BEN: Holy cow Katie, this weekend is coming up fast. And per usual, there's a lot happening around the state, all of it worth hitting up. We won't even mention Thursday night's First Tap at Moose's Tooth (oh wait, we just did), because we need to hop right into the weekend's other goings-on.
First of all, and I know you saw this coming, because I've been pretty jazzed about it for a while -- Salmonstock is going down in Ninilchik this weekend, featuring headliners Brandi Carlile and Trampled By Turtles as well as Head for the Hills, who will have also played Thursday at that aforementioned First Tap in Anchorage. It's going to be three solid days of music, beverages and the outdoors, so pack accordingly and dress appropriately.
Meanwhile, Trampled By Turtles aren't done with Alaska at Salmonstock -- they're also playing Friday at 49th State Brewing Company in Denali, and next week they have gigs in both Haines and Juneau. It's always nice when an act gets to do a bit of sightseeing in the Last Frontier -- I mean, why come up if you're not gonna be a tourist for at least a little while?
Anyway, there's loads more to talk about, so I'll throw it over to you, Katie. Whatcha doin' this weekend?
KATIE: I thought you'd never ask, Ben. I've got a lot going on, actually. Besides Salmonstock, there are a handful of other fests and fairs this weekend, like, for example, the Tanana State Fair in Fairbanks which kicks off Friday and runs until Sunday, Aug. 11. This year's theme is "Salmonchanted Evening," apparently a play on words biased on Rodgers & Hammerstein's 1945 musical "Some Enchanted Evenings," but it went right over my head. I am no friend of musicals.
In Ketchikan, the 38th Annual Blueberry Arts Festival takes off on Friday with-- get this-- something called a "pet-and-doll parade." Need I say more, Ben? Check out the full list of Blueberry events, Friday through Sunday, here.
If you're hangn' around Anchorage this weekend instead of braving what looks like yet another soggy Salmonstock (forecast looks grim) then you might want to consider checking out this show: Gothgrass band Slaughter Daughters (from Wichita, Kan.) and female fronted progressive bluegrass band Corinne Rose (from Austin, Texas) will play Friday and Saturday at the Tap Root. I, personally, am really looking forward to it. Check them out the Slaughter Daughters below:
Other than gettn' down to some cool lady jams, Ben, the only other thing I've got on my plate is First Friday in Anchorage. As always, there's some interesting shows lined up. I'm particularly looking forward to Amy Devereux's "Compartments & Collection" at Octopus Ink on G Street, featuring live music by Anna Lynch, and Midnight Sun Brewing Co.'s "First Firkin Friday," featuring paintings by Morgan Rauscher and Roman Rubio-Savoie.
What else you got, B?
BEN: I can't believe you just breezed over the fact that Alaska Dispatch will be making an appearance at the Tanana State Fair, with loads of swag and members of both sides of the operation representing AKD in the Interior. Swing by, say hi, get a sweet Dispatch temporary tattoo, pen, or a T-shirt.
Well, Katie, we're hopping all around the state so far, it seems, so let's keep it going. If you want a little variety in your life, you could always follow Australian folk act Red Stone Sinner over the weekend. They'll be well-traveled come Monday, with shows in Anchorage on Thursday and Friday, Girdwood on Saturday, Talkeetna on Sunday and wrapping up in Homer on Monday.
Think somebody should have told them that Talkeetna and Homer are in opposite directions? Oh well, let those Aussies figure it out for themselves, I always say.
So much happening! You want to get another word in before I close it out, KT?
KATIE: Aw, Ben. Look at you, letting me talk.
I do have one last thing to add: Saturday's 15th Annual Wildlife Rescue 5K in Seward because the race isn't just for a good cause, it's for a great one! Race registration fees go toward helping our beloved Alaska SeaLife Center out. Did you know, Ben, that ASLC's rehabilitation program depends mostly on financial support from the community to continue its good work? I did. And let me tell you, all those adorable creatures, like, say, last year's baby walrus orphans (remember them), indirectly depend on events like this to keep a roof over their heads. So, you know, this race is kind of a big deal. No pressure if you "can't make it" though...
You want last words?
BEN: Last words -- Sitka Seafood Festival. Happening all this weekend in the Southeast Alaska town, Friday's event features a five-course meal, $75 per person, with a 200-person cap. That might sound steep, but it's sure to be some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere, and it features "live entertainment" and a silent auction. Then, on Saturday, there's an all-day festival.
Whew, short and sweet. That's a lot of events, but I'm not even sure we scratched the surface of it all. Long story short, it doesn't matter where you're at in Alaska -- there's plenty going on this weekend. Get out there!
Contact Ben Anderson at ben(at)alaskadispatch.com and Katie Medred at katie(at)alaskadispatch.com