Peninsula poet
Four-time Pushcart prize nominee Anne Coray is the next writer to present a Reading and Craft Talk for 49 Writers. Coray, author of three poetry collections, will talk about the importance of sound in her work, how she devises her structures and uses allusions -- not to be confused with Aleutians, a chain of islands southwest of her home in Port Alsworth on the Alaska Peninsula. The poet will also read from her work starting at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Great Harvest Bread Company, 370 E. Benson Blvd.
Rivers, mountains and mortarboards
The Alaska Youth Orchestras will present its Winter Concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the Discovery Theatre. Ensembles will perform Brahms' "Academic Festival Overture," Mussorgsky's "Night on a Bald Mountain" and Smetana's "The Moldau." The Anchorage Youth Symphony will be joined by the Anchorage Youth Philharmonic, directed by William Waag. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
Northern lights ballet
Anchorage Ballet will present its full-length piece "Aurora: A Tale of the Northern Lights" this weekend, a dramatic and color-packed fable based on Mindy Dwyer's children's book. The title role will be danced by Dale Jordan, previously principal dancer with Sarasota Ballet in Florida. Two more professionals from Ballet Idaho, Jessica Sulikowski and Nathan Powell, will be the guest artists the roles of the Sun and the Caribou as they accompany Aurora in her adventure across the Alaska tundra. An ideal show for all ages, performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Sydney Laurence Theatre. Tickets are available at centertix.net.
Beyond Crayolas
The annual Anchorage School District Art Show opens tonight at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Work by talented students from kindergarten through high school have been selected for inclusion in the show, which features traditional media -- drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture -- and more experimental items. Every year several pieces stand out as being remarkably professional. The exhibit will remain on display until April 7. Admission is free on Friday, March 1, as part of the First Friday affair, and free for Bank of America credit card holders on Saturday.
Compiled by arts reporter
Mike Dunham