Entertainment briefs

Madrigal Feast

Palmer High Music presents the “Mertonsire and the Pirates Tale” on Saturday at the Palmer Presbyterian Church. A five-course meal is accompanied by costumed music and drama. Proceeds to fund music scholarships. Tickets are $20 each or $35 per couple for full meal. For more information, call 373-1476.

Christmas concert

Dirk and Cheryl Cwiebel will perform at the First Baptist Church in Wasilla on Dec. 9 starting at 7 p.m.

Art open house and demos

The Mat-Su College Art Department will host an open house Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. on campus at Mile 2 Trunk Road. Professor Suzanne Bach will demonstrate how to paint "Birch Trees" in watercolor at 7:30 p.m., in room FSM 212, and Professor Casey Appling will demonstrate casting jewelry in metal at 8 p.m., in room FSM 208. The Upstairs Gallery will feature Rough Stuff, a student show of paintings, drawings, stained glass, jewelry and sculpture. This event is free. Contact Bach 745-9755 or sbach@matsu.alaska.edu for more information.

Book signings

Alaska authors Sue Henry and Laura Bills will sign their latest books from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Annabels Books in the Meta Rose Square (under the clock tower across from Carrs).

Art show reception

Primrose Retirement Community in Wasilla is hosting an artists’ reception Dec. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. for “Magical to Mystical” featuring Douglas Girard and Kristy Tracy. There will be food and refreshments. For more information, call Jessica at 373-5500.

Holiday concerts

• Mat-Su Women’s Connection presents “A Winter Wonderland: A Treasury of Christmas Songs and Carols,” a mini concert by Mountain Waxwings featuring Suzy Crosby and Melanie Keenan from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Local artist Penni Anne Cross will share how she is rich in blessings and can afford to be generous. Presentation and luncheon is $14. For reservations and complimentary nursery, call Vickii at 892-6398 or Arliss at 357-8220 on or before Dec. 10.

• Mat-Su Community Chorus presents a free concert, “Music At Christmas Time,” directed by Katharine Eadde at 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Wasilla Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2101 N Lucille St. Bring friends and family to enjoy the Christmas spirit. A freewill offering will be appreciated. Contact Nan at 745-8788 or Tom at 376-8368 for more information.

• Flat Baroque will perform music of the Renaissance on period instruments — recorders, krummhorns, strings, harpsichord and percussion — at the Palmer Depot at 2 p.m. Dec. 13. The group will be joined by the youth group The Recorders of Midnight Sun. This event is free. For information, contact the library at 745-4690

• Mat-Su Concert Band, the oldest and largest music ensemble in the Mat-Su Valley, presents its Christmas concert under the direction of Gleo Huyck. Come and enjoy your Christmas favorites, including "The Night Before Christmas" narrated by Dave Nuffer, “A Trumpeter's Lullaby,” “In The Bleak Midwinter,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “O Holy Night.” This band has enjoyed growth this year attracting the best musicians from the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 at Teeland Middle School in Wasilla.

It’s free.

Dance classes

Ballroom, swing and Latin dance classes will be held at the borough gym in Palmer. Instructor Tammie Press will teach one dance style per four-week session. The classes are for people age 14 and up. The cost is $40 per session. A minimum of 10 is required. The classes are Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. They run through May. For registration or more information, call 745-9578 or email mabada@matsugov.us.

At the Schwabenhof

Tonight: Carhart Brothers

Saturday: Rebel returns.

Dec. 9: T. Harvey solo performance.

Dec. 11: Wild Car Trio

Dec. 12: T. Harvey combo band

Dec. 18: Defrosters

Every Sunday is open blues night beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Every Tuesday is Darts Night.

Art Show

The Valley Fine Arts Association’s opens a members group show "Art for a Bargain" at Pandemonium Book Store in Wasilla with a reception Dec. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. All art is for sale for $125 or less. The show runs through Jan. 6. Contact Karen Crandall at artists3@mtaonline.net for more information.