January 2005 calendar of events.

ANCHORAGE

8 Second Saturday Animal Photography

Professional photographers will teach you how to photograph animals, both zoo residents and wildlife passing through zoo grounds. From noon to 2 p.m. at the Alaska Zoo. For more information, call 346-3242 or visit the Web site, www.alaskazoo.org.

8 Scared Scriptless Comedy Improv

Features improvised scenes based on audience suggestions. For mature audiences only. Cost is $5 at the door. Showtime is 10 p.m. at Cyrano's Off Center Playhouse. Call 274-6732 or visit www.scaredscriptless.com.

16 The Wizard of Oz Sing-A-Long

An Oz that is so much fun you won't want to "click your heels" to go home. Located at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. There are two performances, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Contact the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts for ticket information at 263-2788 or toll-free, 800-478-7328.

21-23 16th Annual Anchorage Folk Festival

Performances by more than 130 local Alaskan artists, along with special guest artists from around the world in styles ranging from folk to Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, klezmer and more. Performances are at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA. Concert times will vary. Visit www.anchoragefolkfestival.org for more information, or phone 566-2334.

21 Der Fliegendre Hollander (The Flying Dutchman)

An exciting performance by the Anchorage Concert Chorus, Anchorage Opera and Anchorage Symphony. Show time is 8 p.m. at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call 274-7464 or visit www.anchoragesymphony.org.

22 Julliard String Quartet with Heinz Holliger

One of today's premier string quartets, the Julliard String Quartet joins with the world's greatest oboist for an evening of exquisite classical music. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Visit www.anchorageconcerts.org for more information, or phone 272-1471.

FAIRBANKS

2 Mushing Challenge Race No. 3

Skijoring, four-dog, six-dog, eight-dog and open classes. Indoor and outdoor spectator viewing. Souvenir and food concessions. Starting time is 10:30 a.m. at the Mushers' Hall on Farmers Loop Road. Admission is free. For more information, phone 457-6874, e-mail adma@sleddog.org, or visit www.sleddog.org.

14 Maura O'Connell in Concert

Martin Scorsese cast Maura as an Irish emigre street singer in his recent 19th century epic, "The Gangs of New York," because of her reputation for singing songs of old Ireland, but her repertoire also includes jazz, pop and classics...