Cultivating Connections Through the Arts in Homer, Alaska - September 13-26, 2024

Welcome to the Alaska World Arts Festival, a sanctuary for world-class artists and an epicenter of creativity for over 50 years. Join us for a remarkable two-week celebration that brings together artists and art enthusiasts from around the globe. Immerse yourself in a diverse showcase of music, workshops, dance, theater, films, visual arts, poetry, storytelling, literature, and comedy. In our 6th annual edition, we're proud to present inspiring performances by renowned artists from Alaska and beyond. Experience the magic where art converges, only here, at the World Arts Festival.

2024 Festival and Pre-Festival Events

Saturday, August 17 & 24 ~ 7 pm

Friday, September 13

​​4 - 6 pm 
Gala at the Chamber
Welcome to this gathering of art lovers celebrating the beginning of the two-week Alaska World Arts Festival. This social event is hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce. ALL AGES WELCOME
​​WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Homer Chamber of Commerce, 201 Sterling Hwy, Homer, Alaska
FREE Event / No Registration Required

Friday, September 13

​​7 pm
Age-old Stories for Modern Families
Recipient of the Parents Choice Gold Award and named top kids podcast by Apple Podcasts, the New York Times, WIRED and Common Sense Media, CIRCLE ROUND bring their stories to HOMER! The creators of the award-winning podcast distributed by WBUR, Boston's NPR station adapt folktales from around the world into exciting plays for the young and young at heart. Each story explores universal themes like friendship, persistence, imagination and generosity, while creatively retelling age-old stories for modern families. With podcast downloads in all 50 states and over 150 countries, you'll experience their charm and talent firsthand at this LIVE storytelling event at Homer Council on the Arts.
​ALL AGES WELCOME.
Stories include THE GOLDEN ADVICE and SWEET CORN AND CLEVER RABBIT performed with Circle Round's creators Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis, and local actors. Variations of THE GOLDEN ADVICEoriginate from many places around the world including India, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Jamaica. You’ll also hear versions from the Jewish tradition. In The Golden Advice, you'll meet a character who receives excellent advice from someone she admires. She just has to figure out how and when to use it! Versions of SWEET CORN AND CLEVER RABBIT come from Mexico, Costa Rica and the First Nations people of Canada.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Homer Council on the Arts - 355 W. Pioneer Ave. Homer, AK
SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR
or Donate in advance: Adults $10 / Family $25
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞
Limited seating.

Saturday, September 14

​12 pm
Live-at-Lunch with Silas Jones
Relax and enjoy the remarkable sound of Homer's guitar-playing wizard Silas Jones, the 2021 First-Place winner of Alaska's Got Talent. Seventeen-year-old guitar virtuoso brings an exciting variety of guitar styles from modern fingerstyle to old time bluegrass. Come listen to Silas on acoustic, electric guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass or ukulele or more than one of the above!
​ALL AGES WELCOME.
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Land's End Resort, 4786 Homer Spit Rd, Homer, AK 99603
FREE Event / No Registration Required

Saturday, September 14

5 pm
Age-old Stories for Modern Families
Recipient of the Parents Choice Gold Award and named top kids podcast by Apple Podcasts, the New York Times, WIRED and Common Sense Media, CIRCLE ROUND bring their stories to HOMER! The creators of the award-winning podcast distributed by WBUR, Boston's NPR station adapt folktales from around the world into exciting plays for the young and young at heart. Each story explores universal themes like friendship, persistence, imagination and generosity, while creatively retelling age-old stories for modern families. With podcast downloads in all 50 states and over 150 countries, you'll experience their charm and talent firsthand at this LIVE storytelling event at Homer Council on the Arts. 
Stories include THE ROOSTER IN THE SKY and BURIED TREASURE performed with Circle Round's creators Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis, and local actors. This story is inspired by tales told in Russia. You’ll also hear versions of this folktale in Hungary, and across the Middle East.
ALL AGES WELCOME.
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Homer Council on the Arts - 355 W. Pioneer Ave. Homer, AK
SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR
or Donate in Advance: Adults $10 / Family $25
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞
Limited seating.

Saturday, September 14

9 pm 
Gypsy Jazz and Blistery Ballads
Paris Chansons is an exhilarating French band with an Eastern European twist punctuated with gypsy jazz standards as well as classics in Russian, Italian, French, Ukraine, and Moroccan influences. Three multilingual singers bring an unparalleled diversity to their shows. Superb musicianship anchors the ensemble, effortlessly moving from jazzy improvisation to slow-burning balladry to blistering gypsy fervor. Paris Chansons takes you on a journey without leaving your seat (except, of course, to dance!) with a spectacular celebration of international music that brings the world closer together. 
WHERE IS THIS EVENT?  
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK
PURCHASE TICKETS: $35. +processing fees
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP

Sunday, September 15

10:00 am
Community Mural Project with Kat 
Chicago mural artist Kathleen Dose-Koehl, the artist behind the Homer Spitmural on the Wildberry building is back to paint another Homer mural! Join Kat in this workshop and credit yourself for helping to create another community mural. (Painting times TBA). Ages 12-100 welcome!
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?  
Planning will take place at Homer Art & Frame 
4001 Lake St, Homer, AK
The mural will be pained on the south side of the building at 4474 Homer Spit Rd.
​FREE Event / Limited space - Registration Required
​Reserve your spot for $5.

Sunday, September 15

2 pm
What's Your Story?
​Storytelling Workshop with Circle Round
Dream of telling your own story, but not sure where to start? Join storytelling pros Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis (hosts and composers of WBUR's award-winning Circle Round podcast) as they lead a special storytelling workshop for all ages. Whether you're 3 or 103, we’re all suckers for a good story -- not just hearing one or reading one, but telling one. And believe it or not, you needn’t be a regular on The Moth Story Hour to bring more storytelling into your family’s everyday life! Rebecca and Eric will engage participants in easy, enjoyable storytelling exercises, activities and games that will stretch your imagination and have you unleashing your inner storyteller. ALL AGES WELCOME.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Homer Council on the Arts - 355 W. Pioneer Ave. Homer, AK
SUGGESTED DONATION 
or Donate in Advance: Adults $10 / Family $25
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞
​Limited seating.

Sunday, September 15

4 pm 
“Autour du Monde” - Around the World with Paris Chansons! 
Get up close and personal with the members of Paris Chansons in this intimate setting as they share how and why their music unites people around the world. They'll explore the stories and timeless songs of famous French performers with roots in Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Belgium, Paris & New York, Ukraine, Russia, and Morocco! Celebrate music and the great human soundtrack that bring us all closer together.
​ALL AGES WELCOME.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Homer Council on the Arts - 355 W. Pioneer Ave. Homer, AK
$10 SUGGESTED DONATION at the door
Donate in Advance
​​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞
​Limited seating.

Sunday, September 15

7 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Concert
​Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a fiddle trio that masterfully blends the traditions of Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands. Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music since the inception of the Bloc in early 2009. They maintain a firm focus on the traditions of their home while developing a sound that has been described as “meaningful”, ”intense” and “invigorating”. Their clever use of harmony, rhythm, riffs & bass lines creates a sound that leaves the listener enthralled but at the same time dumbfounded that the sound only comes from three fiddles. Their third and most recent album “Bonfrost” has gathered illuminated reviews and is said to by Folk Radio UK to “leap out of the speakers and demand attention, keeping the energetic and creative levels up throughout its twelve tracks. It will be a constant visitor to your ears and heart once you surrender to its many charms.”
​ALL AGES WELCOME.
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Faith Lutheran Church-1000 Soundview Ave, Homer, AK
PURCHASE TICKETS through Homer Council on the Arts 
THIS EVENT IS NOT INCLUDED WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP

Tuesday, September 17

​7 pm
Grease - the Musical - Sing-Along!
Join Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta) in the original iconic musical - GREASE. Dress like it's 1978, move to the groove, and sing your heart out to You're the One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Summer Nights, Sandy, Greased Lightnin', and more. 
​​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK
​Adults $10 in advance / $12 at the Door
FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP

Thursday, September 19

7 pm
A Sumptuous Musical Feast at the Mansion
Acoustic Eidolon is a remarkable duo blending Celtic, Americana, and World & Flamenco musical influences-something that Dirty Linen Magazine praises as “a sumptuous musical feast". Having performed concerts, at festivals, and on radio across Europe and North America, their concerts have been complimented by the Swallow Hill Music Association as “an evening of brilliant instrumentality", and Georgia’s Good Life Magazine enthuses, “Acoustic Eidolon offers concert-goers a chance to absorb some of the most powerful and intriguing music on the scene today.” Joe's double-neck guitjo has 14 strings sometimes offering a harp-like sound, like nothing you've heard before. Hannah is recognized internationally for her stunning tone and emotional, impeccable playing and for taking the cello places it’s never been before. Together they offer an evening of intricate and passionate music with genuine and engaging stories. They are each virtuoso players but their stories and connection to the audience add the backdrop of transparency from their lives, from the struggles to the triumphs.
ALL AGES WELCOME.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Second Star Mansion, 5260 Kachemak Drive, Homer, Alaska
PURCHASE CONCERT TICKETS: $28
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞ Seating is limited.  Please notify us if you plan to attend this event. 

Friday, September 20

​​7 pm 
Lights, Camera, Action!
Calling Writers, Directors, Filmmakers, and Actors!  
Join us live at Alice's or virtually for the festival's first 48-hour Film Slam participation meeting. We invite writers, directors, filmmakers, actors and crew to come together for this playful event. Use your phone, DSLR, or camcorder to film a one to seven-minute long silent or sound film. All ages, amateurs and professionals are welcome. Bring your own crew or connect with others who come to participate. The talented Los Angeles film star and filmmaker Mike Selle will launch this event from Alice's upstairs lounge in person (Zoom participants also welcome). Mike will announce the parameters and genre for this year's films and answer any questions you have. Completed films will be due to Mike by 9 pm Sunday, Sept. 22, and will be shown to a curious and appreciative audience at Alice's Champagne Palace on Monday, September 23, at 8 pm.
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Upstairs at Alice's Champagne Palace or log onto Zoom here at meeting time.
This is a FREE EVENT

Saturday, September 21

12 pm
Live-at-Lunch Free Concert with Luna&Ursus
This talented duo blends enchanting songs of the Celtic Harp with rhythmic guitar, powerful vocals, and thoughtful lyricism. Join us as they set the stage for listeners to come along on a journey to the heart.
ALL AGES WELCOME.
​​WHERE IS THIS EVENT?
Land's End Resort
FREE event. No Registration Required.

Saturday, September 21

9 pm
​Stand-up Comedian/Storyteller Michael Palascak
Originally from Indiana, Michael Palascak began his career in Chicago and now resides in LA. He has performed on The Late Late Shows with James Corden and Stephen Colbert. He's appeared on A Little Late with Lilly Singh, Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Conan, Comedy Central, and on Last Comic Standing. Michael's humor is sharp, clean, relatable, and charming. This night of comedy will open with the delightful and quick-witted comedian, Angie Wellborn.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, Alaska 99603
PURCHASE TICKETS: $35 +processing fees.
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞

Sunday, September 22

7 pm
Ten-Minute Play Fest
Join us for a collection of new short plays produced by Christine Kulcheski and Rudy Multz for Pier One Theatre. Expect a fast-paced, fun, sometimes dramatic, sometimes zany evening of theatre - something a little different and a lot of fun!​
WHERE IS THIS EVENT? TBA
PURCHASE TICKETS: $10 + processing fees
FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP

Monday, September 23

8 pm
48-HOUR FILM SLAM JAM!
Come fill the seats at Alice's and witness the premier of the short films created in our 48-hour film slam. Laugh, cry, applaud, and moan as a maniacal group of professional and amateur filmmakers, writers, actors, directors preview their accomplishments. Encouraged by the enthusiasm of Los Angeles film star and filmmaker Mike Selle, these short films promise to be an unusual assortment, produced by brave creatives over a two-day period, from concept to creation.
ALL AGES WELCOME.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, Alaska 99603
$10 SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR
or Donate in Advance
​Film Slam participants go for free.
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞

Tuesday, September 24

8 pm
Spit Tunes ~ A Musical Comedy about Homer's History at Alice's Champagne Palace - back by popular demand!
Treat yourself to a fun-filled night of comedy troupe antics, music, mediocre dancing and the true-ish story of Homer's colorful past written by Sally Oberstein & Michael McKinney, the folks who brought you the Wizard of Odds, Brouhaha, Old Songs and Duct Tape, Reruns, Circus Auditions, Old Songs and Chapstick, and The 60s Show. Join our historical heroes on stage in their quests for dry land, furs, gold, statehood, and a good fishing season. Your playful performers bring years of adventures and misadventures of Homer's most colorful characters to life in this feisty and lovable version of Homer's history.
​ALL AGES WELCOME
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK
Adult Tickets Sept. 24: $20 in advance / $22 at the door.
Child Ticket Sept. 24: $13 in advance / $15 at the door.

Wednesday, September 25

​

​​8 pm
Alaska World Arts Entertainment Spectacle
​​Join us for a fast-paced SPECTACLE of 5+/- minute showcase performances with LIVE MUSIC, THEATER, COMEDY, POETRY, READINGS, FILM, and DANCE featuring local and imported talent extraordinaire. This year's Spectacle includes a reading by Libby Bushell, the music of Matt Steffy, poetry of Emilie Springer, Latin Street Dance Footage, drumming of Michael McKinney and Corey Geysbeek, acting of Charles Aguilar, dancing by Motivity Dance Collective, standup comedy by Orion Donicht, a film by Mary Katzke, Alaska Japanese Club drummers, a number from the musical comedy: Spit Tunes, and a short list of other surprises.
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, Alaska 99603
$10 SUGGESTED DONATION AT THE DOOR
or Donate in Advance
​FREE WITH FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP➞

Thursday, September 26

6 pm
Live Painting Festivity with Kathleen Dose Koehl
Live painting is a form of visual performance art in which an artist completes a visual art piece as a public performance. 
Our guest Chicago artist Kathleen Dose-Koehl will create paintings - start to finish at our festival closing event. Enjoy finger food and your choice of wines while witnessing the magic of this talented artist as she transforms blank canvases into captivating masterpieces that go up for bid in silent auction before the evening ends. 
​ALL AGES WELCOME
​​WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Homer Chamber of Commerce, 201 Sterling Hwy, Homer, Alaska
FREE Event / No Registration Required
​

Post-Festival Musical Comedy
Tuesday, October 1

8 pm
Final Production of Spit Tunes ~ A Musical Comedy about Homer's History at Alice's Champagne Palace - extended by popular demand!
Treat yourself to a fun-filled night of comedy troupe antics, music, mediocre dancing and the true-ish story of Homer's colorful past written by Sally Oberstein & Michael McKinney, the folks who brought you the Wizard of Odds, Brouhaha, Old Songs and Duct Tape, Reruns, Circus Auditions, Old Songs and Chapstick, and The 60s Show. Join our historical heroes on stage in their quests for dry land, furs, gold, statehood, and a good fishing season. Your playful performers bring years of adventures and misadventures of Homer's most colorful characters to life in this feisty and lovable version of Homer's history.
​ALL AGES WELCOME
​WHERE IS THIS EVENT? 
Alice's Champagne Palace, 195 E Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK
Adult Tickets Oct. 1: $20 in advance / $22 at the door.
Child Ticket Oct. 1: $13 in advance / $15 at the door.