WHAT’S PLAYING AROUND
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
17
SOUND CHECK
A musical hybrid
AUGUST 25�SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Introducing Maddie
Ford and KC
Kunkle’s Alka Mahdi
starts at 7 p.m. in the back court-
yard.
Both Kunkle and Ford grew
up in Union County and have
long histories of studying and
performing music. So far the new
duo has played a show in Baker
City, and performed in Riverside
Park on Aug. 19.
“We’re just getting started,”
Ford said.
To learn more about the band,
see their schedule, or book a
show, visit their Facebook page.
Courtesy of Alka Mahdi
Alka Mahdi, the duo of Maddie Ford and KC Kunkle, play Friday, Aug. 27, at Side A Brewing, 1219 Washington Ave. in
La Grande.
By Lisa Britton
Go! Magazine
L
A GRANDE — Maddie Ford
and KC Kunkle have been
the duo Alka Mahdi for only six
months, but Kunkle has been
working on their sound for
years.
Six years, actually.
“I couldn’t get the sound
I wanted until this year,”
Kunkle said.
SIDE A-LLEY
CONCERT
Featuring Maddie Ford and
KC Kunkle as Alka Mahdi
7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27
Side A Brewing
1219 Washington Ave.
La Grande
That’s when he got the Akai
Force, a machine that allows him
to create arrangements with
electronic instrument sounds
that he then pairs with a live
performance.
“Imagine a hybrid of DJ and
live music,” he said. “It’s still com-
plicated, but simpler than it was.”
During a show, he’s in charge
of the electronic portion, while
also playing a guitar and key-
board. That’s why he brought
in Ford.
“I couldn’t do all this and sing,”
he said. “I needed a lead vocal-
ist.”
Alka Mahdi is a cover band.
“We have some mash-ups,
Ford said. “Music that makes
everyone happy.”
Alka Mahdi will play a free set
Friday, Aug. 27, as part of the
Side A-lley concert series at
Side A Brewing, 1219 Washing-
ton Ave. in La Grande. The show
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