Jam in the Atrium
The next edition of “Jam In The Atrium,” hosted by island bassist Bruce Phares, will take place from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Vashon Center for the Arts. The event is free, with donations to the artists accepted.
Joining Phares will be world-class jazz vocalist Stephanie Porter, who has released 14 albums and captivated audiences nationwide with her remarkable contralto range.
Returning to the island to jam with Porter and Phares will be pianist Jeremy Bacon, a Vashon favorite.
Bacon has performed with such jazz legends as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joe Ford, Johnny Coles, Pat Martino, Mike Mossman, and Ralph Bowen, on stages including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and New York City’s fabled Blue Note. An import from the New York jazz scene, he’s become one of the top go-to pianists in the Northwest.
Auditions
Vashon Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for the company’s summer outdoor production, “Oscar’s Journey,” written by Bryan Willis with music by Kat Eggleston, and directed by Andy James, from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in the Vashon High School auditorium. The play is inspired by Thomas Dambo’s troll sculpture on Maury Island.
“Oscar’s Journey” will be performed Aug. 23-25, in the Heron Meadow of Vashon Center for the Arts. Rehearsals start the week of July 8. The cast includes adults, young people, and children. Cast wannabees should prepare a short monologue, no longer than two minutes, to perform at the auditions. Sign up for a time to audition here.
Dracula and Van Helsing dance
Vashon Center for Dance will present its annual spring dance concert, “Dracula & Van Helsing: The Beginning,” at four performances slated for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, at Vashon Center for the Arts.
The concert has a supernatural theme, telling the tale of three inseparable childhood friends, Vladmina, Abrianna, and Eloise, who grow up together and have their friendship tested by danger, treachery, and vengeance.
Bring the whole family and your camera to the Saturday, June 8 sensory-friendly matinee, which will include a meet-and-greet intermission and a dress-up booth.
The sensory-friendly performance, designed for seniors and young children, will feature increased lighting in the seating area and house throughout the performance, lower sound levels, fewer ticket sales to accommodate more space and movement between patrons, allowing the use of tablets and other electronic devices with headphones during the performance, and the option of bringing and in and using special seating devices as needed. Fidget toys are also welcome.
Find out more and purchase tickets to the show at vashoncenterforthearts.org.
UMO School show
The UMO School will present its student showcase, “A Night at the Movies,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8 and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at Open Space for Arts & Community.
The show will include feats of UMO’s 80-plus students, flowing in and out, around and above the audience. Throughout an evening of fantasy and wonder, students will bring to life their favorite characters from classic films. Watch as Mary Poppins and the flying monkeys from the “Wizard of Oz” fly through the air, amid Jedi battles, Hogwarts adventures, and much more. The showcase features students, from experts to beginners in aerial, parkour, acro, jiujitsu, and skateboarding.
Find out more and purchase tickets at openspacevashon.com.
