Arts and Entertainment

Hot picks: Beethoven, Russian Christmas, ’80s purple show

Beethoven’s Birthday Bash — As Ludwig Van Beethoven’s hearing deteriorated, he combated growing social isolation with an obsession with folk and popular music — from inventive Scottish Songs to his thrilling musical portrayal of a Napoleonic battle with military marches and musical musket fire. This performance from Anchorage Festival of Music will feature Alaska musicians, special guests and will also include a pre-concert lecture by Anchorage otolaryngologist Donald Endres, who will discuss Beethoven’s hearing loss and its impact. 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. At the UAA Recital Hall. Tickets $15-$35 at Centertix.com. (anchoragefestivalofmusic.org)

Russian Christmas starring celebration – The Alaska Native Medical Center will celebrate Russian Christmas with a starring procession that will start at the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center lobby and cross the street to reach patients at the ANMC hospital. Starring is a ritual that represents the three wise men following the star -- a star holder will spin the star while the rest of the group sings. Begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7. Free and open to the public. (Search “Russian Christmas Celebration” on Facebook for details)

Ava Earl with Kate Scoggin — This all-ages show will help send teen singer-songwriter Ava Earl to Nashville to record a new album. Kate Scoggin will open. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe, 3956 Spenard Road. Tickets $10 at brownpapertickets. (writersblockak.com)

I Like Robots purple show — Kick of the first weekend of 2020 with a throwback to the ‘80s. I Like Robots will launch their new “funky purple ‘80s” show featuring Colleen Coadic. 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Koot’s, 2435 Spenard Road. (koots.com)

Salmon recipe exchange — Talk recipes and salmon cooking ideas with Catch 49 and participate in the recipe exchange. Bring your favorite recipes to write down and submit to the collection, and browse selections entered by others to write down and take home. 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at the Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. (anchoragemuseum.org)

“Florida” premiere — In this play set in a community on Florida’s Gold Coast, wealthy retirees spend their waning years being served by workers who struggle to make a living. Florida follows four lonely people separated by wealth, status, class, race and age who are thrown together unexpectedly. Unlikely friendships form as the four confront the biases that shaped their lives. Written and directed by Dick Reichman, Presented by RKP Productions in collaboration with Anchorage Community Theater. Starts 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 and runs Thursday-Sunday through Jan. 19 at ACT, 1133 E. 70th Ave. (actalaska.org)

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