Alaska News

Hot Picks: VivaVoom Brr-Lesque, Ani DiFranco, 'Blue Hawaii'

Ani DiFranco

Stalwart independent musician and feminist icon Ani DiFranco will play at the Wendy Williamson this week. Difranco's known for her fiery performance style, witty lyrics and powerful, groove-oriented guitar work. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2533 Providence Drive.

VivaVoom Brr-Lesque and Mad Myrna's Valentine's Varietease

Embrace the cheeky side of the holiday. VivaVoom Brr-Lesque will present "Hearts On Fire: VivaVoom Prom Night" at Chilkoot Charlie's with special guest star Jesse Belle-Jones from Seattle's Sinner Saint Burlesque. Ages 21 and older only. No reserved seating. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $25. (947-7077, vivavoomburlesque.com). Back downtown, the lads and lasses at Mad Myrna's will put on a comedy romp, "Valentine's Varietease," with special guest, Samora K. -- burlesque, musical treats, a bit of drag, and more. 9 p.m. Saturday, 530 E. Fifth Ave. $10. 21 and over. facebook.com/madmyrnasfans)

'Blue Hawaii' and 'Say Anything'

Play admits to being initially baffled by the prospect of standing outside in what looks to be single-digit temperatures to watch a film set in sunny Hawaii. But we put in a call to the Anchorage Museum and were assured there will be heaters and chairs out there on the lawn too -- with the right layers, this could be the perfect, charmingly quirky date for Valentine's. Showing will be the 1961 musical romantic comedy "Blue Hawaii," starring Elvis Presley as the heir to a pineapple fortune. There will be hot chocolate courtesy of Muse, and concessions include a special Valentine's Day beer from Midnight Sun Brewing Co. and chocolate from Modern Dwellers. 9 p.m. Friday, Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Free. (929-9201, anchoragemuseum.org)

Rather stay indoors? Bear Tooth Theatrepub will screen the 1989 romantic classic "Say Anything." In it, nice guy Lloyd (John Cusack) woos beautiful valedictorian Diane Court (cue the boombox; it's Peter Gabriel time). 8 p.m. Friday, 1230 W. 27th Ave. beartooththeatre.net)

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Heart Fair

Give your loved ones a real treat and take a little time to educate yourself on heart disease. Alaska Regional Hospital's annual Heart Fair offers two floors of exhibits and booths. You can talk with staff, have your blood pressure checked, enjoy a chair massage and take advantage of free blood tests (lipid profile, glucose and HbA1c). Fast 12 hours for blood work. Medications should be taken. People with diabetes should not fast. No RSVP required. 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Alaska Regional Hospital, 2801 DeBarr Road. Free. (264-1113)

Short Stories for a Dark Winter

Enjoy four dramatic pieces from the founding members of Dark Winter Productions, including Lucas Rowley, Richard Perry, Vera Starbard and Marleah LaBelle. The plays are written and directed by Alaska Native people embracing both contemporary and traditional stories of Alaska Native heritage. 7 p.m. Monday, Alaska Center For The Performing Arts, 621 W. Sixth Ave. Pay as you can.

The Corporations vs. We the People

The Supreme Court's decision on Citizens United might not seem to be fodder for "fabulous dramatic reading starring local entertainment, lively discussion and music," but that is exactly what is on the bill for Wednesday. Directed by Gabriel Barnett, co-sponsored by Move to Amend, Alaska Common Ground and UAA Sociology Department. 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Wilda Marston, Loussac Library. Free. (248-7174)

'The Influencing Machine'

Loussac Book Group and Conversation Salon will discuss journalist Brooke Gladstone's graphic novel spanning two millennia of media history, debunking the notion that "The Media" is an external force beyond our control and equipping us to be savvy consumers and shapers of the news. Loussac Book Group, 3 p.m. Saturday; Conversation Salon, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Ann Stevens Room, 3600 Denali St. Free. (LBG, 343-2996; CS, 343-2856)

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