Best Bets
■ The Kenai Peninsula Orchestra’s Evening of Classics fundraiser will take place on Friday at 7 p.m., at Soldotna Christ Lutheran Church. Tickets are $15.00 at the door for general admission, all youth are admitted free. The Evening of Classics features many local musicians performing solos and chamber music as well as the Redoubt Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Tammy Vollom-Matturro, as well as the Peninsula Jazz Orchestra. Jenny Neyman, local radio announcer and newspaper publisher, will be the emcee. You’ll hear music performed by Tomoka Raften, Mi’shell French, Tammy Vollom-Matturro, Ida Pearson, Mary Broderick, Maria Allison, Jessica Bickham, Simon Nissen, Peter Norton, Rodney French, Virginia Cuffe, Keri Ann Peek, the wind ensemble Zephyrus, in addition to the two larger ensembles. The evening includes a baton auction, where the audience bids on an opportunity to conduct the Redoubt Orchestra in one composition! It’s always a lot of fun, with tons of talent and great music.
Events and Exhibitions
■ “Hot Crossed Squares,” an exhibition of quilt work by Maria Shell, is on display at the Gary Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College. The exhibit runs through Oct. 16.
■ The KPC Showcase Series returns. All events are in the McLane Commons, at Kenai River Campus, Kenai Peninsula College and are free and open to the public.
— October 8, 6:30 p.m.: History of Beer in Alaska. In honor of Alaska Book Week, local author Bill Howell will be making a presentation on the history of beer and brewing in Alaska, as chronicled in his recently published book: Alaska Beer: Liquid Gold in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
— October 15, 6:30 p.m.: Bhutan: The Hidden Kingdom – Travelogue Presentation. Bhutan, land of the dragon, famous for measuring its Gross National Happiness, is the only Mahayana Buddhist country in the world. In the foothills of the Himalaya, it is bordered by Tibet and India. Dr. Paul Landen, KPC Associate Professor of Psychology and instructor of the Eastern and Western Religion courses, spent 11 days in Bhutan this summer. He will introduce you to this fascinating country of ancient fortresses, Buddhist monasteries and breathtaking natural beauty. Because Bhutan has Tantric (ritualized sexuality) tendencies there will be adult themes presented in the presentation.
— October 22, 6:30: Alaska Fisher Poets. Join local fisher poets, celebrating the sea and the commercial fishing life. Many of these participants performed at the annual Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon last spring. More info to come.
■ The Pratt Museum’s 30th Anniversary Ritz, with the theme “Havana Nights! Ritz at the CopaCabana,” is Nov. 7 at Wasabi’s in Homer. Celebrating the 1940s and 50s that was Cuba in its heyday, this year’s Ritz will include Cuban food, music, dancing, diamonds, pearls, bright lights, rum, and cigars (to take outdoors). The event will feature a live and silent auction, featuring artwork and other items donated by artists, businesses and individuals throughout Alaska. All funds raised at the Ritz will help the Pratt Museum continue to increase the diversity and quality of its exhibits and programs. Call Michele Miller at 435-3343 for more information.
Entertainment
■ The Kasilof Pinochle Club will meet Oct. 10 at noon at Hooligan’s in Soldotna for an organizational meeting and play day tournament. Anyone interested in playing can call Jay at 907-252-6397. Club play runs from mid-October to mid-April Saturdays from noon-5 p.m. Bring your own partner as the club plays team partnerships.
■ Veronica’s in Old town Kenai has open mic from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, live music from The Pepper Shakers from 7-9 p.m. on Friday and Holly Wiley from 7-9 p.m. Saturday.
■ The Alaska Roadhouse Bar and Grill hosts a blind draw Horseshoe Tournament every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Blind draw, double elimination, food, fun and cash prizes. Call 907-262-9887 for more information.
■ Beginning square dance classes will be held on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Senior Center. Classes are open to participants of all ages. For more information, call Theresa Lusby at 360-790-1757, or the Sterling Senior Center at 907-262-6808.
■ Beginning square dance classes will be held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. at the Kenai Senior Center. Classes are open to participants ages 10 and up. For more information, call Theresa Lusby at 360-790-1757, or the Kenai Senior Center at 907-283-8211.
■ The Corner Cafe in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna has open mic night for all writers, storytellers and poets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.
■ A bluegrass jam takes place on the first Sunday of the month at from 1-4 p.m. at the Mount Redoubt Baptist Church on South Lovers Loop in Nikiski.
■ The Flats Bistro on Kalifornsky Beach Road has live music with Garrett Mayer on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Raymond Machen-Gray on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
■ An all acoustic jam takes place every Thursday. The jam is at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna on the first Thursday of the month, and at the Kenai Senior Center during the rest of the month. Jam starts at 6:30 p.m.
■ AMVETS Post 4 is open to all military veterans and their families for support and camaraderie. Join us for Friday night tacos, or Saturday night steaks with Karaoke. Sunday afternoon it’s super hamburgers. Not a member? Stop by and we can show you how to become a part of this special veteran’s organization. AMVETS is located in the Red Diamond Center next door to IDEA Schools.
■ Sharpen your dart skills with a fun tournament every Sunday during the season at the AmVets in the Red Diamond Center. The number of players will determine the game. Sign up begins at 1 p.m. For more information call 907-262-3540.
■ Odie’s Deli in Soldotna has live music Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Pub Quiz night every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.
■ The Bow bar in Kenai has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and live music Fridays, Saturdays at 10 p.m.
■ Hooligans Saloon in Soldotna has poker Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. and live music Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
■ The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and DJ Arisen on Saturdays.
■ Mykel’s in Soldotna has live music Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with Bob Ramponi and Dave Unruh.
■ The Soldotna library hosts a board game night on Tuesdays from 5-7:45 p.m. in the conference rooms, 235 N. Binkley Street. It’s time to get your game on! Have you ever wanted to try something other than another round of Monopoly, or to break out of that old Scrabble routine? Come ready to meet new people, engage your imagination, and have a great time.
Markets, fairs and bazaars
■ The Central Peninsula Special Olympics Vendor Fair fundraiser is Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Peninsula Grace Brethren Church on Kalifornsky Beach Road. The event will feature numerous vendors, asilent auction and door prizes. All funds raised benefit Central Peninsula Special Olympic athletes. Interested vendors may contact Tina Strayhorn at 907-223-1255.
■ Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church will host its 3rd Annual Craft Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, at 225 S. Spruce Street in Kenai across from the Kenai Little League Fields. To reserve a table, contact Lori at 283-3315 or Karen at 350-0843.
■ The Central Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary is now accepting vendor applications for the 11th Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale which will take place Dec. 7-8. Interested parties can pick up an application at the Care Package, Hospital Gift Shop. Applications are due returned to the Gift Shop no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 12.
Films
■ Call Orca Theaters at 262-7003 for listings and times.
■ Call Kambe Cinemas at 283-4554 for listings and times.
Down the Road
■ The Pratt Museum in Homer is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.prattmuseum.org.
Submissions may be emailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.
