Poets throw a Bacchanalia

Vashon Poetry Fest will host “Bacchanalia! A Masquerade Evening of Wine & Revelry” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Vashon Winery, 10317 S.W. 156th St.

Vashon Poetry Fest will host “Bacchanalia! A Masquerade Evening of Wine & Revelry” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Vashon Winery, 10317 S.W. 156th St.

Islanders are encouraged to come to the event ready to dance, drink deeply and celebrate the season’s first crush. The evening’s host, Island author Terry Hershey, will tell tales that invoke the wild history and poetry of wine. The night will also feature music by Mark Wells, and Martin Koenig will lead dances of revelry. Wine and cider will be available by the flagon, and attendees can come in mask or borrow one at the door. Tickets, $20, are on sale at Island book stores and at the door. Pre-ticketing is strongly encouraged.

“Bacchanalia” is the first of two October fundraisers for the Poetry Fest. The second event — a celebration of the Jewish harvest festival Sukkot at Havurat Ee Shalom — will feature an award-winning flamenco group, Carmona Flamenco. The group sings and performs dances with the intense flavors of Sephardic and Spanish music and Flamenco dancing. Tickets to that event are also $20. For more information, call Cal Kinnear at 463-3160.