Poetry events

Two poetry events will take place on Vashon on Thursday, Nov. 14; islanders can attend both.

First up, longtime islander and poet Carey Hunter Davis will read from her new chapbook, “Beauty,” from 5-6 p.m., at Vashon Bookshop.

Then, “I Sing the Salmon Home,” an evening of poetry and prose headlined by 2021-2023 Washington State Poet and Lummi Tribal member Rana Priest, will take place from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, at the Land Trust Building.

The free event will celebrate two books published by Empty Bowl Press.

“I Sing the Salmon Home,” is a 2023 award-winning poetry anthology edited by Priest that includes the work of more than 150 poets, all inspired by the Northwest’s beloved, iconic salmon. These include local poets Katy E. Ellis, Kathryn True, and Ann Spiers, who will read their works published in the volume at the event.

Islander Seth Zuckerman will read from the second Empty Press book, “A Watershed Runs Through You,” which contains essays and talks by Zuckerman’s friend and compatriot, Freeman House, who died in 2018.

Salmon advocates will also be on hand throughout the evening to share ways to get involved in protecting the treasured species.

Space is limited. Reserve tickets and find out more at tinyurl.com/muvnxnre.

Irish music by way of Broadway

Renowned violinist and fiddler Caitlin Warbelow and pianist Chris Ranney will appear in the ongoing “Masters of Irish Music” concert series, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Vashon Havurah.

Warbelow, for the last seven years, has served as the violinist/fiddler in the original Broadway cast of “Come From Away,” a Tony-winning and Grammy-nominated musical. When not performing on Broadway, she tours and performs as a solo artist and with numerous ensembles. Find out more about her life and music at caitlinwarbelow.com.

Ranney, a Washington native, is known widely for his sublime skills as a pianist, musical director, and conductor. He also worked on the Broadway production of “Come From Away” for seven years, serving as the show’s associate conductor and musical director.

Admission to the concert is by donation, with $20-$25 suggested by person. Call Jan Strolle at 206-228-0730 for a reservation.

Art Talk

Art historian and Mexican art expert, Deborah Caplow, and Vashon print artist Brian Fisher will present a free talk at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

They will discuss the print process and the artists of “Impressed,” a contemporary print show now on view at the arts center. “Impressed” features 27 exceptional artists from Vashon and Oaxaca, Mexico, and highlights contemporary approaches to printmaking in both creative communities.

Find out more about the talk and exhibit at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Bettye LaVette

An intimate evening with soul legend Bettye LaVette will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

LaVette burst onto the Detroit scene in 1962 with “My Man—He’s a Loving Man,” a single that climbed to #7 on the R&B charts. She was then signed to Atlantic Records and embarked on a tour with Ben E King, Clyde McPhatter, and another newcomer, Otis Redding.

Her 2024 LP, “LaVette!” has earned her a Grammy nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category, with the awards ceremony taking place on Feb. 24, 2025.

LaVette had an eventful summer this year, opening for the Rolling Stones in front of 60,000 fans packed into Chicago’s Soldier Field.

The New York Times has called her “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation,” and Bonnie Rait has said she remains one of “the most incredible R&B singers singing today.

“Ache has never sounded so funky,” said Rait. “Weary, wise, defiant, and vulnerable, Bettye is a force of nature.”

Get tickets and find out more at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Kathleen Edwards

Kathleen Edwards, a beloved Canadian figure in North American roots music, will perform with special guest John Roderick in concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Since making her debut with her 2002 album, “Failer,” she’s spent the 21st century swirling together her mix of alt-country, folk, and heartland rock and roll. She has earned more than a half-dozen Juno nominations, as well as Top 40 success on both sides of the Canadian/American border. Now in her third decade as an artist, Edwards carries the torch of her songwriting heroes such as Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Lucinda Williams, while inspiring a new generation of artists who, like her, blur the boundaries between genre and generation.

Roderick, a well-known figure in Seattle and Northwest Music, is the songwriter and singer/guitarist of The Long Winters, a band formed in 2001.

Find out more about the artists and get tickets at openspacevashon.com.

Kathleen Edwards will perform with special guest John Roderick on Nov. 24, at Open Space. (Courtesy photo)