Make A Scene Magazine March 2015

PAGE 14

The Artistic Soul

A VISUAL TRIBUTE OF DISCOVERY, DEVOTION & EMERGENCE.

MAR 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PAGE 2

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MORE FUN FOR YOU EXPERIENCE MORE FOR YOURSELF. VISIT US ONLINE FOR A FREE PASS OR VISIT A LOCATION NEAR YOU. FITNESS, RACQUET SPORTS, AND SPA MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

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MAR 2015

Entertainment

Let Us Entertain You Alaska Style!

The Season 4 Premier Episode of the VAA Alaska Home Companion Meadowood Mall, at the corner of Parks Highway and Big Lake Road, in Houston.

36 CRAZYFISTS RELEASES NEW CD PAGE 26

Alaska Home Companion – A Frontier Variety Show! is a rendition of a live radio broadcast from the golden age of Alaskan radio, with skits, music, and dance acts, similar to the popular Prairie Home Companion radio show on NPR.

By Randi Perlman for Valley Arts Alliance (VAA)

Tickets are $15 each, available at the door.

A Frontier Variety Show! will be held at 7pm on Saturday, March 14 at Lockhart & Erskine’s Top Drawer, located in the

Check out previous year’s episodes at www.valleyartsalliance.com and come join in the fun!

THE FATAL FLAW PAGE 17

www. VALLEYARTSALLIANCE .com

valley performing arts presents south pacific PAGE 16

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Arts

Palmer Museum – Beyond the Classroom

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by Selena Ortega-Chiolero

MAR 2015

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

For the month of March, the museum is shining the spotlight on the younger artists in our community in Beyond the Classroom, a high school juried art exhibit.

Beyond the Classroom is a collection of art work comprised of various media created by 25 students from Glacier View School, Mat-Su Central School, Mat-Su Career Technical High School, Raven Correspondence, Colony High School, Palmer High School, Wasilla High School and Houston High School.

As part of the exhibit, representatives from the Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all of the submissions. Artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit closes with each organization awarding one student for outstanding achievement as recognized by the organization.

One student will also be awarded a Best in Show based on a 50/50 score with 50% based on public popular vote taken at the Museum from March 4th 14th and 50% based on the jury panel’s review. The exhibit is designed to encourage young artists to continue creating and honing their artistic skills. Beyond the Classroom has also allowed some of our valley schools that cannot support an art program to have an opportunity to showcase their students work and give them an opportunity to become immersed in the local art community.

In support of this exhibit, Blaine’s Art Supply in Anchorage also donated sketchbooks, graded pencils and erasers to

be given to all of our student participants.

It is the hope of all of the participating organizations and businesses that our young people in the community continue to make art a part of their lives.

About PMHA:

The beginning of spring also brings the return of the Palmer Museum’s Art Acquisition. Each year, the museum purchases a minimum of one piece of art to add to its contemporary art collection.

The requirements are: the art work must depict a Palmer region theme or have been created by a valley artist, the art work must have been created within the last five years and the art work can be comprised of any media.

The museum’s collections contain items that best depict region’s art history, exploration, settlement, agriculture, and trade, cultural and social development. During the summer,

The Palmer Museum of History and Art is a nonprofit museum that serves the community of Palmer in preserving and sharing the history and art of the Palmer region.

May 1st through September 30th, the museum also serves a Palmer’s Visitor’s Center and is open seven days a week from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The museum also operates during the winter months from October 1st through April 30th, Wednesday through Friday, 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturdays, 10:00AM to 2:00PM

The Palmer Museum’s acquisition is made possible through the generous contribution of the Rasmuson Foundation’s Art Fund. Without their support, the museum would not be able to grow its art collection. Applications for the Palmer Museum’s 2015 Art Acquisition are now available at the Palmer Museum and the Dorothy Page Museum through April 24th.

For more information, please contact the Executive Director, Selena OrtegaChiolero at 907-746-7668 or at director@ palmermuseum.org.

The Museum has many more fun and exciting events planned for 2015 including the launching of an updated web-site that will offer more features and a closer look into the Museum’s collections so be sure to visit us at www.palmermuseum.org for further details on upcoming events and future exhibits.

The Palmer Museum looks forward to celebrating spring in the valley and bringing more art to the community!

Cosmic

by Autumn Blodgett, Houston High School

PAGE 7

Local Media

Contributed by Lee Henrikson The panelists of Valley Edition will give their views on news at the Radio Free Palmer Annual Meeting on Sunday April 12 at 2 pm at the Mat Su Senior Services, 11332 S. Chugach Street, Palmer.

The panel consists of: Mark Kelsey, publisher of The Frontiersman; Zaz Hollander, reporter for the Alaska Dispatch News; and Citizen Lobbyist Terry Snyder. They bring their history, current work, and predictions for the future of covering the news in the Valley and beyond.

Valley Edition airs on Fridays at 5:30 pm and Mondays at 8:30 am on Radio Free Palmer and then is available for podcast from www.radiofreepalmer.org.

This discussion kicks off the Radio Free Palmer Annual Meeting. The

Annual Meeting includes updates on the station, an opportunity to meet the programmers, board elections, and light snacks.

Radio Free Palmer is in the midst of a major change.

The studio has moved to a street side location in the heart of downtown Palmer. Local bronze artist Pat Garley designed, built and installed the new sign. Through grant funding, state-ofthe art studios are being built in the new storefront office.

All are welcome – please make a donation if you are not a member of the station.

Again, that’s 2 pm, Sunday April 12 at Mat Su Senior Services, 1132 S. Chugach St., Palmer.

The studio has moved to a street side location in the heart of downtown Palmer. Local bronze artist Pat Garley designed, built and installed the new sign. Through grant funding, state-of-the art studios are being built in the new storefront office.

MAR 2015

More information available at radiofreepalmer.org

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Radio Free Palmer Explores News Past Present and Future in the Valley

PAGE 8 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Community Events Art FRIENDS Meeting Mon, March 16 - 7-8pm Palmer Public Library FREE Friends of the Palmer Public Library 907-745-4690 www.cityofpalmer.org/library Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Thursday, March 19th 7-8:30 pm - Mat Su College FREE - 907-357-4511 distrmgr@wasillaswcd.org Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts SOUTH PACIFIC - MUSICAL AT VPA Opens March 20th and runs through April 19th. $20 for Students/Seniors and $23 for Adults.

GUNS N’ HOSES Cover Band of the Year March 20th - 8:00PM Chilkoot Charlies, Anchorage Backcountry Film Festival Friday March 20th - 7:30pm Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Downtown Talkeetna $6 -$8 - Hangar Door Cinema 907-733-7929 www.denaliartscouncil.org

MAR 2015

Raku Firing at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry Saturday, March 21st from 12p-3p.

Each class is limited to 20 participants. Cost $30 Call 376-1211 today to reserve your spot in this awesome class given by Sandra Cook.

Health Fair Sunday March 22 - 8am-4pm Wasilla Seventh-day Adventist Church 2101 N. Lucille St. Wasilla

FREE and discounted services will be offered from venders to volunteer firefighters and EMS @ Wasilla Seventh-Day Adventist Church 907-373-2152 - healthforalaska@gmail.com Glennallen Wilderness Safety Challenge Saturday, March 21st - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Glennallen High School, Glennallen FREE NAOI - 907-376-2898 naoiak.org The Fatal Flaw Fri & Sat March 27th-28th 7:30PM Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Downtown Talkeetna $15-$17 - www.denaliartscouncil.org 907-733-3929 Matanuska Amateur Radio Assoc.

General Meeting Friday, 27 March - 7PM - 9PM MARA Meeting Fire Station 61, Wasilla FREE Matanuska Amateur Radio Assoc 907-746-6845 - www.kl7jfu.com CHILL Sat, March 28 - 6-9pm Palmer Public Library 655 S Valley Way FREE Palmer Public Library 907-745-4690 www.cityofpalmer.org/library Permaculture Potluck and Discussion Saturday March 28 - 5pm-8 pm UAF Palmer Research Station 1509 S Georgeson Dr, Palmer 907-746-9466

Good Friday Service Fri, April 3 - 7pm-8pm First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer, Alaska FREE - 907-745-4483 www.fbcpalmer.com New Dances 2015 April 3-12 Fridays/Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 6:00pm UAA Harper Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building room 129 - 3640 Alumni Drive, Anchorage General Admission $15, UAA Students $12 – All tickets are general seating Patty Griffin LIVE April 3 - 7:30pm Glenn Massay Theater 8295 College Dr Palmer, AK 99645 $45.00 Whistling Swan Production 907-263-2787 - www.centertix.net Eyes Upon the Cross Friday, April 3- Saturday, April 4 7pm doors open at 6:30pm Lazy Mountain Bible Church 16005 E. Shawn Drive, Palmer, AK 99645 FREE - 907-745-2611 http://lzymtn.com/ Easter Sunday Worship Sun, April 5 - 10:30am-11:30am First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive, Palmer, Alaska FREE - 907-745-4483 www.fbcpalmer.com Birch Bark harvesting, preparation and basketry Saturday April 11 - 9 am - 5 pm Birch Bark Harvesting, Preparation and Basketry 1509 S Georgeson Dr, Palmer $20 includes lunch - Call 907-746-9466 Valerie Barber - vabarber@alaska.edu

Youth Fashion Show (a fundraiser for Connect Palmer) Sat, April 11 - 5:30pm- 8:00pm Real Life Church 10697 Palmer Wasilla Hwy - $15 Connect Palmer 202 S. Alaska St. or at connectpalmer.org RADIO FREE PALMER ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, April 12th - 2:00PM Mat-Su Senior Service, Palmer radiofreepalmer.org

55 Alive AARP Driving Class @ Mid-Valley Senior Center Thursday, April 16th, 2015 From 10:00am to 3:00pm $15.00 for AARP Members $20.00 non-members 55 years & over-Limit of 25 *Defensive Driving Cert. earned may get you a discount on your auto insurance.* 907-892-6114

Willow Wilderness Safety Challenge Saturday,April 25th - 10-3:00 pm The Eagle Quest Lodge FREE - NAOI - 907-376-2898 naoiak.org WHO LET THE GIRLS OUT 2015 April 24th & 25th Downtown Palmer Find us on Facebook!

(See the ad on the back page for more details) Extreme Trail Challenge Hosted by Alaska Morgan Horse Association May 9, 2015 - 12:00pm France Equestrian Center, Ak State Fairgrounds 39th Annual Parade of Stallions Hosted by Alaska Morgan Horse Association May 10, 2015 - 12:00pm France Equestrian Center, Ak State Fairgrounds Stallions start at noon Cowboys for Christ is at 10.

Out of the Darkness Walk Sat, May 30 2015 - 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM Downtown Palmer Pavilion Alaska Railroad Park Downtown Palmer - FREE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 907-232-3535 - AFSP.org

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

BINGO and Pull Tabs Wasilla Senior Center 1301 S Century Circle Every Wednesday From 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm BINGO Card sales begin at 12:45 pm FREE to the public Wasilla Area Senior Center LIVING WELL ALASKA, MAKING BETTER CHOICES While Living with Chronic Illness Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Tuesday from November 4 thru December 16 at 1pm FREE Mat-Su Toastmasters 889 N. Elkhorn Drive Wasilla, AK 99654 Located upstairs in the Pub Every Tuesday from 7:30am to 8:30am Mat-Su Toastmasters 907.841.9818 or 907.355.3039 Free Hearing Screening provided

by Mat-Su Sertoma Club First Sat Every Month 10am-1pm Wasilla Physical Therapy Deana Moore 761-5229 Palmer Public Library:

Every Tuesday at 10am: Baby Lap Sit Every Tuesday at 11am: 2 year old Story Time Every Thursday at 11am: 3-5 year old story time Friday, March 13th: Independent Film, The Iran Job, 7pm Saturday, March 28that 6pm: CHILL (College and High school Interactive Learning at the Library) Registration Required. Exploring Cosplay and all things graphic novel and manga.

Spring Break! March 9-13: check website http:// www.cityofpalmer.gov/library for more info.

For more information, please call the Palmer Public Library at 745-4690 or visit us online at www.cityofpalmer.gov/library

MAR 2015

No More Mat-Su A Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Summit Saturday, April 18, 2015 Wasilla Sunrise Rotary and the Mat-Su SeaHawkers in conjunction with Alaska Family Services and Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Wasilla High School Time 10am to 3pm (Bag lunch provided) For more information please contact: www.nomorematsu@gmail.com

Be The Match - Bone Marrow Drive @ Kolosky’s Center during Who Let The Girls Out - April 25, 2015 10am

Non-Denominational Bible Study Wasilla Area Senior Center 1301 S. Century Circle Wasilla, Alaska 99654 Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am in WASI Meeting Room FREE - Wasilla Area Senior Center

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Showing of the NBC series “A.D” Sun, April 12 - 5pm-6:30pm First Baptist Church of Palmer 1150 E. Helen Drive FREE - 907-745-4483 www.fbcpalmer.com

Moose the Movie hits the big screen at Valley Cinema 3331 East Old Matanuska Road Wasilla Friday, April 24 for a two week run

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Community Events

PAGE 10 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Local Film

MOOSE the Movie

Hits the Big Screen April 24!

Moose the Movie Runs Two Weeks at the Valley Cinema WASILLA, Alaska: Moose the Movie hits the big screen at Valley Cinema, 3331 East Old Matanuska Road Wasilla, Friday, April 24 for a two week run.

About MOOSE: Moose the Movie is sci-fi comedy/thriller/spoof made by a community, for a community in the great state of Alaska. Written

by Darin and Chad Carpenter of Tundra Comics fame, the movie is set in a small, fictitious, town of Gangrene Gulch.

MAR 2015

The town, its brand new Park Ranger and beautiful Coroner’s Assistant must stop an ancient menace terrorizing the inhabitants of the flannel capital of the universe. This villain is as Alaskan as they come; the half-man, half-moose, Moosetaur.

For more information, to watch for updates on ticket availability and to see the official teaser trailer please visit www. moosethemovie.com or check out our official Facebook and Twitter pages.

MOOSE was directed by G. Logan Dellinger and filmed in the Mat-Su Valley in summer 2014 by local production company Sons of Winter Productions and many local volunteers.

www.moosethemovie.com

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

PAGE 11

Entertainment

New Dances 2015 Anchorage - Celebrated performer, choreographer and educator Katherine Kramer has created a new work entitled “Bubbles” for eight members of UAA Dance Ensemble. Kramer has built a long-standing career performing as a jazz tap dancer and musician, collaborating with many of the finest in both genres and specializing in coaching dancers in musicality and musicians in physicality.

Dancers utilize their bodies as percussion instruments with thigh slapping, hand clapping, and foot thumping, while navigating their way through complex and dynamic beats. Kramer also evokes images of times past in another premiere, “Simple Pleasures”, six tap dancers enjoy friendship, the clarity of a single note, laughter and the spaces between interactions that are all worthy of celebration.

UAA Department of Theatre and Dance faculty Brian Jeffery spins his new work “Correlation” on the members of UAA Dance Ensemble.

“Correlation” is punctuated by dynamic partnering interactions and sketches of movement that challenges the boundaries of the performance space to the slick electronic sounds of Apparat.

UAA Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Bubbles” and “Correlation” by these

Adjunct faculty Melissa Jabaay offers “Genuine Personality” with a performance full of serious fun and clever surprises as all aspects of peculiarities and awkwardness are embraced.

Gabe Harvey, director of Underground Dance Company, premieres another of his always popular dances, “Perception of Hip-Hop”.

Additional work by Dance Program outstanding student choreographers will include Racin Engstrom “Entropy”, Crystal Dosser “i..solat..i.. on”, Katie O’Loughlin “Audio Cephalous”, and local choreographer Breezy Berryman’s “Split/ Divide”.

CONTACT

make a scene Joshua Fryfogle Owner/Publisher Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-373-2698 www.MakeASceneAK.com MakeASceneAK@mac.com

What: New Dances 2015 When: April 3-12 Fridays/Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 6:00pm Where: UAA Harper Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building room 129 - 3640 Alumni Drive, Anchorage Tickets: General Admission $15, UAA Students $12 – All tickets are general seating

Bryce Burkhart Graphic Design Make A Scene Magazine, The People’s Paper Direct: 907-315-6661 Office: 907-373-2698 Fax: 888-383-9909 makeasceneak@mac.com www.makeasceneak.com

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

A former faculty member of UAA Theatre and Dance, Kramer continues to teach and create work internationally. For the premiere of “Bubbles” Kramer focuses on body percussion techniques to lead the performer’s movement vocabulary.

two veteran choreographers along with the debut of seven other original pieces by UAA Dance Program faculty, students and local choreographers as part of New Dances 2015, April 3-12 at the UAA Harper Studio Theatre in the UAA Fine Arts Building. Forty five performers will have the stage bursting at the seams as they showcase diversity in both choreographic styles and ideas in these nine eclectic dance premieres.

Tickets available at www.uaatix.com, or the UAA Fine Arts Box Office at 786-4TIX (4849) MAR 2015

“New Dances 2015” will be bursting to the edges of the stage in the UAA Harper Studio Theatre. This year’s popular annual event features a company of 45 performers in 9 dance premieres.

PAGE 12 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Music Guns N’ Hoses is a veritable supergroup of New York City’s hottest nationally touring musicians, comprised of Erin Marsz (Axl Hose), Charlene Kaye (Gash), Julia Adamy (Muff McKagan), Emmy Wildwood (Lizzy Stradlin), and Gina Ilasi (Stephanie Adler).

They break hearts and a few jaws every show with the raucous rock of classic GNR. They were named “Best Tribute Band 2014” by the Village Voice in NYC.

BEST TRIBUTE BAND OF 2014 LIVE IN ANCHORAGE

Slash recently happened to drop in on one of their rehearsals the day before their sold-out show at LA’s Viper Room and said “You girls sound like our mirror.”

He later tweeted “Sounded pretty tight, I have to say Cool chicks.”

New England Music News writes: “The Hoses are not a tribute band that sound just like the original. They are not a collection of eyecandy, thrown together that can just kindasorta play instruments. They are not hipster smartasses mocking the over-the-top silliness of the original. They are a talented band that really appreciates the original GNR sound, and has fun with it. Any cover band would have simply played the hits. GNH dug into the riffs, from the funky bass of Mr Brownstone, to the crying Les Paul of Sweet Child of Mine.”

They tote the tagline “Welcome to the Vajungle” and consistently promise to turn every show into a rockin’ ’80s hair metal party.”

Friday 03/20/2015 – 8:00 PM With local support; Famous Monsters, Alaska’s own Misfits tribute band 21 and Over Show: Chilkoot Charlie’s 2435 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99503

MAR 2015

Guns N’ Hoses

Tickets are $20 adv/$25 door and are available at Chilkoot Charlie’s and online at www.flavorus.com

Slash recently happened to drop in on one of their rehearsals the day before their sold-out show at LA’s Viper Room and said “You girls sound like our mirror.”

LOOKING FOR MORE GIRL POWER? S ave Th e D ate 0! 15

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Read our online edition anytime. www.MakeASceneAK.com

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The Oil Pr ice

The People’s Paper

By Carmen Summerfield On a recent trip to Amsterdam, I saw a unique sculpture by Russian-born architect Vasili Popov. The sculpture stands about 15 feet high, and is constructed of 300 bicycle rims from discarded bicycles. He named this sculpture of recycled bicycle wheels The Re(bi)cycle Dome.

According to Popov, the bicycle wheel is the ultimate Dutch gadget, well thought-out and tempting to use as building blocks. But how do you make a solid dome using circular elements?

Popov built the Re(bi)cycle Dome with the help of a computer program to make sure that the weight on the bicycle wheels would be distributed equally. He also had to link the wheels in a way that would ensure stability. I really like this bicycleinspired art project, showcasing the basic bicycle wheel in a country that is dedicated to bicycles.

Amsterdam is the most bicyclefriendly capital city in the world, with

a network of bike paths, bike racks, and guarded bicycle parking stations.

There are more than 1 million bicycles in Amsterdam, and more than 16 million bikes in Holland, which equals almost one bike per person.

With all those bikes, it’s not unusual that about 25% of all daily trips are made by bike. The average distance cycled daily per person is over a mile and a half and interestingly most people don’t wear helmets.

When I’m in Amsterdam, I also find that bicycling is the easiest way to travel. I used to rent a bike at the hotel, but about 4 years ago my family bought me my own bike for my birthday. I keep it at the hotel in Amsterdam, and I use it every time I’m in town. My mother loves bikes, too, and at age 84 she still bikes to town for groceries!

I love to bike, my mother loves to bike, and Holland loves to bike.

Holland and bicycles go together like bread and jam.

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PAGE 14

Music

The Artistic Soul

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Contributed by Janet St. George

Town Square Art Gallery, located in the Wasilla Carrs Mall, cordially invites you to an afternoon of visual discovery with Photographer Vanessa Powell on Saturday, April 11th from 2-5. At 4 pm, Vanessa will include an intimate discussion of her sources of inspiration, her creative process, and how she battles through the fear that can often accompany the artistic soul.

Vanessa Powell is an artist, a teacher, a photographer, and a dreamer.

From a very young age, Vanessa began living and embracing the creative process. As a photographer, Vanessa Powell works to develop a vision that speaks both to others and to herself about the singular beauty of discovery, devotion and emergence. Her creative process has many facets, but is often grounded in literature, music and poetry.

Vanessa explains, “I do not want to retell stories in literal ways, but instead render stories down into a gesture, a dusting of light, and a touch of the unbelievable. With each photograph I create, I breathe life into imagination and craft memorable characters that are often familiar, yet strange and engaging.

To make this Second Saturday event even more memorable, harp music will be performed by D’Lynn Gleason. Refreshments & champagne will be served. Vanessa’s photography will be on display through the month of April.

> For more information contact Town MAR 2015

Square Art Gallery 907.376.0123

TWILIGHT COMES TWICE

www. townsquareartgallery .org

www. vanessapowellphotographY

“I do not want to retell stories in literal ways, but instead render stories down into a gesture, a dusting of light, and a touch of the unbelievable. With each photograph I create, I breathe life into imagination and craft memorable characters that are often familiar, yet strange and engaging.”

MAR 2015

Y .com

PULL OF THE OCEAN

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

CACOPHONY 1

PAGE 15

MYKEN

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Theatre

VPA NEWS RELEASE

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com PHOTOS BY Aaron Zulliger, Happy Trails Productions

South Pacific www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

SOUTH PACIFIC Opens March 20th and runs through April 19th

Musical/General > Directed by Larry Bottjen Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Classic Original

“Luther Billis” (Todd Broste) and “Ensign Nellie Forbush” (Tanya Hegg) during the song “Honey Bun”

Ensign Nellie Forbush, an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II who falls in love with Emile de Becque, a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children.

A secondary romance, between Lt. Joseph Cable, a U.S. lieutenant and Liat, a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart.

This spectacular musical includes famous songs such as “Bali Ha’i”, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”, “Some Enchanted Evening”, “There Is Nothing Like a Dame”, “Happy Talk”, “Younger Than Springtime” and “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy”. You will leave the theatre with many wonderful songs on your lips and warm love in your heart!

Enjoy!

Jonathan Russell, Sean Russell, Pasty Tuisaula (Bloody Mary), Todd Broste, Donald Forrester, Daniel Carrick, Drew Larson, Ed Gilmore, Zach Hardy, Garrett Wixom

> SOUTH PACIFIC Opens March 20th and runs

through April 19th. Ticket prices are $20 for Students/ Seniors and $23 for Adults.

> Call VPA at 373-0195, visit our website

MAR 2015

www.valleyperformingarts.org, or come by the office, Monday through Friday 9am to 3pm to purchase your tickets.

This classical musical will be appearing at Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla

Front Row (L to R) Greta Kopperud, Breanne Shults, Amanda Mayer, and Julie Ford

Middle Row (L to R) Albree Forrester, Alley Overway, Jennie Barge, and Alayna Singh Back Row (L to R) Marta Kopperud, Lisa Lackey, Sierra Bydlon, and Hannah Eaches

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

The Fatal Flaw

By Andrea Armstrong-Larson Steve Durr of Talkeetna, Alaska has created the musical score, directs, and plays a lead role in this comedy-drama supported by a local old timey band (harmonica, banjo, piano, fiddles etc….) performing raucous tunes and heartbreaking love songs.

years of love-torn Maggie running the local bar frequented by Frank, they become versions of their older and Alaska-weary selves, portrayed by the mildly hostile couple, Andrea ArmstrongLarson and Steve Durr.

The story opens with Frank leading seven clumsy scruffy cronies down the rough Alaska trails to help build his backwoods log cabin. As it goes with classic Alaska shenanigans, Stony is lost, Slim is fed up with stacking logs, the dog ate the last of the food, and all the guys want to get back to the

local bar for a beer with the cancan girls.

Throw in a fated but flawed love story between Frank, a simple guy who is bound by the North wind, and Maggie, a high-maintenance girl destined for the warm wind…. and you’ve got a humdinger of a Quirky Alaskan Love Story.

There are too many locally talented actors and musicians to name here but you’ll likely be surprised by who shows up and shows off in this cast of creative and whacky characters.

A quirky cancan-dancing, blues singing, gun totin’, beer drinkin’….Typical Alaskan Love Story

KAYTI HELLER, STEVE DURR, ANDREA ARMSTRONG-LARSON

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLLI PAPASODORA

www. DENALIARTSCOUNCIL .org

MAR 2015

Fri/Sat March 27th-28th, & Fri/Sat April 3rd-4th Sheldon Community Arts Hangar Downtown Talkeetna $15 ADVANCE - $17 DOOR

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

It’s a coming-of- age story about a young girl and boy, played by the young talented vocal duo, Kayti Heller and David Nelson of Talkeetna. After

Steve Durr of Talkeetna, Alaska has created the musical score, directs, and plays a lead role in this comedydrama supported by a local old timey band performing raucous tunes and heartbreaking love songs.

PAGE 17

Theatre

PAGE 18

Music

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Local musician, Jeff Sponsler, releases CD “ETHERIA” The album is a musical play that was written and recorded over the time frame of 1990 to 2003.

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

It was mixed and remixed several times rendering up the current product. The music and lyrics are by Jeff and the style is a fusion of rock, funky jazz, and electronic music.

Jeff did the engineering using home studio gear and computer sequencing software.

There are live drum parts throughout most of the album and these were recorded by Baltimore’s John Turner.

Live sax, flute, guitar, and keyboard parts are performed by Jeff; all MIDI sequences are by the composer.

Local company Mirror Studios helped with the final mastering and OASIS printed the CDs. The CD is available on iTunes, CDUniverse, and other common download systems. Google on “Sponsler Etheria” and you will find it easily.

The story concerns a planet, Etheria, that has a rather odd religion. The belief system involves mysterious space traveling musicians, The Harmonauts.

Once every thousand years The Harmonauts return to Etheria to give a concert/revival.

The concert includes songs that are stories from space.

MAR 2015

A friend of Jeff’s once commented that he felt that it was cross between Star Trek and A Chorus Line. Jeff’s own statement about Etheria is “This is an interplanetary Canterbury Tales.”

Jeff shares the same first name with the famous Chaucer but unlike Canterbury Tales, Etheria is rated for general audiences.

The story begins with a narrator Thalia introducing the planet and the Harmonauts.

The Harmonauts do return and we meet them in the opening scenes. The main character, Isolier, has a romantic interest in female character, Polyxena.

The religion includes some restrictions specifically, one may not record the revival concert.

Such a recording would be a sacrilege.

Isolier, however, has brought a recording device and intends to store the concert on tape.

This would be an important dramatic element for the play. Farbucron, the interstellar black marketer, decides to steal the tapes and sell them for profit.

The Concert Revival happens and each Harmonaut sings his/her tale. The concert wraps up but it is soon discovered that the concert was recorded and the people of Etheria and the Harmonauts are unhappy about this. There is a romantic breakup song wherein Polyxena gives Isolier his walking papers.

A duel between Farbucron and Isolier occurs and ends tragically.

In the final act, Polyxena reflects back on the whole complicated story and her lost love affair.

She returns to space leaving planet Etheria forever.

There is a website for Jeff’s projects and lyrics and other information about the CD are found there.

This is www.synthology.com. There are links directly to iTunes and CDUniverse for the music.

The CD is available directly from Jeff but this is 2015 and so downloads from the internet are very easy.

Jeff is the keyboard player for local band, POLYCHROME JAZZ. This group plays regrularly at THE LAST FRONTIER BREWERY in Wasilla.

POLYCHROME includes local singer Antiqua Libbey, bassist Jay Dearborn, and drummer Krista Mayfield and the format of the band is standard romantic jazz ballads.

The band covers a new song, “Window to My Heart,” and this song is part of the sequel to Etheria titled “The Zones of Nuratopia.”

The basic instrumental tracks for Nuratopia are recorded and vocal tracks will be recorded over the next 12 months.

Character Polyxena is featured again on planet Nuratopa and this new play documents her next voyage to seek out and explore strange new worlds.

The Daylight Savings Time of Aging

PAGE 19

Hilarity

by Hillary Saffran

A sampling of “Boomer Haiku and More Random Silliness” Single Boomer’s Daughter: “OMG – I think Fred wants a commitment!”

Daughter’s Friend: “How do you know?”

Single Boomer’s Daughter: “He gave me the passcode to his IPhone!”

Single Boomer: “Oh my goodness Betty, I think Bob is committed to me!”

Single Boomer: “He put me as a beneficiary on his retirement!”

I feel like fasting Saw myself naked today When did this happen?

Alaska Resident: “Was that an earthquake?”

Alaskan Boomer: “I think it was the lentil soup I ate last night.”

Tokyo Resident: “Was that an earthquake?”

Tokyo Boomer: “I think it was the pork shogayaki I had last night.”

Chili Resident: “Was that an earthquake?”

Chili Boomer: “It was the spicy fruit salsa I had last night.”

Yoga Teacher: “Now change your position to downward dog.”

Alaskan Boomer: “Anyone have an antacid?”

Boomer Student: “I think my dog just pooped in his pants.”

Alaskan Resident: “It’s called youth.”

Yoga Teacher: “Take your downward dog, lower yourself to a plank position.”

When I work out I really don’t tone my body I harden my fat

Boomer Student: “I’d like to make you walk a plank.”

Yoga Teacher: “Back to downward dog.”

Boomer Student: “My dog was neutered fifteen years ago, but still has its ovaries.”

Boomer Student: “How about crying bones pose?”

Ah, aging. If we could only have aging savings time. Oh – I forgot-it’s called Botox and plastic surgery. Nevertheless, it would be so nice if we could just keep the acquired wisdom of the advancing years and stop the physical clock. However, if that happened, then there wouldn’t be many aging jokes!

Hillary Saffran is the author of “Laughing in the Rain – Self Care for the Storms of Life” and the new “Boomer Haiku, and More Random Silliness.”

She works in social services by day and is an entertainer on evenings and weekends. As a ventriloquist, she has never asked anyone to talk to the hand or read her lips.

www.hillarysaffran.com

MAR 2015

Yoga Teacher: “Rest in child’s pose.”

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Single Boomer’s Friend: “How do you know?”

Father Time has now Begun to catch up with that Bitch Mother Nature

PAGE 18

A New Mother's Lament

SHE IS DARK

by Shaina M. Lopez How dark is she?

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Well, she has dark eyes And even more dark under her eyes Where the skin turns a purple Into un-wanting palettes of grey We say those colors are the evening Before the night When it truly does get dark Because we thought she was beautiful But if you look deeply back at her Then you’ll see There are no more lights in the sky Of her widening iris That aren’t dead But each a ghost Because she is dark She has those dark eyes And is living in dark perceptions Where the death of a star is just A waiting disillusion of a lie well told Before the night.

by Marjorie Labriola Staring at the wall -

by Nan Potts

staring at nothing at all.

Hoping and coping -

Late night flowers Into early morning hours Include, care and feeding Still, wet, hungry howlers.

avoiding another fall.

Unwanted; just staring at the wall...

The room is too small but you shine in it all.

Looking back is not okay

Coos and gurgles, Waving arm circles; Enchant onlookers With newborn quirk-els.

that's what you say; as you yourself admire you - all day.

Wash and cleaning, Sleep, be dreaming.

When angry cries beckon, Milk, be a bringing.

In the looking glass..

You can stay.

Wishing you weren't away...

Another time.

Another ...day.

With someone else:

Wet, change to dry, Snuggle stops cry.

New babe's arrived; More diapers to buy.

Snow Ghosts

that's what you say..

Just staring at the wall; I stay.

I push out thoughts of making plans and setting goals new fresh life too breathe with purpose and fullfillment true companionship; to enjoy all the little things that you do...

by Barbara Banks

MAR 2015

THE WALL

Once again it’s winter so lonely and so cold And in my heart I miss you as I am growing old I look down from my window and see them in the night Snow ghosts dancing round and round in the glow from my porch light Round and round they twirl and spin laughing with delight Whirling, twirling, swirling, in the cold December night Like dust devils born in summer the snow takes form and flight Dancing in a circle to fill me with delight Snow ghosts dancing, singing so happy and so light Tell me that you’ve come for me This cold December night.

Weighing out what I know of you just wondering and staring at the wall.

Just staring at the wall.

Hoping- coping- avoiding another fall.

Another time; another day.

Looking back is not ok at least towards you.

So in the looking glass I shall stay as me myself and I admire me- all day.

Thinking of when you went away... just Staring at the wall...

Raku Firing at the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry Saturday, March 21st from 12p-3p Raku is a participatory ceramic firing process. Instead of putting pots into a kiln and letting it fire for 8 to 12 hours, Raku is fast and involving.

Glazed pieces are put into a gas

kiln, temperature is brought up rapidly, from air temperature to 1900 degrees in 20 minutes; red hot pots are removed from the kiln and put in buckets with newspaper and organic materials.

The hot pots ignite the paper and a lid smothers the fire, so

the air starved flame takes the oxygen out of the glaze, creating beautiful iridescent glazes.

Pots are then removed from the buckets and plunged into water for finishing.

Each participant will pick two bisque pieces of pottery to glaze, then be able to watch the firing

8th Annual Dinner Auction SAVE THE DATE, DON’T BE LATE, to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School’s 8th Annual Dinner Auction on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Curtis Menard Sports Complex.

The theme this year is “Mad Hatter Tea Party”. Doors open at 5:30pm, Champagne Appetizer Hour, Prime Rib Dinner, Dessert, Beer & Wine Cash bar (adults 21 and older only, black tie optional).

Ticket price is $50.00. No tickets at the door.

Donations are now being accepted and volunteer spots are available. Please call the OLV office for more information or to purchase your ticket today at (907) 376-0883 or email us at ksmith@valleycatholicschool.org

Local Boy Needs Your Help He has frequent trips out of state and has had many surgeries.

Jackson has had to occasionally

Call 376-1211 today to reserve your spot in this awesome class given by Sandra Cook

Wasilla & Palmer Soil & Water Conservation Districts

WINTER CONSERVATION SERIES III Jan 15- April 16, 2015; 7:00 – 8:30 pm; Thursdays @ Mat-Su College Series Goal: solid, practical, informative, action-oriented sessions; FREE; Space is limited; PRE- REGISTRATION: Chuck Kaucic @ distmgr@wasillaswcd.org or 357-4511 10:00 am – 4 pm weekdays Sessions Date Intro to Alaskan Gardening April 9 Tree Care, Maintenance & Pruning April 16 WSWCD is a tax exempt advisory Conservation organization … serving neighbors since 1948 !

be life medevacked.

In October2014 Meadow Lakes Fire Station 71 assisted in medevacking him to the hospital.

You are invited to join Jackson’s Project at the Health Fair March 22, 2015 in Wasilla Alaska as he collects new stuffed animals 10” or less for Emergency services.

When Jackson came home he told his mom, “That helicopter didn’t have stuffed animals like the other one did”.

The Health Fair is located at 2101 N. Lucille St. We will also be collecting new pajamas for children in the hospital.

Volunteer fire fighters and EMS will be honored by some vendors with discounts, ID needed.

Caring for our community, Wasilla Seventh-day Adventist Church.

MAR 2015

Local Boy Needs Your Help Jackson is an eleven year old with severe medical needs.

to completion. Each class is limited to 20 participants. Cost $30

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School’s

PAGE 19

Community

PAGE 22

To have your non-profit organization included in this free community resource list, please email your info to:

makeasceneak@mac.com

SENIORS

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

The primary mission of the Palmer Senior Citizens Center, Inc. is to assist individuals age sixty or older, individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Disorders, individuals of any age on the Medicaid Waiver program and other eligible individuals in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough remain as independent as possible in the least restrictive environment possible and out of expensive nursing homes for as long as possible. Services include: congregate and home delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, care coordination, senior employment, family caregivers support, information / referral, chore services, senior housing, chore services, Better Choices Better Health classes, HELP program, activities and volunteer opportunities.

745-5454, pscc@mtaonline.net

Alzheimer’s Resource Agency of Alaska

As Alaska’s resource on Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (ADRAA) is committed to providing information, education and services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their caregivers. We have served Alaskans since 1984, and today we help more than 5,000 people annually.

As a non-profit statewide organization, we provide family consultations, care coordination, in-home services for frail elders & individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and education programs to family caregivers and health care professionals.

We are your resource for information and can refer you to services in Alaska or the contiguous U.S. Sam Meneses, 746-3432, www.alzalaska.org

Valley Charities, Inc; Turn-A-Leaf Thrift Store Provides medical equipment to all income brackets in the Valley; provides clothing and household goods to Valley residents that are economically disadvantaged.

John Rozzi , 376-5740

Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI)

A Health and Wellness Campus for Seniors on the Go! The goal at WASI is to assist and refer services for Seniors 60 and older so they can live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Some of the services provided are: Meals: Family Style Meals Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Center. Meals on Wheels home delivered meals.

Housing: Independent Housing for low income and Aprket rate individuals. Optional Assisted Living Services Transportation: Partnership with MASCOT Bus $.60 per one way ride. Dr. visits by appointment Other Activities: Cards, Wii, and Painting at the Center Blood Pressure Checks Club50 Fitness Center, Strong Seniors Program ($5/8 weeks) Shopping Trips and other outings Valley Performing Arts Theater Visits And much more… call 376-3104 opt.2 for more information.

Dennie Jaques , 376-3104

JAN 2015

Mat-Su Area Partnership (MAP)

An organization of non-profit agencies in the Mat-Su Valley. MAP holds a monthly meeting on a Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex in Wasilla. www.mapartnership.org/matsu/

Mid-Valley Seniors Inc

Mid-Valley Seniors, Inc. Mid-Valley Seniors has 3 senior housing units-18 apartments and serves a congregate meal MonFri at 12:00pm. Home delivered meals served

daily fresh Mon-Fri, weekend meals are frozen.

Transportation to Adult Day Services is available Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm Come up to the Center for activities or lunch.

Lisa Byrd, 892-6114 mvscadmin@mtaonline.net

FAMILIES & CHILDREN Divorce Care

DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group for men and women that will help you heal from the hurt of separation or divorce. It’s a warm, caring environment led by people who understand what you are going through. Learn practical information and gain hope for your future at DivorceCare Palmer AK.

March of Dimes Alaska Chapter

The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies – those born healthy and those who need our help to survive and thrive. Working together for stronger, healthier babies, in the Valley we work directly with the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

We also provide clinics and organizations with resources and information. We host a March for Babies walk in the Spring and High Heels for High Hopes Runway Show in OCTust.

For more information contact our office 276-4111 or email JOdgers@marchofdimes.com.

week at a time...moving to new host church on Sundays.

Applications are available on our website.

357-6160, www.familypromisematsu.org

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place child advocacy center is a child-friendly, neutral facility where professionals from many agencies involved in the evaluation, investigation and treatment of child abuse meet to coordinate and bring their services to the child and their family. We provide child forensic interviews, medical exams, linkage to mental health providers, follow-up support and referrals throughout the investigation process.

Referrals to The Children’s Place are made through law enforcement and Office of Children’s Services.

The Children’s Place, 357-5157 www.alaskachildrensplace.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska

Strengthens our communities by providing mentors to all children who need and want a caring adult role model – special friends who can help them expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures – changing their lives.

Alaska Center for Resource Families

Alaska Family Services is a multi-dimensional non-profit that has over 20 programs serving the Mat-Su Valley. Major areas are: domestic violence, behavioral health, WIC, family support, and residential for youth with emotional issues.

Donn A. Bennice, Ph.D. 746-4080 - akafs.org

Provides support, training and education for foster, relative and adoptive families caring for children that have been abused and neglected. ACRF also helps support the Mat-Su Grandparents Support Group in collaboration with Links and Volunteers of America. For more information about foster care and adopting children that are in the OCS child protection system visit our website www.acrf.org or call 376-4678 - bwoodin@nwresource.org

LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center.

Pillows for Kids Foundation

Alaska Family Services

We provide support and assistance to families with disabilities. LINKS provides support and trainings, parent to parent connections to mentor, information and referral, and access to library materials. These services are provided through one-on-one assistance and individualized workshops for small or large groups. Our vision is to ensure that every parent and family who has a child with a special need has access to information, education, outreach, and support in a culturally competent environment and to empower then to be advocates for themselves, their children, and their families.

Regan Building 3161 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. Suite #2 Linda Kupers, Administrative Assistant linda@linksprc.org - 907-373-3632

MYHouse Homeless Teen Shelter in the Matsu

is a non-profit that exists to provide services to unaccompanied youth, ages 14-24, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, hot meals, shelf stable foods, gas cards, transport to shelter, clothing, tents, sleeping bags, laundry, shower, hygiene products, street outreach, access to medical, dental and mental health care, vocational services and employment opportunities, educational advocacy and life coaching.

Our youth center, The Gathering Place, is located at 300 N. Willow St in central Wasilla. Also on campus is the MYHouse Café, Gathering Grounds, which exists to provide employment for homeless and at risk youth, as well as our partnering agencies and businesses, Nine Star, Mat-Su Public Health Center and Car Deets (an automotive detailing business which hires homeless youth). To learn more, visit our website at myhousematsu.org or call 373-4357.

Family Promise Mat-Su

Provides a shelter for families without housing.

We mobilize community resources and local congregations to provide compassionate care through shelter, meals, and case management to families without housing. Guest families are housed in area church buildings at night for a

We provide little pillows of support and little scholarships for local children to participate in brain-training activities such as art, music, gymnastics, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, horseback riding, and Aprtial arts..

Mentors and community members contact us when there is an identified need to keep kids, preschool through college, connected with good activities in our community. We plan to publish a book and CD/DVD of Evan’s “Little Pillow” song (copyrighted) soon.

Currently, we are selling washable, decorator pillows of all shapes, sizes and colors for kids and adults as a way of creating funding for the scholarships - Valerie Koivunen pillowsforkids@gmail.com

The Moose Boosters Wrestling Club

A youth development organization that provides aid and funding to low income recreational facilitates and athletes at the high school level.

Funding supports athletes who participate in wrestling programs while meeting academic standards.

Michelle Heun - 355-7099

Set Free Alaska

Brief description about non-profit: Our children, friends, co-workers; there is someone we know who is struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors. It is the goal of Set Free Alaska to provide excellent, individualized services to our clients. Set Free Alaska is a Christian outpatient substance abuse treatment center that uses a mind-body-spirit approach to recovery.

Our programs are designed to assist people in gaining freedom from the bondage of addiction and destructive behaviors. Set Free Alaska realizes that cost can be a huge deterrent to people seeking and receiving the help they need as well as a huge relapse trigger. Our assessments are based on a sliding fee scale.

It is the goal of Set Free Alaska that no person be denied the services they need due to lack of financial resources. Our offices are open MonFri 10-6 and we are located on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway across from the AT&T Sports Center.

Philip Licht, Executive Director 373-4732, www.setfreealaska.org/

Big Lake Community Clothing Closet

Donated by local Alaskans, Big Lake Community Clothing Closet provides quality clothing to people in need, at no charge.

Clothing and footwear for people of all ages is available. Also, assorted household items as they are available. This unique program helps people locally. Donations are accepted, to further the program. Any money donated helps pay the rent for our location at 2955 Big Lake Rd., Big Lake, Alaska.

Financial donation could also be mailed to the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, PO Box 527069, Big Lake, AK 99652.

Open Wednesday’s from 11am-3pm All donations of quality clothing in good condition can be donated at the above address during regular hours of operation.

Check us out on Facebook

The ARTs

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums

Those interested in lessons, or in playing pipes or drums with Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums, please contact the Band by email at craigag@ mtaonline.net or by telephone at (907) 688-4196.

The band’s website can be found at http://www. alaskaceltic.org , plus, we’re on Facebook! “The Pipes, the Pipes are calling...”

Radio Free Palmer

Radio Free Palmer is community radio serving the Sutton and Palmer communities as KVRF 89.5 FM and online at radiofreepalmer.org.

On air since 2011, KVRF’s mission is to foster community involvement.

Currently we produce great local shows on topics from health to mushing - and the list of programs is growing. Online we add important community events such as the Borough Assembly and School Board Meetings. Listen to Radio Free Palmer KVRF 89.5 for more community-centric news, music, sports, music or come volunteer to to help bring great radio programming to the valley.

745-8951, Manager@radiofreepalmer.org Radiofreepalmer.org and on Facebook and Twitter

Valley Fine Arts Association

VFAA was formed to teach techniques, and encourage fellowship among visual artists in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. we strive to promote a supportive attitude toward visual arts in our Alaskan community.

We welcome beginners, students, part-time and professional artists who focus mainly on twodimensional art mediums and want to connect with other creative people and gain more exposure locally.

Throughout the year, we inform our members about opportunities to show their work, participate in group events, view other local artists, and enroll in workshops. During the school year, we organize regular sessions for painting together and host monthly artist demonstrations.

Membership in the Valley Fine Arts Association provides many diverse opportunities for artists. Check our website calendar at www. valleyfineartsassociation.org for upcoming events.

Mat-Su Community Chorus, Inc.

The Mat-Su Community Chorus is open to all residents of the borough who love to sing and wish to share their talent. We are the only male/ female all-volunteer chorus in the Mat-Su Valley, and we entertain and enrich our community with a diversity of music to make sure there is something for everyone. The Chorus welcomes new members in all vocal ranges every January and September—no audition required, although experience singing with a group is helpful.

We rehearse throughout the school year on Thursdays from 7 - 9 pm at Wasilla High School and perform at public celebrations and formal concerts in December and April. The Mat-Su

Community Chorus is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a Pick Click Give participant.

For information about membership or upcoming performances, email matsucomchorus@gmail. com or call Anna at (907) 726-0906 or Sandy at (907) 355-5836.

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums of Eagle River, under the leadership of Pipe Major Aja Stewart and Drum Sergeant Bryan Gonzales, are actively recruiting pipers and drummers, as well as those interested in learning Great Highland Bagpipes and Highland Drumming (snare, tenor, bass.) We would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who would like to learn to play bagpipes or drums, to FREE lessons with our Band.

We are a grade IV competing, family-oriented pipe band established in 2005, and beginners of any age are welcome. Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums are very active in supporting the community in which we live. Our purpose is to advance the rich cultural heritage of Great Highland Bagpipe music, and to have FUN doing it! ACPD provides free instruction in piping and drumming, with Band practice to follow, every Friday evening at 5:00 and 5:45 pm at Eagle River Presbyterian Church, 12836 Old Glenn Highway, in Eagle River.

Those interested in lessons, or in becoming members of ACPD, please contact the Band by email at Nov.gstensgericht@yahoo.com or by telephone at (907) 376-5060. The band’s website can be found at http://www.alaskaceltic.org

Mat-Su Concert Band, Inc.

Our mission is to promote, plan, support and conduct educational and cultural activities and opportunities for the benefit of the citizens and residents of Alaska. We do this by providing an outlet for the many talented musicians in and around our area to perform and a venue for the public to come and enjoy with us our music.

Rehearsals are every Mon. from 7 to 9 p.m. at Teeland Middle School. For more information, contact Gleo Huyck at 746-0628. matsuconcertband@gmail.com

The Whirling Rainbow Foundation

Grandmother Drum International Peace Project The Whirling Rainbow Foundation is an international spiritual and educational non- profit organization which honors and celebrates the diverse cultural and spiritual paths of the human family. The foundation cultivates the universal teachings of inner peace, loving compassion, wisdom and understanding at the core of every culture and spiritual tradition. We are starting a Global Peace Sanctuary and Sustainable Community in Palmer.

The GrandMother Drum International Peace Project travels the world as the international voice of the Whirling Rainbow Foundation. As a symbol of the heartbeat of love that connects all nations and all races, the seven foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum holds local and global events promoting peace and unity through the universal language of music, dance, cultural and healings arts.

White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) Executive Director www.whirlingrainbow.com

Valley Performing Arts

We’re celebrating over 36 years of Quality Live Theatre! VPA performs seven plays a year from Octember through Nov.. We welcome actors, volunteers, program advertisers and play sponsors to join in supporting VPA, the Valley’s oldest live theatre. The VPA Summer Theatre Arts Programs take place Nov. through Nov. and are for youth 6-11 and 12-17. The VPA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony is held each Nov. and Annual Fundraiser in October.

Purchase your tickets online or from our office.

Check out audition dates and show times on our website.

373-0195, www.valleyperformingarts.org

The Valley Arts Alliance is a group of likeminded individuals who have joined together to encourage, sponsor, facilitate and support artistic expression.

We are a place for both new and established artists of all types—painters, sculptors, musicians, and those involved in the performing arts—to network and to experiment with new ideas and media. We work with local libraries, schools, museums, art councils, and music and art groups to create more venues for the arts, and to help promote art related events. www.valleyartsalliance.com

Responsible adult volunteers are always needed.

907-357-6437, www.meadowgates.com manager@meadowgates.com

Alaska Animal Advocates

Make a difference. Save a life! Alaska Animal Advocates is reaching out to the community.

We provide everything that is needed to meet a dog’s needs. We ask YOU to provide the love.

Contact Angie at 841-3173 or email at aaarescue@yahoo.com Check out our website at www.alaskaanimaladvocates.com

ANIMALS

VARIETY

The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.

United Way of Mat Su was formed in 1987 to serve as a single, borough wide, fundraising agency, but we have grown to be so much more.

Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center

AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. Volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds, office and web assistance, fundraising and advertising. We will be undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance or donations of materials. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbird.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or

AK Cat Kitty Rescue

is a local small kitty rescue. We specialize in litters of kittens, and our facility is designed that way. We will take in litters from the community, and will assist in getting their mom cat spayed.

ALL of our kittens are up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/ or neutered prior to adoptions. We are a 501c3, so any donations are tax deductible. If you are looking to adopt, or need help placing a litter, please call us! We are currently looking for help with computer type tasks, updating website, or updating our adoptions and monthly expences.

AK CAT 907-232-4444 www.akcat.org

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue (ADPR)

Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue is an all volunteer, non-profit organization formed for the purpose of rescuing homeless dogs and puppies. We have rescued dogs throughout Alaska, including various Bush communities. These rescued dogs are placed in foster homes, where they are socialized, vaccinated, dewormed, and taken to the vet to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. It is our goal to have an animal sanctuary, so that all adoptable dogs are given an opportunity to find their forever homes. We encourage individuals to volunteer for this very worthy cause.

745-7030 adpr03@yahoo.com

Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD)

AAD provides service dogs to Alaskans with special needs (physical, physiological & mental health), and incorporates therapeutic programs into service dog training. AAD works with special education students at school, provides teen mentoring in community training venues, offers domestic violence/PTSD support groups, FASD/ Autism programs, and provides service dogs and support groups for veterans with PTSD and their families.

Therapist on staff, and all trainers are certified by the founder of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin.

Carole J. Shay, Lpc. carole@alaskaassistancedogs.org Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary has provided shelter and care for unwanted pet rabbits since 2001. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation. Rabbits are taken in when space is available. They are evaluated for behavior and personality, spayed/neutered, then adopted to new pet homes. Bunnies not able to be adopted are maintained permanently at the sanctuary.

United Way provides information on available services through the 211 hotline and website www.alaska211.org and keep current and distribute the Mat-Sui Resource Guide. Our goal is to bring together individuals, companies and agencies to achieve measurable, positive, lasting results. We ask the community to LIVE UNITED which means all of us coming together to volunteer, advocate and give to create a brighter future for all. To find out more visit www.unitedwaymatsu.org or call 373-5807. The United Way of Matanuska Susitna Borough is physically located at 550 S Alaska Street Suite 205 Palmer, AK 99645.

The Valley Quilters Guild

was formed in 1985 to promote quilting in the Matanuska Valley. We currently have a membership of about 180. Our main objectives are service to our community and the education of Quilters. We serve the community by donating quilts to organizations and groups that approach us with their needs. We also give quilts to the victims of fires, child abuse, homeless families, and Law Enforcement agencies for comforting victims of domestic violence. The Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot at 7 p.m.

Mat Su Sertoma Club

The Mat Su Sertoma Club focuses on hearing health. They are part of a national organization with more than 600 clubs throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The club provides free hearing screens to the public the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wasilla Physical Therapy, 3750 E. Country Field Circle, Wasilla from September until May. During the summer we’re fishing, camping and gardening like most Alaskans!

The Mat Su Sertoma Club is the host to the Annual Mat Su Polar Plunge, the original valley dip each February. They have been responsible for providing funding to non profits in the Mat Su Borough for more than 5 years, along with scholarship funding for two students who are pursuing an education in the hearing health field.

The website is www.matsuhearing.dot to stay abreast of activities. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Tailgaters Restaurant in Wasilla.

Mat-Su Special Santa

The Mat-Su Special Santa program is the largest Christmas gift giving program in the Valley.

Mat-Su Special Santa teams with Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Food Banks, state and local

Go to www.specialsanta.net for more information or e-mail us at matsu_santa@yahoo. com.

The Last Frontier Honor Flight

Our mission is to transport WWII, Alaska Territorial Guard and Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices AT NO COST TO THE VETERANS. All Donations are tax deductible, according to state and federal laws. You can make a donation to The Last Frontier Honor Flight PO Box 520116 Big Lake, Alaska 99652, or pay with a credit card on our website at www.tlfhonorflight.org.

If you would like to volunteer you can contact our President Ron Travis at (907) 892-6097 for meeting times and places.

The Sertoma Club - Wasilla

We host the Mat Su Polar Plunge raising funds for non-profits in the Matanuska Susitna Valley, Alaska. February 2011 we saw 85 jumpers raise almost $20,000 which was then given to the Food Pantry of Wasilla and Turn A Leaf Thrift Stores. The Food Pantry provides emergency food supplies to families in need. Turn A Leaf has a medical lending equipment program which is now organized with software purchased with funds received. Both were grant recipients from the Mat Su Sertoma Club. Grant applications for the 2012 Mat Su Polar Plunge are located on our website: www.matsuplunge.com.

Mat-Su Community Chorus

Do you love to sing? The Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes new adult members in all vocal ranges each September and January.

We are a well-established, male-female, SATB community singing group conducted by Anna Crowther. Group singing benefits your emotional and physical health and enriches our community, so bring your talents and join the Chorus! No audition required although previous experience is helpful.

We offer complimentary performances at public celebrations and deliver formal concerts several times a year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at the WHS choir room from 7 - 9 pm. Contact us at matsucomchorus@gmail.com or call Sandy at 907-355-5836 for membership details. Like us on Facebook for concert reminders.

We have a wonderful club of volunteers! On a weekly basis you’ll find a Mat Su Sertoman at the Food Pantry, Wasilla Senior Campus, Valley Charities, helping Special Olympics and the list goes on and on! Our goal for 2011/2012 year is to raise more than, $25,000 in polar plunge funds.

You can pledge or sign up to jump! Just visit our website for more information.

Join us every other Thursday at 5:00pm at the Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill. Our next meeting is Nov. 25th. We always have new speakers and a great time. See you there!

Valley Residential Services

VRS provides housing to people with special needs. We define people with special needs

TOPS

Take off Pounds Sensibly Non-Profit Weight Loss Support Group Three (3) Chapters meet weekly in the Valley.

Kathy Miller - 376-9571 or write to matsutops@webtv.net

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS)

Our mission is to educate and provide opportunities in our community to reduce, reuse, and recycle for the long-term good of all.

Our vision is to establish the Mat-Su Borough as a model recycling community for Alaska.

We are open for residential recycling Tuesday thru Friday 10:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:30am to 3:30pm. Businesses can call ahead for hours. Your permanent community recycling center is located in our new green building at 9465 E Chanlyut Circle, next to the animal shelter at the Central Landfill.

Volunteer opportunities available. community@valleyrecycling.org valleyrecycling.org - 745-5544

Valley Residential Services (VRS)

VRS provides special needs housing to individuals who experience behavioral or developmental disabilities, low-income levels or those who are homeless. VRS currently has 168 properties in the Mat-Su Valley with special programs to assist with rental assistance and we can assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256 , valleyres.org

Alaska Attachment & Bonding Associates (AABA)

Educates and supports foster, adoptive, kinship care, step, grand and guardianship parents and professionals who care for children with emotional mental health issues, such as Attachment Disorder. AABA provides workshops, e-mail/telephone support, resource/ referral information, self-advocacy, AABA website www.akattachment.org, RAVEN Respite, newsletters, brochures, lending library, and Mom2Mom/Dad2Dad parent support group.

For more information: Laura Wagner 907-376-0366

The Homeless Actors of Mat-Su

HAMS, the Homeless Actors of Mat-Su, is a valley non-profit community theater group created to further theatrical opportunities for actors and technical personnel of all ages, be experienced or beginner and the audiences who have not been fully represented in the valley.

With local support we intend to produce a broad range of the atypical classical, modern, comic, dramatic and musical one act and full length plays and improvisational theater that are both educational and entertaining in the traditional and dinner theater format as fundraisers for various local causes and to continue to encourage development of the theater arts in the Mat-Su Valley.

Contact Elizabeth Clausen, General Manager, 841-4119; akhams@yahoo.com

Mat-Su Food Bank

At the Matsu Food Bank we provide emergency supplemental food to residents of the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Matsu Food Bank distributes thru the Food Pantry of Wasilla directly to clients in need.

The Pantry hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The Pantry is located at 501 E. Bogard Rd. in Wasilla.

We have three programs operating under the

Matsu Food Bank. The community supplied Food Pantry of Wasilla accepts donations of food or funds to help feed our neighbors. We distribute to clients on an emergency monthly basis. We also distribute TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). This is a program is supplied by the USDA and is also once a month.

Our third program is Food4Kids.

We prepare and deliver, in safe community locations, nutritious meals and snacks for hungry kids 18 and under. We provide meals during the school year. We have a summer program at various locations around the Valley from Willow to Sutton and provide nutritious lunches for all kids in the valley for free.

Our website is: www.matsufoodbank.org. If you have any questions please go to the website or call us at 907-357-3769.

OUTDOORS

North America Outdoor Institute

The North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) is a not-for-profit community outreach organization providing outdoor safety and environmental awareness education programs for the general public in an effort to save lives from preventable outdoor injuries and deaths. Debra McGhan, debra@naoiak.org 376-2898 , www.naoiak.org

Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats

Dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through public awareness, year-round recreation and events, education and enhancement projects. Healthy, outdoor recreation in a safe, beautiful setting is what APH helps provide to all users.

357-8711, alaskans@palmerhayflats.org www.palmerhayflats.org

Alaska Frontier Trappers Association

The Alaska Frontier Trappers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical and lawful practice of trapping Alaska’s fur bearers. We work to educate fellow trappers, children and the public in general about trapping as a necessary wildlife management and research tool.

Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker and/or a demonstration and fur handling information. Meetings which are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Palmer Library. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.akfrontiertrappers.com

CONSERVATION

Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center

The mission of the Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center is to care for injured, orphaned and sick wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into the wild; and to educate the public about these birds and their habitats.

AWBRC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is always looking for volunteers and donations. We are undergoing a building project this summer, and can use carpentry assistance. In addition, regular volunteers are always needed for care of our resident birds. Please visit our web site at http://www.akwildbirdrehab.org/ for further information about us, to volunteer or to request a live bird program.

Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District (WSWCD) The WSWCD is a non-profit formed in 1948 to assist landowners & land managers with conservation & development on land through technical assistance, projects & education programs & services. distmgr@wasillaswcd.org

JAN 2015

Meadow Gates Farm Sanctuary

We are dedicated to working in our community on education, stable income and health. These are the building blocks for a quality life. We provide grants to programs with these areas of focus and administer programs that improve early childhood education, reduce substance abuse and improve senior citizen nutrition. We supply Familywize prescription drug discount cards, which have saved people in the Mat-Su over $500,000 since its beginning.

The Special Santa Program’s goal is to help children receive the magic of Christmas and know that people care. In reaching this goal the program: 1. Coordinates with agencies and programs to provide for families, 2. Provides the citizens in the Community an opportunity to give, 3. Assists families in need at a stressful time of year, 4. Spreads the joy of Christmas throughout the Mat-Su Valley.

as those individuals who are experiencing behavioral or developmental disabilities, lowincome levels or who are seniors. VRS currently manages 198 residential units distributed in the Mat-Su Valley and participates in special programs to assist with rental assistance. We can also assist with linking individuals to social service agencies who can assist with life skills programs.

(907) 357-0256, www.valleyres.org

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

to request a live bird program.

United Way of Mat-Su

agencies, churches and schools to help families in need. Last year over 3400 children completed a wish list with requests for Christmas presents.

The program provided at least two toys/ gifts, winter wear when possible, a new book, personal items and stocking stuffers. All of this is possible through the generous donations of our community with over 1000 community members, organizations, clubs and schools either volunteering or donating to the program.

This is an all volunteer program. We are also in need of volunteers.

PAGE 23

Valley Arts Alliance

PAGE 24

Literature

Passion and Politics on a Far Planet New Science Fiction by Alaskan Author Lizzie Newell

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Anchorage, Alaska – Sappho’s Agency, a science fiction novella, written and published by Alaskan author Lizzie Newell, is now available. In the tradition of Robert A. Heinlein and Ursula K. Le Guin, Sappho’s Agency explores adult themes on a planet much like Alaska but with three women for every man.

Newell was inspired to write this series by watching the tide flow out of Kootznaahoo Inlet when in Angoon, Alaska while volunteering to install computer networks in schools.

She imagined the world of Fenria where the tide controls everything. On Fenria, men frequently die in fishing accidents. As a result, mothers choose to

Lizzie Newell will be signing books March 13, 4:00 pm at Fireside Books in Palmer and will be reading from her work March 20, 4:00-6:00 pm at UAA Book Store.

Available at UAA Bookstore, Fireside Books, Amazon, CreateSpace, Ingram, Nook, Kobo, and iBooks.

Lizzie Newell lizzienewell.com northernspecfic.org

How A Local Employee Helped Her Local Bookstore!

[Editor’s note: Recently James Patterson, one of the widest read authors in the world, gave over $7000.00 dollars to Fireside Books in Palmer. Below is the letter from an employee of Fireside Books that led to that grant. Bravo.]

I'm writing in secret right now, because our boss didn't even know this was something that was going on! I want to try to help revive our little indie bookstore and our boss too!

MAR 2015

educate daughters instead of sons, and so Fenria has developed a matriarchy as well an unbalanced ratio of men and women.

From broken computers and bookshelves, to a vacuum that simply, well, doesn't. Even a server that is slowly and quietly dying in the basement, our little bookstore keeps pushing through the impossible in a community where many others

couldn't. Fireside Books remains the only bookstore left in the area, with the nearest store twenty miles away and focusing only on used books. Even with Anchorage being the major metropolis in Alaska (and 42 miles away), we still have folks come in from Anchorage because they prefer our ambiance, attitudes, and knowledge.

But with everything breaking down and leaving us scrambling to keep up and running, we could use a bit of a boost.

Beyond that, our owner and main man (and one of my childhood heroes), David Cheezem, has done everything he can for the community,

throwing parties and keeping things exciting for our tiny city for years. He’s organized events that brought the entire downtown area together, putting on a large scavenger hunt or a book launch. Palmer simply wouldn’t be the tight-knit community it is without him.

And yet, despite being so important, he hasn’t had a paycheck in over six months. Instead, he’s foregone his paycheck in order to employ more people. He’d rather see someone happy and employed than take money home or take a day off.

The man could use a cup of coffee and a vacation!

I think Fireside Books could use

some help. We’re one of the few fledgling independent bookstores still in Alaska and, despite fighting failing technology and the headaches of paying extra for shipping on everything, we keep going.

But having a boost would definitely revive us, allowing us to purchase new computers, a new server, and a new vacuum for all this glacier dust. And it means our poor boss might actually get a paycheck again!

Thank you so much for giving us Indie Bookstores a leg up, Mr. Patterson.

I hope you can revive a lot of bookstores and a lot of communities!

www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Summer Percussion Camp

Student percussionists from around the state of Alaska will have the opportunity to study with local percussion professionals as well as educators from the lower 48.

This summer will mark the third year of the Percussion in the Valley Summer Percussion Camp.

Three sessions will be offered to accommodate all age and ability levels. Participants must be between the ages of 7-18.

The summer camp will be held from June 1-5 at Colony Middle School, in Palmer. Each day will be organized into three sessions.

This session is ideal for students who have finished a year of 5th or 6th grade band or have taken percussion lessons. Finally, the third session is for students going into 8th grade to those just graduated from 12th grade who have some musical background. Experience in percussion isn’t necessary as students will be grouped based on ability level.

The camp faculty will include professional Alaskan percussionists Dr. Meggie Aube, who is the

camp’s director; Anchorage-based percussion performers and teachers Brady Byers and Kyle Drake; and valley based drumset performer and teacher, Barry Johnson .

We are also pleased to be bringing up to Alaska, Dr. Luke Bernier, a professional percussionist from Bismarck, North Dakota. Dr. Bernier is the head of percussion studies at the University of Mary in Bismarck. He will be sharing his vast knowledge and experience in steel drums with the camp participants.

Students will have the chance to work on their percussion technique, learn a variety of new percussion instruments and music styles, and get to know other percussionists from around the valley. The camp will culminate

with a concert on Friday, June 5, where students will share all they learned throughout the week.

Additionally, camp students will be able to band together with other valley percussionists to march in the Colony Day’s Parade in Palmer on June 6.

For more information on the camp, to see full bios on the faculty, and to register, visit: www. percussioninthevalley.com or contact Dr. Meggie Aube at: 907631-8079 or meggieaube@hotmail. com.

Space is limited and early registration is recommended to reserve a spot.

PERCUSSIONINTHEVALLEY .com

MAR 2015

The first session of the day will be for students aged 7-12 who have little or no percussion experience.

This is a wonderful chance for

those students who are interested in trying percussion to explore the instruments for a week and see what they think. The second session will be for students going into 4th-7th grade who have had at least one year of percussion study.

PAGE 25

Music

PAGE 26 www. MAKEASCENEAK .com

Music

36 CRAZYFISTS RETURN With Time and Trauma

Band to Tour North America This Spring

Alaska Metal Band, 36 CRAZYFISTS, released their new album Time and Trauma last week to global critical acclaim.

The fans also responded, as the album enjoyed healthy sales debuts, as well, giving the band its best chart numbers of its two-decade career.

Time and Trauma has outsold its predecessor, which was released in 2010, bucking the trend of downward numbers!

MAR 2015

The album debuted at No. 80 on the Billboard Top Albums Chart; at No. 12 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart; at No. 4 on the Billboard Hard Music Albums Chart; at No. 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.

This marks the band’s highest Billboard chart debut yet.

The band also scored their highest Chart position in the UK at No. 61!

“We are so grateful and full of pride for the support that all of our 36 CRAZYFISTS family have given us over all these years,” singer Brock Lindow said.

“Everyone that purchased our new album, Time and Trauma this week delivered us our highest chart positions. So, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The band is also returning to the road in the spring, touring the U.S. with Nonpoint and Five Finger Death Punch, respectively.

PHOTO BY ANDRE HORTON

Alaska Metal Band, 36 CRAZYFISTS, released their new album Time and Trauma last week to global critical acclaim.

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