Live Music Venues in Anchorage, Alaska

Remember that song “Anchorage, Alaska?” Remember who sang it? Neither do I. I can still hum the opening theme to “Northern Exposure” though. Remember Northern Exposure? Just because you may be hard pressed to think of music that’s come from our northern most state, that doesn’t mean Anchorage, AK, for instance, doesn’t provide its residents with live music venues.

The Snowgoose Restaurant (717 West Third Avenue, 907-277-7727) has live music throughout the week. A restaurant with its own brewery, the Snowgoose presents Firkin Fridays every Friday. A newly brewed beer is coupled with a live musical act. There’s also Acoustic Saturdays where patrons can enjoy live acoustic music by local artists free of cover charge. The Snowgoose also has an open mic night and participates as a venue for the Whistling Swan concert series which brings in bluegrass, country and folk artists among others, from out of state.

What is the Bear Tooth Theatre (1230 W. 27th Ave. 907)-276-4200 ) . It’s a movie theater. It’s a concert venue. It’s a movie theater. A concert venue. A movie theaterâÂ?¦I was going for a Faye Dunaway Chinatown thing there. How’d it work? The venue, part of the “Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria and Moose’s Tooth Brewing Company family” according to its website, has 70 seats for dining and 400 seats for movie/concert viewing. The theater’s claim to fame is that it serves fresh food to its patrons inside the theater. The hall is hooked up with tables and food and drinks are served within to those over 21. Under 16-ers aren’t admitted without parent or guardian. Its 2006 New Year’s Eve act was Big Head Todd. Local bands also play the venue.

Blues Central/Chef’s Inn (825 W Northern Lights Blvd 907-272-1341) is a 100 seat venue where people can hear blues, drink, and eat. What more could you ask for in one place? Acts are local and imported. Blues Central is also sponsor of a yearly blues festival in the spring.

Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse (610 W. 6th Avenue, 907)276-BEER). Aren’t you just curious about the name? According to the website, Humpy’s offers “Excellent food at reasonable prices, live local music and a fantastic selection of draught beers.” Also according to the website, the live music played at this locale features “great local talent as well as groups from the lower 48”. Rock and acoustic folk, even show tune singers perform here. Humpy’s actively recruits new acts to maybe win their “big break” at the place.

The Alaska Center for The Performing Arts has several different venues where live music can be found. The Atwood Concert Hall in connection with The Anchorage Concert Association (430 West 7th Ave, 907-272-1471) has world class acts like Chick Corea and St. Martin of the Fields Chamber Ensemble. Visitors can also enjoy smaller classical, folk, ethnic and jazz ensembles as well as musical theatre shows. Another large venue, The Egan Convention and Civic Center (555 West 5th Ave.) , 2800 venue , hosts a variety of conventions and sports events but also hosts occasional live music concerts from local and continental U.S. acts.