A voice from Alaska

The Valley Balladeer's voice is music to the ears of those at area senior centers and other nonprofits.

Wes Hamrick, a 57-year-old from Post Falls, has performed for free during several gigs since moving here from Alaska five months ago to be heard.

"This is what I love doing," he told members of the Lake City Senior Center on Friday during their lunch. "I love entertaining the seniors."

The gentleman in Western attire is a retired snowmobile mechanic sings tunes ranging from Willie Nelson to Garth Brooks to Leroy Van Dyke to Merle Haggard.

"It's a slow go, but I am sure it won't be long," he said about getting his name out. "I am slowly working into the community, and really looking forward to entertaining the seniors.

"I do many gigs for free as a way of paying back to those who deserve it - the veterans and the seniors," he said.

Hamrick, who calls himself the "Alaskan Voice of the Valley," recently performed during the Lake City Senior Center's Christmas show and a local Meals on Wheels banquet. And he drew high praise at Friday's lunch.

"It makes me want to get up and dance," said Ann Brewer, from Spirit Lake. "This is my kind of music. It's the kind I heard when I was younger. I'm not able to go out anymore, so I enjoy it here."

Hamrick's voice sparked a lot of memories.

"I used to square dance as a girl in a small community and this reminds me of that," said Ann Benjamin, from Coeur d'Alene. "He has a beautiful voice and he seems really friendly. I think his singing is super great."

Some seniors danced and clapped with wide smiles. Others waved their arms to the music or sang with Hamrick.

"I used to dance at the Ivalee (in Huetter), and this reminds me of that," said Ginger Seely, from Spirit Lake.

"I'm known in Alaska and am trying to get known here," he said.

To reach Hamrick or for more information, call 704-9126 or visit http://www.valleyballadeer.blogspot.com/.