literature

Barrow novelist

Debby Dahl Edwardson of Barrow, whose novel "My Name Is Not Easy" about Alaska boarding schools received considerable national attention when it came out last year, will present a free reading and discussion at 2 p.m. on Friday at the UAA Campus Bookstore. Think Inupiaq names are hard? Try describing life in Alaska to an out-of-state readership. The event is co-sponsored by UAA Native Student Services.

music

Virtuosi

Several of Anchorage's most accomplished musicians will join for a musical "extravaganza" at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N St. Performers include violinists Nina Bingham and Hiroko Harada, cellist Linda Ottum, Tai Wai Li on the piano and Darrel Kincade on horn in a program that includes music by Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi and several notable recent composers. Admission is free but donations are accepted to keep the music coming.

theater

Not in Kansas

Valley Performing Arts production of "The Wizard of Oz" opens Friday at the Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla. The show features an enormous cast and extensive sets. Tickets, $25, $23 for seniors and children, were selling rapidly in the days leading up to opening night. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 29, with recently added shows at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, March 29, April 5 and 19. Get yours by calling 907-373-0195 or online at www.valleyperformingarts.org. And bring canned or dry food; VPA is taking donations for the Food Pantry of Wasilla.

Barrow novelist