Out of the Town
Anchorage Bowl Arts & Entertainment
By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Greetings Turnagain Times readers! I’ve been visiting Alaska communities from Kenai to McCarthy. As I discover the Great Land, I’m impressed by the kindness of the people. In many instances, the generosity and fellowship shine here.
Hobo Jim is an Alaska legend, a favorite friend of Ted Stevens, and the official state balladeer. He will be performing at the Wild Berry Theatre on Tuesdays, at 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 25. Hobo Jim writes songs about his work and wilderness wanderings. He has performed with such illustrious legends as Reba McEntire and Chubby Checker, and Hobo’s songs have been recorded by the likes of George Jones and Randy Travis. The Alaska Wild Berry Theatre is located in midtown Anchorage. It’s across the street from The Sourdough Mining Company Restaurant, behind The Peanut Farm, off the east end of International Airport Road. For more information: 562-8858.
The first Mountain View Street Fair is Saturday, Aug. 8, from Noon – 6:00 p.m. It’s being held next to the Salvation Army on Mt. View Drive. The day will include live music, dancing, full meals for 50 cents, a bouncy castle, rock wall, and a variety of booths and artists. The Mountain View Branch Library will be open for walking tours, and the Alaska Museum of Natural History will have free admission during the fair. For more information: 339-8273.
August 16 is a big day for Anchorage runners. The Big Wild Life Runs is a chance to participate in a variety of different races. Pick your preference, and enjoy the Alaska scenery along the course for each of the six featured events: Humpy’s Marathon, Marathon Walk & Relay; Skinny Raven half-marathon; the Snow City Café 5K; and Dinosaur’s Run For Your Life Kid’s Fun Run. Everyone is meeting at 7:30 a.m. downtown. For more information: 351-1621, or contact the Anchorage Running Club.
This summer, the Music In The Park series is a great way to spend lunch, and enjoy a variety of Anchorage performers. All the following performances are from Noon – 1:00 p.m. at Peratrovich Park, Fourth Ave & E Street.
August 7 – Top Cover
August 8 – Woodrow
August 14 – The Asteroids
August 19 – Matt Hammer
August 26 – Midnight Starlight
August 28 – Button Box Gang
My restaurant pick of the month is Firetap. South Anchorage is thrilled to have another great watering hole and eatery with great beer and decent food, besides Tap Root. Firetap is a beautiful eatery, with great light, and clean décor. The service is good, and the offerings are plentiful (36 Tap Handles). A good choice is the Firetap Classic Spinach Salad, which I enjoyed. My partner had the Italian Sausage Pecante. The fire deck oven, produced by Woodstone in Bellingham, Wash. is impressive, and is where the name Firetap came from. My advice to the young establishment is: Less is more. You can’t lose with a great pizza oven, and loads of beer choices. 10950 O’Malley Centre Drive. Opens at 4:00 p.m. daily. For information: 561-BEER.
Robin Rosemond/Turnagain Times
Thirty six tap handles and a wood burning pizza oven, has South Anchorage buzzing about Fire Tap. |
