YUKON RYDER BIO
Starting as an acoustic duo in the spring of 1997, Matt Tullar and Jon Dykstra debuted at the Marlin in Fairbanks, Alaska. Inspired by the original Yukon rider, Edward Jesson, who in February of 1900 rode his bicycle 1,000 miles in five weeks down the frozen Yukon River from Dawson to Nome they set out to make it big, or at least big enough to quit their day jobs. By the fall of 1997, they had lined up enough gigs throughout Alaska to employ them both full-time. In February 1998, they began recording with Allen Nielsen of Kat Tracs Studio in Anchorage. Jon relocated there in May while Matt continued the weekly 800-mile commute from Fairbanks racking up almost 40,000 miles that year. In September 1998, Yukon Ryder released their first CD, RESPECT FOR THE COLD, produced on their own Ryde On Records. In October 1999, Yukon Ryder released their second CD - CITY WITH A SMILE, a live recording from Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, the band's home away from home. That fall Ryde On Records began manufacturing CDs in house. Soon afterwards they released their third CD, AFTERGLOW, which features a nice balance between the bands pop rock songs and their more traditional country folk roots. Recognizing the importance of touring, Yukon Ryder has driven over 50,000 miles in the last five years, successfully entertaining audiences as a duo, trio and quartet. Yukon Ryder has toured California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming, as well as the Netherlands promoting their three CDs. They have opened for The Steve Kimock Band, The Big Wu, The Living Daylights, Keller Williams, Captain Tractor, Karmic, The Photon Band and the Nevada Bachelors, and have been joined on stage by Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, all of the Big Wu and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers. After a much-needed year and a half hiatus, Yukon Ryder is again performing limited engagements throughout Alaska.
Yukon Ryder draws passion and a required sense of humor from the beautiful extremes of Alaska, their Alaskan Rock rocks!!- -Chris Castino, The Big Wu
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