Ted Stevens Day
Alaska's first fully inclusive "boundless playground" will open at Cuddy Family Midtown Park with a ribbon-cutting at noon Saturday -- the day that Alaskans are encouraged to get outside and play in honor of the late Sen. Ted Stevens. The dedication will feature food (wild salmon burgers and ice cream) and lots of free activities, including an obstacle course, oval skating, hand cycling and a jousting pit. The party's free.
Zelinsky/Owens
Sax hero Rick Zelinsky and trumpet wizard Pat Owens are featured in sets featuring "a lot of Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker piano-less stuff" 7-11 p.m. Friday at Sullivan's Streakhouse. Sip a martini and get a live sneak preview of what Zelinsky may have in mind for what sounds like an ambitious season to come.
Laura Oden
The young Anchorage songstress is touring the state this summer to promote her first album, "Alchemy." You can catch Laura Oden live at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Spenard Farmers Market, under the historic Kut Rate Kid windmill next to Chilkoot Charlie's.
First Tap
Nashville Rocker Tim Easton and the Colorado Bluegrass quartet Head For The Hills will perform for the next First Tap party at Bear Tooth Theatrepub, Thursday, 1230 W. 27th Ave. Tickets for this 21-and-over concert are $20 at beartooththeatre.net/concerts. Easton performs at 8 p.m. and the bluegrass guys take over at 10 p.m. No one's saying what beer of the month will get its first public tasting at the event, but we're hoping that it's a great way to beat the heat.
Anchorage
Alaska Dispatch Publishing