Arctic Thunder was born in 1999, when James Spradlin

and Missy Baltes met and decided to create a band. By mixing James' rock,

heavy metal, and blues background with Missy's folk, country, and classical

styles, they created a unique sound. They debuted Arctic Thunder in June of

2000 at Lynx Pizza in Denali National Park, and have been storming Alaska

ever since!

Arctic Thunder has played many venues from Seward to Healy and Lake Louise,

including, Wolverine Lodge at Lake Louise, The Longhorn Saloon in Cantwell,

The Totem in Healy, The Alpine Inn in Sutton, The Caboose Lounge in Palmer,

The Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, and The Alaska State Fair.

James Spradlin

Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter/Harmonica/

percussionist/lap steel/mandolin

James grew up in Alaska, and has been playing

with rock bands since the early 1980’s. From

soulful blues to searing rock leads,James can

play any style of music! He has also been an

instrument repairman specializing in electric and

acousitc guitars for more than 20 years. In fact,

he met his wife when she brought her guitar into

the store where he was working!

Missy Spradlin

Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter/flutist/

percussionist

Missy grew up in Middleton, Wisconsin,

and she began singing as soon as she

could talk! She started playing the flute

when she was ten years old, and she

picked up the guitar later on. After graduating

from the University of Wisconsin, in May

of 1991,with a bachelor’s degeree in

elementary education, Missy “ran away"

to Alaska, to spend the summer in

Denali National Park. She ended up

staying in Alaska permanently, where

she met her husband,James Spradlin.

 

Missy has played at various places in the

Anchorage area including,Border’s Books

& Music,The Snow City Cafe,and The Fairview

Inn inTalkeetna. She has also played at

the Fairbanks Summer Music Festival,

and at the Mckinley Music Festival in Cantwell.