5 things to do in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Nov. 3

Bands not Bandaids at the Palmer High School gym

PALMER — This Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. is the “Bands not Band Aids” concert and fundraising event at the Palmer High School gym. There will be a variety of local bands including Jenny Baker, a singer/songwriter from Anchorage, Devynn Maclure, a singer/songwriter from the Valley and The Goat Rodeo, a honky tonk band from the Upper Susitna Valley. Proceeds will benefit Alaska Family Services, a local nonprofit that supports the community with a variety of services, including substance abuse treatment, family violence intervention, and domestic violence support with a shelter in Palmer. Alaska Family Services offers classes and workshops ranging from court paper work to parenting classes. There will be a variety of resources available at the event for individuals and families to gain education and support. The event cost $5 for students and $7 for adults.

According to co-organizer of the event, Julia Scully, some of the resources during the day of event will feature Planned Parenthood, The Heartreach Center, iknowmine, Identity, The Children's Place, Standing Together Against Rape (STAR), Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska and Alaska Family Services. The main focus will be on establishing and maintaining healthy relationships and healthy sexuality. She said that the event is through the Youth Alliance for a Healthier Alaska (YAHA). YAHA is a group of teens from all around the state that advises youth serving agencies on how to “better market to teens.” Group members also have the ability to arrange a Community Action Project. According to Scully, each member finds a youth related health need pertaining to their religion and spearheads an intervention to combat problem. This event is Scully’s CAP. For more information about the event or YAHA, email scully.e.julia@gmail.com. For more information about Alaska Family Services, visit www.akafs.org

“We want teens in the community to be informed and safe,” Scully said.

‘Dare to Dream’ concert to benefit Mat-Su Food Bank

PALMER — Sunday, the Matanuska Susitna Orchestra will be holding its “Dare to Dream” concert and fundraiser at the Glenn Massay Theater from 2 to 4:15 p.m. The concert will be free of charge but donations will be accepted to raise funds for the Mat-Su Food Bank. This correlates directly with the orchestra’s mission to aid local nonprofits and support the community by bringing people together through the power of music.

“May we ‘Dare to Dream’ no family is without food this winter,” says the event description. One of the highlights of the concert will be a performance of the "Bach Double Violin Concerto" by Judy and Sarah Montalbano. There will be a silent auction at 2 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m.

Under the direction of Kate Patterson, the Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra meets weekly for rehearsals. They typically meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the United Protestant Church, located at 713 South Denali St. in Palmer. They are currently seeking string players high school age and older. For more information, stop by a rehearsal or contact Kate Patterson at matsuorchestra@gmail.com.

Jerry Wessling Band celebrates National Candy Day

WASILLA — This Saturday is National Candy Day and the Jerry Wessling Band is going to sweeten the soundwaves at the Schwabenhof bar from 8 to 11 p.m. This will be a chance to have some drinks and score some candy while listening to the local alternative band reveal original works and energetic covers like “Call me Maybe," "Bad Romance" and "Shine.” The band is comprised of Jerry Wessling on the guitar and vocals and Michael Consalo at the drums and vocals. According to the event page, this will be one the last shows to catch the duo.

For more information, call 302-632-8591.

Machetanz Holiday Bazaar and silent auction fundraiser

WASILLA — Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the inaugural Machetanz Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction Fundraiser at Machetanz Elementary School. Proceeds from the market and silent auction will help fund the school. There will be a variety of local vendors, home based businesses and individuals selling baked goods, “student made crafts and adult made crafts.” There will be a lots of acitvities for children including face painting and a bounce house. The is the first of a new annual tradition for the school and according to their event page, “We are looking forward to bringing the community together to get small business recognition all while making money for our very own Machetanz Elementary.”

The school is located at 4961 East Nelson Road. Anyone interested in setting up a booth or donating an item for the silent auction should call the Machetanz Elementary School at 907-864-2300. For more information about the school, visit www.matsuk12.us/mze.

Rockin' n Rollin' Derby Bout

PALMER — The Denali Destroyer Dolls (DDD) open their roller derby season Saturday with a Rockin' n Rollin' Derby Bout at the MTA Sports Center from 6 to 10 p.m. The DDD will host a mash up game where the members of the DDD will merge with other players from across the state, including Anchorage and Fairbanks. They will split into two opposing teams, the Pink Ladies and the T’Birds. Jalapeno’s Mexican restaurant will be serving dinner and drinks including nachos, tacos, salsa, margaritas and beer. According to DDD president, Debbie Bruesch, the game is intended to be fair and fun way to kick off the season. She said that her team has a vast age range and variety of backgrounds. Bruesch said that Derby is empowering, is a great confidence booster, and there’s a special feeling of comradery all around.

“This is a fun way to get derby started. We’re just out there for fun,” Bruesch said.

The doors open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 when preordered online and $12 at the door. Those interested can also reserve a four-person table for $40 and an eight-person table for $80. Tickets can be purchased at denalidestroyers.org. The DDD are always seeking new members to learn more about this event, about the DDD or how to the join, stop by and see them or visit their website.