By Ken Smith
Turnagain Times

The year is winding down, but the entertainment scene is picking up as it usually does around this time.

New Year's events will be going on throughout the area. The scene should be busy and fun. But make sure you play it safe and don't drink and drive.

Also, keep in mind that Christmas day some places are going to be closed like the Silvertip Bar and Grill. Maxine's Glacier City Bistro said they will be closed both Thursday, Dec. 24 and X-mas and Chair 5 will also be closed on X-mas day.

The regular season is also winding down for the NFL. Of course everybody has their favorite place to go and watch the games, especially the Monday Night game. I myself enjoy the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian. A couple of flat panel TVs and a simple bar menu, and on Monday night they also have all you can eat tacos for $8. Now that's a deal! However, bring your own sour cream because Matty probably won't have any.

Chair 5 is also putting on their Monday Night Football special $10 platters. Three different platters to satisfy your football hunger.

Speaking of eating, you must try the crepes at Mojoe Espresso located next to Girdwood Ski and Cyclery on Alyeska Highway. Rachel Saxby, the owner, got the idea to make crepes while visiting France this year where crepe-making stands are everywhere. She bought a special crepe cooker and slaps the dough on it right there. It only takes a few minutes, and you're ready to go. I had a cheese crepe with Italian seasoning, and it was delightful with my latte. Rachel also has fruit crepes and ham and cheese. Great idea, and a unique niche in the local espresso market place.

Now on to The Scene.

Friday, December 18

Paper Scissors at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m. $5 Cover

Bubon John at Maxine's. 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, December 19

Paper Scissors playing at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m. $5 cover.

Winter Solstice Exhibition from on rails outside the Sitzmark. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Junior from the Whipsaws CD release party at the Brown Bear. 10 p.m. $8 cover.

Junta Band at Maxine's. 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, December 20

Matt Hopper with Steven Bacon & Chad Reynvaan at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22

Patrick & Eli at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23

Open mic at Maxine's. 8 p.m.

Friday, December 25

Woodrow live at the Sitzmark. 10 p.m. $5 cover.

Saturday, December 26

11:20's at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Shu3 at Maxine's. 8-11 p.m. No cover.

Tuesday, December 29

Patrick & Eli at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Wednesday, December 30

Open mic at Maxine's. 8 p.m.

Thursday, December 31 - New year's Eve!

Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill. 10 p.m. Tix $20.

New Year's Eve Alyeska-style with the Torchlight Parade. 8 p.m. and fireworks immediately following. The best viewing is at the Daylodge.

D.J. Cross spins music at Chair 5. 10 p.m. No cover.

Lulu & the Small Band at the Inn at Whittier. 9 p.m. No cover.

Love Life Music with Milo Mathews & Shawn Zuke at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Friday, January 1 - New Year's Day 2010!

Milo Mathews and he Negative lons at the Silvertip. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill. 10 p.m. Tix $12.

Saturday, January 2

Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill. 10 p.m. Tix $12.

Illumination Trance Dance at the Silvertip. 8 p.m.

Monday, January 4

Chair 5's Annual Locals After New Year's Party. D.J. Fizzle and the White Rapper. 10 p.m. No cover.

Please e-mail events to us at info@turnagaintimes.com.