Around town
Island chorale inaugurates new arts center stage
When Vashon Island Chorale co-founders Judy Whitney and Susan Hedrick established the now 100-member organization 27 years ago, no one imagined the group would grow so large nor be performing in an auditorium with natural acoustics. But the chorale has expanded and will perform the inaugural concert on the new stage at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA). The chorale will sing Carl Orff’s electrifying masterwork “Carmina Burana,” directed by Gary Cannon, on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Hedrick remarked that having “the privilege of singing ‘Carmina’ to open the new Vashon Center for the Arts is the definition of a dream come true.” Chorale President Jo Ann Bardeen echoed Hedrick’s sentiments, saying it is a dream realized and a lot of “raw emotion for all of us.” Thursday and Sunday’s performances are sold out. A few tickets remain for Saturday’s VCA gala fundraiser performance at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at vashonalliedarts.org.
Singer-songwriter returns to Vashon
When Portland singer-songwriter John Craigie opened for the Shook Twins last December at the Open Space for Arts & Community, he received a standing ovation from over 300 audience members. He will return to the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Musically comparable to John Prine, Craigie is also known for his engaging storytelling. The troubadour has traveled the world to perform at festivals and sold-out venues. His timeless melodies and insightful lyrics range from social commentary to personal empowerment, political satire to modern love. The band Moody Little Sister with singer song-writer Naomi Hooley and guitarist Rob Stroup, founding member of Portland’s beloved roots rock combo The Baseboard Heaters, will open for Craigie. Moody Little Sister’s debut album, “Wild Places,” was produced by islanders Pete Droge and Elaine Summers. Tickets are available at Vashon Bookshop or at brownpapertickets.com.
Big band fills the Bike
Travel back to the swing era when the 20-piece Portage Fill Big Band will play a show at the Red Bike at 8 p.m. Friday. For over 40 years, the band has been a big part of island music as Vashon’s oldest “garage band.” The free show is open to all ages until 11 p.m., then 21 and older only.
Opera rehearsing for show on new arts center stage
The Vashon Opera Company is preparing for their first appearance — May 13 and 15 — on the new stage at Vashon Center for the Arts with the production of “Pagliacci Palooza.” Conductor James Brown arranged the orchestral music and singer’s scores for the opera “I Pagliacci.” The Vashon Island Chorale will join the opera to sing “Greatest Italian Choruses” from “Palooza,” under the direction of Gary Cannon. Tickets are available at vashonopera.org.
