Alaska News

Hot picks for the weekend

Alaska World Music Festival

Expand your musical horizons with three days of tunes from around the world. The weekend kicks off with "Celebrating India," an event featuring Indian culture, a meal prepared by Bombay Deluxe, Bhangra music, dance performances and a Bollywood film. 7-9 p.m. Friday ($55 in advance, $60 at the door). There will be a series of lectures and performances on Saturday, including "Didgeridoo 101," "Recharge Your Batteries with Alaska Native Dance," "African Drumming," "Qashqai Scarf Dance," "Latino Music in Alaska" and "Rumba Cuban Street Music." 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday ($10 in advance, $15 at the door; all workshops included in ticket price).

On Sunday, six local bands will each perform a 15-minute set, followed by a 15-minute interview with Alaska Public Media's Torrie Allen. Bands include Son Latinos, Crooked Road, Tomodachi Daiko Drummers and Hmong Singing and Dance. 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday ($10 in advance, $15 at the door). Alaska Public Media, 3877 University Drive. (alaskaworldaffairs.org)

Alaska Pacific University Outdoor Gear Swap

While it's not quite summer yet, we can still dream -- and gear up. If you're looking for a deal on kayaks, packrafts, bikes, skis, backpacks, climbing gear and more, check out the APU Gear Swap this weekend. Gear drop-off is 5-7 p.m. Friday and 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday. APU will take a 10 percent commission to benefit APU Outdoor Programs. Swap is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Alaska Pacific University's Moseley Center, 4400 University Drive. (952-7592)

Drinking for a cause

Are you a wine snob? A beer aficionado? There are some fundraisers catering to you this weekend. The annual Chemistry of Beer, Wine and Mead Fundraiser for the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature will feature a selection of beverage and food pairings, music, a silent auction, a door prize and more. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W. Sixth Ave. General admission, $45; VIP, $150. (263-2787, centertix.net)

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The Annual World Cup of Wines features wines from around the world, appetizers and a silent auction and supports the Anchorage Youth Soccer Club, which is raising money for their scholarship fund. 7 p.m. Saturday, Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Drive. $45. (anchorageyouthsoccer.org, 222-2559)

'From the Beverly Hillbillies to Duck Dynasty: Whiteness, Culture, and Memory in the American South'

Ian Hartman from the UAA history department will discuss how white racial identity in the American South has shaped public policy and popular culture throughout America. His research has been published in American Nineteenth Century History and The Journal of Southern History. Currently, he is working on a book about race, labor and economic development in the American West since the Civil War. 5-7 p.m. Monday, UAA Campus Bookstore, Spirit Drive. Free. (uaa.alaska.edu/bookstore)

Natural Light Portraits

We're entering the time of year when the natural light is as abundant as the gorgeous scenery. Learn to take advantage of it with this class on natural light portrait photography. Photographers of all levels are welcome. The class will focus on environmental portraiture, including natural lighting techniques, equipment and working with models. This course is suitable for both digital and film users. Session is from April 5-26. Preregistration is required. For ages 10 and older. 5 p.m. Saturday, Kincaid Outdoor Center, 9401 Raspberry Road. $75. (343-4217, muni.org)

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