Citizen Cope

Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria celebrates 16 years of slinging pizzas and suds this weekend, and Brooklyn-based Jack-of-all-trades songwriter Citizen Cope will be performing. Toben Shelby wrote this feature on Cope and the show that takes place 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $35, available at beartooththeatre.net.

This week’s Hot Picks include a block party, an early Christmas celebration and what’s billed as the state’s biggest salsa festival. Be sure to also check Mike Dunham’s Arts Scene picks for more excuses to hit the town, including National Public Radio's Carl Kasell appearing at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Monday.

Party down
Snow City is throwing its 10th annual West End Block Party Thursday, which will take over Fourth Avenue between K and L streets. Festivities include burgers and hotdogs, face-painting, ska music by Nervis Rex, margarita and beer garden. And what block party is complete without complimentary massages? 4:30-8 p.m., free. Search for the event on Facebook for more info.

Larry and His Flask
Oregon-based band Larry and His Flask take old-fashioned bluegrass and give it a punk-rock makeover. Hear it in action 9 p.m. Tuesday, Humpy’s, free. Visit larryandhisflask.com for info.

Axeman
Virtuoso guitarist Eric McFadden brings his blues-inspired licks to Alyeska, playing his soulful brand of folk and rock 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sitzmark, Girdwood, $5 (21 and older). Visit alyeskaresort.com for info.

Christmas in July
Quirky local singer-songwriter Hurricane Dave’s annual Christmas concert is earlier than usual this year. Raising funds for Mat-Su Special Santa, Dave will be joined by John Cook, Suzy Crosby, Michael Faubion, Robin Hopper, Hank Roesing, Stu Schulman and others, 7 p.m. Friday, Trinity Barn (Mile 2.2 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Palmer), free but donations requested.

Shake it
The Alaska Salsa Festival includes huge banquets with live shows in the Hotel Captain Cook and includes classes taught by world champion instructors. Opening night kicks off 8 p.m. Thursday, with events running through Sunday, July 29. Prices range from $20 to $250. Visit alaskasalsafestival.com for info.