Acoustic addition: Mike McCormick and Katy Spangler created Whistling Swan productions to bring live acoustic music to Alaska.

• Author: Benning, Karen
• Position: Celebrating Small-Business Month

Mike McCormick, in khaki pants, T-shirt and sneakers, half walks and half dances up to the microphone at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The audience recognizes the 6-foot bearded man with glasses; they whistle and burst into applause.

"Gosh, this has been an incredible day," 50-year-old McCormick starts in an excited yet hushed tone.

"Can you all hear me? Great! I want to thank you for taldng a risk on a new artist," only it comes out "AH-dist;" McCormick's Massachusetts accent remains intact even after more than 25 years in Alaska.

McCormick announces upcoming Whistling Swan concerts, rhythmically lumbering back and forth from one foot to the other. It's as if he hears the music before the rest of us. Audience members giggle, caught up in his enthusiasm as he lists approaching shows using descriptions such as "fantastic" or "great."

"I know--there's just so many things going on," he says. "Now--you guys must be more than ready." He winds up to his finale, "Please-welcome--tothestage ...."

BACKSTAGE PASS

Audiences associate Whistling Swan Productions with McCormick. But McCormick's partner and wife of 17 years, Katy Spangler, works hard behind the scenes for the state's preeminent promoter of live acoustic music. McCormick and Spangler's two children, Patrick, 15, and Mary, 12, also attend occasional shows.

On an October afternoon at the Wilda Marston Theatre, a few hours before a concert, everyone needs something from Spangler. The musicians need food and bottled water; daughter Mary needs help carrying a folding table; the stage manager has questions.

Spangler appears calm. Her short, dark blond hair complements a long blue skirt and matching top with a shadow of a paisley pattern; her Birckenstock style open-toe sandals complete a look that is casually elegant.

When I ask where McCormick is, she says much of his work occurs in advance, when he coordinates performance space, artist schedules, opening acts and travel arrangements. Most of Spangler's responsibilities take place on concert day, when she says McCormick's job "is a little easier than mine.

Spangler often devotes an entire day to pre-show activity. She procures a quilt, Whistling Swan's signature stage backdrop. Then she goes shopping for food, beverages, and other supplies. By mid-afternoon, she is at the venue setting up dressing rooms, preparing tables for ticket sales, and coordinating merchandise sales. Meanwhile, McCormick works with sound technicians and...