premium spot in front of the stage.

“It’s completely blocked-off, so you won’t be fighting with the crowd to get towards the front at all,” she said.

And you don’t have to bring your own chairs.

“So, no need to lug your chairs all the way over there or carry them from the parking lot. We’ve got you covered in the platinum area with tables and chairs.”

Hamlin says the platinum seating area is adults-only, but there will be attractions for kids around the golf course including a “Power Bounce Area.”

“The bounce houses are free this year, thanks to our amazing sponsor, Doyon Utilities,” she said.

Proceeds from the concert will help support the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office’s activities. More about the concert is available by clicking on the MWR link at the bottom of the Fort Wainwright home page.

Tim Ellis has been working as a KUAC reporter/producer since 2010. He has more than 30 years experience in broadcast, print and online journalism.