By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent
Robin Rosemond/Turnagain Times
Talented singer and actress Blaze Bell performed on opening day at the new Tap Root on Spenard.
Alaskan spring brings back the flowers and the tourists. Tourists are interested in seeing Alaska's famous destinations, but they are also curious about what the locals do. I find it exhilarating to answer their questions and I've been telling them about the Town Square Festival of Flowers June 5. The Square will be filled with flowers, plants, vendors, and everything to do with gardens. Enter the raffle to win the Gardeners Potting Soil Shed. This event is a fundraiser to establish an endowment for The City of Flowers Program. Town Square Noon to 5 p.m. or more information: 279-5650.
If you want to get better at poker, The Downtown Poker Pub Run, kicks off June 12 at The Avenue. Collect five cards to play a hand of poker by visiting any of the participating bars and ask for a playing card. At the end of the night, play your best 5 cards at the hosting bar and win fabulous prizes! Every Saturday a different bar will host the poker game. June 26 at the Rumrunner's Old Town Bar, July 10 at the Anchor Pub, July 24 at Humpy's Great Alaska Ale House, Aug. 7 at McGinley's Irish Pub, and August 21 at The Gaslight. Playing starts at 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The Anchorage Downtown Partnership has wisely arranged to have live music performances all summer in Peratovich Park on 4th and E Street. The concerts are from Noon-1p.m. Air Force Bands will perform each Wednesday. June 12 is the Downtown Jazz Festival from 1-5 p.m.
The Tap Root's gala opening of their new location on Spenard was June 10. They kicked off the party with Yngvil Vatn Guttu's CD release party. Tap Root moved from Huffman in south Anchorage to 3300 Spenard Road. For more information: 345-0282.
One of my favorite groups on Facebook is Friends of Alaska Bluegrass. They have four knockout festivals coming up this summer. Check out the dates and places and see if you will be in the area for these fun filled weekends that are all about the music: Cantwell Music Festival June 18, Music Between The Ranges July 16, Music Between The Ranges July 23. For more information go to Facebook and look up Friends of Alaska Bluegrass.
Cyrano's Off-Center Playhouse is having Bark back for a command performance that runs weekends through June 19. This hilarious musical presented from a dog's point of view, follows six canine characters for one day at Deena's Doggie Daycare. From the little puppy yearning to bark like a real dog, to the aria singing poodle and the rapper street mutt. This musical is the story of a dog finding his voice and it has heart and playful joyfulness like man's best friend. Cyrano's Off-Center Playhouse, 413 D Street. For more information call: 274-2599
My pick of the week in the world of dining is Cake Studio Bakery & Boutique. It's an enchanting spot to have coffee and pastries, but it's also a destination for cakes for all occasions. The Alaska Cake Studio features cakes, chocolates and baked goods that are delicious and beautiful. The cupcakes that rotate daily are works of art! I recommend the Carrot Cake made with pineapple and the Peanut Butter Blasts are heavenly. Cake Studio Bakery & Boutique 608 West 4th Avenue #102. Phone: 272-3995.
Write to me: rosebud61155@mac.com or check out my blog at www.rosemondpost.com.
