Arts and Entertainment

Melt away the winter blues with these local events

Update Friday: Numerous events around Anchorage have been canceled or postponed due to concerns surrounding the spread of the novel coronavirus. (The first positive case in Alaska was announced Thursday.) Click here to find a list of public events canceled or postponed, and if you have questions about an event not listed there, reach out to event organizers.

Music City Hit Makers — Learn the stories that inspired Nashville hits. The award-winning songwriters for superstars like Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney have come together to perform the hits they penned themselves. The songwriters will perform 15 number one hits backed by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. $34-$68. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave. (centertix.com)

POSTPONED: Ja Rule — Billboard chart-topping rapper Ja Rule will be performing in Anchorage. He is best known for his hit songs “Always On Time,” “Mesmerize,” “It’s Murda,” and “Holla Holla.” In addition to his solo talents, Ja Rule has performed alongside celebrities such as Jay-Z and 2Pac as well as acted in the Fast and Furious franchise. This is a 21+ event. $40-$200. 7-11:30 p.m. Friday, Egan Center, 555 W. Fifth Ave. (showdownalaska.com)

Spenard Food Truck Carnival Opening — Enjoy spring break with the opening day of the Spenard Food Truck Carnival’s 2020 season. Food trucks will include Jerome’s Kitchen, Babycakes Cupcakes, Mochileros Street Food, The Smokehouse BBQ and Catering, Yeti Dogs and BruceSkis. The trucks will be out rain or shine. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 2435 Spenard Road (facebook.com/SpenardFoodTruckCarnival)

POSTPONED: Empty Bowl Project — For over 25 years, Bean’s Cafe and the Children’s Lunchbox have been throwing the Empty Bowl Project Fundraiser. Local artists donate more than 1,400 bowls for attendees to eat homemade soup and cornbread and then take home to keep. This year’s soups are cider braised beef and bean from South Restaurant and french green lentil soup from Snow City Cafe. $15-$100. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dena’ina Center, 600 W. Seventh Ave. (myalaskatix.com)

Home Made Film Nite — Short films, comedy sketches, music videos, visual poems, trailers and everything in between by Alaskan home filmmakers of varying skill levels will be shown at this event. Parental discretion is advised due to the uncensored nature of the films. $10. 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. (Search “Home Made Film Night 2” on Facebook for details)

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