Schools are closed, the roads are a slip‑n‑slide and the wind is howling. FYI, if you didn’t see my social media post, the Anchorage School District sent out an alert that classes are cancelled today because of freezing rain, icy roads and high winds. That means an extra long weekend for the kiddos, given MLK Day on Monday. I want to remind you to take it easy out there if you decide to make the trek to go have some fun. Mr Anchorage still has you covered with five ways to make the most of these dark, slick evenings. Bundle up, drive slow and check out some of these events, indoors and out.
Black Violin – Hip‑hop meets classical
From high‑school orchestra classmates to GRAMMY‑nominated innovators, Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus blend classical music with hip‑hop and R&B to electrifying effect. Their Black Violin show invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys while the duo delivers virtuosic violin and viola lines over pulsing beats. Alaska Junior Theater notes that there’s a single public performance at the Atwood Concert Hall on Friday night, and it’s a perfect choice for a cross‑genre night out.
When & where: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan 16, at the Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W 6th Ave (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts).
What & why: Experience a genre‑bending concert where classical strings, hip‑hop and R&B collide. Expect high energy, virtuosic playing and a crowd full of families and music lovers.
More info: Alaska Junior Theater – Black Violin
Serial Bowl – Alaska’s episodic theatre festival
Midnight Sun Theatre’s Serial Bowl returns with the second episode of Alaska’s only episodic one‑act festival. Audiences watch half a dozen one‑act plays written by playwrights from around the world, then vote on their favorites; winning plays advance and eventually become full‑length productions. This weekend’s instalment features works like “BonanzaLear”, “O-M-GG,” “Romeo and Juliet are Zombies Now,” “Tales from the Coop” and more.
When & where: 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday at the Jerry Harper Studio on the UAA campus (3700 Alumni Dr.).
What & why: Cheer on local actors and playwrights as they battle for your vote; it’s a unique, interactive theatre experience where you decide what stories continue.
More info: Midnight Sun Theatre – Serial Bowl
The Second City – Best of the world‑famous improv troupe
Chicago’s legendary comedy troupe brings its “Best of The Second City” tour to Anchorage for one night only. The Anchorage Concert Association notes that the 7:30 p.m. Saturday show at Atwood Concert Hall features a high‑energy mix of signature improv, hilarious songs, classic characters and sketches hand‑picked from 65 years of comedy history. Many of today’s comedy stars (Tina Fey and Keegan‑Michael Key, for example) came up through The Second City, so expect sharp writing and quick improv.
When & where: 7 : 30 p.m. Saturday, Jan 17, at the Atwood Concert Hall.
What & why: Laugh yourself warm as touring cast members perform beloved sketches and off‑the‑cuff improvisation. Advisory: the show may contain mature content.
More info: Anchorage Concert Association – The Second City
The Super Saturated Sugar Strings – Warm‑hearted winter concert
Local favorites The Super Saturated Sugar Strings headline Williwaw Social on Saturday evening. Huycke Entertainment’s event page says doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. with support from Selma Casagranda. The band’s modern Americana blends polished instrumental arrangements, strings and horns with shout‑to‑the‑rafters vocals and poetic lyricism. Tickets are tiered at $15 (early bird), $20 (general admission) and $25 day‑of.
When & where: Doors 6 : 30 p.m., music from 7 p.m. Saturday at Williwaw Social, 609 F Street.
What & why: Enjoy an uplifting, four‑hour evening of live music that promises a warm escape from the heart of the Alaskan winter.
More info: Eventbrite – Super Saturated Sugar Strings Live
Scared Scriptless Improv – Student showcase & first official show
The Anchorage improv collective kicks off its new year with two shows on Friday and one on Saturday. According to Alaska Public Media, Friday’s student showcase features the 201 and 401 classes performing at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; tickets are $10 for one show or $16 for both. On Saturday at 8 p.m., the first official Scared Scriptless performance of the year will include mocktails from Mixology Mobile Bar and charcuterie from Glory Crown Charcuterie; tickets are $18 in advance with limited quantities at the door.
When & where: Student showcase on Friday at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; full show Saturday at 8 p.m., all at The Nave, 3502 Spenard Road.
What & why: Catch Anchorage’s newest improvisors or the seasoned troupe in an intimate setting with craft mocktails and snacks.
More info: Scared Scriptless Improv
Final thoughts
It’s going to be a slippery weekend, but there’s no reason to hibernate completely. The roads may be icy, so leave plenty of time, preferably you’ll have studded tires and take it slow. With school out and schedules cleared, pick a show (or two) and savor the talented acts gracing Anchorage this weekend. See you out there and remember, if conditions get too slick, there’s always next week to catch another show.