What’s Happening

Best Bets

■ The Soldotna Library is hosting an Alaskan themed art show displaying work of several local artists. The art will be on display through August 3. The library is currently doing a Call to Artists through July 24 with a theme of “People.” Artists can pick up submittal forms at the Soldotna Library in the entryway on the Friends bulletin board or on the Soldotna Library Friends website.

Events and Exhibits

■ The Kenai River Quilt Tour is under way, with quilts made by local artists on display at the following locations: Chez Moi Boutique, Dragonfly Gallery, Fine Thyme Café, Frames and Things, Homestead Jewelers, J&H Sewing & Vacuum, Northcountry Fair, Orange Poppy, River City Books, Robin Place Fabrics, Soldotna Visitor Center, Susan’s Bath & Body Boutique, Sweeney’s Clothing, and Trinity Greenhouse.

■ Peninsula Artists in Motion Dance Company announces free workshops and auditions for women ages 17 and up with previous dance experience to be held at Encore Dance Academy, 110 Haller Street in Kenai. Workshops are 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 22 and 29. Auditions are Aug. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Katrina at peninsulaartistsinmotion@hotmail.com, visit peninsulaartistsinmotion.shutterfly.com, find Peninsula Artists in Motion on Facebook.

■ The Kenai Peninsula Orchestra Summer Music Festival kicks off with the Peninsula Jazz Orchestra during Soldotna Progress Days in the new Pavilion at Soldotna Creek Park, July 26 from 2-4 p.m. The Noontime Tunes series continues on the central Kenai Peninsula with the following performances:

July 21 — Odie’s Deli, Soldotna, Ashley & Friends (variety)

July 27 —Kaladi’s (Kobuk) in Soldotna, Matt (drums) & Logan (baritone) Boyle

July 28 — Odie’s Deli, Kenai, Dan “Dirty D” & Amy Lou (singer/songwriter)

July 29 —The Flats Bistro, Raleigh, Keri Ann & Friends (variety)

July 30 — Soldotna Public Library, Madison String Quartet

July 31 — Kenai Public Library, Central Peninsula Community Orchestra, Flute Students of Tomoka Raften

August 3 — Kaladi’s (Kobuk) in Soldotna, KPO Horns

August 4 — Odie’s Deli (Soldotna), Zephyrus Winds

August 5 — Kenai Visitor’s Center, Armin Abdihodzic (guitar)

August 6 — Kenai Fine Arts Center, Members of eighth blackbird

August 7 — Charlotte’s in Kenai, Sharman (oboe) & Jari (cello) Piper

The festival continues with a chamber concert with the Madison String Quartet & Friends July 31 at 7:30 pm Christ Lutheran Church, Soldotna, and the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra Gala Concert August 8 at Renee C. Henderson Auditorium at Kenai Central High School at 7:30 p.m. Find more information, a schedule of Homer events and ticket information at kpoalaska.com/events/summer-music-festival/.

■ Kenai River Council on the Arts and The Peninsula Art Guild are inviting artists to apply for month long Exhibitions in Calendar Years 2016 and 2017 at the Kenai Fine Arts Center in Old Town Kenai. Artists applying for solo, shared or group shows, please provide the following:

— Up to 12 labeled images (digital, slide, and or print) representative of recent work, with 3-D artists providing additional views of art works as needed.

— A separate image sheet, including title of piece, media, dimensions and when the piece was made.

— A proposal for your show (could include floor plan if needed). If you have a theme you are aiming for, this would be the place for that.

— A one-page Artist Statement.

Submit entries by mailing to: Peninsula Art Guild/Kenai River Arts Council, P.O. Box 703, Kenai, AK 99611; by email to ourkfac@gmail.com; or drop off at the Kenai Fine Arts Center, 816 Cook Avenue, Old Town Kenai.

■ The Kenai Performers will host two drama camps this summer. The first camp, for ages 8-12, is under way, with a show on July 11 at 2 p.m. Camp for ages 13-17 is under way, with a show on July 17 at 7 p.m. Both camps are being held at the old Peninsula Athletic Club (in the same building as Subway) on Kalifornsky Beach Road.

■ The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank’s annual fundraiser, the Soup Supper and Auction will be held on Aug. 29 at Kenai Central High School beginning at 5:30 p.m. For Soup Supper tickets, please call 262-3111 or stop by the Food Bank at 33955 Community College Drive in Soldotna. Tables for 8 may be reserved by calling the Food Bank. Tickets are also available at Charlotte’s in Kenai and River City Books in Soldotna. Tickets are $40 each through July 31, beginning August 1 they are $50 each. Volunteers needed now and on August 29.

Entertainment

■ Veronica’s in Old Town Kenai has open mic on Thursday from 6-8 p.m., and live music with The Pepper Shakers on Friday from 7-10 p.m. and Connor Larson on Saturday from 7-10 p.m.

■ The Vagabond Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road will have live music with Gary Sloan and Jim Lassiter at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and will host the KDLL public radio 3rd annual BBQ, Burgers & Blues fundraiser, with various local musicians, food, and a beer garden from 3-9 p.m. Saturday.

■ Stop by Soldotna Creek Park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a new Music in the Park series. This free “Live after Five” series will also include extended hours for the Wednesday Market so you won’t miss out on local food, vendors, craft beer and some fantastic local musicians. Bring a blanket and enjoy our new park with the entire family. For a full schedule visit www.visitsoldotna.com.

■ 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 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 Pinochle Club, formerly from Kasilof, plays at Hooligans Bar & Restaurant in Soldotna Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Questions? Call Jay Vienup at 907-252-6397.

■ The Soldotna library hosts a board game night on Tuesdays from 5 p.m.-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 Sterling Senior Center will hold a flea market Fridays through August 28. Participants can rent space for $10 a day. Renters must provide their own tables. To rent a space call Michelle at the Center at 262-6808.

■ The Central Kenai Peninsula Farmer’s Market is open each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m until mid-September at the corner of Corral Street and the Kenai Spur Highway at the bus turnaround. The market features only Alaskan Grown and Alaska Made products and includes fresh baked goods, jams, jellies, fresh vegetables and hand made gift items. New vendors are welcome. For more information, call Carolyn at 262-7502.

■ The Farmers Fresh Market is open Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. until September in Kenai Peninsula Food Bank parking lot, at the corner of Kalifornsky Beach Road and Community College Drive. The only all-food market in the central peninsula benefits the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank. Call 907-260-5295.

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 daily from 10 a.m. to 6 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.

More in Life

This apple cinnamon quinoa granola is only mildly sweet, perfect as a topping for honeyed yogurt or for eating plain with milk. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Building warm memories of granola and grandma

My little boy can hop on his bike or wet his boots in the mud puddles on the way to see his grandparents

Photo provided by Sally Oberstein
Dancers at the Homer Mariner Theater perform in Nice Moves during the Alaska World Arts Festival in 2022.
The Alaska World Arts Festival returns to Homer

The festival will begin Sept. 13 and run through Sept. 26.

Pictured in an online public portrait is Anthony J. Dimond, the Anchorage judge who presided over the sentencing hearing of William Franke, who pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Ethen Cunningham in January 1948.
States of Mind: The death of Ethen Cunningham — Part 5

A hearing was held to determine the length of William Franke’s prison sentence

Flyer for the Kenai Performers’ production of “The Bullying Collection” and “Girl in the Mirror.” (Provided by Kenai Performers)
Kenai Performers tackle heavy topics in compilation show

The series runs two weekends, Sept. 12-15 and Sept. 19-22

This excerpt from a survey dating back more than a century shows a large meander at about Mile 6 of the Kenai River. Along the outside of this river bend in 1948 were the homestead properties of Ethen Cunningham, William Franke and Charles “Windy” Wagner.
States of Mind: The death of Ethen Cunningham — Part 4

Franke surrendered peacefully and confessed to the killing, but the motive for the crime remained in doubt.

This nutritious and calorie-dense West African Peanut Stew is rich and complex with layers of flavor and depth. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Change of taste for the changing season

Summer is coming to an end

Rozzi Redmond’s painting “Icy Straits” depicts her experience of sailing to Seward through a particularly rough region of the Inside Passage. Redmond’s show will be on display at Homer Council on the Arts until Sept. 2, 2024. (Emilie Springer/Homer News)
‘A walk through looking glass’

Abstract Alaska landscape art by Rozzi Redmond on display in Homer through Monday

File
Minister’s Message: Living wisely

Wisdom, it seems, is on all of our minds

Children dance as Ellie and the Echoes perform the last night of the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series at Soldotna Creek Park on Wednesday. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna music series wraps up season with local performers

The city is in the second year of its current three-year grant from the Levitt Foundation

Emilie Springer/ Homer News
Liam James, Javin Schroeder, Leeann Serio and Mike Selle perform in “Leaving” during last Saturday’s show at Pier One Theatre on the Spit.
Homer playwrights get their 10 minutes onstage

“Slices” 10-minute play festival features local works

Charles “Windy” Wagner, pictured here in about the year in which Ethen Cunningham was murdered, was a neighbor to both the victim and the accused, William Franke. (Photo courtesy of the Knackstedt Collection)
States of Mind: The death of Ethen Cunningham — Part 3

The suspect was homesteader William Henry Franke

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Bring it on

It’s now already on the steep downslide of August and we might as well be attending a wake on the beach