A concert to support Japan
Three accomplished Island musicians have banded together to offer a benefit concert in response to the recent earthquake in Japan. The concert, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, will feature pianist Anne Herfindahl, guitarist Ken Jacobsen and clarinetist Terri Garrett. The three will play perform “Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra,” by Heitor Villa Lobos, Alberto Ginastera’s emotive “Sonata Para Piano “ and Robert Muczynski’s “Time Pieces for Clarinet and Piano.” Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to Red Cross Japanese relief efforts.
Feel the beat at the Bike
The 11-member Afrobeat band Cascadia ‘10 will play a free show at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Red Bicycle Bistro. The group is a well-known dance band that plays music inspired by Fela Kuti and other musicians from Nigeria and western Africa. The show is for all ages until 11 p.m., and 21 and older after that.
Open mic at Café Luna
There will be an open mic night, hosted by Richard Waits and Joe Allison, on Saturday, April 30, at Café Luna. Singers, musicians, poets and other performers are welcome. Sign up starts at 7 p.m.
Don’t forget to vote for a flag
There’s a contest going on at Two Wall Gallery to choose an official flag for Vashon. Islanders can view entries and vote until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30. The winner of the contest and other entries will be shown in an exhibit at the gallery opening at 6 p.m. Friday, May 6.
A dance extravaganza lifts off
Blue Heron’s spring dance concert will offer two shows in one this year. In the first half of the show, dancers will perform George Balanchine’s “Jewels,” which has never before been seen on Vashon. The second half of the show will be the debut of “The Whistling Monster,” a dance piece that got its start last year, when Chautauqua music teacher Andy James and his students composed a CD based on a South American folk tale. Since January, Vashon Allied Arts has offered classes in dance, music, mask-making and more, all based on the music created by James’ students. Performances of both “Jewels” and “The Whistling Monster” will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, at Vashon High School. Call 463-5131 for tickets.
Don’t miss ‘Madama Butterfly’
Vashon Opera’s upcoming production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” will star Vashon Opera artistic director Jennifer Krikawa in the tragic title role. The cast will also include a constellation of other opera stars who have sung on Northwest, national and international stages. The opera will be staged in the intimate sanctuary of Bethel Church. Tickets to performances at 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15, cost $32 each, and are selling out quickly at www.vashonopera.org, Books by the Way and Vashon Bookshops. There are also $15 seats available at the same ticket outlets for a dress rehearsal that will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11. This performance is aimed at students and families.
