Toreador, en garde!
The Metropolitan Opera's summer schedule of "Encore" rebroadcasts of choice productions on the big screen gets under way 7 p.m. Wednesday at both the Regal and Century theaters. Elina Garanca has the title role in a steaming "Carmen." Roberto Alagna is the love-struck and violence-prone army deserter Don Jose. Seduction, smuggling and bull fighting all on the big stage.
Top of McKinley
Last month author Tom Walker had the Anchorage Museum crowd spellbound for two hours when he presented his slide talk about Harry Karstens and the first successful climb of Mount McKinley. Karstens and the climb are the subject of Walker's new book, "The Seventymile Kid." He'll repeat the program 7 p.m. Thursday at Loussac Library. If you missed the first talk, make sure you catch this one. If you miss 'em both, buy the book.
Church recital
You may remember Ernestine Dillard for her performance of "God Bless America" in a nationally televised memorial for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, with President Clinton and Billy Graham in attendance. She will sing live 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Anchorage Lutheran Church in a recital with organ wizard Lonnie Liggitt, who has some piano numbers in the mix for this occasion. The program includes religious songs and works by Chopin, Beethoven, Gershwin and Puccini. Admission is by donation to keep these music programs going at the church, N Street and 15th Avenue.
Compiled by arts reporter Mike Dunham