KAAHC Advisory Committees are volunteer arts organizations which have established a formal working relationship with the Arts Council, and operate under the non-profit and liability umbrella of the Arts Council. The goal is to pool our resources and expertise so that it’s as easy as possible for arts groups to sponsor events, programs and scholarships that enrich the arts community, without having to duplicate the administrative efforts of the Arts Council. Here's a bit about each of them:


The Old Bar Harbor Caledonia Society

This relatively “old” group has been readily embraced by Ketchikan for its celebration of the Scottish bard Robbie Burns — a festive dinner featuring highland dancing poetry, song, piping and… the fine cultural institution of haggis.  The organizing committee has a strong commitment to fostering the Scottish dance and music community of Ketchikan with the proceeds from their events. Since 2000.


The Ketchikan Watercolor Society

The Watercolor Society meets monthly throughout much of the year, and often offers educational programs and demonstrations at their gatherings. They are committed to assisting the development of artists of all levels in the medium.


The Ketchikan Community Concert Band

The KCCB started in 2002 to provide an on-going opportunity for adults to rehearse and perform together in a concert band setting, and to develop an active pool of adult instrumental musicians to draw from for special community needs, such as musicals, community choral events and civic occasions. The KCCB has about fifty members, and they rehearse weekly in preparation for two major concerts each year. Many of the musicians perform in First City Players’ fall musicals, as well as at other events during the year. The KCCB became an independent non-profit organization in the fall of 2006. For more information, call (907) 225-3650.


The Sam Pitcher Memorial Scholarship Fund

Seming “Sam” Pitcher was a gifted young man who was active in the various music programs available in Ketchikan. Sam loved all kinds of music and played the trumpet, flugelhorn and electric guitar.  His family and friends have set up a memorial scholarship fund in his name to award the Sam Pitcher Music Scholarship. The purpose of the fund is to provide money to deserving local youth to help them attend summer music camps or programs such as the ones Sam was able to attend. The Fund was started in 2003 with donations in excess of $10,000, with the goal of establishing a permanent scholarship fund. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Sam Pitcher Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Arts Council.

For more information about Sam, including photos and recollections from his family and friends, click here.

The Monthly Grind

The Monthly Grind is organized by dedicated and energetic volunteers. By showcasing local talent, providing family entertainment and fabulous desserts for a reasonable price, the Grind attracts area residents to fill the Saxman Tribal House the third weekend of each fall, winter and spring month for the past fifteen years. The Grind’s cookbook, a collection of recipes from some of the great desserts served at the Grind over the years, which debuted in 2002, was reprinted in 2003 and 2004 by popular demand.

Sweet Second Saturdays 

Sweet Second Saturdays/Paddy's Leather Breeches provides opportunities for intergenerational activities, multi-cultural education, and seeks to sustain diverse musical traditions by means of hosting folk dances, music and dance workshops, and community performances. They hope to inspire others to develop or expand their love of folk music and dances. They typically host folk dances on the second Saturday of the month from September to May. They have also hosted visiting dance callers, musicians, and dance teachers.