This weekend in Anchorage: Spenard Jazz Fest, hip-hop duo Atmosphere hits the stage plus First Friday events
Jun. 1—Music takes center stage in Anchorage's entertainment landscape this weekend. The Spenard Jazz Fest kicks off its 16th year with a full weekend of concerts, jams and fundraisers. Some of the events are ticketed and others are free to the public, so check the festival's site for details. Also, Minneapolis-based indie hip-hop duo Atmosphere is in town for a two-night stand and 90s rockers Candlebox play in Eagle River.
Spenard Jazz Fest: Thursday-Sunday, various times and locations
The Spenard Jazz Fest returns for its 16th year, offering music fans a wide variety of local musicians and Outside artists. Thursday's big event is battle of the bands at 6 p.m. at The Nave. Friday is a big day with a series of musicians playing on the lawn and in the atrium of the Anchorage Museum as part of First Friday. Bands will be playing at Van's Dive Bar on both Friday and Saturday night as part of jazz fest. Saturday's festivities include some of the state's heaviest hitters gathering to play for Jazz in the Park at Peratrovich Park from 1-8 p.m. There will also be a garden party fundraiser on Saturday evening and a backyard jazz jam on Sunday that features a half dozen eclectic artists and bands.
Atmosphere: 6 p.m. Friday/Saturday, Williwaw Social, 609 F St.
Atmosphere hits the stage for two nights this weekend and the underground hip-hop duo from Minneapolis will be joined by some Rhymesayers Entertainment friends including DJ Abilities, Sa-Roc as well as HEBL. Tickets start at $49 for the show, which is indoors with an outdoor party garden.
VIBES: 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, Studio C, 705 W. 59th Ave.
This hip-hop drag, diva and burlesque show will have two performances over the weekend. Tickets for this 21+ event are available online only and start at $12 with VIP seating available.
Three Barons Renaissance Fair: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday/Sunday, 3400 E. Tudor Road
The first of two weekends of Renaissance fairs happens this weekend with a pirate theme. There is a free parking shuttle to and from the Wendy Williamson parking lot on UAA's campus and tickets are $10.
Candlebox: 6 p.m. Friday, Matanuska Brewing Co., 11901 Old Glenn Hwy. in Eagle River
Candlebox hit the scene in the early 90s with their self-titled album featuring major hits like "Far Behind." Doors open at 5 p.m. with music set to start at 6 p.m. and tickets are $55.
First Friday
Buzzwinkle's Bazaar: Captain Cook Hotel, 939 W. 5th Avenue, Suite Q featuring Alaskan author Elisa A. Fleener and her anti-bullying book "Pigsquealia and the Biggest Cabbage," 4-8 p.m.
Clay Space: 5861 Arctic Blvd Suite D, featuring Anchorage artist Sarah Wright, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Tiny Gallery: 706 W. 4th Ave., featuring wildlife artist Christine Sundly, 4-8 p.m.
IDGA: 427 D St., featuring exhibitions from artists Erica Entrop and Darwin Estacio Martinez, 5-8 p.m.
Snow City Cafe: 1034 W. 4th Ave., featuring art by Elizabeth Blair and music by Shane Russell and friends, 5-7:30 p.m.
Heritage Art & Frames: 2611 Fairbanks St. Suite 400, Featuring artist Jana Latham, 5-8 p.m.
The Cove: Peterson Tower, 510 L St., featuring wearable and visual art from Joel Loosli and Bret Roberts, 6-10 p.m.
Sara's Gift Cache: 408 W. 4th Ave., featuring Stephanie Rae McLean Davis of Tangled Harpie Creations, 5-8 p.m.
Stephan Fine Arts: 939 W. 5th Ave., featuring new artworks of Whitney Anderson, Bill Brody, and Robert Clayton and live music from Pete Nolfi, 6-8 p.m.
The Writer's Block: 3956 Spenard Road, featuring visual artist Erin Jones, 6-8 p.m.
Anchorage Distillery: 6310 A St., featuring artist Addie Studebaker, 5-8 p.m.
Wild Starr Creations: 616 E St., featuring paint night with guest art instructor Shannon Stock Auld for the Canvas Painting "Northern Lights," 6-8 p.m.
2 Friends Gallery: 341 E. Benson Blvd., featuring Healy artist Kassandra Mirosh, 4-7 p.m.
Georgia Blue Gallery: 3555 Arctic Blvd., featuring artist Ayse Gilbert and her exhibit "Plants from a Northern Landscape," 5-7 p.m.
Check our online calendar for more event listings at adn.com/calendar.
