What local ecological issues does the band focus on, or care about the most?
Akaraka: We are such an eclectic group working in numerous areas and with other artists that if it affects the community, it ultimately affects us as a band. Therefore, we strive to stay in tune with local causes and issues especially ones as pressing as the SE2 plant, the pipeline, and the area s drinking water. I was recently invited to do a flute solo at the SE2 rally on the courthouse steps. Melissa and I also played with Dana Lyons, Tim McHugh, Swil Kanim, and others at a pipeline rally last summer. My belief is that music is a spectacular vessel to inspire social change. Q: Georgia-Pacific has been a strong presence in the area now in many ways of concerned ecological and health-related activism. Do you have any personal thoughts, fears, or encouragement on how things are being handled or negotiated? Akaraka: Yes, I want to put out a special thanks to Friends of Whatcom for their massive community outreach program to help educate our community on all sides of the issue surroundin
