Best Bets
■ Christmas in the Park is Saturday at Soldotna Creek Park. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, the tree lighting and a screening of the Polar Express to welcome in the holiday season. Fun begins at 5 p.m.
■ The Kenai Performers presents Sudden Theatre, an evening of 10-minute plays (rated PG-13) in the theater’s rental space behind Subway on K-Beach Road. The event will also feature a silent auction, appetizers and no-host beer and wine. There will be showings at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 at the door. For more information, call Terri at 252-6808 or Sally at 394-8104.
Events and Exhibits
■ Opening First Thursday, today, will be a showing of black and white photography and drawings by Sue Biggs and Mary Broderick. The show birthed after collaboration began between Sue and Mary to produce visual arts to be displayed as music flowed during Kenai Peninsula Orchestra events. Their show will hang through Jan. 28, 2017 at Kenai Fine Art Center, at 816 Cook Avenue in Old Town Kenai. All galleries are open from noon to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, manned by volunteer artist participation. Call 907-283-7040 for further information.
■ The Redoubt Chamber Orchestra and the Kenai Peninsula Singers present “An Evening of Christmas” on Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at the KCHS Renee C. Henderson Auditorium. This concert, conducted by Tammy Vollom-Matturro and Simon Nissen, is an evening filled with holiday music such as “Let It Snow!,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” and many more. There will be audience sing-alongs and the “Hallelujah Chorus” performed by all. Tickets available at the door.
■ The 12th annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival will show in Soldotna on Dec. 10 at River City Wellness Center. This screening is hosted by River City Wellness Center on the Kenai Spur Highway in Soldotna with all proceeds benefiting Tsalteshi Trails Association. The Backcountry Film Festival is produced each year by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered experience and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. Immerse yourself in a night of films that capture the spirit of winter. Adventure, environment and climate, youth outdoors, ski culture — you’ll find it all in this award winning lineup. Beer and raffle tickets will be available. For complete festival lineup and film program visit backcountryfilmfestival.org. Doors open 6:30 p.m., films begin 7:30 p.m. Admission is free with current paid TTA membership (can renew at the door), $15 for film only; tickets are available at the door. Bring something comfortable to sit on!
■ Kenai Performers present a weekly, drama club for youth in grades 7-12. The group meets on Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., in same building as Subway restaurant on Kaliforsnky Beach Road (backside of building). Club dues $50/month. Discount for siblings. Call Terri, 252-6808 or Sally, 394-8104 for more information.
■ ARTspace Drawer is on display at the Soldotna Library, the first annual collection of locally created 2D art. The first of its kind in Alaska, this display is made possible by a partnership between Soldotna Rotary, ARTspace Inc., and the Soldotna Public Library.
Entertainment
■ The Vagabond Inn, Mile 14.1 Kalifornsky Beach Road, has live music with Roy Mullin and Grady Nelson playing all your oldie favorites at 9 p.m. Saturday.
■ The Duck in on Kalifornsky Beach Road will host an ugly sweater Christmas party Dec. 17, with prizes for the ugliest sweater in the men’s and women’s categories. Festivities start at 9 p.m.; contest at 11 p.m.
The Kasilof Pinochle Club season is under way at noon on Saturdays. The season runs through April 15, 2017. Call the club’s president, Jay Vienup, at 907-252-6397 with any questions.
■ Veronica’s in Old Town Kenai has Open Mic on Thursday at 6 p.m. live music at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call 283-2725.
■ 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 Daniel Tuttle Mondays from 6-8 p.m.; Pat Wendt on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m.; Garrett Mayer on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; and Robb Justice on Fridays from 8-10 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 has reopened in its brand new building on K-Beach across from Jumpin Junction. Eligible veterans and their families are invited to stop by to find out more about AmVets and their involvement in the Veteran community. For members and invited guests, Friday night dance to DJ Roy, and Saturday Burn your own steak and karaoke with Frank.
■ 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.
■ Michael Shawn and the Graceland Connection will play at the Vagabond Inn on K-Beach Road on Nov. 19 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Markets, fairs and bazaars
■ There will be a regular bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday at the Blazy Mall in Soldotna through November and December.
■ The Homer Council on the Arts annual Nutcracker Faire is Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 4, noon to 6 p.m. Live music, local food and handmade gifts, and even an appearance by Santa!
■ The Friends of the Soldotna Public Library Holiday Extravaganza with art, books and crafts plus a specialty bake sale is Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Community Room of the Soldotna Public Library. All proceeds support activities, programs and items for the Soldotna Public Library.
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 from noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.prattmuseum.org.
■ “Inspired by Diaries” is on display at the Pratt Museum in Homer, featuring artwork inspired by personal and historical diaries. Also on exhibit will be numerous excerpts and original historical diaries from the Pratt Collections. This exhibit runs through December 31, 2016.
Submissions may be emailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.
