By Paddy Notar
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Did you know that the Mayflower packed more beer than fresh water before it headed out to the new world? The Puritans insisted on having their libations while at sea. Who could blame them?

Speaking of libations there’s a new liquor store in South Anchorage. The Anchorage Wine House opened up where Ace Hardware used to be off of Huffman. T.C., the owner, also owns liquor stores on West Dimond and Jewel Lake. They have a great selection with such names as Caymus, Duck Pond, and Grgich, just to name a few. This is the wine store for a connoisseur of nice brands. The customer service also separates them from most places since they have their own Sommelier on the premises that can help you find the perfect wine to accompany any meal or occasion. Give it a try.

Next door to the Anchorage Wine House is the Alaska Walking Store. They took over another part of the Ace Hardware store. You’ll love the selection of shoes and sandals and the prices are very fair for their high-end brands. Of course they have Birkenstock, but they also have a nice selection of Keen and other top brands. Feel free to put on the little panty hose things and try on whatever you want.

The Sushi Garden, on Huffman Road, has a new owner, and it’s the best place in town in my opinion, for Ahi tuna sashimi. I love that stuff. Put a ton of wasabi on it, eat, and watch your nose run as tears of joy splash down your face. There’s nothing better than a Wasabi high. Also, check out the spicy tuna tar tare. The sauce they mix with it is delicious. They also added a few Korean dishes to the menu that looked and smelled great. This place just keeps getting better and better with time, just like me.

The Wailers came into Girdwood and blew away the crowd at the Alyeska Daylodge lawn. When I went on Saturday there were over 1,200 people. It was probably close to 1,500. I met Rich Alliss, the manager of the band, and he was nice enough to give me an all access pass so I could go backstage, meet the band, and drink their beer. The music was some of the best reggae you could ever hear. It was so good that I decided to come back on Sunday to hear it again. This time, Rich asked me to have a bite to eat with one of the lead singers. We ate at the Aurora and I was curious as to how long Rich has been their manager.

“I’ve been managing the band for ten years,” he said. “We just keep touring. “ The co-lead singer, Danglin, said he wouldn’t know what to do with himself if they stopped touring. “One time we had six weeks off and I was pulling the hair out of my head. It was too long.”

Rich said the band just got done touring in Europe. They head to California, Nevada, and will then do a lengthy tour in South America.

“I think the only two industrialized countries I haven’t visited are Japan and China,” Rich said. “I’ve been in every country in Europe. We toured there for two months and had crowds of over 60,000 people. I’m just used to being on the road for over 300 days out of the year. After ten years it’s a part of you. It’s non-stop. I have to keep everything together and that means dealing with the people who set up the venues as well. Believe me I’m on my cell phone constantly but it’s always fun.”

I tried dancing, but I came across as someone who suffered a traumatic injury to their skull. I seem to suffer from anti-rhythm. I’m always off but the show was still a great time.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, Alyeska Resort will be having their annual mountain run. Meet at the tram base at 10 a.m. and get ready to run, hike, or walk up the 2,000-foot tram terminal. The race begins at noon. I won’t be there.

The Blueberry Festival is on Aug. 13 and 14 from noon to 6 p.m. This event is always a great time. There are arts and crafts, food vendors, music, and of course a lot of blueberry concoctions. Bring the kids, a bucket to collect blueberries in, and expect to have fun. I will be there.

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, Banfi Vineyards is having a tasting at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. It goes from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and each wine has a chef’s tasting with it. Tickets are $140 and the wines are some of the best you’ll ever have.

Lucero is a country punk rock band from Memphis, Tenn. They’ll be at the Daylodge lawn on Aug. 19 and 20 from 7 p.m. to midnight. They’ve been together since 1998 and write songs about small town life. Therefore, we should all be able to relate to their music. I might be there, and if I’m dancing, just turn your head.

Don’t forget that the Seaview Café in Hope has music going on throughout the summer. On Aug. 5 Spiff is playing at the Café, beginning around 8 p.m., and that’s worth packing a tent and staying overnight. Get there in the early afternoon, grab some peel and eat shrimp, steamed clams and a beverage and enjoy the view of the Turnagain Arm. Then put up the tent, have a nice little fire and listen to one of the best musicians Alaska has to offer. On Aug. 6, High Lonesome Sound is playing there. They’re a five piece Nashville Bluegrass band and considered one of the best around. Wow. Nice lineup.

The Silvertip has a great music lineup coming throughout the month. On Aug. 5, it’s Ukulele and the Harmonica Guy from 8 – 11 p.m. On Aug. 6, it’s Iya Ites going from 8 – 11 p.m. There’s a $5 cover, but well worth it, as they opened for the Wailers and play some great reggae. August 7 is open mic night with Trent. Sean Kershaw and the New Jack Ramblers are on August 11 from 8 – 11 p.m. One of the best times you’ll have occurs on Saturday, Aug. 13. It’s the Silvertip pig roast. It starts at 7 p.m. and goes the whole night. There’s reggae by DJ BC from 7 – 10 p.m., rock n’ roll with Backstrap from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., $7 cover charge, and of course a lot of pulled pork that just melts in your mouth. It’s the Silvertips fifth anniversary and $10 gets you a huge amount of juicy pork, some potato salad, dinner roll, other stuff and great reggae. Stay for Backstrap, they’re great musicians. Don’t miss it or you’ll regret it.

That’s it. Have fun, drive safely, get as much sun as possible, and be nice to tourists. Besides oil, they’re all we’ve got.

Have events you want mentioned? Email me at: paddytimes@gmail.com.