61º North Magazine - Sept. 2014 by Anchorage Daily News

SEPTEMBER 2014

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R P E O P L E W I T H L AT I T U D E TM

Arts PREVIEW LL

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST

ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE SEASON

A FEAST FOR THE EYES LOCAL RESTAURANTS SERVE UP EDIBLE WORKS OF ART

SCARED SCRIPTLESS IMPROV KEEPING ANCHORAGE LAUGHING YEAR AFTER YEAR

GALLERY GUIDE FOR DEVOTEES OF ALASKA ART, THE OPPORTUNITY TO INDULGE IS HERE

Lyle Love Multitt music Grammy Aw ia a

n co m r ing d-winnin t h i s f a to A n c h o r a g ge ll. Sept e

m Atw ood ber 20t Con cert h Hall

TICKETS ON SALE NOW CELTIC WOMAN DECEMBER 5-7, 2014

LES MISÉRABLES OCTOBER 17-26, 2014

UK UKULELE ORCHESTRA NOVEMBER 1, 2014

PAULA COLE NOVEMBER 14, 2014

2CELLOS MARCH 13, 2015

IRA GLASS MARCH 14, 2015

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET MARCH 17-22, 2015

BODYVOX MARCH 27 & 28, 2015

SISTER ACT MAY 12-17, 2015

GET TICKETS CALL 263-ARTS

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NOTE

“Fall” in Love with Alaska this Season

“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” -William Cullen Bryant The leaves and underbrush have started to turn their myriad of brilliant colors, sunsets coincide with an appropriate bedtime and the air is crisp, but not yet cold. It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone and that autumn has eased in on Anchorage once again. But thankfully, for Alaskans, the transition is an effortless one. We relish fall in all its beauty, excitement and energy. Of course, exploring the Last Frontier is a great idea any time of the year, but fall is particularly special. Besides the incredible beauty of our state, there is berry picking, hiking sans pesky mosquitoes, Aurora viewing, and cultural events galore. In fact, the Anchorage arts scene goes into overdrive this season. That’s why our Fall Arts Preview (beginning on pg. 6) is an essential tool for making sure you don’t miss out. From performance to visual and even culinary arts, in this issue of the magazine we aim to tell you as much as we can about the best ways to experi-

ence the arts in the coming months. And as the summer tourist frenzy is dwindling, it’s no secret that autumn inspires the urge to take off for a long weekend. Our “Fall Escapes” feature (pg. 33) focuses on three destinations, all accessible by the road system, for the perfect getaway full of outdoor activities, cozy inns, and even a little pampering. Thinking about heading north? Don’t miss the opportunity to read about Peter LaFrance’s weekend adventure traveling the Dalton Highway (pg. 36). Peter shares with us his gorgeous photos, travel anecdotes and an insider tip to consider when snapping the “obligatory photo” at N 66˚ 33’(the Arctic Circle sign indicating the location of the point where the sun doesn’t set on summer solstice)—I’ll give you a hint: ice cream. As your read this issue I hope you are inspired to experience and savor what the arts community has to offer. Enjoy the fall season—winter will be here soon enough. Aili Peyton, Editor

EDITOR

Aili Peyton apeyton@adn.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Viki Spiroska DESIGN

Cathy Rhodes CONTRIBUTORS

Brandon Allen, Marcus Biastock, Chris Bieri, Riza Brown, Tonia Burrows, Julie Drake, Bob Hallinen, Anne Herman, Shannon Kuhn, Peter Lafrance, Lisa Maloney, Amy Newman, Jeremy Pataky, Justin Persons, Nina Wladkowski PHOTO TECHNICIAN

Lonnie Burgener LAYOUT

Kelly Day-Lewis ADVERTISING MANAGER

Joy Bax ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Jesse Busick, Ryan Estrada, Linda Gutierrez, Nick Humphreys, Brandi Nelson, David Nolen, Cyndi Ramirez, Emily Rohrabaugh, Linda Smith, Erika Watsjold Copyright © Alaska Dispatch News P.O. Box 149001, Anchorage, 99514

LYLE LOVETT

FOURTIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN, Lyle Lovett, coming to the Atwood Concert Hall this September 20th.

Arts PREVIEW

On the Cover:

SEPTEMBER 2014

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R P E O P L E W I T H L AT I T U D E

61˚ NORTH MAILBOX

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST ANTICIPATED EVENTS OF THE SEASON

Have a question or opinion? Send a letter to the editor: apeyton@adn.com

A FEAST FOR THE EYES LOCAL RESTAURANTS SERVE UP EDIBLE WORKS OF ART

SCARED SCRIPTLESS IMPROV

Photo courtesy of Anchorage Concert Association

KEEPING ANCHORAGE LAUGHING YEAR AFTER YEAR

Lyle Love tt

Multimusici Grammy Aw an com ard-wi nning ing this fallto Anchorage

GALLERY GUIDE

. Sep Atw tember ood Conce 20th rt Ha ll

FOR DEVOTEES OF ALASKA ART, THE OPPORTUNITY TO INDULGE IS HERE

| September 2014 | 61˚North

Please send letters to the editor to apeyton@ adn.com, and include your name, city of residence and phone number. We cannot guarantee publication of letters, and we reserve the right to edit the letters for length.

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Fall Arts

EDITION

Cultural Aﬀairs 6 FALL ARTS PREVIEW 10 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 13 BOOKCASE Literature Goes Viral

14 SCARED SCRIPTLESS IMPROV Keeping Anchorage laughing year after year.

17 GALLERY GUIDE 20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Locavore 23 SOMMELIER Art of Wine

24 FEAST FOR THE EYES Local restaurants serve up edible works of art.

27 CHEF’S SECRET The Art of Plating

28 SPICING UP ANCHORAGE 31 DINING GUIDE

Wildside 33 FALL ESCAPES Destinations to relax, recoup and find adventure this season.

36 TRAVELING THE DALTON HIGHWAY

True Alaskan 40 JO MICHALSKI

Alaska Living 42 FEATURED HOME

Body, Mind & Spirit

Brick by Brick Opening Oct. 3rd Anchorage Museum P. 6

45 POWER YOUR HEALTH

Pipeline 46 20Q adn.com

61˚North | September 2014 |

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

Fall Arts Preview

All the Best in theatre, dance, visual arts and more. BY

Nina Wladkowski

s daylight dims in Anchorage, the stage lights strike up and the air stirs with anticipation of the upcoming fall arts season. This year there’s something for everyone – big Broadway productions, intimate and intellectual plays, and music from around the world, all culminating in the celebration of the holidays. Start off the season at Cyrano’s Playhouse for 4000 Miles, running September 4th – 28th. This Pulitzer Prize nominated drama by Amy Herzog tells the story of how an eccentric grandmother and her young grandson learn to be under the same roof. Sandy Harper, producing artistic director, describes the play as a tale of “loss and picking up your life again.” Looking for a soulful sound this fall? Check out Grammy award-winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton, September 12th at the Atwood Concert Hall. Prefer indie rock instead? Head to Bear Tooth Theatrepub and catch a special concert with Baltimore-based dream pop duo Beach House on September 18th. Recently named the “Texas State Musician” and traveling to Alaska for the first time, icon of American music and Grammyaward winner Lyle Lovett, rocks the Atwood Concert Hall on September 20th. His one night show is guaranteed to be one of the leading highlights of the year. The Anchorage Symphony’s Opening Night, September 27th, features returning pianist Olga Kern and music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Silbeius. “We are absolutely thrilled that Olga Kern is returning to play with us to kick off our season and celebrate the new acoustical shell at the Atwood,” Musical Director and Maestro Randall Craig Fleisher rejoiced. “She’s an amazing musician and particularly powerful when she plays Rachmaninoff.” 6

| September 2014 | 61˚North

CLOCKWISE

LYLE LOVETT,

SEPTEMBER 20th at the Atwood Concert Hall. Photo courtesy of Anchorage Concert Association.

CELTIC WOMAN,

DECEMBER 5th  7th at the Atwood Concert Hall. Photo courtesy of Anchorage Concert Association.

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If you are looking to take a break from music and enjoy some visual arts with a hint of fun, bring the family to Brick by Brick, an Anchorage Museum exhibit opening October 3rd. The exhibit features two prominent artist’s work with the popular toy Legos. Incredible sculptures, pop culture references and historical scenes demonstrate how versatile the small building blocks can be in the worlds of art, science, mathematics and engineering. Catch some up-and-coming young talent at UAA Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of The Fantasticks, October 3rd-19th. The classic Broadway musical is a magical tale of boy meets girl. If you’d like to support local filmmakers head over to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub for the 48 Hour Film Fest on October 4th. This will be the largest showing of local films in the theatre’s many festivals throughout the season.

One of the most anticipated ACA productions of the season is Les Miserables. Set in revolutionary France, this award-winning Broadway musical has become a beloved favorite around the world.

TERI ROFKAR,

NOVEMBER 6th at the Anchorage Museum. Photo courtesy of the Anchorage Museum.

Escape October’s chill and see the Leftover Cuties, presented by the Anchorage Concert Association (ACA) on October 11th. This LA pop band brings fun and happiness to the stage. Jason Grenn, former ACA marketing manager, says “it feels like you are in Southern California” when you enter the concert hall and watch this group perform. The most anticipated ACA production of the 2014-2015 season is Les Miserables, October 17th-26th. Set in revolutionary France, this award-winning Broadway musical has become a beloved favorite around the world. Prepare to have your heart lifted with its many incredible songs, including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Stars” and “Bring Him Home.” Don’t forget to bring tissues, as this musical is certain to bring a tear to your eye. Perseverance Theatre presents An Iliad, a contemporary tale based off the Homer epic written by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, October 24th-November 2nd at the Sydney Lawrence Theatre. “When the house lights dim, you will experience in its truest form: One person telling an amazing story,” explained Bostin Christopher, artistic associate at Perseverance Theatre. “There will also be a musician onstage playing the cello to accompany and enhance the experience.” Join the Alaska Chamber Singers and the Anchorage Conadn.com

61˚North | September 2014 |

FALL ARTS PREVIEW cert Chorus Chorale for an evening filled with choral music ranging from the Renaissance to the present, October 25th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and October 26th at St. Andrew Church in Eagle River. They will be performing works for multiple choirs, including Sarah Hopkin’s Past Life Melodies and Thomas Tallis’ 40-part motet Spem in alium. Alaska Junior Theater’s Halloween production of Schoolhouse Rock Live on October 31st in the Atwood Concert Hall

takes place in Nagasaki, Japan in 1904 and follows the story of U.S. Naval Officer Pinkerton and a young girl known as Butterfly. This year the Anchorage Opera is going back to the story’s roots to take a deep look into the hearts of the characters. Former Executive Director Kevin Patterson describes it as “an opportunity to see things in a different way and leave the theater seeing the world and our place in it in a different way”. Spend an evening viewing the Northern Lights with the

LEFT: Brick by Brick opening at the Anchorage Museum October 3rd.

RIGHT: “It’s All Material” on view at the Anchorage Museum November 7th through February 22. Photos courtesy of Anchorage Museum.

is a must-see for families. Show up in costume and participate in the post-show Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Party for a truly memorable evening. Held in conjunction with the exhibit It’s All Material, the Anchorage Museum’s Smithsonian Spotlight will be on Tlingit artist Teri Rofkar on November 6th. You won’t want to miss Rofkar speak about the methods and cultural significance of Tlingit ceremonial robes, which can take up to 2,000 hours, or 83 days, to weave. The Anchorage Opera begins their season with Puccini’s famous opera Madame Butterfly, November 7th-9th at the Discovery Theatre. The opera, based on the play by David Belasco which was adapted from a short story by John Luther Long,

Anchorage Symphony Orchestra during Aurora Tales, November 15th in the Atwood Concert Hall. The symphony will perform Legend of the Northern Lights by Theofanidis, a new piece, while visuals of the Northern Lights presented by Dr. José Francisco Salgado show overhead. Conductor Fleisher describes the evening as “amazing images of the Aurora combined with unique music from one of America’s rising composers.” The Anchorage Museum explores “the emotions and behaviors that manifest after hours of darkness and isolation” with the exhibit Cabin Fever running November 21st – February 15th. Cabin Fever will feature contemporary photography and film, shine light, humor and clarity on a topic well known in an Alaskan winter.

| September 2014 | 61˚North

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Delve into some Shakespeare with UAA Theatre and Dance Department’s presentation of Twelfth Night, or What You Will, November 21st – December 7th, filled with mistaken identity, practical jokes, love and music. This show brings one of the Bards beloved comedies to our own hamlet. Anchorage has a lot to offer this year’s holiday season, kicking off with the 27th annual performance of The Nutcracker, presented by the Anchorage Concert Association and featur-

Anchorage Concert Chorus on December 7th at West High School. Join the Alaska Chamber Singers for a classical sound this holiday season with their concert Noel, December 12th – December 13th at St. Patrick’s Church and December 14th at St. Andrew’s Church. Perseverance Theatre stages A Christmas Carol this season with a special adaptation co-authored by Anchorage based play write Arlitia Jones and co-authored and directed by Cincinnati

Anchorage has a lot to offer this year’s holiday season, kicking off with the 27th annual performance of The Nutcracker. ing the Eugene Ballet Company, the Alaska Dance Theater and the Anchorage Symphony, running November 28th – November 30th at the Atwood Concert Hall. The Anchorage Concert Association also presents Celtic Woman on their Home for Christmas tour from December 5th – December 7th, bringing these sensational ladies to Alaska for the first time. Sing along with the community performed Messiah, conducted by Adam Ackerman, presented in association with the

Playhouse in the Park’s Artistic Associate Michael Haney, December 19th-28th in the Discovery Theatre. Finally, bring the whole family and sing in the holiday season with the Anchorage Concert Chorus’ Family Holiday Pops concert, December 21st in the Atwood Concert Hall. It will be an evening guaranteed to leave you feeling joyful while enjoying “holiday fare with new twists, old tunes and a ton of fun,” as described by Executive Director Sandy Adams.

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61˚North | September 2014 |

ARTS PROFILE

Artists in Residence

Rasmuson program builds bridges between Alaska and the Lower 48. Daubert’s work from ”My String Calendar for Homer, Alaska”, courtesy of Bunnell Street Arts Center.

Jeremy Pataky

crowd gathered in Cleveland, Ohio recently to experience two very different bodies of work created by a pair of artists brought together by the Rasmuson Foundation. Cleveland-born-and-based Melissa Daubert exhibited “My String Calendar for Homer, Alaska.” Her work was inspired by the Dena’ina string calendars, also called “counting cords,” that she saw in the “Dena’inaq’ Huch’ulyeshi: The Dena’ina Way of Living” exhibit at the Anchorage Museum last fall. String calendar making is a traditional Dena’ina method of tracking time by tying knots in a piece of sinew each day. Key dates and celebrations were marked by tying on a bead, bit of cloth or feather. During a two month residency at Bunnell Street Arts Center in Homer last fall, Daubert made a series of 42 sculptures using coir, or “coconut hair,” and wire. The linked sculptures document the highlights of her Alaska residency. Daubert’s residency was part of the new Rasmuson program, which pairs five organizations in the Lower 48 with four arts

centers in Alaska for two-month-long artist residency exchanges. The pairing of Bunnell and Zygote is just one of four such institutional pairs exchanging resident artists in the Rasmuson Foundation Artist Residency Program each year. During the four years that the Foundation has committed to supporting the program, a total of 32 artist residencies will occur. Alaskan artist and educator Jimmy Riordan was in residence for two months this summer at Zygote Press, the same Cleveland organization that nominated Daubert to go to Bunnell. Where Daubert came from Ohio to Alaska and created work inspired in part by the indigenous Dena’ina, Riordan traveled to Ohio and embarked on the latest art project in his years-long engagement with an obscure French book called Le Roman du Lievre – the Romance of the Rabbit, by Francis James. He first discovered the book in the library at Sarah Lawrence University in New York, and returned to it during grad school in London. Riordan translated the book himself in 2007, and has since been at work on a series of projects resulting from the transla-

To Learn More CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES Jimmy Riordan and Melissa Daubert interviewed live on Cleveland’s WCLV August 2, 2014 ideastream.org/wclv/entry/63050

| September 2014 | 61˚North

Rasmuson Foundation Artist Residency Program: rasmuson.org/index. php?switch=viewpage&pageid=227 Zygote Press: zygotepress.com

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Bunnell Street Arts Center: bunnellarts.org Melissa Daubert: melissadaubert.com Jimmy Riordan: misterriordan.com

tion, including group exhibits, road shows, food, performances, artist books and comics. Many of the related artist books are included in the collections of the New York MOMA and the Tate Britain. While Riordan had ready access to letterpress and printmaking facilities while pursuing his Masters degree in London, his access to this equipment was limited upon returning to Alaska. He used his residency at Zygote to continue a “very personal” engagement with the text that had become a kind of muse, companion, medium and prompt. This time, he typeset and

exchange enlightens each artist’s experience and knowledge about the residency space’s location and the myths and history of that region, place, state, and the effect they have on those histories. The connection between Homer and Zygote is how creatives are reinventing and revitalizing those places through art experience with their respective communities.” Jayson Smart, Rasmuson foundation program officer, said the exchange structure “helps to increase awareness of artistic practices taking place in Alaska, which is a goal of the program. This is accomplished through the community engagement ac-

Four pages of Le Roman du Lievre set in monotype and locked up in a chase, with a print of the book's title page fresh oﬀ a Vandercook printing press. Photo by Jimmy Riordan

Alaska artist Jimmy Riordan.

letterpressed a limited, handmade edition of Le Roman du Lievre. Daubert’s string calendar exhibition, first shown in Homer toward the end of her residency there, also yielded a book. It includes a photograph of each linked sculpture along with a

tivities that occur over the course of most of these residencies, and through the connections that are made between the participating Alaska artists, and those artists selected for residencies in Alaska.” Both Daubert’s and Riordan’s residencies engaged with mul-

Photo by Jeremy Pataky

“The exchange enlightens each artist’s experience and knowledge about the residency space’s location and the myths and history of that region, place, state, and the effect they have on those histories.” single sentence she wrote detailing the experience that inspired it. It functions like an artistic journal, of sorts, and a testament to the participatory nature of the Homer community that embraced her during her visit. Many Homerites made their own coir sculptures in workshops Daubert led during her residency, and welcomed her into their lives, homes and stories. Liz Maugans, executive director of Zygote Press, said, “The

tiple layers of their host communities. “We had seven scheduled tours (ranging from 12-40 visitors) and countless smaller groups and visitors to the shop during Jimmy’s residency,” Maugans said. “I was amazed at how people took to Jimmy and his project. He engaged them through the technical, the critical, the collaboration with interns and the general overall interactive process. People just ate him up.”

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61˚North | September 2014 |

ARTS PROFILE “Already, in the first year of the program, we have seen a great response to the Alaska artists who have been in residence in Santa Fe and Cleveland,” Smart said. Besides Daubert and Riordan, Alaska artist Gretchen Sagan was hosted by the Santa Fe Art Institute, in cooperation with the Institute of American Indian Arts, and New Mexico artist Marty Two Bulls, Jr. was in residence at the Native Art Center at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Smart sites this “cohort” model as another unique aspect of the program. “The residencies in Alaska are timed to occur simultaneously, and begin with an introductory meeting and orientation of all four artists, who meet each other, and learn about each other’s work. At the end of the eight weeks, the artists come back together and share the work they’ve accomplished over the course of their eight-week residency. We believe this shared learning can benefit the artists involved and helps

The exchange structure “helps to increase awareness of artistic practices taking place in Alaska, which is a goal of the program.” Two more Alaska artists head south this fall – quilt artist Maria Shell will go to the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in North Carolina, and playwright Arlitia Jones will go to the Djerassi Resident Artists Program in California. This fall, from mid-September to mid-November, four artists will visit Alaska for concurrent residencies at the Island Institute in Sitka, the Native Art Center at UAF, the Anchorage Museum and Bunnell Street Arts Center in Homer.

strengthen the program overall.” Time will tell what conversations, artwork, community-level change and opportunities arise for Alaskans in the coming years by way of this new Rasmuson Foundation program, one of several programs in their Arts & Culture Initiative. In the near term, Alaskans should stay tuned for chances to interact with the visiting artists who will be here this fall in Sitka, Homer, Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Your Symphony

Your Way

Photo by Clark James Mishler

Garnering a reputation for traditional and innovative programming, your Anchorage Symphony invites you to engage in a vast array of musical experiences from Beethoven to Ballet – Rachmaninoff to Legends of the Northern Lights – Disney in Concert to Silent Films. Enjoy Your Symphony. Your Way. This season the ASO offers a variety of concert packages to best suit your schedule and your wallet... and with every choice you make – YOU SAVE!! Purchase an ASO ticket package, add our exceptionally popular Pops concerts to your order – Disney In Concert and our Silent Film night - and save more than 10% over purchasing them at the ticket office. Choose the package that best suits YOU...and save!

Call 274-8668 and subscribe today. AnchorageSymphony.org for more information.

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra is funded, in part, by the Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage Assembly, Alaska State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and through the generosity of many individuals and corporate community leaders.

| September 2014 | 61˚North

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THE BOOKCASE

Literature Goes Viral Julie Drake Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Title Wave Books

n a normal year, autumn means the start of cold and flu season. But what if this weren’t a normal year, and the virus going around was apocalyptic, threatening humankind with extinction? Lately, it seems books about pandemics are contagious. Here are three worth catching. THE DOG STARS by Peter Heller Vintage, 2012 Hig, the tough and tender narrator of this novel, lives in remote Colorado on an airstrip he shares with Bangley, a “gun-toting misanthrope,” the only other person he knows to have survived the flu. It’s been a few years since the plague struck, and now Hig spends his time quoting poetry, philosophizing to himself or arguing with Bangley, fishing and hunting with his old dog Jasper, and mourning his wife and former life when he “used to love to fish for trout more than anything.” He also flies aerial surveys from a 1956 Cessna he’s named the Beast, scouting for other humans, friendly or not. He finds some of each, and these encounters may lead to his own demise, or to redemption. Our hero Hig aptly describes himself when he tells the reader about his favorite uncle “an unreconstructed man of letters and of action in the mode of Ernest Hemingway and Jack London.” The

Dog Stars is a stripped-bare story of postapocalyptic love, loss and adventure, beautifully written with great warmth and humor. THE RAVEN’S GIFT by Don Rearden Pintail, 2011 “They’re all gone here, too?” The Raven’s Gift starts with this question, asked by “the girl” who John Morgan has just discovered. John is a schoolteacher who moves from the Lower 48 to a Yup’ik village on the Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta right before a deadly epidemic strikes. The action switches back and forth between the present—with John and the girl trying to walk to Anchorage, over 1000 miles in midwinter, in hopes of finding other survivors—and the past, when newlywed John and his wife first come to teach in the village and try to fit in. On their grueling and haunted journey, John and the girl are taken in for a time by an elderly Native woman, are followed by an ominous figure we know only as “the hunter,” and meet up with a conspiracy-theory survivalist who believes the epidemic “could just be another big government romp in the Arctic sandbox.” Yup’ik culture, past and present, is such an integral part of the story that it becomes another character, with its lanadn.com

guage and lore throughout. The author’s notes at the end of the book add more dimension to the story, citing historical epidemics and current Alaska politics. Rearden wonders not “what if?” but “when?” THE WORLD WITHOUT US by Alan Weisman. Thomas Dunne Books, 2007 “Picture a world from which we all suddenly vanished. Tomorrow.” This well-researched nonfiction jaunt across the human-free Earth is both informative and cautionary. Using both fossil and living records, plus loads of interviews with international experts from a variety of disciplines, Weisman gives a highly probable scientific scenario of what will last and what will fall apart—in terms of art, architecture, landscape and other manifestations of human endeavor and spirit. With the author we travel around the world, from Alaska’s Wrangell Island to Manhattan, the Panama Canal, a Hopi pueblo, to the rainforest, Mauna Kea and beyond. We Alaskans in particular might be interested in the chapter “Polymers are Forever” which explores the North Pacific Gyre, and in “The Petro Patch” which starts with the annoying buzz of “When humans depart, among the immediate beneficiaries of our absence will be mosquitoes.” 61˚North | September 2014 |

INSIDE IMPROV

Comedians engage the audience during a performance of Scared Scriptless Improv at the Snow Goose Restaurant and Brewery.

Scared Scriptless

Improvising to keep our city laughing year after year. BY

Anne Herman

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Kathleen L. Behnke

e can all relate to the situation where two guys are sitting in the company break room, complaining about their idiot boss. Okay, so what? But, would this scenario be funnier if those guys were space aliens? You can count on it, if the aliens are members of Anchorage’s Scared Scriptless Improv. Our city’s first improv troupe

| September 2014 | 61˚North

has been cracking people up since 2000 in places from coffee houses to Cyrano’s Off Center Playhouse to the company’s current home at the Snow Goose Restaurant and Brewery. So what is improv? The quick answer is that it’s a type of live theater where everything – characters, plot, dialogue, props – are created right on the spot. Warren Weinstein, the troupe’s artistic director, says improv is “free form in nature…it’s the-

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ater without a net!” But it’s more than just stand-up comedy. Improv is a true collaborative art that involves not only the actors on stage but the audience as well. And that’s where it can get crazy, weird and totally unexpected. Just like the Scriptless group likes it. “When we started Scared Scriptless Improv in 2000, no one was familiar with improv in Anchorage,” Jason Martin, cofounder and director of Scared Scriptless, said. “It was a different theatrical experience. We turned up the lights in the theater and asked the audience to become part of what was happening on stage.” It was a scary and exhilarating time for the Scriptless

Indeed, parts of the foundation for any Scriptless show are the suggestions, quotes and outlandish ideas that audience members shout out to the actors. If you are familiar with the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” you’ll understand the structure and humor of a Scriptless performance. “The audience is key,” troupe member Kristen Doogan explains. “We need their energy; it affects our performance, our characters and the ideas that drive the games we play.” And “games” is the right word since the whole shebang is directed at people in all their silly, laughable human-ness. Scriptless invites the audience to “play” in a series of everyday realities

“We didn’t know what would happen. Would the audience like it, would people walk out, would you freeze on stage and get them to walk out?” actors: “We didn’t know what would happen. Would the audience like it, would people walk out, would you freeze on stage and get them to walk out?” Scared Scriptless Improv now performs the second, third and fourth Saturday of each month at the Snow Goose and the majority of the shows are PG-rated, with various kid and holiday shows scheduled throughout the year, as well. Over the years both actors and audiences have gotten better. Martin says that the current 13 actors are “sophisticated comedians who love the engagement with each other and the audience.” They are lawyers, engineers, business managers, PhDs and theater people during the day. They do improv for the fun and love of the theater form. And for the imaginationstretching energy they get from bouncing ideas, scenarios and characters off each other. Long-time audience member and company photographer Katie Behnke adds that “they feed off each other. One takes an idea and the others run with it. They are constantly joking with each other.”

that the actors create, then and there, based on the audience’s input. The troupe relies on a keen knowledge of contemporary culture and politics, history, reality TV and anything in our world today that will get a laugh. These elements infuse the games and the comedy created in that moment. One game could move around a host at a party who has to guess who all his guests are. Another could involve only questions (how hard is that to move a scene along??!). In a game called “Action Figures,” the actors can only move their eyes and mouths. “Movers” come along and manipulate arms, legs, torsos and the actors need to continue the dialogue in these new positions. “Mad Libs” is a favorite game, as is making up songs from audience suggestions. According to company member John Parsi, people laugh not just because they see their wacky suggestions come to life on stage, but because “all of a sudden they recognize themselves in a character. Those are ‘golden moments’ where you make those connections.” Audience members see their demented

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61˚North | September 2014 |

INSIDE IMPROV Aunt Hilda or their cousin Jerry the contortionist. They laugh out loud to discover their beer-guzzling best friend, their uptight boss, and even themselves, captured by a bunch of talented artists

More Info SCARED SCRIPTLESS IMPROV SNOW GOOSE THEATER 717 West 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 info@scaredscriptless.com (907) 310-1973

on stage. While the “games” move the comedy forward, they also act as structures that give the actors a platform from which to soar. “The sky’s the limit in improv,” says Weinstein. “Infinity is in your tool box,” which holds the situational set-ups the creators work with to hone their art. All the games are based on the improv principle of “Yes…And.” Weinstein calls improv “a team sport” where everyone involved – actors and audience – agree to play on the team. That’s the “Yes” part. They all then agree to move the comedic game along by adding to the first bit of humor that’s thrown out. That’s the “And” part. The Scriptless actors agree that, as Doogan says, “you can’t do improv alone. You need to have partners who bring a sense of collaboration and trust.” She adds that the actors must trust

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themselves, each other and the audience so that the game will be played well, with humor, and with some of those “golden moments” when everything comes together perfectly. Performing improv is incredibly rewarding for the Scared Scriptless Improv comedians. “We are dynamic and always changing,” says Parsi. “But the magic of Scared Scriptless are the open minds and hearts we bring to one another and the audience.” “We are really talking about ourselves and each other,” says Weinstein, including the people in the theater that night and all the lives that surround them. Doogan adds that the troupe members create “a safe place to do improv that touches people deeply, pushes boundaries of character and situation.” And, as many would argue, keeps the laughter loud and genuine year after year.

GALLERY GUIDE

Gallery Guide

For devotees of Alaskan art, the opportunity to indulge is here. BY

nchorage won’t mark its centennial officially until 2015, but the artwork commemorating the celebration isn’t going to wait until the New Year. The opening presentation of Byron Birdsall’s Anchorage Centennial Celebration Print and Poster at Artique Ltd. during September’s First Friday is just one of the ways to experience the city’s diverse and eclectic arts scene. Artique, Alaska’s oldest gallery, is the logical host for the display of Birdsall’s

Chris Bieri

will also be featured in September at Artique, located at 314 G Street. Opened in 1971, Artique has long been a champion of Birdsall’s work, and his “Japan Interpreted” collection of paintings will be featured on the November First Friday. Tennys Owens has owned the gallery since its inception, when patrons would bring their lunches and sit on the floor, interacting with working artists in the early years. “We thought we’d see if people like it

October’s First Friday will showcase Plein Air and studio work Rod Weagant and Susan Lindsey, both painters using the oil medium. Aurora Fine Art is a family-owned gallery founded by Diane Louise 25 years ago. Aurora boasts work from more than 500 Alaskan artists between its main gallery at 737 W 5th Ave. and nearby Zoez Window Gallery. Louise’s son, manager Brandon Renner, said all the work at the gallery that represents Alaskan culture is hand-

Paintings by Gretchen Sagan and Scott Switzer and pastels by Ayse Gilbert will also be featured in September at Artique, located at 314 G Street. centennial work, which includes not only the official limited edition print, but also a piece title “The Way We Were,” a print that looks back at Anchorage’s last 100 years with eight distinct historical images. Paintings by Gretchen Sagan and Scott Switzer and pastels by Ayse Gilbert

and we never closed,” Owens said. She said the gallery decided to include artisan work among its variety of fine art pieces. “We voted to have a mix,” Owens said. “We wanted to have a hometown atmosphere. I thought we’d lose the Alaska flavor (without some artisan work).”

made by Alaskan artists, but they also feature art from the Lower 48. “We go out to major art shows and find fine artists we like and bring them up, and that’s mostly for local customers,” Renner said. The studio has an eclectic mix of media, from sculpture to paintings and rare

More Info OTHER NOTABLE GALLERIES INCLUDE Blue Hollomon Gallery, at 3555 Artic Blvd., C5, which oﬀers contemporary art representing artists from both Alaska and worldwide. Sevigny Studio, located at 608 W. 4th Ave., has a number of local artists and both framed and unframed work.

Alaska Ivory Exchange, at 700 W Fourth Ave., has ivory and whalebone among its collectible gifts. Two Spirits Gallery (at the 4th Avenue Market Place) is a relative newcomer but oﬀers hundreds of pieces of Alaskan art, both traditional and contemporary. Photo courtesy of Sevigny Studio.

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GALLERY GUIDE stone lithographs. “We’re a family business and we’re here to share information about the artwork and our amazing state,” Renner said. Sandy Jameison has traditionally been the gallery’s featured artist in December, but missed last year after surgery on his foot. Jameison works as a guide and pilot in Northern Alaska, and his work represents those experiences, with meticulously detailed paintings of bush planes and the Interior. Jameison’s offbeat sense of humor shines through in his work, as he builds scenes using characters based on Alaska’s favorite wildlife. “We’re excited to jump back and have a show for him because he has quite a following,” Renner said. The Aurora also carries the work of Erik Behnke, an artist from Homer with Down syndrome. Behnke’s work first landed on the radar of Diane Louise in

the late 90s, and he went on to design the art for the 2001 Special Olympic World Winter Games in Anchorage. Stephan Fine Arts, located in the Captain Cook Hotel, features between 30 and 40 artists on a regular basis, most of whom are locally exclusive to the gallery, according to owner Becky Stephan. The gallery is a regular on the First Friday circuit with one of its biggest annual events scheduled for Sept. 5. Art for Alaska Parks will hold its 7th Annual Juried Exhibit at the studio. The pieces, which must be of Alaska’s publicly accessible lands, are judged not only for a grand prize, but in categories like Best Landscape and Best Wildlife. The exhibit is done in conjunction with the Alaska Artists Guild. “Typically we get in around 100 entries and we pull the top 30 entries for the juried show,” Stephan said.

November’s First Friday even features Kim Marcucci, who will show a new series of acrylics. Marcucci’s paintings cover everything from landscapes and florals to more conceptual designs. “She’s going to be doing more architectural, more abstract works,” Stephan said. “Every year she switches it up.” In December, the work of Chip Brock and Ray Gamradt will be highlighted at First Friday. Stephan considers Brock the state’s premier wildlife artist and said Gamradt’s work in the charcoal medium is catching some eyes as well. Stephan is open later than any of the downtown galleries, making it an ideal last stop on an artwalk. At the Alaska Native Arts Gallery, a revival movement is on display that has activated a bygone art form which had been retired to museum walls. Fish skin has long been used in Alaska Thank you loyal customers for voting Sevigny Studio “GOLD Best Gallery in Anchorage!”

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Native culture to craft everything from clothing to containers. But the art form was dormant until a handful of artists headed by Marlene Nielson and Joel Isaak started working in the medium.

“They’d only seen the fish skin in a museum.” The artists designed bowls, drums and other traditional items in fish skin but have also taken the form into the 21st century, creating high-fashion items like vests, corsets and even an iPad cover. “It was really amazing because they’d only seen the fish skin in a museum,” said Trina Landlord, executive director of the Alaska Native Arts Foundation. Byron Birdsall’s Anchorage Centennial Celebration Print.

Photo courtesy of Artique Ltd.

720 D STREET | ANCHORAGE, AK 99501 | MON-SAT 11am-7pm SUN 12pm-5pm | 907.277.6119 | www.secondrunalaska.com

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CALENDAR VISUAL ARTS

BEGINS NOVEMBER 7

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 28

ANCHORAGE MUSEUM RAREFIED LIGHT

BLUE HOLLOMON GALLERY 40TH ANNUAL AKWS JURIED WATERCOLOR EXHIBITION Watercolors juried into the exhibition by Mark Mehaffey will be displayed and are for sale. 3555 Arctic Blvd., 563-2787. 5 p.m.

OCTOBER 12 ANCHORAGE MUSEUM HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a cultural food tasting, performances and a screening of the documentary film “The Graduates/ Los Graduados” at 4 p.m. Museum general admission is free all day thanks to Wells Fargo. 625 C St., 929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org. 2 p.m., FREE

“Rarefied Light” showcases the best of Alaska’s fine art photography. The largest juried photography exhibition in the state typically features about 50 images selected from about 500 submissions. This annual juried exhibition is a collaboration with the Alaska Photographic Center. 625 C St., 929-9200, anchoragemuseum. org. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., $7-15

for

NOVEMBER 9 ANCHORAGE MUSEUM ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CELEBRATION

BEGINS NOVEMBER 7 ANCHORAGE MUSEUM IT’S ALL MATERIAL Before there is art, there is just raw material and potential. Get an insider’s look at how an artist transforms raw “stuff” into the inspiring objects you see at the museum. From fish skin and baleen to metal and glass, “It’s All Material” examines a wide range of materials, their sources and the techniques

ENROLLING

involved in making objects and art. Drawn from the Anchorage Museum’s collection, this exhibition illustrates the resources, inventiveness, time and skill that go into making Alaska’s cultural treasures. The exhibition includes a conservator’s corner where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work in progress and ask questions. 625 C St., 929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., $7-15

Celebrate Alaska Native Heritage Month with performances and activities. Museum general admission is free all day thanks to Wells Fargo. 625 C St., 929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org. 2-4 p.m., FREE

BEGINS DECEMBER 2

FALLclasses

NOW

Ballet, Broadway, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Dance Industry Skills and Creative Movement. alaskadancetheatre

| September 2014 | 61˚North

OCTOBER 13-27 ANCHORAGE MUSEUM CLAY & DECORATIVE DESIGN Create clay forms with an emphasis on surface design. All materials included. Pre-registration for classes and workshops is required at anchoragemuseum.org. 625 C St., 929-9200. 6-9 p.m., $210

Home & Garden decor, fashion, gifts and Antiques.

Mon - Sat 10-6pm Sun 12-5 #907-563-0900 4131 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99503

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WONDERLAND OF TOYS In this beloved holiday tradition, the museum’s atrium is transformed into a dazzling tableau of toys, some which date back as far as the 1800s. Against a backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday decor, find carousel horses, World War I toy soldiers and an evergreen tree decorated with more than 100 dolls dressed in costumes from around the world. 625 C St., 929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., $7-15

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DECEMBER 20-21 ANCHORAGE MUSEUM FISH SKIN WORKSHOP Alaska Native artist Joel Isaak guides students through the entire process of creating an original fish skin artwork. All materials included. Pre-registration for classes and workshops is required at anchoragemuseum.org. 625 C St., 929-9200. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., $250

DANCE SEPTEMBER 21 ANCHORAGE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC BAROQUE MUSIC & DANCE SOIREE From the first formal bow to the concluding country dance, enter a world of baroque style where dance signifies the body and music captures the soul. AFM’s Fall Soiree will showcase baroque music and dance, led by Betty Mather, an

internationally recognized expert on music and dance of the Baroque Era and demonstrations by the two baroque dancers. Laura Koenig, baroque flute; Dawn Lindsay, violin; Linda Ottum, cello; Juliana Osinchuk, harpsichord. UAA Fine Arts Recital Hall, 3640 Alumni Dr., 276-2465, anchoragefestivalofmusic.org. 4 p.m., $15-35

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 26 ANCHORAGE NATIVE ENTERTAINMENT ASSOCIATION OLD TIME FIDDLE DANCE

MUSIC SEPTEMBER 4 BEAR TOOTH THEATREPUB BRAND NEW, SEPTEMBER FIRST TAP 21 and over only, must have valid state ID for entry. Seating is very limited and first come, first serve basis. 1230 W. 27th Ave., beartooththeatre.net. 9 p.m., $38

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 12

Come join us for an evening of fun and dance - Two Step, Jitter Bug, Waltz, Shadish and Jig to Native Musicians from around Alaska. Visit with old friends and invite new ones. Bring a favorite dish to share. This is an alcohol and drug free event. Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Blvd., 360-8901. 7 p.m., $10

TAP ROOT PUBLIC HOUSE CABARET SHOW Arctic Siren Productions is now booking the 9th season of Cabaret shows here in Anchorage. The upcoming season will again feature the Kevin Barnett Quartet backing some of the finest singer in Anchorage. The shows are all at the Tap Root Pub and are mostly on the second Friday of each month. Enjoy the full bar and menu service throughout the show. Each show is a fund raiser for a variety of non

profits serving the Anchorage community and features 5 singers performing a wide range of styles and genres. 3300 Spenard Rd., 2457311, arcticsiren.com. 7 p.m., $15

DECEMBER 7 CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MESSIAH Handel’s “Messiah” performed by the Community Messiah Chorus under the direction of Adam Ackerman. A Chorus of 150+ singers and a 20 piece orchestra present the favorite solos and chorus’ of this ageless piece. Considered by many to be the true start of the Christmas season, this concert has been a community tradition for almost 70 years. Tickets for sale at the door. West Anchorage High School Auditorium, 1700 Hillcrest Dr., 2747464, anchorageconcertchorus.org. 2-4 p.m., $10 adults, $8 seniors/ military/student, $30 family

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CALENDAR MUSICAL BEGINS OCTOBER 17 ALASKA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS LES MISERABLES Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Winner of over 100 International awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master Of The House” and many more. This enthralling story continues to soar as one of the most popular stage productions of all time. 621 W. Sixth Ave., myalaskacenter.com.

BEGINS NOVEMBER 21 CYRANO’S ALEXANDER & THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY Cyrano’s annual family holiday treat is a fun musical based on the bestselling book by Judith Viorst, who also wrote the lyrics. This unfortunate twenty-four hours in the life of a six-year-old brims with all the magical energy of the very best theatre. Composer Shelly Markham is adding a song especially for this production. Originally commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has successfully toured the country. 413 D St., 2742599, cyranos.org. 7 p.m., $23-25

THEATRE & BALLET BEGINS SEPTEMBER CYRANO’S THEATER COMPANY 4,000 MILES BY AMY HERZOG A Pulitzer-nominated and Obiewinning (Best Off Broadway) play. After suffering a major loss on a cross-country bike trip, 21-yearold Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother, Vera, played by Linda (Harold and Maude) Benson. A funny, moving, all together wonderful drama. It’s the sort of rich, satisfying play you should take your grandmother to-especially if she is as smart and fierce as Vera. Directed by CTC favorite

Krista M. Schwarting. 413 D St., 2742599, cyranos.org. 7 p.m., $23-25

BEGINS SEPTEMBER 4 ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE I HATE HAMLET Andrew, a successful TV actor, relocates to New York and is given the chance to play Hamlet on stage. The only problem? He hates Hamlet. Enter John Barrymore’s ghost, who believes playing Hamlet is the highlight of any career. This fun and fast pace play, directed by Colby Bleicher, opens Anchorage Community Theatre’s 61st season. Post show reception on opening night! 1133 E. 70th Ave., 868-4913, actalaska.org. 7 p.m., $12-16

BEGINS OCTOBER 3 MAD MYRNA’S ROCKY PICTURE HORROR SHOW Watch the cult classic, Rocky Picture Horror Show, come to life at Mad Myrna’s. When sweethearts Brad and Janet set out for Dr. Scott’s remote home in a torrential downpour anything becomes possible. Before the night is over, a motley crew does the time warp and awakens a monster in this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll, scifi, gothic film. The local production of Rocky Horror Show is for 21 years and older, and seats sell out fast. Runs Friday and Saturday nights through November 15. 530 E. 5th Avenue, 276-9762, centertix.net. $30

BEGINS OCTOBER 10 ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE BELL, BOOK & CANDLE

the 21st century. In this acclaimed adaptation, Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler” becomes a universal tragedy about all people, male or female, who find themselves trapped in a dead end of their own design. Ibsen is the father of modern drama and this play is a classic, although some call it a “modern feminist hijacking.” 413 D St., 274-2599, cyranos.org. 7 p.m., $23-25

OCTOBER 12 ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE GOD ON OUR SIDE Anchorage Community Theatre’s “Second Stage” Program produces theatre works beyond the regular ACT season. These include full productions as well as readings of plays in progress. Theatre goers will have the chance to see acclaimed work and be part of the process of play development. Tom Moran’s “God on our Side” is a work in progress and will be read at ACT, with a post reading feedback session. The price of this is pay-whatyou-can! 1133 E. 70th Ave. 868-4913, actalaska.org. 6:30 p.m.

BEGINS NOVEMBER 7 ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE ‘NIGHT MOTHER Anchorage Community Theatre’s Second Stage Program produces theatre works beyond the regular ACT season. “’night, Mother” directed by Bob Pond tells the tale of a daughter, who calmly tells her mother that she will be dead by the morning, as she plans on committing suicide that evening. This ACT production will be put on at APU’s Grant Hall, 4101 University Dr., 868-

Gillian is a modern day witch. She cast a spell over a publisher and now he is completely in love with her. This leads to some difficulties as witches cannot fall in love. This classic John Van Druten play is directed by David Flavin. Post show reception on opening night! 1133 E. 70th Ave., 868-4913, actalaska.org. 7 p.m., $12-16

4913, actalaska.org. 7 p.m., $12-16

BEGINS NOVEMBER 21 ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY THEATRE CHRISTMAS BELLES It’s Christmas in Texas, and the Futrelle sisters are not in a festive mood. Frankie is overdue with her second set of twins, Twink is in jail and Honey Raye is experiencing hot flashes while trying to keep the “Tabernacle of the Lambs” Christmas program from complete chaos. But it’s not looking good - the cast all have food poisoning. This Christmas gem is directed by Don Gomes. Post show reception on opening night! 1133 E. 70th Ave., 868-4913, actalaska.org. 7 p.m., $12-16

FILM DECEMBER 5-14 ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILMS WORTH FREEZING FOR Join us for our 14th year of bringing diverse, independent films to Alaska. The festival includes feature films, documentaries, shorts, animation and films made in Alaska. Films will be shown at several venues around town, including the Bear Tooth Theaterpub, Alaska Experience Theater and the Anchorage Museum. We offer events and workshops such as Martini Matinee, Gay-La films, Mexican Consulate program and opportunities to meet visiting filmmakers. For more information, visit us at anchoragefilmfestival.org. Tickets $8/ All Films Pass $100

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BEGINS OCTOBER 10 CYRANO’S THEATER COMPANY HEDDA GABLER BY HENRIK IBSEN

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SOMMELIER

Art of Wine

Is judging a wine by its label a bad thing? Not necessarily.

BY Brandon Allen, Local Wine Connoisseur

ooking over a display row of wine bottles reminds me of going to the pet store where every puppy is jumping and yelping “pick me, pick me.” Today’s wine labels are carefully designed to appeal to a particular buyer. High end wine labels typically take a minimalist approach and value priced wine labels conjure a fun and whimsical experience. Several wineries are very serious about the art in their label and every year commission original art for each varietal. The wine experience is more than just pour, swallow, repeat. We’ve learned to look at the wine as it sits in the glass and notice the color shading. We swirl and smell the aromas picking out nuances that would impress a beagle. Examining and enjoying the label adds another layer of wine appreciation. Here are three labels and wines to enjoy, with both your eyes and mouth. KRIS PINOT GRIGIO $$ Labels for Kris wines were designed by Riccardo Schweizer who studied with Picasso and Miro. The gold ball represents

the sun ripening grapes in the vineyard. The hand expresses the human touch in making the wine. The red kiss evokes the enjoyment of tasting of the wine. Grapes shown in a molecular pattern bring science into the process. The wine is pretty in the glass, pale yellow with a luminescent green at the edge. The nose blends flowers with citrus fruits and a hint of almonds. It finishes clean and refreshing. MICHAEL DAVID WINERY PETITE PETIT $$$ There is a lot more to this label’s story than two elephants representing the wine’s two grapes, Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot. There are other MD wines hiding in the label. 7 Deadly Zins is at the bottom left. The cracks in the foreground are Earthquake Zin. Three mice carry playing cards a seven for 7 Deadly, a six for 6th Sense Syrah and another seven for 7 Heavenly Chards. The big top is fun and this wine is both big and fun. Lots of jammy black-, blueand rasp-berries explode in your mouth with just enough acid in the finish to keep the wine fresh. Enjoy this with a big fat burger that needs a lot of napkins.

WOODWARD CANYON ARTIST SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 $$$ The nineteenth vintage in the Artist Series of original art features Ukranian artist Taras Lesko. A portion of the wine sales will benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital. This elegant Cabernet by Washington’s 2014 Winery of the Year is in the Bordeaux style. The nose is a blend of earth, cedar and tobacco. The black fruit flavors are sauced with a touch of cassis. The well integrated tannins are evidence of excellent winemaking.

HERE ARE THREE LABELS AND WINES TO ENJOY, WITH BOTH YOUR EYES AND MOUTH.

t ,RIS PINOT GRIGIO The nose blends flowers with citrus fruits and a hint of almonds.

t .*$)"&- %"7*% 8*/&3: PETITE PETIT Enjoy this with a big fat burger that needs a lot of napkins.

t 800%8"3% $"/:0/ "35*45 SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON

The well integrated tannins are evidence of excellent winemaking.

Photos courtesy of Woodward Canyon Winery and Michael David Winery. adn.com

61˚North | September 2014 |

EDIBLE ART

| September 2014 | 61Ë&#x161;North

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Feast for the Eyes Local restaurants serve up edible works of art. Riza Brown PHOTOS BY Josh Martinez BY

ll food is beautiful. A single radish, burnished with dirt; rivulets of thick gravy soaking into buttered biscuits; a chiaroscuro of light on the glazed surface of a pie as it’s pulled from the oven, radiating steam and well-being. The compulsion to document our meals may be a new phenomenon but the sense of appreciation dates back to the first time our ancestors ate a berry and didn’t die. Alaskans know beauty, we are immersed in it every day, and our love of the natural is immense and all-encompassing. It’s no wonder that we like our food the same way — freshly caught, cooked over an open fire, imperfect and perfect at the same time. A few Anchorage restaurants transcend the natural not to offer something better, but to offer something different. A new perspective on food. A period of modernism to follow the period of realism. These dishes feed the eyes, the soul, and most importantly, the belly.

KINLEY’S 3230 Seward Hwy 907-644-8953 Pastry Chef Liz Madsen attended many of master sugar decorator Ewald Notter’s classes, becoming well-versed in the sculptural elements of pastry design. Madsen’s presentation is stunning. The lemon meringue pavlova is a composition of ethereal elements; cloud-shaped, opalescent meringue, a coral-like halo of bubble sugar and garnet bits of strawberry are an angelic visual hint of the light-as-air dessert that hits your tongue. The mocha bourbon pecan torte is its devilish counterpart and no less striking. Espresso-soaked chocolate cake forms the base for a chocolate cylinder filled with pecan ganache, coffee sabayon and mocha creme anglaise. Madsen tops this confection with — more chocolate, sweeping swirls of it, because you never want to risk an underdose. Her flair for the dramatic is matched only by the mosaic of flavors that accompanies every creation.

HAUTE QUARTER GRILL 525 W. 4th Ave 907-622-4745 The plates are stark white and geometric, a perfect canvas for the edible still lifes that Haute Quarter Grill serves in its new downtown location. Roasted duck with citrus sauce is an interplay of stippled and smooth, dark and light. Dried cherries and apricots nestle in the crisp, golden skin of the duck and the lovely saffron-colored sauce brings to mind early dawns and autumnal hunts. Chef Alex Perez carefully composes beautiful ingredients with a connoisseur’s eye towards style and graceful proportions. The recently remodeled restaurant is a romantic backdrop to the curated menu and extensive wine list. MAXINE’S FIREWEED BISTRO 302 W. Fireweed Ln 907-770-7600 I have always been an avid collector of Maxine’s food art; there are about 40 dinners sitting in my personal collection. Maxine’s prides itself on fresh seasonal ingredients with a maximum of imagi-

More Info PHOTOS LEFT: Lemon Meringue Pavlova Lemon crema filled financier cake, crispy meringue, lemon sorbet, strawberry confit in vanilla bean syrup. Chef Liz Madsen Kinley’s

TOP: Roasted Duck with a citrus sauce of dried apricots and tart bing cherries. Chef Alex Perez Haute Quarter Grill RIGHT: Lamb Sliders Tzatziki sauce, red onion, grape tomato, kalamata olives, crumbled feta. Chef Liz Madsen Kinley’s adn.com

61˚North | September 2014 |

EDIBLE ART nation and minimum of fuss. Chef Robert Lewis approaches his art with an almost Japanese aesthetic. Little sushi-like bites of food rest on an exquisite sauce, or a pedestrian picnic staple is transformed into a flight of fancy, like watermelon paired with spicy tuna. Not to mention the cubist salad that is made to order for this article. But perhaps where Chef Lewis shines the most is when he is given free rein with vegetables, that most under-appreciated of mediums. Here, the rustic becomes rarefied, celebrated. JENS’ 701 W. 36th Ave 907-561-5367 Jens’ has been a forerunner for inventive and spectacular food for decades. The restaurant featured a “raw” soup on the menu in 2003, long before the clamor for paleo/is-there-gluten-in-this?/living-enzyme hype ever materialized. Now with Denmark’s Noma being named the

Mocha Bourbon Pecan Tort, Chef Liz Madsen Kinley’s

best restaurant in the world, a more discriminating eye is cast on Nordic cuisine. Jens’ need not worry; Chef Nancy Alip is continuing to carry the torch that Chef Hansen passed to her earlier this year. He will be dearly missed among his many friends in the community and we can be grateful that his talented palate

has left us with a banquet of innovative and soul-satisfying cuisine. The sashimi napoleon is just one of the many works of art in Jens’ gallery. SOUTHSIDE BISTRO 1320 Huffman Park Dr. 907-348-0088 There is a joyful, Pollock-esque approach to Southside Bistro’s dishes, especially its desserts. Some pastry chefs would be content with a dark chocolate terrine scattered with pistachios and Hawaiian sea salt, but the literal frosting on the cake is a spin-art of complementary creme anglaise. Seafood, too, gets an upgrade with an eye towards vibrant herb garnishes and medleys of many-hued vegetables. Fresh oysters are served naked on a thin bed of shaved horseradish ice, needing nothing more than a sliver of lemon and a spritz of Tabasco. In food, as in art, some subjects should be left as nature intended.

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CHEF’S SECRET

The Art of Plating Surprisingly simple techniques for a stylish dish presentation. BY

Chefs Justin Persons and Tonia Burrows Double Musky Inn

wning restaurants, we spend a lot of time with food—looking at food, preparing food and of course, eating food. We are so inundated, that we forget how intimidating it can be in our nonstop foodie culture to create not only a delicious meal, but a stylish dish presentation. Cooking is one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures. Forget Instagram, Facebook and the gazillion foodie blogs

Ask yourself: Is the mood casual or a more formal affair? Are you a Jackson Pollock fan or do you desire the geometry and symmetry of a more classic aesthetic style? Whatever the mood, the first steps are to select your recipe and practice, practice, practice. We tend to favor a more casual approach, often friend and family style – where simple and beautiful go hand in hand with hot food and easy plating. Here is a presentation favorite for your

Most recipes have countless possibilities for dishing and presentation. streaming pictures of gorgeous food sculptures. What reigns supreme? How it tastes. When it comes down to it, how it tastes to you, is the priority. But after your taste buds have voted, dishing a meal with style is a handy trick for both the weekend chef and any seasoned veteran. Most recipes have countless possibilities for dishing and presentation. From the incredibly simple “plating” to “elegant haute couture” (usually served in individual plated portions for more formal affairs), most techniques can be done using the same ingredients and cooking methods—they merely branch off into different presentations.

salmon, chicken or veggie recipe that allows for a no fuss yet stunning presentation. We use a molding technique with tools found in every kitchen, an artistic saucing application with a sandwich bag and a simple garnish. Here’s what you need. Find your favorite recipe for salmon, chicken or perhaps a vegetable like Portobello mushrooms. We used the salmon recipe from our cookbook, but you could do a simple searing with spice easily and to great effect. Choose a grain such as rice, couscous or quinoa. Settle on a sauce with either a flavorful sweet or a savory style that brings out the flavors.

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MOLDING TECHNIQUE

Start with a casual molding method. Measure one measuring cup of rice or quinoa, cover and press firmly with the palm of your hand. Firmly tamp down onto a plate to leave a shaped mound of grains. Place the seared salmon, protein or vegetable of choice on top at an angle. The grain mold should be partially visible under the salmon.

ARTISTIC SAUCING

Next, add flare with your choice of sauce. You can use an empty squeeze bottle or make a homemade piping bag by taking a Ziploc bag and cutting the bottom corner. Practice makes perfect. Create a design of your choice with the sauce, keeping in mind that the sauce is a key component of the dish but not the star of the show.

SIMPLE GARNISH

This can be as simple as minced parsley or basil, slivered green onions, a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds or shaved truﬄes. To sliver the green onions cut long strips of the green portion lengthwise. They naturally curl, bunch them together and place artfully on top. The full experience of food is highly personal. The sight, smell and taste are the culmination of your own life’s experiences. Focus on the taste, embellish with the presentation and you will hit a home run. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

61˚North | September 2014 |

BUSINESS PROFILE

Spicing Up Anchorage Summit Spice & Tea Co. offers a world of flavors. BY

Shannon Kuhn

o your fall plans include grilling meat, experimenting with smoked salmon brines or perfecting the art of sipping a warm cup of tea on chilly nights? If so, Summit Spice & Tea Company has something

for you. This locally-owned midtown shop is Alaska’s largest supplier of teas and spices. For the food lover or home chef, Summit is the playground you’ve been waiting for. Offering both unique and rare ingredients, they hold the secrets to making magic happen in the kitchen. Summit offers an exotic alphabet of herbs and spices from across the globe, as well as products sourced close to home. From Ajwain (a seed pod commonly used in Indian cooking) to Za’atar (a Middle Eastern blend that includes sesame, sumac, marjoram, and thyme, which is delicious in olive oil as a dipping sauce), they have more than 200 options on their spice menu. It’s easy and enjoyable getting lost in the endless rows of little spice bottles, each labeled with care. The descriptions on the back provide their country of origin and tips on what to make. Next to each herb and spice are botanical color drawings so customers can learn what each plant looks like, what part is used in cooking, and just how exactly the spices are grown. From Mexican epazote to French lavender to Indonesian cinnamon, there are infinite herbs and spices to taste, and places to let your senses take you to. They also offer Alaskan-made products including jams and sauces featuring local berries, honey, sea salt, biscotti and toffee. In the back you’ll find local, domestic and imported olive oils, infused vinegars, grilling sauces, curry pastes and extracts. I tell you this now, as you may get sidetracked upon entering by the 28

| September 2014 | 61˚North

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE OWNERS AUDREY PAULE AND ALEX PAGE. Photo by shannon Kuhn

TEA JOURNAL Photo by Galen Eggleston. TASTING ROOM Photo by Bob Hallinen OVER 160 TEA BLENDS Photo by Galen Eggleston.

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shelves loaded with chocolate bars, including hard-to-find fair trade and organic-certified chocolates. I repeat: wall of chocolate by the front door. Summit has a tea room next door to their retail shop, where you can order drinks to-go or sit and visit over a cup with friends. Featuring over 160 tea blends the choices are seemingly endless, with options from a light coconut green tea to a dark and caffeinated-roasted mate. From Africa, India, Japan and even Brazil, customers can taste tea and herbal infusions from the four corners of the world. Unlike many conventional tea companies, all of Summitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blends come from unique recipes the owners have developed over the past 14 years and are hand mixed in Alaska. Alaska-grown entrepreneurs and Summit Spice owners Audrey Paule and Alex Page can be found on any given day researching sourcing leads or sorting through samples of 40 different varieties of paprika. They are intimately involved every step of the way, from sourcing to blending to sales and market-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than the final ingredient list, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing the background research into how the spices and teas were grown and harvested.â&#x20AC;?

SUMMIT SPICE & TEA COMPANY

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ing. In their warehouse kitchen, their staff crafts the tea and spice blends by hand in a mixing bowl. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unlike the larger spice/tea distributors, we know where everything comes from and have complete control over everything going into our products,â&#x20AC;? Audrey said. For example, none of Summitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spice or tea blends have the anti-caking agent soy lecithin added, which is one of the top ingredients used in processed foods and hard to avoid in conventional spices. Their business philosophy places value on sourcing and relationships: how and where things are produced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than the final ingredient list, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing the background research into how the spices and teas were grown and harvested,â&#x20AC;? Alex emphasized when explaining Summitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screening process and high standards. Watching the numbers of tea drinkers steadily growing, they believe the industry is ripe for innovation and are poised to make their mark. This July they launched their iced tea coolers, made in house from some of their most popular tea blends. Served on tap over ice and the perfect to-go drink on a hot day, they are available in four flavors: Thai Basil Mojito, Lemon Blueberry, Pomegranate Habanero and Grapefruit Basil. Audrey and Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal was to make an iced tea where the tea could adn.com

61Ë&#x161;North | September 2014 |

BUSINESS PROFILE

Photo by Galen Eggleston.

shine, rather than having it overloaded with high fructose corn syrup. Their tea coolers are light and not overly sweet, made with fresh herbs, pure fruit juice, and just a splash of simple

syrup. In 2013, Summit sold over three and a half tons of tea. To put that in perspective, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the weight of two Honda Civicsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and tea sales in 2014 are predicted to exceed that weight by far. Summit opened its doors in 1998 as a small specialty store in South Anchorage. Almost a decade later, Audrey purchased the company in 2007 and relocated the store to a larger and more accessible location in midtown. In 2011, Alex joined as co-owner. They are hometown kids, both raised in Anchorage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both part of a generation that has mostly left,â&#x20AC;? Audrey said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to inspire people to stay here, live here and do business here. We are so grateful to be a part of this community.â&#x20AC;? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for the store? Whiskey barrel aged tea is displayed in the store currently (52 days and counting), in preparation for their upcoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;tea flightsâ&#x20AC;? this winter. Be sure to take advantage of their upcoming tea tastings ($10/person), oil and vinegar tastings ($15/person), and/or chocolate tasting classes ($15/person). Let Summit spice up your life this fall. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.

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DINING GUIDE

BEAR TOOTH GRILL

FIRETAP ALEHOUSE

AMERICAN 1230 W. 27th Avenue 276-4200 beartooththeatre.net

AMERICAN 1148 N. Muldoon Road 332-2337 10950 O’Malley Centre Drive 561-2337 firetapalehouse.com

Dine comfortably in a theater setting and enjoy draft beer or wine with your movie. All ages seating area available. O L D K LN WA ! $$

This sports bar with a dozen flatpanel TVs and an assortment of beers on tap doubles as a sit-down, family-style restaurant with a dedicated kids menu. O L D K LN WA $$

GLACIER BREWHOUSE BURGER CACHE AMERICAN 2126 E Northern Lights Boulevard 276-4200 burgercache.com Located in East Anchorage, this burger stop serves up delicious, juicy burgers made with 100% organic beef, Asian dishes, plus, a chance to win $1,000 cash! L D K NA WA $

SEAFOOD / ITALIAN 737 W. 5th Avenue, Suite #110 274-BREW (2739) glacierbrewhouse.com A glass wall shows off brewing equipment that produces handcrafted ales and turns out spent grain for bread that is later served to all guest with olive oil. The eclectic menu includes Alaska seafood, rotisserie grilled meats and wood oven pizzas. L D LN WA $$$

Perched atop Tower 3, the Crow’s Nest is known for its innovative French and New American fine dining cuisine, and for its outstanding wine list, coming from their 10,000-bottle wine cellar. O D LN WA $$$$

DISH SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE RESTAURANT ASIAN 639 W International Airport Rd. 562-1275 If the assorted sushi rolls, Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine isn’t enough to get you in the door the “Sushi Beats” will! Fans of this event dance the night away with famous DJ’s playing their favorite music while enjoying delicious dishes. L D K LN ! WA $$

JENS’ RESTAURANT DANISH 701 W. 36th Avenue 561-JENS (5367) jensrestaurant.com Warm upscale Danish inspired restaurant with a lively wine bar. The menu changes often to take full advantage of the finest and freshest ingredients available. Try their customer favorite Danish Meatballs – Frikadeller with red cabbage. L D K LN WA $$$$

LA MEX MEXICAN 8330 King Street 344-6399 homeofthegrande.com For over 40 years La Mex has been serving delicious Mexican food in Alaska and is the original home of the Grande™. Each of their two locations serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. O L D K LN ! WA $$

MARX BROS CAFÉ AMERICAN 627 W. 3rd Avenue 278-2133 marxcafe.com

AMERICAN / SEAFOOD 610 W. 6th Avenue 276-2337 humpys.com

Outdoor Seating O Breakfast B Lunch L Dinner D Kid Friendly K Late Night Dining LN No Alcohol NA Wine & Beer Only WB Live Entertainment ! Wheelchair Accessible WA Each pricing category indicates the typical cost of one entrée Less than $10 $ $10-$15 $$ $16-$25 $$$ More than $25 $$$$

MOOSE’S TOOTH PUB & PIZZERIA

MIDDLE WAY CAFÉ ORGANIC / BAKERY 1300 W. Northern Lights Boulevard 272-6433 middlewaycafe.com

3300 Old Seward Highway 258-2537 moosestooth.net Enjoy creative pizzas and handcrafted beers from their very own brewery. You can match brews with a seemingly endless roster of pizza topped with standards like mushrooms and roasted red peppers or inventive options like jalapeños, cucumber yogurt or Samui shrimp. O L D K LN WA ! $$

PHO LENA

Anchorage’s very own pioneer in incorporating a wide selection of organic and locally sourced products; Middle Way Café offers gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options as well as a wide variety of breakfast and lunch selections. O B L K NA WA $

HUMPY’S GREAT ALASKAN ALEHOUSE

More Info ANCHORAGEAREA DINING GUIDE Guide Key:

Marx Bros Café specializes in innovative contemporary cuisine featuring fresh Alaskan seafood and fine quality meats. The menu is revised each night to reflect the unique ingredients and imaginative preparations. Cuisine is paired with an extensive selection of wines housed in one of Alaska’s largest cellars. D WB WA $$$$

CROW’S NEST FRENCH / AMERICAN 939 W. 5th Avenue 276-6000 captaincook.com

out-door seating is available during summer. O B L D K LN WA ! $$

VIETNAMESE / THAI 2904 Spenard Road 277-9777 360 Boniface Parkway 279-9777 pholena.com Pho Lena serves up unique, delicious dishes from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and other delicacies from the far East. L D K NA WA $$

Tailor-made for beer lovers – this local hot spot excels in food, spirits and live entertainment. Plenty of

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61˚North | September 2014 |

ORSO

lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, award winning wine list

MEDITERRANEAN / SEAFOOD 737 W. 5th Avenue 222-3232 orsoalaska.com Fresh ingredients are prepared with the simple, rustic flavor and techniques of the great culinary regions of the Mediterranean. Pair any item from their bold menu with a handcrafted cocktail or one of the finest Alaskan ales from the Glacier Brew House. L D LN WA $$$

ADVENTUROUS DINING 328 G Street â&#x20AC;˘ 274.4022 www.sackscafe.com

SACKS CAFĂ&#x2030; & RESTAURANT SEAFOOD / EUROPEAN 328 G Street 276-3546 sackscafe.com

breakfast, lunch, espresso, voted Best Breakfast since 2003 SUNNY SIDE UP SINCE 1998! 1034 W. 4th Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ 272.2489 (CITY) www.snowcitycafe.com

Stylish cafĂŠ decorated in warm Southwest colors and sharp angles. Casual lunches to gourmet dinners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exceptional cuisine, artfully presented. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. O L D WA $$$

SIMON & SEAFORTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SEAFOOD / AMERICAN 420 L Street 274-3502 simonandseaforts.com With beautiful panoramic views overlooking Cook Inlet of Mount Susitna and the Alaska Range, this classic American grill has been

serving quality USDA prime-aged steak, fresh and innovative seafood since 1978. Enjoy a daily lunch, dinner, weekend brunch or a special business or romantic occasion in their warm, inviting, spacious dining room. O L D LN WA $$$

SNOW CITY CAFĂ&#x2030; AMERICAN / CAFĂ&#x2030;/ VEGAN FRIENDLY 610 W. 4th Avenue 272-2489 snowcitycafe.com This neighborhood legend serves up breakfast classics, with mostly everything made from scratch. They offer a variety of vegan and glutenfree options, as well as a range of healthy choices such as egg whites, fat-free cooking spray, or a side of fruit instead of hash browns. Substitutions are welcomed. O B L K WA $

SOUTHSIDE BISTRO

AMERICAN 1320 Huffman Park Drive 348-0088 southsidebistro.com This chef-owned eatery serves up daily specials and house-made pastries. Your choice of seating includes the "Dining Room" or "Bistro." In addition to the extensive dinner menu, they offer wood oven gourmet pizzas, burgers and more in the Bistro. L D K WA $$/$$$

lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, handcrafted cocktails

SIMPLE â&#x20AC;˘ FRIENDLY â&#x20AC;˘ LOCAL 1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd. 770.7623 (ROAD) www.spenardroadhouse.com

| September 2014 | 61Ë&#x161;North

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STAYCATION

FALL ESCAPES Destinations to relax, recoup and find adventure this season. BY

Photo by Ralph Baldwin

Lisa Maloney

here comes a point when even the toughest Alaskans start to feel the strain – or is it the glory? – of our non-stop summers. There’s just so much to do, with the sun goading us on nearly 24 hours a day. Then comes fall: A great excuse to kick back or maybe take your adventures a little farther afield; a chance to look up and see the stars once again. Here are three fall getaways that’ll give you a chance to get far enough out of town to actually see those stars – or maybe into town for a little pampering, depending on where you’re starting from. HATCHER PASS For the outdoor-minded, Hatcher Pass makes a convenient gateway into the Talkeetna mountains. Come dressed for the rain and hit up one of the stellar area hiking trails on a weekday to avoid the crowds: Hop boulders on the 9-mile round trip to glacial Reed Lakes and the tumbling cascades between them, or take a walk on the 16-mile round-trip Gold Mint trail, tracing the Little Susitna River back to its source.

If you don’t want to hoof it, drive up to the top of the pass and step right out of your car onto the tundra – and blueberry heaven. Don’t forget your berry bucket and your boots; the patches closest to the road get picked out quickly. Once you’ve had your fill, head back down the pass to the east and settle in at Hatcher Pass Lodge (shown above), a rustic lodge with quiet cabins and a gas-fired sauna scattered around the valley floor. Or explore Independence Mine State Historical Park, about a quarter-mile away at the end of the road. To get there: Take the Glenn Highway east out of Anchorage, through Palmer. Turn left on Fishhook-Willow Road, which turns into Hatcher Pass Road. When Hatcher Pass Road veers left up the pass, you continue straight onto Gold Cord Road; the lodge will be on your right. Look for the Gold Mint trailhead at mile 13.7 of Hatcher Pass Road; the Reed Lakes trailhead is accessed via unpaved and barely signed Archangel Road, a rough, unpaved right turn from Hatcher Pass Road a little less than three miles before you

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61˚North | September 2014 |

FALL ESCAPES reach Hatcher Pass Lodge (cabins sleep 2 to 6, average $127.50/night). CHENA HOT SPRINGS Chena Hot Springs Resort is a true year-round haven, with an indoor pool and outdoor rock lake filled by the mineral rich hot springs that give this resort its name. But alongside the therapeutic massage and yurt/RV/tent camping, you’ll find a strong interest in renewable energy. A geothermal power plant, wind power and a year-round greenhouse are just a few of the renewable-energy projects you can visit during Chena’s twice-daily tours of its projects. Then there’s the ice museum, maintained at a cool 20 degrees year-round thanks to refrigeration powered by the resort’s geothermal heat. By the time you read this, it’ll be dark enough at night to see the aurora – so

look up! Aurora-watchers in Anchorage have to look at the northern horizon, but when you’re as far north as Chena the lights dance almost directly overhead. There are plenty of active pursuits here too, including hiking, flightseeing and dog kennel tours. If you want to explore the surrounding wilderness, the folks at Chena can hook you up with almost any mode of transportation you can imagine -- everything from horses to bikes, dog carts, dog sleds, snowmachines, skis and snowshoes. If you have time (and tough feet) hike the Granite Tors trail, which starts at mile 39.5 of Chena Hot Springs Road (about 17 miles before the resort). The trail comes in two sizes: a challenging 15-mile loop and an easier 2-mile loop. To get there from Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway north, then take the Chena Hot Springs Road exit to the east.

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Twelfth Night, or What You Will By William Shakespeare

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April 3 - 12, 2015

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| September 2014 | 61˚North

HOMER Locals like to joke that Homer is “a quaint little drinking town with a fishing problem.” But there’s more than art, fish and drink to be had in this seaside community. After all, nothing spells getaway like a quiet, clean inn right at the edge of the sea, with full spa service and thoughtful luxuries like a glass of wine or sparkling cider – also known as the Homer Inn & Spa (four themed suites, $149 and up). If you’re more interested in winemaking than massage, Bear Creek Winery and Lodging combines a country winery with a couple of cozy suites, views over Kachemak Bay, and rustic luxuries like a cedar hot tub and steam bath (two themed suites, $200 and up). Don’t worry – you can still indulge in Homer’s “fishing problem” with a commercial charter while you’re here, or visit the town’s eclectic collection of artsy, creative shops. Or if you’re more the landlubber type, try taking a stroll on the beaches where you can travel up to 15 miles one-way, tides allowing. Plan your hike to avoid being cut off by the tide, and remember to stay off the dangerous mud flats.

HATCHER PASS LODGE hatcherpasslodge.com

By John Heimbuch

On sale September 2014 at uaatix.com More information at uaa.alaska.edu/theatre

The resort is about 56 miles away, at the end of the road (a variety of lodging options, $140 and up).

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Aurora dancing over the Chena Hot Springs Aurora Ice Museum. Photo courtesy of Travis Knauss and Chena Hot Springs Resort.

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61˚North | September 2014 |

TRAVEL

Haul Road A weekend traveling the Dalton Highway.

Peter LaFrance PHOTOS BY Peter LaFrance

airbanks, to me, has always been the end of the road. My mind had erroneously categorized Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second city as the frontier of the road system; the precipice on which one hit the brakes before tumbling off into the unknown. In the state that I had known all my life it is remarkable how little I have covered of its geography. But here I was, rolling across the wooden deck of the bridge over the Yukon River in an aging sedan, pushing further north than I had ever been before. It had been remarkably easy. We gassed up in Fairbanks, passed through the brilliantly named Livengood and 140 mostly tame road miles later, we watched the famed water of the Yukon meander slowly beneath our feet. The bridge is a massive 2290 feet long and yet for all practical purposes it was nothing in comparison to the long arc of dirt road that stretched out before us to the north. The understanding of that fact breathed some quiet humility into the first major milestone of our trip and we stood silently on the bridge deck taking it all in. Driving the Dalton Highway, or Haul Road, had been on my bucket list since it opened to private traffic in 1994. In a feat of astonishing industriousness, the road was put together in five short months in 1974 to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. On most Alaska maps, it looks like a gentle drive; the scale of the map cannot reveal the sharpness of its corners or the steepness of its grades. It follows the pipeline assiduously, and is one of two roads in North America that roll past the Arctic Circle. The highway blasts through the heart of the Brooks Range, and spills onto the massive tundra stretches of the North Slope, opening up that vast expanse to those willing to endure the drive and mar their car with rocks and mud thrown by big rigs with a job to do.

| September 2014 | 61Ë&#x161;North

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Andrew, one of my good friends from California, had made the trip up to Alaska and we agreed to tackle the road together. It’s a rare person that would want to endure the 828 mile mostly gravel round trip on their vacation, but the uniqueness of the challenge and the scale of the country promised a fine exclamation point for his visit to our great state. We continued north past the Yukon River, through the rolling boreal forests of the Fort Hamlin Hills, to the bizarre Finger Mountain Wayside. The ceiling had lowered to just above the tundra and a light drizzle was falling, framing the jutting granite tors in a fine mist. We circled around the largest rock on foot, amazed that these massive granite blocks were ejected from the earth by forces generated from the freezing and thawing ground. Ice rules the north indeed.

awkward arrangements of terror. An appropriate reminder of the dangers of the road for those of us continuing north. In Coldfoot we toured the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center and found a handful of helpful, if a little bored, staff and a host of well-done exhibits. Onwards. We made quick time on the paved road that surrounds Coldfoot and soon we were at the foot of the beautifully rugged, mostly marble, Sukakpak Mountain. According to The Milepost, the necessary and information dense mile-by-mile guide to all roads Alaskan, the mountain is said to mark the traditional boundary between the territory of the Eskimo peoples to the north and the Athabascan of the interior. We were truly in the Brooks Range, in the heart of the abstract shading that I had only known on maps. The peaks tightened around us and

We pressed on to the Arctic Circle Wayside, 199 miles from Fairbanks to take the obligatory photograph in front of the sign that denotes the southern boundary of where the sun does not set on the summer solstice. Despite seeing hardly any cars on the road north of the Yukon River, the wayside was packed. Three tourist vans and a few passenger vehicles had spilled their contents and the line to take a photo was stuffed with people in down parkas speaking a variety of languages and eating ice cream. The scene was surreal – folks from all over the planet had spent hours in vans and then crammed themselves together at N 66˚ 33’ to take a photo in front of a sign marking an imaginary line. We of course joined the queue and took photos. I just wish that we had been forward thinking enough to bring ice cream. Our next stop was Coldfoot – the most northern truck stop in the United States and a necessary fuel up for those wanting to make Prudhoe Bay. The parking lot was a sea of mud and the hallway to the bathroom was coated in photos of trucks in

cold, rugged beauty was abundant. Farther north we noted the proudly standing and now ironic sign that reads: “Farthest North Spruce Tree on the Alaska Pipeline – DO NOT CUT”. Some vandals had taken the challenge personally and, in a feat of remarkable senselessness, had toppled this unknowing tree that was not actually the farthest north spruce on the pipeline, but only had the unfortunate luck of being labeled as such. There are dark lessons to be learned about humanity up on the Haul Road, but fortunately we had the distraction of a long road to drive and miles to go before we could sleep. Our CB radio crackled to life as the semis announced their progress up or down the winding road towards Atigun Pass. We began to pick up the jargon ourselves and as blind corners or steep grades approached we announced the presence of our “four wheeler.” The CB proved helpful and entertaining, providing a distraction from our hastily chosen, yet oddly fitting, audio book about Genghis Khan. As we climbed higher up the

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61˚North | September 2014 |

TRAVEL pass, winter fully returned and snow began accumulating. We crested the 4739 foot pass and were met with swirling snow and gusting wind. A wall of white clouds blocked what could have been a remarkable view and we immediately began the steep crawl down the north slope of the Brooks Range. Through the valley of the Atigun River the jagged stroke of the pipeline somehow added to the scenery, dashing back and forth across the arctic tundra and making the road a little less lonesome. The valley broadened and the mountains slowly

River breaking the rolling tundra expanses. This was the North Slope I had known from pictures and as the clouds lifted and the light intensified a unique and stark beauty emerged. As we rolled north, scanning the tundra for musk oxen, caribou and unique birds, the dissonant structures of Deadhorse appeared and we were soon upon the northern extent of the Dalton Highway. Deadhorse is stark. This is where many Alaskans reluctantly disappear to when their two-weeks on comes to call and at first

The highway blasts through the heart of the Brooks Range and spills onto the massive tundra stretches of the North Slope. faded as we joined the Sagavanirktok (Sag) River on our push north. Here we saw small groups of caribou feeding along the road, skittishly racing off once a threat was perceived. The migratory birds were in full abundance and we noted groups of snow geese, cackling geese, white fronted geese, phalaropes, pintails and a host of other species that made me wish we had brought an ornithologist along. The scenery was now muted, with only1 the bluffs of theAMSag ASI 61Degrees AD_7.41x4.75_PF.pdf 8/15/14 11:22

glance it is one of the most peculiar and inhuman places I had ever been. The scale of it all is staggering. As we later learned from our Arctic Ocean tour guide, there are some 500 hundred miles of road around Prudhoe Bay with 213,000 acres of gravel pad to support more than 2000 wells. The whole place seems to be a very small step from sinking into the marshy tundra and as we motored through its facilities at 10:30 PM the place was eerily quiet and yet, due to the high arctic sun, astonishingly

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bright. This discord proved difficult for our brains to reconcile and we tried to find comfort in the radio station advertised on a roadside sign. The crackling static turned out to be a loop of spoken words, dismally warning workers to use hand sanitizer. It had the ring of sardonic and miserable spoken word poetry that due to its environs had been fully cleansed of its irony. We settled in to our former â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;man campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hotel, and we were greeted with a scrawled note pointing us to our room and reminding us to wear the bright blue booties over our shoes to keep the mud out. As it turns out, there are some modern and clean rooms to be had in Deadhorse, but the hotel that I had chosen was cut from a different time. The midnight sun tried to break through the clouds and we settled in to try to force ourselves to sleep on tired single beds. As morning came so did a breath of humanity. The workers at our hotel greeted us with warmth and our tour guide arrived to escort us beyond the closed gate of the oil fields to the Arctic Ocean. He rattled off information about the wildlife that abounded and the mighty structures that pulled oil from the earth and pushed it south. We wove through wellheads and pipelines and warehouses and security, passing foxes and spectacled eiders and swans until we finally came to what looked to be a broad swath of snow that our guide explained was the frozen Arctic Ocean. It had been just a little over 24 hours since we left Fairbanks. As I stood with Andrew on the frozen surface of our worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest ocean, in the middle of a 75 day-long stretch of daylight, I was once again astonished by our great state. I had finally rolled to the end of the road, and was met by an Alaska vastly different than the one I knew - a world in which humans pack together in massive elevated buildings, where birds of countless number and massive variety endeavor to summer, where the ocean is thickly frozen and the polar bears rule. It is a world apart from the place I call home and yet it is somehow part of the breadth that is Alaska, ready to be experienced to those willing to follow that long gravel thread to its end.

Always Always Voted Voted Best Best Live Live Theatre Theatre In In Anchorage! Anchorage! 4th & D St. Downtown Tickets at centertix.net

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61Ë&#x161;North | September 2014 |

JO MICHALSKI

Jo Michalski

Finding her niche in Alaska and giving back. Michaela Goertzen PHOTO BY Marcus Biastock

rowing up in a family of six in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jo Michalski said she “had parents who believed we could do anything we wanted. That might have been unusual in the 60’s.” Unusual, indeed. Her father headed the Minneapolis Grain Exchange and led an effort to bring sunflower crops to the state; her mother worked outside the home and was active in Minnesota politics. It was an impressionable upbringing that led her to develop an entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to help others, and the wherewithal to lead a diverse life, which she went on to narrate for me in her affable way. Jo met her husband, Peter, on a blind date during her undergraduate studies at

years of my life,” travelling to villages hosting teacher workshops to develop localized curriculum, Jo explained. “I went to Savoonga, Fort Yukon, Naknek,” she recalled. “What an opportunity. I would have done that for nothing.” Following her teaching career, she started a new life in Anchorage, a family and a series of retail businesses with her sister, Jana – simply because they thought it’d be fun to see if they could do it. During more than three-decades in retail they opened Alaska Bookfair Company, Classic Toys, Country Classics, Flypaper and Once Upon a Time throughout Anchorage. In addition, Jo opened two more, Classic Woman and Portfolio, on her own. She was involved in all aspects of the each business.

at the ends of fabric bolts for names of distributing companies, and called them up,” she laughed. “This was all pre-Internet.” Those New York distributors, of course, connected them with West coast region representatives, and so began Jo’s first enterprise. “It’s hilarious,” she said of their humble beginning. “But we’ve been very successful for 32 years.” There was her favorite business, which she says was also the least profitable – Once Upon a Time – a children’s bookstore that hosted story times, visiting authors, and book signings. She and Jana decided to close it just before Barnes & Noble was to open on the same block. That retail space later reopened as Flypaper, a delightful shop for cards, statio-

The common thread among each endeavor was a welcoming space where customers could access some retail niche within the local market. the University of Minnesota. They were married in 1969, and she taught 9th grade social studies in the Minneapolis School District, while Peter finished law school. They moved to Juneau following his graduation, where Peter began his law career in the Attorney General’s office. With her background in education, Jo quickly found work as a curriculum consultant for the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. She spent “some of the best three 40

| September 2014 | 61˚North

As she reflected on those years, she regaled me with one good story after another. Her and Jana’s first retail endeavor was Country Classics – the first quilt shop in Alaska – that they opened downtown in 1980. She admits to learning a lot on that one. She told the story of how she and Jana spent one weekend driving around Anchorage looking for retail space, signing a lease on a downtown property and then not knowing where to find fabric. “We just went to Fred Meyer, looked adn.com

nery and specialized paper products. Then there was Alaska Bookfair Company – an underdog to a much larger competitor in the wholesale book business – that quickly gained a place in the market through its efficient warehousing and turnaround practices. The beloved Classic Toys in mid-town Anchorage was patterned after a shop she visited once in Sheffield, England. She remembers really liking the toy bins that kids could rifle through when they entered. Those bins became a popular

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feature at her local store. Jo opened Classic Woman, a plus-size womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothing store, because she believed there was a local market deficit in that retail space. She later opened Portfolio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another clothing store showcasing designers not available in Anchorage. The common thread among each endeavor was a welcoming space where customers could access some retail niche within the local market. Of the seven businesses, only Alaska Bookfair Company, Country Classics, and Once Upon a Time have closed. The others currently operate under new management. Something Michalski did have in her favor from the beginning was an innate intuition as to what niches would be profitable or not. Intuition, and a few other learned principles that she advises every entrepreneur to implement into a successful business strategy: location, an

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excellent staff, quality merchandise at fair prices and advertising. In addition to a diverse and active career, Jo has invested â&#x20AC;&#x201C; deep and wide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the state and local community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anchorage and Alaska have been good to me financially,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to give back in kind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just a little bit, but a lot.â&#x20AC;? Her and her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philanthropic endeavors are so numerous and diverse, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re difficult to categorize. Jo does have a special interest in the arts, and many of their donations and energies have been directed toward public radio, theatre and local museums. Together, she and Peter received the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropists of the Year Award in 2006. She also regularly counsels other aspiring entrepreneurs, using her proven intuition to vet their ideas, business plans

and marketing strategies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m unique,â&#x20AC;? she said, when I commented on her impressive record of service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alaska is filled with many folks who are generous with their time and financial resources.â&#x20AC;? For others wanting to invest in their community, she recommends, in particular, the Alaska Community Foundation, which enables people to become more philanthropic by connecting them with non-profits to match their areas of interest. Now that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retired, I asked what she likes to do for fun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to travel, read, watch foreign films,â&#x20AC;? she said, and then added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to start businesses.â&#x20AC;? So much for retirement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still have another good retail idea,â&#x20AC;? she said, but she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t elaborate.

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61Ë&#x161;North | September 2014 |

FEATURED HOME

Kitchen Revival

New fresh look incorporates original style of the home. BY

Amy Newman

hen Gayle Brooks told her family that she and her husband, Paul, planned to renovate the kitchen in their lower Hillside home, her granddaughter opposed the idea. “Not that it mattered, because I was going to do it anyway,” Brooks laughed. “But she said, ‘Oh grandma, I grew up in your kitchen, your kitchen counters are where all my happy memories were. Don’t destroy my memories!’” But the kitchen, right off the front entrance, was filled with more than just childhood memories. The Brooks had entertained a steady stream of family and friends since they’d purchased the cedar sided home in 1980. Yet the kitchen was small, and a wall separated it from the dining and living rooms. Brooks could only interact with her guests if they were in the kitchen, leaving her little room to cook. “Somebody would always be perched there,” she said, pointing to the wall where a small peninsula used to extend. The peninsula partially blocked the refrigerator door, making it difficult to get food out without asking one of the kitchen’s many occupants to move. The kitchen also lacked storage space, so the counters were cluttered with snacks and small appliances. When the Brooks’ met with designer Alanna Blough of One of a Kind Design in 2013 to discuss a kitchen renovation, they had two goals: open up the space and incorporate it in to the rest of the home, and make sure the design matched the home’s existing style. Step through the entrance of the Brooks’ home today and you’re greeted with a bright, modern, open concept design that blends seamlessly with the home’s warm wood tones and comfortable charm. The wall that separated the kitchen from the rest of the home is gone, allowing guests to interact freely. The peninsula was also removed and a new stainless steel refrigerator has taken its

| September 2014 | 61˚North

Photo by Marcus Biastock

place. Opening the kitchen up was easy. Making sure the redesign rang true to the Brooks’ style was more challenging. “I knew that I couldn’t be intrusive on to their existing style,” said Blough. “It had to fit in to their house how it is now.” To accomplish that, Blough retained as many original design elements as possible, adding unique touches to give the kitchen a fresh look. A number of hanging plants, as well as a hanging pot rack and mugs suspended from the ceiling on chain links, together gave the kitchen a ‘hanging’ theme that Blough chose to work with. She suspended track lights and hanging pendant lamps to draw attention to the kitchen’s sloping wooden ceiling. She removed the chain links, but achieved the same effect by stringing cables from the ceiling down the front of open wooden shelves. A custom-made bracket that Blough designed with Adam Smith of Adam L. Smith Construction adds a free floating effect, while a recessed support stop keeps dishes, mugs and glassware from falling off and adds visual interest as well. An under shelf support allows wine glasses to hang upside down from their base. The cabinetry was replaced with rustic alder cabinets and a palomino stain was added to match the home’s cedar planking. Blough added cabinets in the corner of the countertop, along the back of the counter and on top of the refrigerator, to provide much needed storage space. Luxury vinyl laminate flooring replaced the old wood flooring, with trim matching the cabinet colors added as transition pieces. The outdated white laminate countertops were replaced with Cambria Canterbury Quartz countertops from Mountain Tops, LTD that, with warm wood tones, perfectly complement the new cabinetry and wooden interior. A 1 ½-inch thick piece of custom-made tempered glass on top of the new stainless steel dishwasher replaced a built-in cutting board, but with one ma-

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Newly renovated kitchen is bright and open, yet matches the style of the home in its entirety.

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jor improvement - LED lights and a remote control to allow Brooks to light up the glass in one of eight different colors. Brooks was quick to say she loved the openness of the new kitchen. And she had nothing but praise for Blough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first day we met her, we knew she was the one we wanted to do the kitchen,â&#x20AC;? Brooks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we just trusted her through the whole process.â&#x20AC;? Blough, for her part, said the Brooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; made her job easy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you also have a guideline, something to go off ofâ&#x20AC;Śit really helps guide the designer,â&#x20AC;? she explained. And the granddaughter who was afraid the renovation would destroy her happy childhood memories? Brooks said when she finally saw the finished product all she could say was â&#x20AC;&#x153;wowâ&#x20AC;?.

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61Ë&#x161;North | September 2014 |

ON FITNESS

Power Your Health Stay on track with one of these techy fitness gadgets. BY

Lisa Maloney

(Right) Photo courtesy of Basis Science, Inc.

edometers were the original fitness trackers, hanging at your hip and using the sway of your body to count how many steps you took. But they’ve grown and changed at the speed of modern tech, evolving into sleek arm- and wrist-band devices that log and chart all your exercise metrics. Are fitness trackers really worth your money? I spoke with Ted Vickey, senior consultant on emerging technologies for the American Council on Exercise, who told me that having a device that’ll encourage you to go out and walk around (or exercise in general) is a win-win for everybody. “I see these fitness trackers as an entrée into fitness and health for people who aren’t doing it now,” he explained. Even if you already have an established exercise habit, fitness trackers offer some pretty alluring benefits. Depending on the model you choose, a fitness tracker can offer easy-to-read charts of your progress, suggest tweaks to your training program, track your sleep habits (which affect both performance and weight loss) and serve as a diet log. And if you’ve never really been into the whole exercise scene? More and more fitness trackers turn exercising into a game, using your workouts to unlock achievements and virtual trophies. Others let you share your achievements over social media and challenge friends to a little friendly competition. Instead of struggling to make exercise fun, the social aspect turns exercise into a way to create fun.

Are there any downsides? There is no such thing as a magic pill for exercise – and so far, even the best fitness trackers won’t actually get down and do pushups or run sprints for you. Still, the power of immediate feedback, analysis and encouragement is hard to deny. “Studies suggest that even people you barely know... if they say ‘Great job!’ on your run, you feel great about it,” Vickey explained. But there are a few downsides to consider. Vickey warns that when you use a fitness tracker, you’re putting a lot of information out there – so make sure you read through the company’s privacy policy carefully and are okay with where all that information will be going. You should also keep in mind that fitness trackers will give you relative numbers, not absolute numbers. In other words, if you use several fitness trackers to monitor the exact same workout, they would probably return slightly different numbers – but if you use one tracker consistently, you’ll be able to accurately gauge your progress relative to past workouts. Each device measures slightly different metrics and uses unique features to help you keep real-time tabs on everything from your sleep cycles to cardio achievements to daily nutrient levels. Depending on your goals and motivation, here are a few noteworthy models to check out: THE BASIC WRISTBAND

The Fitbit Flex wristband uses a three-axis accelerometer to track your steps taken, activity time, calories burned and distance traveled. It also tracks sleep time and quality,

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and syncs wirelessly to a computer or some smartphones. LED lights illuminate like a scoreboard to show your progress toward a steps-, calories- or distance-based goal ($99.95; fitbit.com).

THE SOCIAL COMPETITOR

The Nike FuelBand SE wristband uses a three-axis accelerometer to help estimate calorie burn, exercise duration and workout intensity. It displays your data via a LED display and color-coded progress display on the wristband, or via your Bluetooth-enabled Android or iOS smartphone. You can also share and compare your progress on social media, win virtual trophies and challenge buddies to a little friendly competition ($99; nike.com).

THE WEIGHT LOSS HELPER

The BodyMedia Link armband uses a three-axis accelerometer, skin temperature, heat flux and galvanic skin response to gauge your calories burned, exercise intensity, steps taken and sleep cycle. It lets you set a variety of personal goals and syncs with your desktop or iOS/Android mobile device through Bluetooth or USB ($119; bodymedia.com).

THE HABIT BUILDER

The Basis fitness watch uses heart rate patterns, body temperature, sweat rates and optical blood flow sensors to analyze everything from your exercise habits to sleep patterns. It also suggests tweaks to your daily routines to help you meet your goals ($199, mybasis.com).

THE FUN APP

Fitocracy turns fitness into a game, awarding points and unlocking new levels as you progress. It’s easy to tap into community encouragement here, thanks to a Facebook-like feed of friends’ updates, and you can even challenge other users to “duels.” Available on iOS and Android interfaces (Free; fitocracy. com).

61˚North | September 2014 |

20Q

Sandy Harper

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CYRANO’S THEATRE COMPANY IN ANCHORAGE 9. When and where were you happiest?

When Jerry and I were young and part of a cutting edge theatre company. It was 24/7 heightened awareness, learning and intense joy where your curiosity and imagination knew no bounds.

10. Which talent would you most like to have?

At first, I thought about giving a rather grand reply, such as the talent to be a playwright, composer or master linguist. But the truth is...I would love to have the chops and experience to be a musical-comedy star!

11. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Photo by Bill Roth

andy and her husband, Jerry, are the founding members of Cyrano’s Theatre Company. Sandy has served on the national board of the Last Frontier Theatre Conference, the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Rasmuson Foundation and the Anchorage Downtown Association. She also served as President of the Anchorage Cultural Council. Sandy’s awards include: the “Contribution to Literacy in Alaska" award; the YWCA “Notable Woman of the Year” award; and is a ATHENA Society inductee. In 2011, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from UAA and the Lorene Harrison Lifetime Achievement Award.

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Exciting theatre and full houses at Cyrano’s. Ice cream that can be enjoyed in great quantities without any calorie consequences.

2. What is your greatest fear?

Personally, not having my health. Globally, that the human consciousness is not going to evolve quick enough to meet all the challenges of our times.

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

A tendency to be on the defensive and not just listening.

Dishonesty.

Ralph Nader (I have quite a lengthy list of dead people I admire!).

6. What is your greatest extravagance? My grandchildren.

7. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Being practical.

8. What is the quality you most like in a person? A sense of humor.

| September 2014 | 61˚North

12. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? Me, but as a smarter, wiser, more courageous me.

13. Where would you most like to live?

I love where I live, but I would like to travel a great deal more.

14. What is your most treasured possession?

My memories and family pictures. I keep my family pictures right by the bed—that’s what I would grab in case of catastrophe or emergency.

15. What is your most marked characteristic?

I would say enthusiasm, resourcefulness and resilience. I might also add tenacity.

16. What do you most value in your friends?

Kindness and generosity. In other words, to be empathetic and compassionate and to appreciate a myriad of different perspectives.

17. What is it that you most dislike?

Greed. I wish that there was more of a sense of the common good along with the nurturing of the uniqueness of individuals.

18. What is your greatest regret?

4. What is the trait you most deplore in others? 5. Which living person do you most admire?

Being an entrepreneur and thus being involved in the creation of Cyrano’s, the Alaska Center for the Book and other worthy enterprises.

My greatest regret is that I didn’t realize, during his last year, that Jerry was really going to die and didn’t just drop everything and make each and every moment full and present.

19. How would you like to die?

Knowing that my family was happy and living their lives well. As mentioned earlier—because of my love of ice-cream, perhaps a good way to go would be accidentally locked up in the back room of a gelato factory in Italy at night—death by ice cream bliss!

20. What is your favorite journey? I’m on it...just being alive!

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ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER

EVENT SCHEDULE

2014 OCTOBER 11 NOVEMBER 8 DECEMBER 6

World Music Celebration Intertribal Gathering Holiday Bazaar

2015 JANUARY 9 & 10 FEBRUARY 14

Indigenous World Film Festival

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SPIRIT* - The 7th Fire of Alaska

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Multicultural Drumming and Dance Performed at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

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FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

US Department of Education 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, Alaska 99504 | (907) 330-8000 or (800) 315-6608 | alaskanative.net

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