ART BY ZELDA BURKHART, AGE 10
ALASKAN HISTORY MAGAZINE
Contributed by Helen Hegener
Alaskan History Magazine’s Vol. 4, No. 3 features articles on the history of the Willow Creek Mining District by pioneer geologist Stephen R. Capps; early explorer Addison Powell’s search for the lost gold claims of the mysterious Capt. I. N. West; a study of Alaskan birds by ornithologist Charles Keeler, accompanied by paintings from noted artist Louis A. Fuentes; Alberta Daisy Schenck, an Iñupiat woman from Nome who—while still a teenager—became an early civil rights warrior when she sat in a ‘whites only’ section, a decade before Rosa Parks’ famous refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama; and E. E.
Caine, captain and owner of the Pacific Clipper Steamship Company’s wooden steamship Santa Ana, which brought the first permanent settlers to Seward in 1903 and helped pioneer commercial marine transportation between the Lower 48 and Alaska.
64 pages, 6” x 9” format, B/W interior, $12.00 postage paid alaskanhistorymagazine.com
A RECYCLED ART SHOW
Contributed by Judy Vars
The Art Cafe is pleased to announce the juried art show titled “Reimagine! A Recycled Art Show” this coming September. This event celebrates creativity using recycled materials, featuring art made from used items, rusty objects, interesting artifacts, found objects, dolls, toys and more.
Reimagine! Invites artists with a love for recycling to take part in a friendly and fun event. The show highlights the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle through innovative and imaginative artwork made primarily from recycled materials. This is recycling at its best.
Teens through adults are encouraged to participate. Artists of all skill levels who enjoy creating with recycled materials are welcome. Artwork must be made of at least 90% recycled materials. Pieces should not be larger than 24” in any direction (24x24x24). Any medium or style is acceptable, provided it demonstrates creativity and innovation in recycled art.
The deadline to submit artwork is August 10th, 2025, by 6 pm. Artists can pick up prospectus and register at The Art Cafe or online at www.theartcafe.com. Please
follow guidelines carefully for your submission.
There is no entry fee. Artists are encouraged to put a sale price on their work during the exhibit. Please price your artwork to reflect the 25% gallery commission.
We will have recycled ribbons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and People’s Choice along with bragging rights.
Reimagine! Show will be up during the month of September 2025 with a First Friday gallery opening in September 5th at The Art Cafe from 5-8 pm.
To help folks prepare and get inspiration and ideas we are having an Assemblage Art Workshop with The Art Cafe team. Join us Saturday June 21 from 12-5 pm at The Art Cafe for a hands-on workshop exploring assemblage art. Space is limited. There is a $45 fee with possible extra materials charge for larger or more involved pieces. You may also bring supplies to use or share with others. Assemblage is a 3D art form that brings found objects together into a new composition. Participants will have access to a variety of materials, assorted tools, glues and fastening pieces to bring their ideas to fruition. We are also accepting donations of “junk” that can be used in assemblage. Rusty metal, odd wood pieces, broken jewelry, unusable or damaged toys, dolls, junk drawer stuff, old letters/receipts/postcards, sewing notions, junk drawer stuff, garage/shed clean out miscellaneous items, and other bits and pieces. For further details or questions please contact Becky Holsinger or Judy Vars at 907-745-6100 during our open hours 11-6 WednesdaySunday or message us on Facebook or theartcafeak@gmail.com.
Community members are encouraged to get involved by making art, teaching a class, donating materials, attending the workshop and attending the show. Come celebrate RECYCLING REIMAGINED!
KILT UP!
THE ALASKA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
RETURN TO PALMER FAIRGROUNDS, JUNE 28–29
Contributed by Jeni McDaniel Alaskan Scottish Club www.alaskascottish.org
Grab your tartan and mark your calendars! The 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are back at the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, June 28–29, bringing a weekend packed with heritage, heart, and Highland havoc.
This year’s Games are set to be the biggest yet, featuring over 175 vendors, more than 200 athletes, award-winning tastings, live Celtic music, and a visit from an extra special guest—Honorary Chieftain Graham McTavish, best known for his roles in Outlander, The Hobbit, and Men in Kilts.
We are thrilled to welcome the one and only Graham McTavish as our Honorary Chieftain for 2025! He’ll help kick off the Games during the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday at 10 a.m., and host exclusive tastings of McTavish Spirits throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to share a dram with Graham, hear his unforgettable stories, and
make memories with one of Scotland’s most iconic ambassadors.
This year’s musical lineup is truly epic. Albannach makes their long-awaited return—raw, fierce, and unapologetically Scottish. Their thunderous tribal drumming, lightning-fast piping, and didgeridoo growls will shake the stage (and probably your soul). This is not your grandma’s pipe band—it’s a full-on Scottish war cry! House of Hamill also joins the lineup—whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies to traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, they captivate from the first note. The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly, return with the Volfgang Twins for a whirlwind performance of metal, magic, Celtic classics, and Norse vibes. Expect epic music, laughs, and unforgettable flair! Live music will echo across the Games grounds all weekend long.
Our Whisky & Mead Tastings include offerings from McTavish Spirits, Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, and Beard Brothers Mead. Tastings are 21+ and ticketed—book early, tickets are going fast! Athletes from around the country will compete in our largest field to date, with events including TugO-War, Heavy Athletics, Strongman, Kilted Mile, and the Mighty Denali Stones. This year we’re introducing an Open Format for Heavy Events—anyone can register, no invites, no politics, no favorites. Just pay to play, and throw to win! With a massive $10,000 prize purse, one of the largest in Highland Games history, payouts will be awarded per event for both Men’s and Women’s Open Classes across all nine events. The competition will be fierce and the spectacle unmatched!
Off the field, the contests continue with the Midnight Sun Spurtle Challenge—the ultimate porridge cook-off; the Shortbread Baking Competition—who makes the best buttery delight; the Haggis Eating Contest—how much can you handle; Beards, Braids & Mustache Contest—show off that Highland hair; and the Tall Tales Competition— spin your most outrageous (but mostly true) Scottish story!
The Alaska Scottish Highland Games are a familyfriendly event, and we didn’t forget about the littlest lads and lassies! Kids can enjoy pint-sized athletic
challenges and fun, hands-on cultural activities. Bring the whole clan—there’s something magical for all ages!
In our Celtic Marketplace, shop until your sporran’s full! With over 175 vendors and food trucks offering kilts, swords, jewelry, tartan goods, traditional Scottish eats, Alaskan treats, artisan gifts, clan gear, and collectibles—it’s one of the largest Celtic marketplaces in the U.S.
Want free tickets? Volunteer! Give just three hours of your time and receive a two-day admission ticket and a volunteer T-shirt. The Games rely on over 200 dedicated volunteers every year—be part of the tradition and the team!
Whether you’re Highland-born or Highlandcurious, the 2025 Alaska Scottish Highland Games are your ticket to a summer weekend full of heritage, horsepower, and Highland hilarity. Don your tartan, bring the whole clan, and get ready for the most unforgettable weekend of the year.
Advance discounted tickets are available online now at alaskascottish.org. Want to buy your tickets in person? Advance discounted tickets will soon be available at Bosco’s in Anchorage, The Book Shelf in Eagle River, Fireside Books in Palmer, and Black Birch Books in Wasilla. See you at the Games! Look out for the Alaska Scottish Highland Games Offical Event Guide in the next edition of Make A Scene Magazine!
Funnies Calendar of Events
MAY
May 15 @ 6PM
Northern Lights Social
Mat-Su Dems
Bleeding Heart Brewery, 562 S Denali St info@matsudems.org (210) 744-1188
May 18 @ 2PM
Health Seminar
Healthy Together
St. John United Methodist Church, 1801 O’Malley Rd kenhagler+healthy@gmail.com (907) 306-7230
May 24 @ 11AM-4PM
Midnight Sun Classic Car Show
Midnight Sun Street Rod Association
1920 W Diamond Blvd Ste Jmidnightsunstreetrods @gmail.com
May 24 @ 9AM
Plant Sale -
Valley Garden Club
Valley Garden Club
3700 Bogard Road golfdrum2@gmail.com (907) 982-7570
May 24 @7PM
Mat-Su Writers Storytelling Around the Campfire
Lulu’s Tents and Events
8982 Old Glenn Hwy (603) 568-7849
May 28 @ 7PM-10PM
The California Honeydrops at Palmer Alehouse Creekbend Company
320 E Dahlia Ave (907) 746-2537
May 30 @7PM-10PM
Childish Tycoon at Live Palmer Alehouse
Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave 9077462537
Free Show
May 31 @12PM
Recovery BBQ
True North Recovery Nunley Park, 250 East Swanson Avenue (907) 313-1333
JUNE
June 1 @ 1PM-9PM
8th Annual Recycle Revival
Music Festival in the Mountains
Valley Community for Recycling Solutions
Skeetawk, 13500 N Skeetawk Cir, Palmer, AK (907) 745-5544
Cost: $20
Jun 3 @ 10:30AM
Valley Garden Club
Regular Meeting
Valley Garden Club
Blue Pavilion in Wasilla’s Iditapark, 500 W. Nelson Avenue (907) 982-7570
June 7 @ 11AM
Homeopathy for Summer w/ Cynthia Carlson All About Herbs 4621 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy, Unit 104
admin@allaboutherbs.com (907) 376-8327
June 7 @ 3PM
Mat-Su Concert Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark
594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 7 @ 4PM
Takane Kochihira from Japan
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 7 @ 4PM
Roland Roberts Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 14 @ 3PM
The Vintage Retro
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 14 @ 6PM
Jerry Wessling Band
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 21 @ 3PM
The Harp Twins
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
June 21 @ 6PM
H3 Hawaiian Reggae
Live at Music In The Park FREE
Wonderland Park / Iditapark 594 W Nelson Ave, Wasilla, AK www.musicintheparkwasilla.com
Send in your coloring page and you can win a gift card to a local business!
ALASKA JUNIOR THEATER NEW SEASON: “SOUNDS LIKE FUN!”
Contributed by Rowan Holmes
Alaska Junior Theater (AJT) is thrilled to announce its 2025 – 2026 Season “SOUNDS Like Fun!” — a vibrant, interactive and educational series of performances celebrating music, rhythm and storytelling from around the globe. From African drums and holiday classics to hip-hop strings and zoological singalongs, this year’s lineup promises to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. With five dynamic performances and the ever-popular One Great Saturday! events, the season truly does sound like fun!
Kattam and His Tam Tams
School Shows: November 4–6, 2025 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–8)
Public Show: Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Start your season with a world tour—through rhythm! Award-winning artist and percussionist Kattam brings the sounds of Africa, the Middle East and India alive with instruments like the djembe, balafon, derbouka and more. Accompanied by his mischievous monkey puppet Takoum, Kattam’s show combines music, dance and culture in an energetic performance sure to ignite curiosity and joy in young audiences. Whether it’s Bollywood beats or Sufi trance rhythms, families won’t just be watching—they’ll be part of the rhythm.
Holiday Tales: A Season of Miracles with Pushcart Players
School Shows: December 8–12, 2025 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–6)
Public Show: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Celebrate the season with a multicultural collection of festive tales! Holiday Tales – A Season of Miracles brings to life heartwarming stories like “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Nutcracker,” “The Chanukah Miracle” and an original Nigerian tale called “The Kwanzaa Kite.” With music, puppetry and powerful messages of giving, understanding and hope, Pushcart Players deliver a theatrical experience that will leave audiences of all ages with full hearts and big smiles—just in time for the holidays.
Black Violin
School Shows: January 15 & 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades 2–12)
Public Show: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Where classical music meets hip-hop, Black Violin stands center stage. Kev Marcus (violin) and Wil B (viola) have been redefining music education and performance for two decades. Their “classical boom” sound blends Bach with beats, Mozart with modern soul and creates a genre-defying experience that breaks down barriers and inspires creativity. Their performance is more than a concert—it’s a movement celebrating unity through music.
Ball in the House
School Shows: March 17–19, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades 2–12)
Public Show: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM No instruments? No problem! This Boston-based a cappella powerhouse combines R&B, pop and soul into a fully vocal performance that’s anything but quiet. With their beatboxing, rich harmonies and dynamic energy, Ball in the House turns every stage into a party. From school gymnasiums to stages shared with legends like The Beach Boys and Gladys Knight, this group will have families clapping, singing and dancing in the aisles.
The Singing Zoologist School Shows: April 22–24, 2026 at 10:30 AM & 12:15 PM (Grades PreK–6)
Public Show: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM Science has never sounded so fun! Lucas Miller, a.k.a. The Singing Zoologist, mixes music, comedy and puppetry to deliver wild facts about the animal kingdom. Whether he’s singing about butterfly migration or ocean food webs, Lucas makes learning unforgettable. His two custom-designed school shows— LIFE CYCLES (PreK –2nd Grade) and OCEAN ECOLOGY/ADAPTATIONS (Grades 3 – 6)—are packed with STEM content that sticks. He doesn’t just teach science— he rocks it.
ONE GREAT SATURDAY! Make your Saturday performance extra special! For each of AJT’s 2:00 PM Saturday Matinees, join us for One Great Saturday! — a family-friendly pre- and post-show experience like no other.
Come early for Discovery Lobby Activities: storytelling with princesses, crafts with the Alaska Children’s Museum, story tracks, free book giveaways and more! Stay after the show for the fan-favorite Milk & Cookie Reception with the cast and a delightful Cake Walk, where kids can win awesome prizes. Season Tickets – Save Up To 20%!
Make the most of the season with our incredible Season Tickets. Purchase now and enjoy up to a 20% discount off single ticket prices. Get priority seating and enjoy other benefits, too. Secure your seats, support the arts and be part of our vibrant theater community! Season tickets will be available June 1st, 2025. This season, Alaska Junior Theater invites students, educators, families and community members to join them on a journey of sound, story and wonder. With shows that educate as much as they entertain, “SOUNDS Like Fun!” is more than a theme—it’s a promise.
For tickets, information on our FREE public events and more information about the shows and our artists, visit www.akjt.org.
Chase C. Julietta R.
BRENDA KAY JAEGER FAR AND HIGH SPACES
Contributed by Brenda Kay Jaeger Art
Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage opened a new exhibit of Brenda Jaeger’s paintings on May 2, with a reception held at the gallery. The show, titled FAR AND HIGH SPACES, features acrylic and watercolor paintings of the Mat-Su Valley.
About: “In these paintings I am working with far and high spaces, particularly in the Alaska landscapes. These images that I painted outdoors were finished in my studio. I prefer to work outside in all types of weather, where I can paint the different light and air that surround me. The techniques I use involve the play of edges and colors vibrating in harmony with other hues. Opaque, transparent, and translucent layers enhance wind’s textures and water’s calligraphy. I often use a technique I call ‘traceries,’ painting the negative spaces a separate color from the positive to create an edge that sparkles with both the color
of the ground and the color placed next to the positive element. I hope you enjoy the surprises I painted through using unexpected shapes and rhythms. I treasured translating these moments seen in far and high spaces into hue and texture and form.”
Alaska-born, Brenda Jaeger paints the landscapes of the Mat-Su Valley and greater Alaska. She attended part of her first grade in Palmer and continues to find inspiration in the way the mountains shift light and shadow throughout the seasons. Brenda teaches both online and in-person through her Anchorage-based studio, the Brenda Jaeger Art Studio.
In addition to her exhibit at Georgia Blue Gallery, Brenda currently has a solo show at South Restaurant + Coffeehouse titled CELEBRATING SPRING. For inquiries, contact her at brendajaegerartstudio@ startmail.com. You can also view her work on Instagram: @brendajaegerartstudio.
