By Ken Smith
Turnagain Times

Downtown Girdwood has just witnessed a historical event—the first lighted sign. Yes, the Silvertip Grill recently hung an illuminating sign on its building. Could this be the beginning of the Girdwood Strip? Probably not, but it's the beginning of a brighter downtown, especially during the long, dark winter days.

By the way, the Silvertip will be closed Monday, Nov. 23 through Monday, Nov. 30 for Thanksgiving week. They will open seven days a week starting Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Girdwood also welcomes a new business with the opening of Babes in the Woods Fine Art Gallery. It's at the former location of the Java Haus on the boardwalk at the base of the mountain near Chair 1. It's owned by Shelbi Lynne Laughlin, who lives in Girdwood. In fact, she lives at the gallery in an apartment in the back. The grand opening was Saturday, Nov. 14 with live music from The Common Flow. Laughlin intends to have live music every week, as well as poetry slams, book signings and artist receptions. Laughlin hopes to be set up for an espresso bar in the near future. She also plans to sell some outdoor gear on a small scale with brand names like Prana and Patagonia.

Chavelita's Café and Grill in Indian pushed back their grand opening to Saturday, Nov. 14. I personally tried their three varieties of homemade tamales: cheese, pork and beef, and can honestly say they were delicious. Stop by and give them a try.

Maxine's Glacier City Bistro will be closed Nov. 24, 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving.

Ski season is set to begin on Nov. 25 at Alyeska with the lower to mid-mountain looking good to be open.

Let the skiing begin and the entertainment as well. The Sitzmark kicks off their season with the start of the ski season. The Sitz will have live music beginning Nov. 20-21 with the 11:20's. The bar and restaurant will open at 5 p.m. and seven-day operations begin Nov. 25.

At the Brown Bear Saloon, the Whipsaws are returning Thanksgiving weekend to make-up for their cancellation last month due to a band member having the Swine Flu. But now they're healthy and ready to rock for two days, but that still won't prevent Brown Bear proprietor, Matt, from looking like he has an eternal wedgy when he's behind the bar.

Now on to The Scene.

Friday, November 20

The 11:20's at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $3 cover.

Kris Wright at Babes in the Woods. 7 p.m. $3 cover.

Rick Brooks at Maxine's. 8-11 p.m. No cover.

Poorboyz Productions presents “Everyday is a Saturday” at the Daylodge. 7 p.m. $5.

Saturday, November 21

The 11:20's at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m-2 a.m. $3 cover.

Liz Malys at Babes in the Woods. 7 p.m. $5 cover.

Lu Lu's Small Band at Maxine's. 8-11 p.m. No cover.

Tuesday, November 24

Poetry Slam Night at Babes in The Woods.

Thursday, November 26

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 27

Whipsaws at the Brown Bear Saloon. Starts @ 9:30 p.m. No cover.

H3 at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover.

Music by Jon Arr at Babes in the Woods. 7 p.m. $3 cover.

Saturday, November 28

Book signing with author Nina Stone at Babes in the Woods. Noon-2 p.m.

Whipsaws at the Brown Bear Saloon. Starts @ 9:30 p.m. Cover charge.

H3 at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover.

Fiddler and the White Rapper. 8-11 p.m. No cover.

If you know of any events please e-mail them to us at info@turnagaintimes.com