Arts and Entertainment week of April 8

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has “Unhinged,” works done on a door or window, in conjunction with a group show by local artists, through April.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has photography by Tony Lewis on display through April.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has artwork by Melody Lee Gleichman on display through April.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the Kenai Peninsula School District visual arts celebration with work by ninth- through 12th-graders on display through April.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month for April is Jan Wallace.

Friday

• Curtain Call Consignment Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Organizers are taking consignments of new or gently used namebrand and designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Contact Mary Krull at 398-2931.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold,” a comedic play about Alaska history, will be performed by Sidecar, an improvisational acting troupe from New York City, at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for kids, available at the Triumvirate Bookstore and at the door. For more information, visit www.triumviratetheatre.org.

Saturday

• Curtain Call Consignment Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. See Friday listing.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold” will be performed at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in Soldotna. See Friday listing.

Coming up

• Kenai Performers will present “Sudden Theatre,” an evening of 10-minute plays, at 7 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 3 p.m. April 19 and 26 at the Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are available at Charlotte’s in Kenai and River City Books in Soldotna. The show is PG-13.
• A concert fundraiser will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. April 18 at College Heights Baptist Church to benefit Isaiah James Charlie, who was born with a heart defect and needs medial care. There will be live music, a spaghetti dinner, auctions for guided fishing trips, a Grant Aviation voucher and more. Contact Kristi Bradford, 394-8224.
• The BYU Idaho Collegiate Singers will perform “We Are All Children” at 7 p.m. April 21 in the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School. Admission is a donation of canned goods for the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.
• Sterling Elementary School will hold an opening for its annual art show from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 23. It will remain on display until 11:00 a.m. April 24. This year’s show is dedicated to the memory of Roy Shapley, a third-grade teacher at the school and local photographer and artist, who died in December. The show will include student work as well as Shapley’s photography, literary art and storytelling art, and pieces donated by professional artists in the area. The school is also holding a fundraiser for Roy’s family through the raffle of more than 20 pieces of fine art donated by celebrated professional artists in the community. For more information, contact Principal Christine Ermold at cermold@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or 262-4944.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• The Clam Shell in Clam Gulch will have music by Butch Leman at 9 p.m. Saturday.
• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a jam night Thursday and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has AK Free Fuel on Friday night.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• The Vagabond on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a jam session April 17.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has the Old Believers on Friday night and George Navarre and Nancy Anderson from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• Hooligan’s in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays, and a cutest bunny contest Saturday night.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts Tuesday night.

Bound to be fun — Book group has been together nearly 20 years

By Jenny Neyman
Redoubt Reporter

There are readers and then there are readers.

The former pack a book for a plane ride. They skim through the paper in the morning. They end the day with a chapter or two before turning out the light.

For the latter, anytime their eyes and hands aren’t immediately occupied doing something else, they’re glued to a page. If they’re not reading, they’re thinking about what they’ve been reading, or planning what to read next. For those, the only thing worse than having nothing to read is having no one to share what they’re reading with.

That’s where book groups come in.

“You just get jived, you know, when you love to read,” said Rosie Reeder, who recently taught a class for Soldotna Community Schools on how to form a book group. “How you read a book and think, ‘Man, I’d love to talk to somebody about it.’

“I have friends who say, ‘How can you be so excited about a book?’ Hey, my name is Reeder. It’s kind of spelled out that I do these things.”

Reeder and the seven-woman book group she’s part of, literally called THE Book Group — “I feel a little like ‘Who’s On First?’ when I say it,” Reeder said — have been meeting “for about 18 years, or some ridiculous thing. I put it in my appointment book. I just hate to miss it.”

The group, Marge Hays, Sammy Crawford, Lois Pillifant, Susan Jelsma, Sherril Miller, Reeder and Peggy Toppenberg, meets every Wednesday morning for about an hour and has become so entrenched in members’ lives they’ve even managed the seemingly impossible — maintaining regular meetings in the summer, albeit on a reduced schedule of once a month.

And these aren’t even the best of friends, desperate for a reason to get together and chat. They’ve know each other for differing numbers of years and interact in various professional, community, philanthropic and social realms, but other than their book group, they probably wouldn’t all get together as regularly as they do, if at all. And that’s good, Reeder said.

“I’ve found that best friends are not necessarily the best way to do it because you tend to talk about some pretty heavy stuff and you’re too busy visiting,” she said.
Just discussing the books leaves plenty to talk about. In part, that’s due to the members’ personalities.

“We’re all kind of type A personalities. We try to give turns, but we’re not very good at it, to be perfectly honest,” Reeder said. “We try to honor each other and try and take turns.”

“The other thing is they have to be skilled at interruptions, obviously, because we all talk at the same time,” Pillifant said.

On April 1, the group was discussing “Exile,” by Richard North Patterson, a thriller set amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The group rarely reads novels, preferring nonfiction, especially biographies and the like.

“Our basic thing is we like to learn from what we read,” Reeder said.

The novel is set in real context, which fit the bill as informative. As usual, not everyone was in agreement over specific elements of the book, much less whether they enjoyed it overall.

But that’s half the fun of the discussion.

“I can’t believe that she even went in the first place. Oh lady, what were you thinking?” Hays said, reiterating her take on one of the book’s main characters.
“Oh, here you go again,” Reeder said.

“Some of the books we read, I would not read, and I wouldn’t have read a chapter of this unless you told me too,” Pillifant said.

“But that’s good for us. One thing I like about a book club is it sure expands what you read,” Hays said.

THE Book Group started with Hays and Reeder. The two got talking about their mutual love of books before a college class one day, and said they’d both always wanted to be in a book group.

“Marge said, ‘Well, you know we could start one.’ And I said, ‘Oh, that would be cool.’ Next week I came back she said, ‘Did you get some people?’ I said, ‘Oh, I thought you were kidding,’” Reeder said.

The group’s membership and numbers have fluctuated over the years, but they finally hit on a makeup that works for them: Seven women, amiable but not superclose friends, who love to read to learn and are willing to speak up about it.

“In book group it’s so cool relating something and somebody else will say, ‘I don’t remember it being that funny,’ or that whatever, and you realize it’s the way you read it, so that’s a whole new perspective,” Reeder said.

They occasionally get inquiries from people looking to join a group, but they don’t want more than seven. Yet filling their last opening took some time to find someone who fit well into the group, could meet at the scheduled time and was interested in mostly nonfiction books.

“It took forever for us to find someone and to make the decision, and they turned us down,” Hays said. “We were so sure everyone wanted to join our group. We had to have a moment of silence.”

With this group, the silence probably didn’t last long.

Writing rules for reading

Rosie Reeder, who has participated in a book group for about 18 years, has fielded questions over the years from kindred bibliophiles looking to join or start a book group.

It’s a great activity, but just like some books take effort to get into them, forming a cohesive, consistent group can take patience and persistence, she said.
Here are her tips for forming a book group:

Decide how many and what types of people you want. For numbers, three aren’t enough, because it’s hard to have a good discussion if someone doesn’t show, and 10 are too many because it’s hard for everyone to get a chance to talk. As for types of people, Reeder advises against close friends, because it’s too easy to talk about everything but the book. On the other hand, having people who are extremely dissimilar can cause more friction in discussions than some members may want to endure.

Decide logistics. Where will you meet? How often? What time? For how long? How long will you take to read a book? Are kids allowed? Will there be food, coffee, wine? If so, who’s bringing or preparing it?

Some things to keep in mind: Restaurants can be fun, but also expensive, and wait staff may not want a large, possibly loud group taking up a table for hours on end. But if it’s at a home, you don’t want hosting responsibilities to become disruptive or burdensome.

“If it’s at your house, well I have a family and a life and you’re going to come here every week for four hours on the weekend? I don’t think so,” Reeder said.

“We meet at my house, and I don’t have anything except coffee or tea water. If gets to be a drudge, you’re not going to do it for 18 years,” she said.
Decide what type of books you’ll read.

“The type of books you read, I think, has lot to do with it,” Reeder said. “If you want to meet five or six times and be done, it doesn’t matter. But you really need to have some commonalities, like we read almost all nonfiction and we read a book in about a month. You really need to pick something that holds your interest. We have a hard time with a romance book or a novel, because what are you going to talk about? ‘Did you think he did it?’ ‘Yeah, he did it.’ Then you’re done.”

Decide how you’ll get books. Buying even one book a month can get expensive, but local libraries don’t usually have enough copies for everyone in a book group to read the same thing at the same time.

“That’s huge. You could really spend a lot of money if you end up buying them, and you don’t want to steal them, so you have to figure something out,” Reeder said.

Reeder recommends combining a variety of approaches — including libraries, checking with River City Books about a discount for book groups, shopping at used book stores, shopping online, trading off books with other book groups, borrowing from friends and taking advantage of the Anchorage Public Library’s Book Club Bags, where the library will lend out and ship batches of about 10 books for six weeks at a time.

Sweet dreams: Author wants to share family tales with other kids

By Jenny Neyman
Redoubt Reporter

Ken Covey, of Soldotna, may find it a little odd to tell his stories to a group of wide-awake kids, since his tales came about as bedtime stories told to his six children, then 15 grandchildren, over the past 40 years.

He’s scheduled to do a book talk and reading of his book, “The Adventures of a Little Boy Named Kenny,” at 1 p.m. April 18 at the Triumvirate Theatre Bookstore in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. His grandson, Josh Lofquist, a senior at Nikiski High School, will be there to talk about illustrating the book, as well.

Covey wrote the book before Christmas this winter and had it self-published at the urging of his family.

“It’s a compilation of stories that I’ve been telling my kids and grandkids ever since they were small, starting out with the older kids in the 40s now,” Covey said. “As they grew older they wanted them to be recorded so they weren’t lost, so they encouraged me to write them down. And my wife, too, she’s one of the instigators.”

The stories are of young Kenny and the adventures — or misadventures — he gets into growing up in the mountains of Colorado, whether it’s accidentally stowing away on a train in an effort to find out where the tracks by his house go, or building a homemade “hootenanny” go-cart that has no end of go, but is a little short on stop.

The tales are drawn from Covey’s own childhood experiences and they’ve changed somewhat over the years depending on who he’s telling them to and what he wants to get across with the stories.

Each tale can be read in 10 or 15 minutes, and contains a lesson along with the adventure.

“I hope there’s a little wisdom in there, and a little bit of teaching. I guess a moral might be the way to say it. Every story has a moral of what he should or shouldn’t have done, or could or couldn’t have done or whatever. When I was telling the stories to my kids they were designed not only just to entertain them, but also to instruct them about how actions have consequences and how you should think through things before doing them and not just jump into things before thinking,” Covey said.

Covey hasn’t published anything before, but he’s done writing in college while getting his bachelor’s degree in education, and he’s written stories and poems “for my own amusement,” he said.

“My degree is in education and I was a pastor of a church for several years, so I’m a communicator, I guess you might say. Or try to be, anyway,” Covey said.
One of the biggest challenges was switching communication modes — changing oral stories to written ones.

“I’m not sure that they came out the same way they were told. Translating them to the page was difficult. You can’t use hand gestures and facial expressions and voice inflection and all that sort of thing to tell a story in a book, so the language had to be more colorful, I guess,” Covey said. “Actually, it was easy to write the stories, it was hard to get them to sound right on paper — a lot of changing of words and using a word wrench to get the right phrases in there, and the punctuation all had to be in there, which you don’t think about when you’re telling a story.”

Covey also had to break “one of his sacred convictions that adults cannot hear a Kenny story,” he wrote in the forward to the book. “This is one of the things that has endeared the stories to the kids, because they exist in a secret place where adults cannot enter and where one little boy is the center and hero of his world.”
It was a sacrifice he was willing to make in this and his future planned Kenny books, in order to share the stories with more kids.

“Of course, I like kids. We have six of our own and all our grandkids. Kids are special and need all the help they can get,” he said.

The book talk and reading will be part of the formation of a book group for kids, probably at a fourth-grade reading level and up, said Rosie Reeder, coordinator of the Triumvirate Bookstore. The first meeting will be at the bookstore, then may move to the Soldotna library. Reeder expects the group will meet once every three or four weeks and read a book a month.

The book group is open to anyone, and Reeder is seeking sponsors to help defray the costs of purchasing books for the kids to read.

For more information, contact Reeder at 262-2908.

For more information on Covey’s book, visit www.outskirtspress.com/adventuresofkenny. It is available for purchase at River City Books, Triumvirate Bookstore and online at www.amazon.com, www.barnsandnoble.com and www.borders.com.

Arts and Entertainment week of April 1

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has “Unhinged,” works done on a door or window, in conjunction with a group show by local artists, through April.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has photography by Tony Lewis on display through April.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has artwork by Melody Lee Gleichman on display through April.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the a Kenai Peninsula School District visual arts celebration with work by ninth- through 12th-graders on display through April.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839.

First Thursday

• First Thursday events today include an artist reception for Melody Lee Gleichman from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway, artists reception at Artists Without Borders for an “Unhinged” and group show from 5 to 7 p.m. in the 4D Building in Soldotna, a reception for the Kenai Peninsula School District visual arts celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kenai Fine Arts Center in Kenai, and a bluegrass jam from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna.
• The Kenai Writers Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Kenai Community Library. Everyone is welcome. Bring extra copies of your work to share.
• The Soldotna High School drama department presents a comedy, “The Panic Broadcast of 1938, “ at 7 p.m. at SoHi. Admission is $5. In the play, the drama and dilemmas of two wide-eyed young women, Margie and June, is set against a backdrop of their small community panicking after hearing Orson Welles’ radio production of “War of the Worlds.” They meet Tom and Hank, from a circus train making a water stop in town. Margie’s dad, the sheriff, throws the boys in jail for robbery about the time pandemonium erupts from a supposed Martian invasion sighting at the train station. As the town gathers to plan their evacuation they come face to face with an “alien” and discover the Martian invasion might not be what it seems. Cast members include: Jessiah Steffy, Delana Duncan, Holly Jenkins, Nick Tesch, Dillon Ball, Jeff Melvin, Kevin Oelrich, Keegan Eshleman, Brian Folley, Autumn Ball, Britt Wilson, Cati Smith, Josh Rutten, Chris Closson, Lizzie McDermid, Chrissy Smith and Amanda Norris.

Friday

• Curtain Call Consignment Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Organizers are taking consignments of new or gently used namebrand and designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Contact Mary Krull at 398-2931.
• The Soldotna High School drama department presents a comedy, “The Panic Broadcast of 1938," at 7 p.m. at SoHi. Admission is $5. See Thursday listing.
• The Kenai Central High School drama club presents “The Curious Savage,” by John Patrick, at 7 p.m. at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at KCHS. In the play, a wealthy woman is committed to an institution by her stepchildren to keep her from spending the family fortune to make people’s foolish wishes come true. The cast includes Alex Kiel, Catherine Hoisington, Michael Slone, Norrick McGee, Garrett Eady, Maya Johnson, Jen Kohler, Dylan Lawrence, Jesse Pedginski, Ella Stephens, Lynn Ziehmer and Kaleidoscope student Jacob Nabholz. Admission is $5 at the door.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold,” a comedic play about Alaska history, will be performed by Sidecar, an improvisational acting troupe from New York City, at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for kids, available at the Triumvirate Bookstore and at the door. For more information, visit www.triumviratetheatre.org.

Saturday

• Curtain Call Consignment Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. See Friday listing.
• The Soldotna High School drama department presents a comedy, “The Panic Broadcast of 1938, “ at 7 p.m. at SoHi. Admission is $5. See Thursday listing.
• The Kenai Central High School drama club presents “The Curious Savage,” by John Patrick, at 7 p.m. at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at KCHS. See Friday listing.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold” will be performed at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in Soldotna. See Friday listing.

Sunday

• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a high tea from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Merit Inn in Kenai to raise money for the library. Catering will be by Charlotte’s. Tickets are $25, available at the library and from board members.
• The Kenai Central High School drama club presents “The Curious Savage,” by John Patrick, at 3 p.m. at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at KCHS. See Friday listing.

Coming up

• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 10 and 11 at Triumvirate Theatre in Soldotna. See Friday listing. There will be a dinner theater showing at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Funky Monkey coffee shop in Kenai. Tickets for dinner and the show are $25.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a jam night Thursday and Tuff-e-Nuff on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Lulu Small on Friday night.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night Friday and Diggin’ Roots with Robb Justice and Dan Spencer, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ’Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Twister night Saturday, X Box boxing night on Sunday and darts Tuesday night.

Arts and Entertainment week of March 25

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has artwork by Susan Anderson on display through March.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display through March.
• Coffee Roasters on Kalifornsky Beach Road has an exhibition of Kenai Peninsula College student photography from the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race on display through March 26.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has nature and wildlife photography by Samantha Becker on display through March.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has “Details,” an exhibition of paintings by Nikiski graphic artist Chris Jenness, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Jeremy Reeve on display through March.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the Peninsula Art Guild Biennial Judged Exhibition on display through March.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in March is Corrine Fairchild.

Friday

• The grand opening of the Curtain Call Consignment Boutique will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai, as a fundraiser for Kenai Performers. Organizers are taking consignments of new or gently used namebrand and designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Contact Mary Krull at 398-2931.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold,” a comedic play about Alaska history, will be performed by Sidecar, an improvisational acting troupe from New York City, at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for kids, available at the Triumvirate Bookstore and at the door. For more information, visit www.triumviratetheatre.org.

Saturday

• Curtain Call Consignment Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. See Friday listing.
• “Trails North,” a documentary about the Junior Iditarod, will be shown at 4 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Admission is free.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold” will be performed at 7 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in Soldotna. See Friday listing.
• Renown ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Peninsula Grace Brethren Auditorium on Kalifornsky Beach Road with special guest artist, fingerstyle guitarist Linda Thiele. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is $23 for adults, $20 for seniors, students, veterans and KDLL members, $15 for teens with an adult, and $50 for families. For more information, contact Mike Morgan at 262-6548 or mjmorgan@gci.net, or visit www.jakeshimabukuro.com.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a fundraiser dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Old Town Kenai to raise money for a library expansion. Live music will be by Bull Don and the Moose Nuggets. Finger food, coffee and tea will be served. Tickets are $10, available at the library and at the door. Call Edale Clark at 398-1399 for more information.

Coming up

• The Soldotna High School drama department presents a comedy, “The Panic Broadcast of 1938, “ at 7 p.m. April 2, 3 and 4 at SoHi. Admission is $5.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 3, 4, 10 and 11 at Triumvirate Theatre in Soldotna. See Friday listing. There will be a dinner theater showing at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Funky Monkey coffee shop in Kenai. Tickets for dinner and the show are $25.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a high tea from 2 to 4 p.m. April 5 at the Merit Inn in Kenai to raise money for the library. Catering will be by Charlotte’s. Tickets are $25, available at the library and from board members.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• The Clam Shell in Clam Gulch has a smoke-free night Saturday with live music.
• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a jam night Thursday and Tuff-e-Nuff on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Nick the Dream Weaver on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night Friday and Ian Uponen from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Twister night Thursday and darts Tuesday night.

Arts and Entertainment week of March 18

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has artwork by Susan Anderson on display through March.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display through March.
• Coffee Roasters in the Red Diamond Center on Kalifornsky Beach Road has an exhibition of Kenai Peninsula College student photography from the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race on display through March 26.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has nature and wildlife photography by Samantha Becker on display through March.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has “Details,” an exhibition of paintings by Nikiski graphic artist Chris Jenness, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Jeremy Reeve on display through March.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the Peninsula Art Guild Biennial Judged Exhibition on display through March.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in March is Corrine Fairchild.

Wednesday, March 18

• The International All-Star Circus will perform at the Soldotna Sports Center at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets at the door are $14 for kids and $22 for adults for general seating, and $27.50 for kids and $35 for adults for preferred seating.

Thursday

• The Kenai Writers Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Kenai Community Library conference room. It is open to everyone. Bring extra copies of your work to share.

Friday

• Veronica’s in Kenai has a concert from 6 to 10 p.m. to raise money to purchase an ASCAP license, to allow the venue to continue offering musical performances that include cover songs. Fifteen musicians will perform, and there will be a Chinese dollar auction.

Saturday

• A floral centerpiece class will be offered by Carroll Knutson at the Kenai Community Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants should bring a 6-inch bowl, heavy kitchen shears and a store-bought bouquet. The cost is $5.

Sunday

• Kenai Community Library will hold a Family Game Day from 1 to 4 p.m. A variety of board games will be available, or bring one of your own to play. It is free and open to the public.

Coming up

• The grand opening of the Curtain Call Consignment Boutique will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27 and 28 at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Organizers are taking consignments of new or gently used namebrand and designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Contact Mary Krull at 398-2931.
• “Trails North,” a documentary about the Junior Iditarod, will be shown at 4 p.m. March 28 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Admission is free.
• “8 Stars of Comedy Gold,” a comedic play about Alaska history, will be performed by Sidecar, an improvisational acting troupe from New York City, at 7 p.m. March 27 and 28, and April 3, 4, 10 and 11 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for kids.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a fundraiser dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. March 28 at the American Legion Hall in Old Town Kenai to raise money for a library expansion. Live music will be by Bull Don and the Moose Nuggets. Finger food, coffee and tea will be served. Tickets are $10, available at the library and at the door. Call Edale Clark at 398-1399 for more information.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a high tea from 2 to 4 p.m. April 5 at the Merit Inn in Kenai to raise money for the library. Catering will be by Charlotte’s. Tickets are $25, available at the library and from board members.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a jam night Thursday and Mother of Pearl on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Paul Davis on Friday.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m. through March.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• The Vagabond on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a jam session Friday.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has Food for the Soul from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts Scrabble night Monday and darts Tuesday night.

Arts and Entertainment week of March 11

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has artwork by Susan Anderson on display through March.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display through March.
• Coffee Roasters in the Red Diamond Center on Kalifornsky Beach Road has an exhibition of Kenai Peninsula College student photography from the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race on display through March 26.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has nature and wildlife photography by Samantha Becker on display through March.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has “Details,” an exhibition of paintings by Nikiski graphic artist Chris Jenness, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Jeremy Reeve on display through March.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the Peninsula Art Guild Biennial Judged Exhibition on display through March.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in March is Corrine Fairchild.

Thursday

• Rock band Static Cycle, from Anchorage, will perform at Hooligan’s in Soldotna with a $5 cover charge.

Friday

• Mentalist Chris Carter will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Ward Building at Kenai Peninsula College. General admission is $12, or $10 with a valid student ID.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists for work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Saturday

• The 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Present event will be held at 4 p.m. at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna.

Sunday

• The Shirley Temple film “Bright Eyes” will be shown in the Kenai Community Library conference room at 2:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Tuesday

• The Saint Patrick’s Day parade will be held from Baily’s to the “Y” on the Kenai Spur Highway in Soldotna at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Soldotna Senior Center. Tickets for the dinner are available at the senior center.

Coming up

• A floral centerpiece class will be offered by Carroll Knutson at the Kenai Community Library from 1 to 3 p.m. March 21. Participants should bring a 6-inch bowl, heavy kitchen shears and a store-bought bouquet. The cost is $5.
• Kenai Community Library will hold a Family Game Day from 1 to 4 p.m. March 22. A variety of board games will be available, or bring one of your own to play. It is free and open to the public.
• The grand opening of the Curtain Call Consignment Boutique will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27 and 28 at the Kenai Performers’ Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Organizers are taking consignments of new or gently used namebrand and designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. Contact Mary Krull at 398-2931.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a fundraiser dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. March 28 at the American Legion Hall in Old Town Kenai to raise money for a library expansion. Live music will be by Bull Don and the Moose Nuggets. Finger food, coffee and tea will be served. Tickets are $10, available at the library and at the door. Call Edale Clark at 398-1399 for more information.
• The Friends of the Kenai Community Library will hold a high tea from 2 to 4 p.m. April 5 at the Merit Inn in Kenai to raise money for the library. Catering will be by Charlotte’s. Tickets are $25, available at the library and from board members.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has Mother of Pearl on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has LuLu Small on St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m. through March.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• The Vagabond on Kalifornsky Beach Road has Country’s Rock at 9 p.m. Thursday.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and music by Shannon and Angie Bren from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ’Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has a Twister on Thursday night, a root beer chugging contest Saturday night and darts Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of March 4

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna has artwork by Susan Anderson on display through March.
• Art Works in Soldotna has egg tempera paintings by Andy Hehnlin on display through March.
• Coffee Roasters in the Red Diamond Center on Kalifornsky Beach Road has an exhibition of Kenai Peninsula College student photography from the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race on display through March 26.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has nature and wildlife photography by Samantha Becker on display through March.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has “Details,” an exhibition of paintings by Nikiski graphic artist Chris Jenness, on display through March with an opening reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Refreshments will be served.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has “This Season That We Call Winter,” a photography exhibition by Genevieve Klebba, on display through March.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Jeremy Reeve on display through March.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has the Peninsula Art Guild Biennial Judged Exhibition, on display through March with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in March is Corrine Fairchild.

First Thursday

• An opening reception and awards ceremony for a Kenai Peninsula College student photography contest of the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Coffee Roasters in the Red Diamond Center on Kalifornsky Beach Road. The guest juror was Charles Mason, head of the journalism department at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
• First Thursday events include an artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. for photographer Genevieve Klebba’s show at Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna, an artist reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for a show by Susan Anderson at Artists Without Borders in the 4D Building in Soldotna, an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. for egg tempera painter Andy Hehnlin at Art Works in Soldotna, a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. for nature and wildlife photographer Samantha Becker at the Funky Monkey in Kenai, and a bluegrass jam from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna.
• The Kenai Writers Group meets at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Kenai Community Library. It is open to the public. Bring extra copies of your work to share.

Friday

• “Hot Knights,” a dinner theater murder mystery by Mike Druce, will be performed at 8 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and a no-host bar at the Kenai Senior Citizens Center. Tickets are $30, available at the senior center, Charlotte’s and Already Read Books in Kenai and River City Books in Soldotna.

Saturday

• Loraine Larson will teach a fur sewing class from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Community Library. Participants may choose to make a fur ornament for $10, or baby booties or beaver earmuffs for $26 each. Call 283-4378 to register.
• “Hot Knights” is performed at 8 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. at the Kenai Senior Citizens Center. See Friday listing.
• Mari Hahn and Roland Stearns will perform a concert of music for voice, guitar and lute at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna. Tickets are $15 general admission, $5 for students, available at Northcountry Fair, River City Books and Sweeney's in Soldotna, and Already Read Books and the Funky Monkey in Kenai, and at the door.
• Auditions for Kenai Performers’ “Sudden Theatre,” a series of 10-minute plays, will be held at 2 p.m. at the Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. Shows will be April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. For more information, contact Marc Berezin at mberezin@edudatasys.com or 262-8874.

Sunday

• Kenai Community Library will have a Family Fun Game Day from 1 to 4 p.m. with a variety of board games available for all ages, or bring your own games.
• Auditions for “Sudden Theatre” at 2 p.m. at the Old Town Playhouse in Kenai. See Saturday listing.

Monday

• Visiting artist Charlen Jeffrey Satrom will instruct a watercolor class at the Cook Inlet Aquaculture Building Monday through March 13. The $225 fee includes all materials. Class is limited to 12 and early registration is advised. Call 262-4590.
• Submissions are due for artwork for Central Peninsula Hospital to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. For information, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at 619-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.

Coming up

• The 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Present event will be held at 4 p.m. March 14 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists for work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a jam session Thursday night and AK Free Fuel on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights around 7:30 p.m. through March.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and music by Sue Biggs and Jack Will from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The Duck Inn has a Permafrost vodka party Friday night and a Jager party Saturday night.
• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has limbo on Wednesday, a tattoo competition Friday night, Scrabble night Monday and darts Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of Feb. 18

Events:

Ongoing

• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi and Rachel Lee on display through February.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has artwork by Laura Faeo on display through February.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College will have “Leader of the Pack,” an exhibition of paintings by New York artist al baio, on display through March 4, with an opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Baio won the Boit Award for painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Timothy S. Dahl on display.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has artwork by Scott and Renee Davi.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has “Portraits of Flowers in Felt, Watercolor and Digital Photography,” artwork by Clayton and Juanita Hillhouse, on display through February.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in February is Melinda Hershberger.

Thursday

• Rosie Reeder will lead a class on how to start a book group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Soldotna Public Library.
• The Kenai Writers Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Kenai Community Library conference room. It is open to the public.

Friday

• Kenai Performers will present the musical classic “Oliver!” at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, available at Charlotte's and Already Read Books in Kenai, Sweeney's and River City Books in Soldotna, and at the door.
• Triumvirate Theatre’s Class Act program will perform two comedy one-act plays, “The Final Dress Rehearsal” and “What a Tangled Web,” at 7 p.m. at the theater in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Tickets are $10. Visit www.triumviratetheatre.org for more information.

Saturday

• Kenai Community Library will hold a wire wrap bracelet or necklace class from 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 12 and up. Cost is $12.50. Preregistration is required. Contact Julie at 283-4378 or jniederhauser@ci.kenai.ak.us.
• Kenai Performers present “Oliver!” at 7 p.m. at KCHS. See Friday listing.
• Triumvirate Theatre performs “The Final Dress Rehearsal” and “What a Tangled Web,” at 7 p.m. at the theater. See Friday listing.

Sunday

• Kenai Community Library will show the Shirley Temple film “Heidi” at 2:30 p.m. in the conference room. It’s free and open to the public.
• Kenai Performers present “Oliver!” at 3p.m. at KCHS. See Friday listing.

Coming up

• Kenai Performers present the musical classic “Oliver!” at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, 28 and 3 p.m. March 1. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, available at Charlotte's and Already Read Books in Kenai, Sweeney's and River City Books in Soldotna, and at the door.
• Kenai Community Library will hold a tea tasting workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 for ages 18 and older. Participants will sample different blends from the four categories of tea. The workshop will culminate with a tea party.
• The Sterling Senior Center will perform “South Pacific” at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Dessert will be served. Tickets are on sale now.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at 619-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has a huukah party and ragae band Friday night and 9-Spine on Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has LuLu Small on Saturday night and a Mardi Gras party with live music Tuesday.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights through February.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by Tuff-e-Nuff at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and music by Scott Merry from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Fridays at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Mondays at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts on Tuesdays.

Arts and entertainment week of Feb. 11

Events:

Ongoing

• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi and Rachel Lee on display through February.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has artwork by Laura Faeo on display through February.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College will have “Leader of the Pack,” an exhibition of paintings by New York artist al baio, on display through March 4, with an opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Baio won the Boit Award for painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Timothy S. Dahl on display through February.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has artwork by Scott and Renee Davis through February.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has “Portraits of Flowers in Felt, Watercolor and Digital Photography,” artwork by Clayton and Juanita Hillhouse, on display through February.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839. The artist of the month in February is Melinda Hershberger.

Thursday

• The Sitka Summer Music Festival musicians will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students, available at the door and Northcountry Fair, River City Books and Sweeney's in Soldotna, and Already Read Books and the Funky Monkey in Kenai.

Friday

• A high school dance and activity night, including a DJ, karaoke, Halo 3 competitions and unlimited laser tag, will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight at Hawks Games in Soldotna. Call 260-9750 for more information.
• The Kenai River Brown Bears play Wenatchee at 7:30 p.m. at the Soldotna Sports Center.

Saturday (aka Valentine’s Day)

• Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna will hold a winter family fun day with a yo-yo fur sewing craft at 10 and 11 a.m., Native dance instruction from noon to 12:30 p.m. and a one-hour guided family snowshoe walk. The craft and snowshoe walk require registration and space is limited. Contact Michelle Ostrowski at Michelle_ ostrowski@fws.gov or 260-2839.
• Hooligan’s in Soldotna will have speed dating at 7 p.m. Singles talk one on one for five minutes, then everybody rotates.
• Peninsula Artists in Motion’s annual Winter Ball fundraiser will be at 7 p.m. at the Kenai Senior Center. It’s a black tie optional event with a catered menu, ballroom dancing with live music by Rob Ramponi's Alaska Swing Co., wine tasting by Bear Creek Winery of Homer, beer tasting by Kassik's Brewery and a silent auction. Contact Katrina Carpenter at peninsulaartistsinmotion@hotmail.com or 283-3140.
• A free showing of the movie “Fireproof” will be held at 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Kenai. Open to the public.
• The Kenai River Brown Bears play Wenatchee at 7:30 p.m. at the Soldotna Sports Center.

Coming up

• Rosie Reeder will lead a class on how to start a book group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Soldotna Public Library.
• Kenai Performers will present the musical classic "Oliver!" at the Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School Feb. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and March 1. Show times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, available at Charlotte's and Already Read Books in Kenai, Sweeney's and River City Books in Soldotna, and at the door.
• Kenai Community Library will hold a wire wrap bracelet or necklace class from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 21 for ages 12 and up. Cost is $12.50. Preregistration is required. Contact Julie at 283-4378 or jniederhauser@ci.kenai.ak.us.
• Kenai Community Library will show the Shirley Temple film “Heidi” at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the conference room. It’s free and open to the public.
• Kenai Community Library will hold a tea tasting workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 for ages 18 and older. Participants will sample different blends from the four categories of tea: black, white, oolong and green. The workshop will culminate with a tea party.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at 619-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has open mic night Thursday and music by 9-Spine on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has live music Saturday night.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights through February.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by Tuff-e-Nuff at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and music by Scott Merry from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Friday at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ’Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts on Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of Feb. 2

Events:

Ongoing

• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi and Rachel Lee on display through February.
• The Funky Monkey in Kenai has artwork by Laura Faeo on display through February with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College will have “Leader of the Pack,” an exhibition of paintings by New York artist al baio , on display Sunday through March 4, with an opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Baio won the Boit Award for painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Timothy S. Dahl on display through February with a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has artwork by Scott and Renee Davis through February with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has artwork by Clayton and Juanita Hillhouse on display through February.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839.
• Today
• The film, “The Secret Life of Bees” will be shown at 6 p.m. with a light meal served at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenai River Center. Admission is free and donations are accepted for the LeeShore Center. To reserve a spot, call 260-7722.
• Seamus Kennedy will perform at 8 p.m. at The Crossing in Soldotna. Tickets are $20, available from Sweeney’s.

First Thursday

• First Thursday events today include an opening reception for Timothy S. Dahl from 5 to 6 p.m. at Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna, a reception for Scott and Renee Davis from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, a reception for Clayton and Juanita Hillhouse from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kenai Fine Arts Center, a reception for Laura Faeo from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Funky Monkey in Kenai, and a bluegrass jam at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna.
• The Central Peninsula Writers Group meets at 6 p.m. in the conference room at Kenai Community Library. It’s open to the public. Bring extra copies of your work to share.

Friday

• Entries are due by 5 p.m. for the Central Peninsula Writers Group’s 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Presentation on March 14 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Adult and high school writers from Cooper Landing to Ninilchik to Nikiski may enter. Entry forms and guidelines are available at the Kenai Community Library and online at kenailibrary.org under the Writer Group link.
• The Alaska Oceans Film Festival will be shown as an installment of the Kenai Watershed Forum’s Winter Speaker Series at 7 p.m. at the Kenai River Center on Funny River Road. The festival involves films that celebrate Alaska’s ocean bounty, including short films on saltwater adventures, coastal cultures and marine science from Alaska and around the world. “Red Gold,” focusing on the proposed Pebble Mine, will be shown, along with shorter films covering a variety of subjects, from polar bears to lifeguards in Hawaii. It is free and refreshments will be served.

Saturday

• The13th annual Winter Wine Tasting and Auction will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Kenai Senior Center, with gourmet appetizers and specialty wines, silent and live auctions and a variety of instant purchases and raffle chances. Contact Marquitta Andrus for more information at hospice@acsalaska.net or 262-0453.

Sunday

• A family board game event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Kenai Community Library. Bring games to share, or play one the many available games. Call 283-4378.

Coming up

• The Sitka Summer Music Festival musicians will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna. Tickets are $15, or $5 for students, available at the door and Northcountry Fair, River City Books and Sweeney's in Soldotna, and Already Read Books and the Funky Monkey in Kenai.
• A high school dance and activity night, including a DJ, karaoke, Halo 3 competitions and unlimited laser tag, will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Feb. 13 at Hawks Games in Soldotna. Call 260-9750 for more information.
• Peninsula Artists in Motion’s annual Winter Ball fundraiser will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Kenai Senior Center. It’s a black tie optional event with a catered menu, ballroom dancing with live music by Rob Ramponi's Alaska Swing Co., wine tasting by Bear Creek Winery of Homer, beer tasting by Kassik's Brewery and a silent auction. Contact Katrina Carpenter at peninsulaartistsinmotion@hotmail.com or 283-3140.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at 619-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has open mic night Thursday and 9-Spine on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has open mic night Wednesday.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music by Tuff-e-Nuff at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has music by Robb Justice and Dan Pascucci from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Karaoke

• The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a karaoke contest every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. through Tuesday with a $500 prize.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Friday at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts on Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of Jan. 28

Events:

Ongoing

• Artists Without Borders, in the 4D Building in Soldotna, presents a solo show by Laura Faeo through January.
• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi and Rachel Lee on display through January.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has the traveling statewide photography show, “Rarefied Light 2008,” on display through Feb. 4.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Alyse Haynes on display through January.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Tony Oliver through January.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has “Facets of 3-Dimensional Art” by Joyce Cox on display through January.
• Odie’s coffee shop in Soldotna has a collaborative art show by Claire Rowley, Ashley Doremire, Sam Merry, Sue Zurfluh-Mann and Donna Schwanke on display through January.
• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839.

Friday

• The Nikiski Community Recreation Center will hold a teen night with movies, popcorn, open gym, basketball and more from 7 to 10 p.m. for ages 13 to 18. Admission is $2.

Saturday

• Loraine Larsen will teach a fur sewing class at the Kenai Community Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants may make fur earmuffs or sheepskin baby booties. Cost is $26. To register, call 283-4378.
• A Big Band Swing Dance will be held with lessons at 7 p.m. and live music at 8 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club Gym in Kenai. Proceeds go to the food bank. Call Bob at 776-5898 for more information.

Super Bowl Sunday

• Yeah, as if football fans need to be reminded. Super Bowl parties will be held at the following bars: Pretty much all of them. Anyone wanting to watch the game shouldn’t have any difficulty finding a spot to pull up a stool.

Tuesday

• Seamus Kennedy will perform at 8 p.m. at The Crossing in Soldotna. Tickets are $20, available from Sweeney’s. Call 262-1906 for more information.

Feb. 4

• "The Secret Life of Bees” movie will be played at 6 p.m. at the Kenai River Center, with a light meal before at 5:30 p.m. Free will donations will benefit the LeeShore Center. RSVP to River City Books at 260-7722.
• Seamus Kennedy performs at 8 p.m. at The Crossing. See Tuesday listing.

Coming up

• The Central Peninsula Writers Group is accepting submissions for its 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Presentation on March 14 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Adult and high school writers from Cooper Landing to Ninilchik to Nikiski may enter. Entries are due Feb. 6. Entry forms and guidelines are available at the Kenai Community Library and online at kenailibrary.org under the Writer Group link.
• The13th annual Winter Wine Tasting and Auction will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Kenai Senior Center, with gourmet appetizers and specialty wines, silent and live auctions and a variety of instant purchases and raffle chances. Contact Marquitta Andrus for more information at hospice@acsalaska.net or 262-0453.
• Peninsula Artists in Motion’s annual Winter Ball fundraiser will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Kenai Senior Center. It’s a black tie optional event with a catered menu, ballroom dancing with live music by Rob Ramponi's Alaska Swing Co., wine tasting by Bear Creek Winery of Homer, beer tasting by Kassik's Brewery and a silent auction. Contact Katrina Carpenter at peninsulaartistsinmotion@hotmail.com or 283-3140.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at 619-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has Tuff-e-Nuff on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has open mic night Wednesdays, and LuLu Small on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has live music at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has music Friday and Saturday nights.

Karaoke

• The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a karaoke contest through early February every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. with a $500 prize.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Friday at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan's in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker at 5 and 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has darts on Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of Jan. 21

Events:

Ongoing

• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839.
• Artists Without Borders, in the 4D Building in Soldotna, presents a solo show by Laura Faeo.
• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi on display through January.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has the traveling statewide photography show, “Rarefied Light 2008,” on display through Feb. 4.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Alyse Haynes on display through January.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Tony Oliver through January.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has “Facets of 3-Dimensional Art” by Joyce Cox on display through January.
• Odie’s coffee shop in Soldotna has a collaborative art show by Claire Rowley, Ashley Doremire, Sam Merry, Sue Zurfluh-Mann and Donna Schwanke on display through January.

Thursday

• Central Peninsula Writers Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Kenai Community Library. It is open to the public. Bring extra copies of your work to share.

Friday

• A Monopoly tournament for kids ages 8 to 17 will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Redoubt Elementary School as part of the Peninsula Winter Games. Registration is at 4 p.m. The first 25 kids to register will play.

Saturday

• The Kenai Community Library will hold a wire beading class from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a wooden or plastic ruler. Advance registration is necessary, and the materials fee is $12.50. Contact Cynthia Gibson at 283-4378 or www.kenailibrary.org.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has a frozen boxer contest on Friday night, to see who can get a pair of frozen boxer shorts thawed and put on first.

Sunday

• Kenai Community Library will hold a free family game day from 1 to 4 p.m. with a variety of board games, or bring your own to share.

Coming up

• The Nikiski Community Recreation Center will hold a teen night with movies, popcorn, open gym, basketball and more from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 30 for ages 13-18. Admission is $2.
• Loraine Larsen will teach a fur sewing class at the Kenai Community Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Participants may make fur earmuffs or sheepskin baby booties. Cost is $26. To register, call 283-4378.
• Seamus Kennedy will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 and 4 at The Crossing in Soldotna. Call 262-1906 for more information.
• The Central Peninsula Writers Group is accepting submissions for its 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Presentation on March 14 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Adult and high school writers from Cooper Landing to Ninilchik to Nikiski may enter. Entries are due Feb. 6. Entry forms and complete guidelines are available at the Kenai Community Library and online at kenailibrary.org under the Writer Group link.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at (619) 683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• The Clam Shell Lodge in Clam Gulch has Pilot Cracker Playboys on Friday night.
• The Crossing has the Baked Alaskans at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has Tuff-e-Nuff on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has open mic night Wednesdays, and AK Free Fuel on Saturday night.
• Mykel’s in Soldotna has Diggin’ Roots with Robb Justice and Dan Spencer from 6:30 to 9: 30 p.m. Friday.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night at 6:30 p.m. Fridays.

Karaoke

• The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a karaoke contest through early February every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. with a $500 prize.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Friday at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• BJ’s in Soldotna has a Brown Bears hockey pregame special with a game ticket, tacos and a beer for $15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.
• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan’s in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has Tommy Bahama bingo on Sunday and Monday and darts on Tuesdays.

Arts and Entertainment week of Jan. 14

Events:

Ongoing

• The Soldotna Senior Center is looking for artists to display their work in the center's lobby. Shows are one month long. Artwork must hang on the walls. Call Mary Lane at 262-8839.
• Artists Without Borders, in the 4D Building in Soldotna, presents a solo show by Laura Faeo.
• Art Works in Soldotna has photography by Joe Kashi on display through January.
• The Gary L. Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College has the traveling statewide photography show, “Rarefied Light 2008,” on display through January.
• Kaladi Brothers on Kobuk Street in Soldotna has artwork by Alyse Haynes on display through January.
• Kaladi Brothers on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna has photography by Tony Oliver through January.
• The Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai has “Facets of 3-Dimensional Art” by Joyce Cox on display through January with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
• Odie’s coffee shop in Soldotna has a collaborative art show by Claire Rowley, Ashley Doremire, Sam Merry, Sue Zurfluh-Mann and Donna Schwanke on display through January.

Saturday

• Easton Stagger Phillips will perform at the Old Town Playhouse in Kenai at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door for each show.

Sunday

• The Kenai Community Library will show the family film, “The Little Princess,” starring Shirley Temple, in the conference room at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Coming up

• Peninsula Winter Games organizers are looking for carvers willing to do ice sculptures around Soldotna and Kenai from Tuesday to Jan. 28. Contact Tami Murray at tami@peninsulawintergames.com or 741-8119.
• The Kenai Community Library will hold a wire beading class from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 24. Participants are asked to bring a wooden or plastic ruler. Advance registration is necessary, and the materials fee is $12.50. Contact Cynthia Gibson at 283-4378 or http://www.kenailibrary.org.
• The Central Peninsula Writers Group is accepting submissions for its 12th annual Central Peninsula Writers Presentation on March 14 at Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall in Soldotna. Adult and high school writers from Cooper Landing to Ninilchik to Nikiski may enter. Entries are due Feb. 6. Entry forms and complete guidelines are available at the Kenai Community Library and online at kenailibrary.org under the Writer Group link.
• Central Peninsula Hospital is seeking artwork in a variety of mediums to display in its new addition. Artists in Southcentral Alaska are invited to apply. The deadline for submissions is March 9. For information about the program, contact Leah Goodwin with Aesthetics, Inc. at (619)-683-7500, or Goodwin@aesthetics.net, or visit http://kenaiphotography.com/CallForArtists.htm.
• Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus is requesting proposals from artists interested in creating work to be placed in its new Riverview Commons by 5 p.m. March 13. The installation will be complete by Aug. 17. Proposals must include a conceptual sketch including notes, up to 10 slides of past work, a resume and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submit proposals to Phillip Miller, Kenai Peninsula College, Facilities and Maintenance, 156 College Road, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Miller can be reached at 262-0325 for more information.

Nightlife:

DJ

• Friday and Saturday nights at The Riverside.

Live music

• The Crossing in Soldotna has 9Spine on Friday and Saturday night, with dancing in a smoke-free environment.
• Hooligan’s Saloon in Soldotna has Tuff-e-Nuff on Friday and Saturday nights.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has the Free Beer Band on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has open mic night Wednesdays, and live music Friday night.
• The Place in Nikiski has bluegrass by Them Other Shuckers on Friday nights.
• The Rainbow Bar in Kenai has The Mabrey Brothers at 10 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• The Riverside in Soldotna has Sean and Travis B at 8 p.m. Thursday.
• Veronica’s in Kenai has open mic night at 6:30 p.m. Fridays.

Karaoke

• The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has a karaoke contest through early February every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. with a $500 prize.
• 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the .406 in Kenai.
• 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Hooligan’s in Soldotna.
• 9 p.m. Friday at J-Bar-B outside Soldotna.
• 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Maverick in Soldotna.

Events

• The J-Bar-B has a cash drawing at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Patrons get one ticket each day they’re at the bar. Must be present to win.
• Hooligan’s in Soldotna has Texas Hold ‘Em poker from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and free pool Thursdays.
• The Maverick in Soldotna has a pool tournament at 8 p.m. Fridays.
• Moosequito’s in Sterling has a Scene It game night on Tuesday.