Capital City Weekly

David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Traditional memorial ceremony to be held virtually

It will be livestreamed and open to the public.

David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)

First Friday: Encaustics, chai tea and more await

Here’s what’s happening on Friday, Nov. 6

This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)
Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)

Planet Alaska: The bunchberry yoik

Yes, they’re photogenic, but what I like best is you can still find bunchberries to eat in October.

Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has pledged $400,000 toward work on the Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus. The donation is contingent upon SHI reaching its fundraising goal, the nonprofit announced. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Support pledged for arts campus, symposium and lecture series share schedules

News briefs for the week of Oct. 29, 2020.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has pledged $400,000 toward work on the Sealaska Heritage Institute Arts Campus. The donation is contingent upon SHI reaching its fundraising goal, the nonprofit announced. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is the writer and director of the new play "The Spirit of the Valley." The all-ages comedy began as something like a writing exercise for Katasse's wife and kids. It's his first time writing and directing a full-length play. “This is certainly a different beast than anything I’ve ever been a part of," he said. “It’s been a really fun experience.” (Courtesy Photo)

Stage is set for all-ages comedy with a message

Thinking green and green screens factor into new play.

Frank Henry Kaash Katasse is the writer and director of the new play "The Spirit of the Valley." The all-ages comedy began as something like a writing exercise for Katasse's wife and kids. It's his first time writing and directing a full-length play. “This is certainly a different beast than anything I’ve ever been a part of," he said. “It’s been a really fun experience.” (Courtesy Photo)
Sherry Simpson, shown in this 2013 photo, passed away recently at the age of 60. Simpson is widely respected and beloved as a writer and educator. (Courtesy Photo / Scott Kiefer)

Sherry Simpson, much-loved writer and educator, dies at 60

Alaska recently lost one of its most influential writers and impactful writing teachers.

Sherry Simpson, shown in this 2013 photo, passed away recently at the age of 60. Simpson is widely respected and beloved as a writer and educator. (Courtesy Photo / Scott Kiefer)
teaser

Writers’ Weir: Blindsided

Do they know yet? They didn’t.

teaser
This photo shows western bog laurel. (Courtesy Photo / Vivian Mork Yéilk’)

Planet Alaska: Southeast Alaska Traditional Plants Summit and Celebration: Protecting what we love

I miss harvesting with my friends and family around Alaska.

This photo shows western bog laurel. (Courtesy Photo / Vivian Mork Yéilk’)
The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council recently produced a zine “Hunker Down For Climate Change” made with art submissions from residents of the Southeast, Oct. 13, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / SEACC)
The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council recently produced a zine “Hunker Down For Climate Change” made with art submissions from residents of the Southeast, Oct. 13, 2020. (Courtesy Photo / SEACC)
This screenshot shows the official 2020 AFN Convention app that Android or iPhone users can download to connect to this year’s virtual convention. (Screenshot)
This screenshot shows the official 2020 AFN Convention app that Android or iPhone users can download to connect to this year’s virtual convention. (Screenshot)
This Spanish-language “I Voted” sticker is among several designed by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. The stickers will be available in English, Spanish, Koyukon, Gwich’in, Aleut, Tagalog, Alutiiq, Northern Inupiaq, Nunivak Cup’ig and Yup’ik, according to Alaska Division of Elections. (Courtesy Image / DOE)

State unveils new ‘I Voted’ stickers

The celebrate diversity, women’s right to vote.

This Spanish-language “I Voted” sticker is among several designed by Alaskan artist Barbara Lavallee. The stickers will be available in English, Spanish, Koyukon, Gwich’in, Aleut, Tagalog, Alutiiq, Northern Inupiaq, Nunivak Cup’ig and Yup’ik, according to Alaska Division of Elections. (Courtesy Image / DOE)
The Vecchi Store is a location featured in the recently released video game “Tell My Why.” The mural adorning the outside of the market was designed by Hoonah-based artist Gordon Greenwald. The game is set in a fictional Southeast Alaska village, and care was taken to realistically portray the region’s art and culture.(Courtesy Image / Xbox)
The Vecchi Store is a location featured in the recently released video game “Tell My Why.” The mural adorning the outside of the market was designed by Hoonah-based artist Gordon Greenwald. The game is set in a fictional Southeast Alaska village, and care was taken to realistically portray the region’s art and culture.(Courtesy Image / Xbox)
A jar holding stink currant jelly is (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)

Planet Alaska: Stink currants and landslides

Currant events.

A jar holding stink currant jelly is (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)
Garden of Agony plays in the Friday family’s living room in February 2019. Since then, the band has released an album and several music videos. Remixed tracks and new music are coming soon, band members said in an interview. (Ben Hohenenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Homegrown band talks new music, remixes and what comes next

It’s been a busy quarantine for Garden of Agony.

Garden of Agony plays in the Friday family’s living room in February 2019. Since then, the band has released an album and several music videos. Remixed tracks and new music are coming soon, band members said in an interview. (Ben Hohenenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows “Get Comfortable” by Nick Galanin, which is part of “Simply Big,” an exhibit of large format artworks from the Alaska State Museum collection made between 1970 and 2020 by renowned artists from around the state. It includes works that have not been on exhibit before as well as recent acquisitions made possible by the Rasmuson Foundation. (Courtesy Image / Alaska State Museum)

Your guide to First Friday

Here’s what’s happening on Oct. 2, 2020.

This photo shows “Get Comfortable” by Nick Galanin, which is part of “Simply Big,” an exhibit of large format artworks from the Alaska State Museum collection made between 1970 and 2020 by renowned artists from around the state. It includes works that have not been on exhibit before as well as recent acquisitions made possible by the Rasmuson Foundation. (Courtesy Image / Alaska State Museum)
This November 2019 photo shows a line of shopper standing outside Centennial Hall while waiting to peruse the wares of Public Market vendors. Last year’s event featured more than 200 vendors. This year’s in-person event is canceled, but virtual shopping is expected to launch in mid-October, organizer Peter Metcalfe said in a news release. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This November 2019 photo shows a line of shopper standing outside Centennial Hall while waiting to peruse the wares of Public Market vendors. Last year’s event featured more than 200 vendors. This year’s in-person event is canceled, but virtual shopping is expected to launch in mid-October, organizer Peter Metcalfe said in a news release. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Cellist Zuill Bailey, shown in this undated photo, is artistic director for Juneau Jazz and Classics. He will also perform in this year’s Fall Festival, a virtual event. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Jazz and Classics)

Jazz and Classics returns for Fall Music Festival

Virtual event requires registration.

Cellist Zuill Bailey, shown in this undated photo, is artistic director for Juneau Jazz and Classics. He will also perform in this year’s Fall Festival, a virtual event. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Jazz and Classics)
Planet Alaska: A berry by any other name would taste as sweet

Planet Alaska: A berry by any other name would taste as sweet

Head over heels for gaawák.

Planet Alaska: A berry by any other name would taste as sweet
Courtesy Photo / Annie Bartholomew                                Marian Call sings during the recording of “Swears!” The new five-song EP that lives up to its title.
Courtesy Photo / Annie Bartholomew                                Marian Call sings during the recording of “Swears!” The new five-song EP that lives up to its title.
The Nutcracker is on the verge of defeat at the hands of the Mouse King in this December 2019 photo. This year would have been the 13th consecutive year Juneau Dance Theatre staged a full performance of the famous ballet, but it has been canceled because of the pandemic.(Courtesy Photo / Juneau Dance Theatre)
Video

Annual ballet performances canceled

A digital alternative is in the works.

The Nutcracker is on the verge of defeat at the hands of the Mouse King in this December 2019 photo. This year would have been the 13th consecutive year Juneau Dance Theatre staged a full performance of the famous ballet, but it has been canceled because of the pandemic.(Courtesy Photo / Juneau Dance Theatre)
Video