Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters
Four sisters light up the Darrington Bluegrass Stage
Guest article by Thomas Roman
At this year's Darrington Bluegrass Festival, the Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters absolutely stole the show with their energy, exuberance and grace! Fresh off their recent success at the Grand Ole Opry, the Sisters performed a mix of classics and original "Pieces" showcasing impressive singer/songwriter Akulina, 15, with her clean, confident vocals and skilled guitar and fiddle. Salima, 13, on banjo overflows with charisma, charm and enthusiasm; a delightful and gifted musician with spirited backup vocals and harmonies. CherylAnn, 12, is a relaxed natural talent on bass with great timing. Alaniya, 10, is fluid and polished on mandolin, excelling on solos and backup vocals.
Hats off to all the amazing groups and artists that performed in Darringon this year, but I'm not sure if the venue realized what they had in front of them with this family group!
For sheer performance entertainment I'll take The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters anyday, even next to the likes of Billy Strings, recent award winner picker.
These youngsters delivered two engaging good old-fashioned kick-in-the-pants Bluegrass sets! Sensational!
From their website:
The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters - elegant hillbillies from Alaska
Four sisters—Akulina, Salima, Cherylann, and Alaniya—bring a sound that is as bright as their name and as lively as the stages they grace. From the first note, their music carries the warmth, optimism, and joy of a family playing together, yet every harmony, every instrumental flourish, is polished far beyond their years. Their style fuses Bakersfield bluegrass, gospel roots, and contemporary flair into a sound that feels at once classic and entirely their own.
More from the 2026 Bluegrass Festival
Comments ()