Arts and Culture

Jay Dóosh Tláa Zeller dances in celebration in front of the newly installed mural depicting Elizabeth Kaaxgal.aat Peratrovich, a Tlingit civil rights icon, on Sept. 1. Zeller served as the Sealaska Heritage Institue project coordinator for the mural, which was done by Tlingit and Athabascan artist, designer, and activist Crystal Kaakeeyaa Worl and her team of apprentices. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)

Celebration marks completion of mural

A place of “honor, dignity and respect”

Jay Dóosh Tláa Zeller dances in celebration in front of the newly installed mural depicting Elizabeth Kaaxgal.aat Peratrovich, a Tlingit civil rights icon, on Sept. 1. Zeller served as the Sealaska Heritage Institue project coordinator for the mural, which was done by Tlingit and Athabascan artist, designer, and activist Crystal Kaakeeyaa Worl and her team of apprentices. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire)
League of Women Voters of Juneau volunteers Karen Crane, left, Cheryl Jebe and others prepare Annie Boochever's book about civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich, "Fighter in Velvet Gloves," for mailing at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Over 450 copies of the book were packaged to be shipped to libraries and school across Alaska. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Celebrating an icon: Local project ships Peratrovich book to libraries, schools for free

Project opens new chapter of Elizabeth Peratrovich awareness.

League of Women Voters of Juneau volunteers Karen Crane, left, Cheryl Jebe and others prepare Annie Boochever's book about civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich, "Fighter in Velvet Gloves," for mailing at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Over 450 copies of the book were packaged to be shipped to libraries and school across Alaska. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

A look before the ‘Leap’

Previewing Perseverance Theatre’s latest, which blends basketball, Chinese history and identity.

Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Young students from the Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy program at Harborview Elementary School dance on stage Wednesday afternoon during a dancing-of-the-robes ceremony for over a dozen Chilkat robes that were weaved by student weavers who participated in a more than two-year-long apprenticeship to learn the craft.
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Chilkat robes come to life in ceremony

The pieces were created by dozens of student weavers over the past two year

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Young students from the Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy program at Harborview Elementary School dance on stage Wednesday afternoon during a dancing-of-the-robes ceremony for over a dozen Chilkat robes that were weaved by student weavers who participated in a more than two-year-long apprenticeship to learn the craft.
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Juneau-based actor Xáalnook Erin Tripp was recently named one of the 2023 Artists in Business Leadership Fellows for First Peoples Fund program. Tripp said she intends to use to program’s grant funding to set up a professional recording studio in Juneau for her voice acting career and to share with other artists in the community. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

First Peoples Fund to help Juneau actor create recording studio for voice acting

Xáalnook Erin Tripp among artists with Southeast ties to earn the award.

Juneau-based actor Xáalnook Erin Tripp was recently named one of the 2023 Artists in Business Leadership Fellows for First Peoples Fund program. Tripp said she intends to use to program’s grant funding to set up a professional recording studio in Juneau for her voice acting career and to share with other artists in the community. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
This screenshot shows the MusicAlaska Spotify page. The nonprofit's Alaska Playlist project includes an array of playlists dedicated to Alaska bands and artists across a wide array of genres. However, it's just one of the ways MusicAlaska, a partner of Alaska Independent Music Initiative, intends to catalog and promote the state's music scene. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Land of the list: Spotify and directories could further connect Alaska’s music scene

“The algorithm is hard on all of us,” but maybe it doesn’t have to be.

This screenshot shows the MusicAlaska Spotify page. The nonprofit's Alaska Playlist project includes an array of playlists dedicated to Alaska bands and artists across a wide array of genres. However, it's just one of the ways MusicAlaska, a partner of Alaska Independent Music Initiative, intends to catalog and promote the state's music scene. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Kat Moore and a group of volunteer singers sang mid way through the Alaska Music Summit on Saturday at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. Moore was a speaker and performer at the event who traveled from Anchorage to attend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Keynote speakers: Summit celebrates Alaska’s diverse musical ecosystem

Alaska Music Summit held in Juneau for the first time.

Kat Moore and a group of volunteer singers sang mid way through the Alaska Music Summit on Saturday at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. Moore was a speaker and performer at the event who traveled from Anchorage to attend. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Staff Picks is a recurring round-up of what the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly staff are reading, watching, lighting to and playing. This month's edition focuses on our holiday-themed favorites.

Holiday season staff picks

‘Tis the season to make some recommendations.

Staff Picks is a recurring round-up of what the Juneau Empire and Capital City Weekly staff are reading, watching, lighting to and playing. This month's edition focuses on our holiday-themed favorites.
B. Thomas of the beginner level violins with Juneau Alaska Music Matters plays for a full crowd at the Mendenhall Mall during the annual Juneau Holiday Village on Saturday. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

JAMM takes center stage at Holiday Village

Kids jam for a good cause.

B. Thomas of the beginner level violins with Juneau Alaska Music Matters plays for a full crowd at the Mendenhall Mall during the annual Juneau Holiday Village on Saturday. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Margaret Mimnaugh with Tidal Creations from Ketchikan sets up her seasonal creations made with found hand painted sea urchin shells, along with snowmen and jelly fish at this year’s Stocking Stuffer Showcase on Saturday the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Stocking up for the holidays

Annual $25 and under market boasts biggest turnout yet.

Margaret Mimnaugh with Tidal Creations from Ketchikan sets up her seasonal creations made with found hand painted sea urchin shells, along with snowmen and jelly fish at this year’s Stocking Stuffer Showcase on Saturday the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Christopher Koch, music director for the Juneau Symphony, leads the symphony’s string section through rehearsal ahead of Juneau Symphony’s Holiday Cheer concert. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Juneau Symphony presents 3rd annual Holiday Cheer

“It brings us together for all the right reasons at the holiday season.”

Christopher Koch, music director for the Juneau Symphony, leads the symphony’s string section through rehearsal ahead of Juneau Symphony’s Holiday Cheer concert. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Even the Grinch got into the holiday spirit at Juneau's Gallery Walk 2022 on Friday, Dec. 2. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

‘It’s just a good time and a special thing’: Grins and the Grinch greet Gallery Walk

Dozens of business joined in for the holiday themed event

Even the Grinch got into the holiday spirit at Juneau's Gallery Walk 2022 on Friday, Dec. 2. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
The cast of Theatre in the Rough’s production of “Witch” finishes off an unexpected musical number with flourish. From left to right: Stacy Katasse, Ty Yamoaka, Aaron Elmore, Katie Jensen, Cate Ross, Kelsey Riker, Salissa Thole, Dakota Morgan and Patrick Minik. The local company’s production of the play includes a few musical moments unique to the Juneau effort. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Something wickedly funny this way comes

Stagecraft meets witchcraft.

The cast of Theatre in the Rough’s production of “Witch” finishes off an unexpected musical number with flourish. From left to right: Stacy Katasse, Ty Yamoaka, Aaron Elmore, Katie Jensen, Cate Ross, Kelsey Riker, Salissa Thole, Dakota Morgan and Patrick Minik. The local company’s production of the play includes a few musical moments unique to the Juneau effort. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Alison Bremner Nax̲shag̲eit smiles in front of some of her pieces displayed in her new solo exhibit “Midnight at the Fireworks Stand” featured at the Alaska State Museum. Bremner’s 17 piece-collection of contemporary art depicts different stories and aspects of Tlingit and Indigenous life that often go unnoticed, through bright colors, unusual objects and humor.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

‘I put everything into the art’: Her work blends bright colors and humor to depict Tlingit life and stories

The exhibit will run until early January

Alison Bremner Nax̲shag̲eit smiles in front of some of her pieces displayed in her new solo exhibit “Midnight at the Fireworks Stand” featured at the Alaska State Museum. Bremner’s 17 piece-collection of contemporary art depicts different stories and aspects of Tlingit and Indigenous life that often go unnoticed, through bright colors, unusual objects and humor.(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Artist Kerry Kirkpatrick answers questions about her latest exhibition “Capturing the Light” at a recent QA held at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum on Saturday. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Turning peace into art pieces: Artist’s work takes inspiration from solace of nature

Capturing the Light exhibit runs to Nov. 26

Artist Kerry Kirkpatrick answers questions about her latest exhibition “Capturing the Light” at a recent QA held at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum on Saturday. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Colleen Torrence and Kathryn Kurtz express mock terror during rehearsal for “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas.”

Godzilla is coming to Juneau: Local ensemble preps for special Halloween themed concert

Let’s boo-gie

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Colleen Torrence and Kathryn Kurtz express mock terror during rehearsal for “Godzilla Eats Las Vegas.”
Christopher Koch, music director of the Juneau Symphony, conducts musicians through a rehearsal of Sibelius’ "Finlandia" on Tuesday at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. The composition is one of three scheduled to be performed Saturday and Sunday during the first mainstage concert of the ensemble’s 60th season. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Symphony’s Stories show celebrates 60th season

Opening mainstage show features Two familar ’epic’ classical tales, followed by improvised finale

Christopher Koch, music director of the Juneau Symphony, conducts musicians through a rehearsal of Sibelius’ "Finlandia" on Tuesday at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. The composition is one of three scheduled to be performed Saturday and Sunday during the first mainstage concert of the ensemble’s 60th season. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Characters Rose (Xáalnook Erin Tripp) and Anthony (Kenny Ramos) smile and chat midway through the Wednesday night rehearsal performance of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars” at Perseverance Theatre. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

‘Where the Summit Meets the Stars’ opens Perseverance Theatre season on uncharted waters

New play draws from traditional stories, Tlingit arts

Characters Rose (Xáalnook Erin Tripp) and Anthony (Kenny Ramos) smile and chat midway through the Wednesday night rehearsal performance of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars” at Perseverance Theatre. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Native artist Logan Terry holds the latest edition of Thrasher Magazine, displaying the spread of his work as a featured artist for the month. (Courtesy Photo / Patrick Vanpool)

Talent on deck: Skating and art intersect for local artist

Logan Terry lands spread in Thrasher Magazine.

Alaska Native artist Logan Terry holds the latest edition of Thrasher Magazine, displaying the spread of his work as a featured artist for the month. (Courtesy Photo / Patrick Vanpool)
Juneau musician Michael Maas poses for a photo to promote his newest album “Here Be Dragons,” coming out on Friday, Oct. 7. This latest endeavor is being released under Maas’ Blue Nagoon project and was a collaboration of several different lead vocalists, many of which are local Juneau artists. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

‘Here Be Dragons’ will be here soon

Juneau musician releases collaborative album

Juneau musician Michael Maas poses for a photo to promote his newest album “Here Be Dragons,” coming out on Friday, Oct. 7. This latest endeavor is being released under Maas’ Blue Nagoon project and was a collaboration of several different lead vocalists, many of which are local Juneau artists. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)