Arts and Entertainment

This week in Anchorage: Beer fest, Folk fest and hot sardines

The Hot Sardines

The Hot Sardines will bring their French-inspired jazz to Anchorage. Lead vocalist Miz Elizabeth sings in both English and French, while the band's very own tap dancer performs alongside the "hot jazz" ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave. $32.50-$66. (907-263-2787, anchorageconcerts.org)

Great Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival

It's that beer time of year. There have been various celebrations throughout Anchorage this week, but this weekend will be the big one: The Great Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival. At the festival you can sample 200 beers — from the most remote Alaska microbrewery to the fanciest international labels. Admission includes 30 samples, a commemorative glass and live music. The general sessions are from 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $45. The connoisseur session with extra sample selections is from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, $55 each. Egan Center, 555 W. Fifth Ave. (auroraproductions.net)

Chinese martial arts and dance

The UAA Confucius Institute will be presenting a celebration of traditional Chinese martial arts, music and dance. Wulin Hanyun, who demonstrated Chinese performance art in the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, has performed on six continents. In his first visit to Alaska, Hanyun will be showcasing tai chi, baduanjin and shaolin swordplay. An exciting event for the whole family, the evening is centered on themes of happiness, harmony and sharing. 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave. Free. (907-786-1760, uaa.alaska.edu/ci)

Folk Festival first weekend: Travelin' McCourys

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Local musicians will take the stage of the Wendy Williamson for their 15 minutes at this annual festival. Performances will range from bluegrass to folk to Irish dancing and beyond. End each night with headliner band The Travelin' McCourys. 7-10 p.m. Friday, 1-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wendy Williamson Auditorium, 2533 Providence Drive. Free. For details see anchoragefolkfestival.org.

Debate: Alaska and Trump

Listen to experts discuss how Donald Trump's presidency will affect Alaska politics. The "Arguing Alaska" debate series is put on by the Seawolf Debate Program and Alaska Dispatch News in an effort to promote discussion on important topics pertaining to Alaska. Whether you voted for Donald Trump or not, all are welcome to the event. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 W. 27th Ave. $15. (beartooththeatre.net)

'Money'

Written by Alaska playwright Dick Reichman, this drama is about an aging salesman who presents the secrets to making money through a series of workshops. The salesman crosses paths with a streetwise girl who begins to "hustle the hustler." 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 12 at Cyrano's Theatre Co., 413 D St. $23-$25. (907-274-2599, cyranos.org)

Visiting Cuba

Curious about what it's like to travel through Cuba? Relax by the wood stove while photographer Jesse Oxedndine and his wife Connie Peterson tell stories of their recent trip. 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Free. (907 694 -2108, ernc.org)

 
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