‘Photonz’ Bring It Home

Guitarist Romero Begay rips through a riff during a set by The Cosmic Party during Monday night's show at The Raw Market. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

By Soren Wuerth

TNews Editor

Girdwood's Cosmic Party (formerly known as The Photonz) returned to Southcentral Alaska after three years playing gigs in Eagle River, Anchorage, Hope and Girdwood. The group even played on a boat in Prince William Sound.

The band played original songs—jams and "psychedelic funk"— to an enthusiastic crowd Monday at the Raw Market in Girdwood. 

A crowd boogies to The Cosmic Party while bubbles fill the air. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

Although the band began in Glacier City nearly 30 years ago, its music is still familiar to locals.

On Monday night a crowd of teens gathered near the front of the stage, some of whom are children of band members, and sang aloud to Cosmic sounds.

When a call came out for a show of hands from those who travelled from out-of-state to see the band, dozens of arms went up. 

Peter Townsend, Ben Robinson and Tony Restivo jam to Benjamin Trocki's percussion Monday at the Raw Market. (Not pictured are Steve Norwood and Romero Begay.). (Photo by Soren Wuerth)

The six-member band includes singer/guitarist/drummer Ben Robinson, Peter Townsend (mandolin and electric guitar), Tony Restivo (bass), Steve Norwood (guitar, drums), Romero Begay (electric guitar) and Benjamin Trocki (percussion).

A crowd forms at the dawn of The Cosmic Party's set Monday night at the Raw Market in Girdwood. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)