By Mauri Parks
Turnagain Times Correspondent

Ken Smith/Turnagain Times A paraglider prepares to land in Moose Meadows.

Holy Smokes! Forest fires up north held residents of the Turnagain Arm area hostage with smoke, ash, and heavy haze that hung thick in the air for over a week.
Now that the air is clear, summer has never felt better in Glacier Valley. Sweatin’ Honey is sure to make you hit the scene Thursday, July 16 at Maxine’s Glacier City Bistro. To dance is to celebrate the harmony of music, life, and living. Forest Fair was an awesome success, not a cloud to speak of and a celebratory mellow vibe. Absolutely fantastic.
The bounty of summer gardens and fresh fish is being served up in kitchens all over the valley including many of our fine dining establishments.
Try out some live music on the other side of the Arm in Hope, perhaps camp by the water and then hike and bask in the exquisite beauty of the Kenai peninsula. This is the best summer vacation yet. It’s nice to replenish Vit-D levels in the body and take advantage of Alaska sunshine.
Some people only dream about being up here, get on out there and live the dream.

Thursday July 16
Believe me, Sweatin’ Honey will make you sweat @ Maxine’s Glacier City Bistro 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., 21+, $7 cover.
Every Thursday night is open mic night @ The Seaview Cafe. Hosted by Andy Mullen, festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Friday July 17
Come and hang out in Hope with Ice Jam with Jim Sandy and Woody @ the Seaview Cafe.
Gil Rodriquez on Maxine’s center stage, be there or be square.
Catch the Whipsaws @ the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian, there will be a cover.
Dan Lesperance hosting open mic night @ The Silvertip Grill.

Saturday July 18
Denali Cooks, a quintessential Alaskan band and crowd favorite, playing @ the Seaview Cafe in Hope.
2009 Mountain Bike Criterium Race hosted by Alyeska Resort, all ages, registration begins @ 9 a.m.
Last chance to catch the Whipsaws @ the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian, there will be a cover.

Sunday July 19
Bobby Corona and Mario Modelo 2 p.m. @ the Seaview Cafe for your afternoon listening pleasure.

Thursday July 23
Every Thursday night is open mic night @ The Seaview Cafe. Hosted by Andy Mullen, festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Friday July 24
Dan Lesperance hosting open mic night @ The Silvertip Grill.
Bob Parsons entertaining in Hope @ the Seaview Cafe.

Saturday July 25
Shu3 @ the Seaview Cafe at the end of Main St. in Hope, 21+, $5 cover.

Thursday July 30
Every Thursday night is open mic night @ The Seaview Cafe. Hosted by Andy Mullen, festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Friday July 31
Dan Lesperance hosting open mic night @ The Silvertip Grill.
The Seaview Cafe in Hope serving up the hot gypsy swing sounds of Hot Club of Nunaka.

Saturday August 1
Snazzy sounds of the Snapping Turtle Jazz Band @ The Seaview Cafe.

Thursday August 6
Every Thursday night is open mic night @ The Seaview Cafe. Hosted by Andy Mullen, festivities begin at 7 p.m.

If you know of any events and would like to have them included in the next installment of The Girdwood Scene, please email them to us at news@turnagaintimes.com.