August 26, 2008
Tuesday

Ketchikan, Alaska - This week in Ketchikan, Jam at Steamers! Paul Meyers (of FCP's Jazz Cabaret) is back in town! In honor of his return, many of Ketchikan's wonderful musicians are getting together at Steamers for a big fat jam from 6-9 pm on Wednesday, August 27th. The list includes: Dave Jones, Kim Kleinschmidt, Lynn Caldwell, Karl Richey, Dave Kiffer, Bob Bloom, and Dale Curtis and of course Paul Meyers. Lots of Fun!

Juneau DanceFest. Attention Ketchikan salsa-lovers, tango-freaks, all-around-dance addicts, and fans of live music! The Third Annual Juneau DanceFest will take place August 29th through September 1st, 2008 (Labor Day weekend). There will be a wide variety of dance classes offered during the day, followed by incredible live music in the evenings. Playing the Saturday night dance, is the Grammy-winning Cuban salsa band Maraca. The Seattle swing band Blue 4 Trio will open the festival on Friday night, back for their second DanceFest gig. Instructors include: Colette Hebert and Richard Council of Miami (teaching Argentine Tango); Felix Bambury Webbe of Cuba and Fairbanks (teaching Afro-Cuban and Cuban salsa); Stephanie Griffin of Anchorage (teaching salsa); and Rachel Lidskog of Portland (teaching hustle and swing). Local instructors will offer additional classes in waltz, hula, belly dance, bachata, hip-hop, and more! The evening dances will be highlighted with choreographed dance performances. Please visit www.juneaudancefest.org for additional details. Contact Tim Adair at (907)-789-4690 or tim_dawg@yahoo.com with questions.
 
"Metamorphosis" Teen Summer Reading Club. Kids who have finished seventh grade through twelfth can win prizes by filling out comment cards about library books, audio, movies, music and downloads. Summer Reading Club runs through August 31st. Call Kelly at 225-0370 for more info.
 
Blueberry Festival Juried Art Show. FINAL WEEK! This exhibit of artwork in any medium is on display for the month of August (through the 29th). Stop by the Mainstay Gallery at 716 Totem Way to have a look at work by artists of all ages who responded to the open call. Don't miss the "Traveling Circus," free-standing metal sculptures, beautiful turned wood pieces, paintings, mosaics, even stained glass! Call the Arts Council at 225-2211 for more information.
 
Tongass School of Arts and Sciences is NOW ENROLLING. TSAS, "A Public School Built From the Child Up," is now enrolling kindergarten through sixth grade students. The school uses brain-compatible instruction and standards-based curriculum to develop academic skills, life-long learning skills, and social skills through the integrated study of arts and sciences. Instruction builds on each child's strengths and interests. It's not one size fits all. TSAS uses team teaching and project-based learning. Our multi-age classes feature a variety of teaching methods. Hands-on activities and self-reflection turns minds on to the thrill of discovery and the joy of learning. Parents, students, teachers, support staff and the principal all work together to reach school goals. For more information, call 225-5720 or visit www.tongassschool.org, or stop by the school located at 410 Schoenbar Road, Suite 202.
 
Speakeasy News: Maggie Freitag has opted to resign, with great honor, from the duty of programming the monthly Speakeasy, a Ketchikan institution that brings opportunities and a community of support to writers and readers. Thank you, Maggie for all your hard work!  More news soon about future Speakeasy schedules and events!
 
Coming attractions: 
 
Hooj Choons! DJ Faze, Papa Foxtrot and Whisky D. spin the best Old School, Hip Hop, and House at Fat Stan's on Thursday, September 4th, 9pm to closing.
 
Hygiene is My Gene- Gallery Show Opening Reception. The 2008-2009 Mainstay Gallery Season begins with a photography show by Virginia Detjen featuring images of hygienic practices. Close-up images of brushing teeth, clipping nails, cleaning ears, is put in a whole new context, and transforms the everyday into something that can't be ignored. Join us for a free opening reception on Friday, September 5th, from 5-7 pm at the Mainstay Gallery (716 Totem Way). Questions? Call 225-2211.
 
Sweet Second Saturdays! The next folk dance will be at the Cape Fox Market Place, 7:00 pm on September 13th. Music played by Paddy's Leather Breeches. Admission is free, $5 donations are appreciated for those over 18. No partner or dance experience required. Bring a dessert or healthy snack, if you'd like. Come kick up those heels!
 
John Jorgenson Quintet. The Torch Nights Performance series opens with John Jorgenson Quintet, performing on Sunday, September 14th, 7:30pm at Kayhi Auditorium. Grammy winner John Jorgenson is known as one of the pioneers of the American gypsy jazz movement, and an acknowledged master of the Django Reinhardt style of gypsy jazz. With incredible fretwork, and swinging rhythms, this group will have you bouncing in your seat! Tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for Students/Seniors. Call the Arts Council at 225-2211 for tickets and info. Tickets also available at McPherson Music, Soho Coho, Tongass Business Center, and Madison Hardware.
 
An Evening with Author Susan Wiggs. Award winning author Susan Wiggs comes to Ketchikan for a program and book signing on Tuesday, September 16th, 6:30pm at the Ketchikan Public Library. She is a well-known and well-loved author of historical and contemporary romance, and women's fiction. Come meet her in person!
 
Family Night: Rescued Raptors! Wayne and Jerry Thompson of the SE Alaska Wildlife Center will bring birds that are being rehabilitated from injuries. Come learn about these amazing birds at the Ketchikan Public Library Children's Annex on Thursday, September 18th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Food, books, and fun for the whole family! Please pick up your free tickets in advance!
 
Women of Distinction Dinner. WISH's Annual Silent Auction and Dinner will take place on Saturday, October 4th at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. The Silent Auction begins at 5:30 pm, and Dinner will be served at 7:00 by the Culinary Arts Program of Kayhi. This tremendous event honoring the women of Ketchikan promises to be a whole lot of fun for a good cause! Tickets are $50 per person, or $480 to reserve a table for eight. Call WISH at 225-9474 for info and tickets.
 
Sweet Second Saturdays Aboard the Alaska Queen! October's Sweet Second Saturday Folk Dance will be a costume dance on the Alaska Queen. Come dressed as whatever you choose, and get ready to kick up your heels! This event will host Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Don't miss the boat Board a 7:00pm at the docks by Takwan Air. $5 Donations are appreciated for those over 18.
 
Pumpkin Carving Contest! Bring your pumpkins to the Rec Center on Sunday 10/26, Monday 10/27, or Tuesday 10/28. Pumpkins will be displayed in the entrance way for all to see. All winners will be chosen and called on Wednesday, 10/29. Winners can pick up their prizes on October 29th at the Receptionist's desk after 1pm, please pick up all pumpkins by closing, 9pm. Categories include Scariest and Funniest pumpkins, and age groups are 6-9yrs, 10-15yrs, and 16-Adult. Happy Halloween!
 
 
Upcoming Opportunities: calls, auditions, contests, artist opportunities, etc:
 
 
Auditions for Pirates of Penzance. First City Players is seeking Pirates! (Just think, from here on out you could put "pirate" on your resume!) Try-outs for the famous musical, fittingly performed in Ketchikan, will be held on Thursday, August 28th, Friday, August 29th, and Tuesday, September 2nd at First City Players (upstairs at the Plaza). Performances are November 6-9th. Call First City Players at 225-4792 to sign up or for more information. YARRRRR!
 
Israeli Dance. This class teaches traditional Israeli folk dancing from the oldies to more contemporary dances and music. Aside from having a lot of fun, you will also get a great workout! Join instructor Dorica Jackson in Exercise Room A at the Rec Center, Tuesdays and Fridays 9-10am, Beginning September 2nd and ending November 21st. Class fee is $46, for ages 16 and up.
 
Bollywood Dance. Now 3 Days per Week! Bollywood is India's booming film industry that showcases infectiously colorful and expressive music and dance. As you boogie to the Bollywood beats, you'll burn calories, stretch, sculpt and tone from head to toe. This class is taught by Leslie Swada on Sundays from 12:30-1:30, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 beginning September 7th and running through November 20th at the Rec Center. Fee is $115.
 
Beginning Watercolor Classes with Maida Marksheffel. Learn the basic tools and building blocks of watercolor in this Step 1 beginning class. Every week you will paint a new picture and be amazed at your own progress. All you need is the desire to create, and Maida will teach you the rest! Kits will be available to purchase in class from the instructor for $55 and includes everything you will need for this and future classes. Classes run from September 8th through October 8th, on Mondays and Wednesdays 5-7:30pm in Art Rooms A & B at the Rec Center. Cost is $150 per person.
 
Inside Passages Seeks Writers and Artists! Editors are looking for poems (100 lines maximum), short stories and essays (up to 2500 words), and artwork suitable for grayscale reproduction. Please submit your work in the body of an e-mail message to annf@ketchikanarts.org or on a digital CD. Hard copies mailed in will be accepted, thought digital files are preferred. Please fill out the Inside Passages 2008-2009 Registration Form with your name, address, phone number, title(s) of your work and a 4-line biography. Registration forms are available at www.ketchikanarts.org and at the Arts Council office. Entry deadline is Friday, September 12th at 5:00 pm at the Arts Council Office, 716 Totem Way. Publication will be in November at the Winter Arts Faire on November 28th and 29th. Please call 225-2211 for information.
 
Preschool Crafts with Brittany Boyd. These crafts are designed to help children learn colors, shapes, textures and hand/eye coordination. Brittany has worked for Parks & Recreation in the past and is excellent with children plus loves to do crafts. We're excited to have her back! We are offering Fall crafts, Thanksgiving crafts, Dinosaur crafts, Bug crafts, and special crafts designed for just girls or just boys. You and your child/children will leave with a feeling of accomplishment and something new to display at home. Preschool Crafts are Tuesdays at 10:30 am, from September 16 through November 18, in Art Room A at the Rec Center. Classes are for children ages 2-5 years, and are $3.50 (including preschool open gym).
 
Dancing, Dancing, & More Dancing! Dance Lessons with Jerry Pierce Begin on September 19th, and last through November 1st at the Rec Center. On Fridays, Learn the Waltz & Fox Trot from 6:30-8:00pm, on Saturdays practice Swing and Tango from 3:00-4:30pm. Classes are $35 per person for Friday OR Saturday, $60 per person for BOTH Friday and Saturday. Ages 16 and up.
 
Friday Night Insights. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is looking for presenters and ideas for presentations for the 2008-2009 Friday Night Insight Series. Our programs cover an array of topics on the natural and cultural heritage of Alaska- this means Art, Drama, and Architecture too!!! The season runs from November 7th through March 27th. There are 20 spots available from 7:00-8:00 pm on Friday nights (excluding December 26th). The "Insights" only need to be half an hour in length, and we appreciate interactive and entertaining educational programs that involve the audience. If you have any ideas for presenters or programs, please contact Leslie Swada at 228-6247 for an application.
 
First Book Southeast Chapter: Seeking Board Members! Get Involved!!!! Meetings are the second Thursday every month in the Landing Hotel meeting room at 5:00 pm. These meetings are open to the public. First Book is a national organization that provides books to low income children so they can build home libraries. The teachers and group leaders in their lives get to select the books from thousands of titles and distribute one a month to each child in their care. It's a great program, similar to Reading is Fundamental, and the national office more than matches what we raise locally in the form of Borders' Books gift cards. Ketchikan's chapter got $6,000 last year alone in Borders Cards to distribute locally. That money for books goes a long way at Head Start, Boys and Girls Club or Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Other recipients have been local daycares, preschools, libraries, and child advocacy agencies such as the Association for the Education of Young Children which sponsors Family Night at the Library. First Book is also accepting Grant Applications right now for our next round of grants. Contact Charlotte Glover at 225-0370 for more info.
 
Attention All Native Artists! "Our" Living Legends Gallery is currently seeking vendors, artists, and instructors! Consignments are now being accepted: You set the Price of your work, with 20% of purchase price retained by the gallery. This shared artist space is now looking for creative people who can teach others to make their native crafts quickly and easily for a fee. Lots of opportunities are now available at 331 Stedman Street. Call for available space even if you just need a place to work on your project! Call Alice at (907) 225-5558.
 
Native Arts Studies Program. The Totem Heritage Center offers an annual series of classes, workshops, and seminars in Northwest Coast Native art and culture. Students may work independently, pursue a certificate, or earn university credit. Experienced instructors of the Northwest Coast Native art style instruct these classes to perpetuate and strengthen the traditional arts through the students. Class schedules for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 are now available, including: Introduction to Power Tools, Beginning Cedar Bark Weaving, Drum Design, Intermediate & Advanced Ravenstail Weaving, Moccasin Making, Marketing & Portfolio Preparation for Artists, Intermediate Carving (Small Scale 3D Project and War Helmets), Chilkat Warp Spinning, Cedar Bark Weaving, Intermediate & Advanced Chilkat Weaving, and Doll Making. Call the Totem Heritage Center at 225-5900, for registration and information.
 
Venue for musicians at St. John's Episcopal Church: Members of St. John's are offering the use of the sanctuary for rehearsal and performance space during non-service times.  Please contact the church office for availability at 225-3680.
 
Ongoing attractions:
 
RAUCOUS!-Everything Raven on display at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, Alaska. Raucous is the featured summer exhibit on the main level of the museum and will run for 6 months. It opened in April and will close on October 11, 2008. Evon Zerbetz's whimsical exhibit explores the natural history of the raven in courtship, nesting, food habits, intelligence, play, vocalizations and world lore. Identify the Ten Famous Ravens illustrated from the big black bird's appearance in legends all around the world. Move giant raven game pieces to play the raven game called "Cache". Search of cached objects in a raven scavenger hunt. Read raven books on the "Kaw Couch" in the Raven Roost. Find out about the challenges that raven researchers have in their studies of this smart bird in the experiment-gone-awry that asks the question: "What is Raven's Favorite Snack Food?" Artworks including imagery from the picture book "Ten Rowdy Ravens", new mixed media works and numerous installations and activities for the entire family.
 
Xaadas Takanlang Haida Descendant Dancers. Northwest Coast Dancers will perform one Friday per month through September at Totem Bight Clan House, 6:30-7:30 pm. The Haida dancers perform traditional and contemporary songs in traditional regalia with the guidance of Gloria Burns. Learn about Haida culture and lineage and see storytelling, blessing, honor, and lessons conveyed through dance. Last Performance of the Season is September 12. For more information, call 247-8574. Totem Bight performances are co-sponsored by Alaska State Parks and Alaska Geographic.
 
Town on Tongass Narrows, The History of Ketchikan. The Tongass Historical Museum presents a new show of historical photographs running through September 28th, 2008. Come see how our city started. Call 225-5600 for more info.
 
Storyhour at the Library continues regularly throughout the year on Thursday and Friday at 10:30am. After some playtime, the librarian reads stories, sings songs, does finger plays and shows a short film beginning around 10:40 am.  Different story themes each week! This program is appropriate for infants through pre-school age children. Please note that there will be no Storyhour on Tuesdays until further notice. Call 225-0370 for more information.
 
Jam to Gospel/ Bluegrass music every Thursday night at 7pm at the stARTled Salmon Ketchikan Arts Hatchery in the Salmon Landing Market.  Sponsored by Squares and Contras, call 225-2211 for more info. 
 
Live Music Every Friday at the New York Café. Stop by for an evening of bluegrass jams every Friday of the winter months from 6pm to midnight. Light dinners and appetizers served from 5pm-9pm. Bring your instrument and join in the music making or just come to listen. For more info, call 225-0246.
 
Saturday is Open Mic Night at Wired Alaska Internet Café. From 7-10pm every Saturday, come out to the Internet Café between the Police Station and the tunnel on Grant. Call 225-6119 for more information.
 
Sweet Second Saturdays: Dances will be held every second Saturday of the month at 7pm in the Schoenbar Commons. Donations of $5 will be accepted for those 16 and older.
 
Workshops & Classes:
 
Art Classes available now. Sign up for three week sessions learning Calligraphy, Cooking, Beginning Sewing, Beginning Quilting, Painting and Drawing. For information on costs, times, ages and locations, call Trudy at 225-0401 or 617-2748.
 
Bigfoot Pottery Studios at 325 Bawden, downstairs.  Classes are again available, Monday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 pm, and Sundays 4:00-7:00 pm. Call Erik or Leif at 225-POTS for more information.
 
Beading, Knitting, and other fabric art sessions are ongoing throughout the year at The Bead and Yarn Shoppe located in Salmon Landing Market.  Call Cheri Pyles at 225-2858 for more information.
 
Sewing, Quilting and other fabric art sessions are available through Rainforest Crafts.  For more info and to register call Rainforest Crafts at 247-2738.
 
Quilting classes:  The Silver Thimble Quilt Shop is hosting a variety of quilting classes for the beginner to more experienced quilters, available at varying times.  Please call the Quilt Shop for more information and registration at 225-5422.
 
 
Meetings and Gatherings:
 
Rainy Day Recorders meet every Tuesday at 4:30 pm. For information, contact MJ Turek at 225-2592.
 
Ketchikan Community Chorus meets every Tuesday from 7-9pm at the Presbyterian Church. Call 247-2356 for more information.
 
The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council Board of Directors meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6pm at the Mainstay Gallery, 716 Totem Way. Next Meeting is August 19th.
 
Rainy Day Quilters meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 6:45pm, at Holy Name.
 
First City Toastmasters meet Thursdays at noon at the Presbyterian Church, 2711 2nd Ave (NEW LOCATION!!!). Come practice your public speaking, guests are welcome! Call 225-3519 for more info.
 
Yarn Bee. One Sunday each month in the adult library from 1-3 pm. Each session will begin with a short presentation about new knitting, crochet and craft books at the library, then participants will be free to socialize and work on projects. Refreshments will be served. Call 225-0370 for more information.
 
Book Talk on KRBD Ketchikan each Thursday evening from 6:30-7pm at 105.3.  Listen to news about the library, books, and book reviews.

 

Source:

Ketchikan Area Arts & Humanities Council
www.ketchikanarts.org

 

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Ketchikan, Alaska