Weird critters
Raven Amos and Scott Elyard follow up on their art show of bizarre -- but sometimes real -- prehistoric animals, often touched by the surreal image of machinery. "Archosaurs and Automata" is on view at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge at 36th Avenue and Old Seward Highway, for the rest of the month. Take a look while you savor a truffle.
New sounds
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra will present Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon's Piano Concerto this weekend in a program that includes Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique" Symphony. Guest conductor Mark Russell Smith will present a free "Lunch and Learn" brown bag session at noon on Friday in the Loussac Library Public Conference Room. Soloist Susan Wingrove will talk about the piece and other items on the program at 7 p.m. on Saturday in Atwood Concert Hall and be ready to play the formidable work when the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
New words
Two book signings of note this week. Former soldier and signer of the Alaska Constitution, Vic Fischer, will be the guest at the Alaska Veterans Museum, 333 W. Fourth Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The event will include tea and music by the Russian American Colony Singers -- Fischer will be signing copies of his autobiography, "To Russia with Love: An Alaskan's Journey." A donation of $7 is requested ($3 for students) and, as space is limited, you may want to email missfiresioux2@yahoo.com or zlata@acsalaska.net or call 696-4904 or 230-0280. Bill Streever, who has followed up his best seller "Cold" with an obvious sequel, "Heat," will have a signing at noon on Saturday at Fireside Books in Palmer and conduct an open-to-the-public Reading and Craft Talk at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Great Harvest Bread Company, 570 E. Benson.
Compiled by arts reporter Mike Dunham
Anchorage