Uncommon
Music Festival
Schedule Told
The Uncommon Music Festival, July 30-Aug. 4, will offer free musical events including concerts, recitals, workshops and get-togethers featuring whale song, nature walks and live storytelling.
Uncommon live music will include an SATB vocal quartet, organ (or piano), and guitar (or lute) all around Sitka all week. Contact directors@uncommonmusicfest.org or reach out on Facebook for more information.
Whale music with Nate Barnett will be featured 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Sitka Public Library.
It will feature UAS Whale Lab recordings of humpback and sperm whale vocalizations, plus an inside look at a new piece for vocal quartet and whale song.
It is sponsored by the UAS Whale Lab and Sitka Sound Science Center.
On July 31, 12:15 p.m., festival organist Clara Gerdes will offer a free half-hour recital on the historic 1844 Kessler organ at Sitka Lutheran Church.
An evening of music and poetry, featuring a newly composed setting of Ishmael Angaluuk Hope’s poem “Storyteller’’ will be offered 7-8 p.m. July 31.
On Aug. 1, at 7 p.m., the festival will team up with Sitka Tells Tales for live music and storytelling at the Beak Restaurant. The theme is ‘‘Encounters with the Unknown: How Has Encountering Something New Changed You?’’
A concert at Sitka Lutheran Church is planned 7 p.m. Aug. 2. It will feature a selection of solo guitar, keyboard and vocal music through the ages.
Gerdes will present Bach’s Goldberg Variations at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. The concert is free. Post-concert refreshments will be served.
The festival’s free flagship concert, Islands Between the Worlds, will feature the newly composed ‘‘Storyteller’’ on a poem by Ishmael Hope, as well as early music, composer competition winners, and gems from past festivals 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Centennial Hall.
Sacred music composed by women throughout history alongside readings, poetry and prayers selected by the Rev. Julie Platson will be 1 p.m. Aug. 4.
All are invited to meet at 4 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Sitka National Historical Park visitor center for a walk through the woods with music along the way. It is sponsored by the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Cello Seminar
Concert Tonight
Students of the Sitka International Cello Seminar will perform a free concert 6:30 p.m. tonight at the lower level of the Mean Queen.
Donations are accepted. It is sponsored by the Sitka Music Festival.
Work Party Set
At Boathouse
The Sitka Maritime Heritage Society welcomes volunteers to help repair a wall on the historic Japonski Island Boathouse and learn about historic preservation.
A work party will be 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 13. A short training session will precede the hands-on work. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Contact sitkamaritime@gmail.com or 623-8054 for information.
Fourth of July
Children’s Games
Winners Told
Old-time children’s games made their return to Totem Square last week as part of the Sitka Historical Society’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration.
Five “old-time” races were run in age-group heats.
‘‘Participation was high, and marked by abundant enthusiasm and energy,’’ organizers said. ‘‘Even though only first place finishers are listed below, every child was a winner and earned a prize.’’
‘‘Overall, good spirit and fun abounded, proving the Sitka History Minute’s adage, ‘Our children are worth bragging about,’’’ one organizer said.
Funding for prizes was provided by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
Game organizers expressed appreciation to everyone who helped, especially the Alaska Airlines employees who flew in to assist, they said.
Winners of events have been announced in each age category.
Running: Zackary Mercer, Kalliope Polasky, Sage Lopata, Drayton Houston, Arvin Manuel/Koen Hirai, Kai Hirai/Cooper Wyman, Taylor Murray.
Gunny Sack: Kendall Skannes, Wyatt Sutton, Cedar Starbuck, Cedar Powers, Cooper Wyman, Bay Twaddle, Tom Poulson, Crystal Johnson.
Three-Legged Race: Taan Moll/Walela Moll, Brady Smith/Camila Saenz, Tom Poulson/Cooper Wyman, Jack Arpert/Zach Fichter.
Wheel barrow Race: Cedar Powers/Cheri Powers, Tom Poulson/Cooper Wyman, Ryatt Laroe/Taylor Murray, Cassie Carr/Bella Schmidt.
Hula Hoop, Leap Frog Relay: Bay Twaddle/Kenny Helem/Zack Martins; Bridget Ford/Zoe Trafton/Aspen Barrs.
Hoop and Stick: Ryatt Laroe.
Quiet Day Retreat
At St. Peter’s
St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will host a Quiet Day Retreat 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 20.
The retreat is an opportunity ‘‘to pause and rest, listen and reflect, be still and nourished in a time of silence,’’ organizers said.
Those planning to attend should RSVP by July 18 to 747-3977 or stpetersbytheseak@gmail.com. The church is located at 611 Lincoln Street.
