Akulina Shamanov

Akulina started classical piano training at 5 years old, with that background she had a strong foundation but when she found bluegrass music she found her real love.  She started playing guitar and has excelled in a short time.  At 14 years old she is gaining ground every day.

The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters  are a bluegrass band made up of four sisters ages 9-14 (Akulina, Salima, Cherylann and Alaniya), originally from Alaska and now based in Florida. With a sound rooted in both traditional and gospel bluegrass, they bring heart, harmony, and family spirit to every performance. A visit to Florida introduced them to the world of bluegrass—and a whole new passion was born. Inspired by the musicians they met, they picked up instruments one by one: guitar, banjo, mandolin, and upright bass. They started learning by ear, then began formal bluegrass lessons with talented teachers online. Since then, they’ve shared the stage with legendary acts like The Little Roy and Lizzy Show, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, Deeper Shade of Blue, Larry Efaw & The Bluegrass Mountaineers, and Retro 78. Most recently, they were invited by Ketch Secor to join Old Crow Medicine Show onstage at the Opry.

In April 2025, they recorded their debut album—set to release soon! Between shows and festivals, the sisters continue making music videos and spending summers back in Alaska, playing for old friends and sharing their love of music wherever they go.