Out of the Town: Anchorage Bowl Arts & Entertainment

Robin Rosemond Photo
Japanese restaurant Dami boasts an alluring and attractive dining atmosphere, complete with Koi pond and fountain, as well as a reputation for serving up some of the best Japanese food in Anchorage.

By Robin Rosemond
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Cyrano’s Off Center Theater is helping to celebrate Women’s History Month this March with the World Premiere of Make Good the Fires. Arlitia Jones, one of Alaska’s leading women playwrights wrote this fascinating tale of Lena Morrow Lewis. The story captures Alaska in its formative years (1912-1917) when many folks were venturing to the Last Frontier. Lena Morrow Lewis was a Socialist activist, journalist, feminist and ran for office in 1916 against Judge Wickersham.
Presented by Cyrano’s Theatre Company. Tickets are available through CenterTix.net, 263-ARTS, the Performing Arts Center box office or at Cyrano’s the day of performance (274-2599). March 19 - 29, 2009. 7 PM Thursday - Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday at Cyrano’s Off Center Playhouse.
I’ve always enjoyed the Ukulele. I find its sound comforting and pleasant. When I lived in Hawaii, I played in a band. I was one of four girls who played guitar and Ukulele together. We sang the sweetest ballads you ever want to hear. These days, I’m head over heels liking “the Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele,” Jake Shimabukuro. I became a fan after hearing his version of, While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison. It’s a beautiful, poignant, and precise rendition that knocked the socks off of Conan O’Brian when Jake was on his show. Jake is not new to the music scene. He’s played with the likes of Ziggy Marley and Jimmy Buffet, and has also been the opening act for Fiona Apple and Cyndi Lauper. I can’t say enough about this talented and generous person; accept that he’s huge in Japan and Hawaii and 32-year-old Jake views the ukulele as an “untapped source of music with unlimited potential.” This is Jake’s premiere performance in Alaska so get on down the road and buy some tickets! Sunday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Presented by Anchorage Concert Association. Tickets are available through CenterTix.net, 263-ARTS at the Performing Arts Center box office.
Dami Restaurant is keeping the standard of excellent Japanese food high in Anchorage. Not only is the food delicious, but also the atmosphere is unique. The dining area is lit tastefully and the water feature is grandiose. I can’t keep my eyes off the Koi pond before, during, or after dining. Dami is certainly not going to catch your eye from the outside, because it’s not much to look at. It’s on the ground floor of the Econolodge on Gambell and 5th, but that doesn’t stop Dami from consistently offering some of the best Japanese food in Anchorage. Dami isn’t cheap, but the freshness is impressive and their Special Rolls are prepared beautifully. I would also recommend any of the tempura and teriyaki dishes. Also the chicken with Udon noodles was quite tasty. Hours: Open every day Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday Noon-10 p.m. Tel: (907) 274-5211.

Write to me about events or places of interest: rosebud61155@mac.com Or check out my blog: www.rosemondpost.com