The Standing Nation
“The Standing Nation: Remembering our Kinship with Trees,” a site-specific solo performance by Mik Kuhlman, will be presented at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. June 17, 18, 24 and 25 under the canopy of a spectacular island tree.
The production is informed by reverence for the forest, and according to Kuhlman, the introduction of feminine perspectives into forestry research during the last 30 years has changed the previous understanding of trees and forest ecosystems.
“The Standing Nation” production is led by a collaborative team that includes Kuhlman, live composer Max Sarkowsky, writer Tess Clark, customer Patricia Toovey, dance director Sally Sykes Wylie, and director Samantha Sherman.
An intimate audience of 25 people will be guided into unknown forest groves and other notable sites in order to involve, represent, and honor trees.
To learn more about the project, go to tinyurl.com/yybsakew. Tickets are $25, paid via Venmo @mikkuhlmanproductions or check or cash direct to Kuhlman. Reservations may be made by emailing mikshowtix@gmail.com.
Cinderella
Vashon Dance Academy’s production of “Cinderella” will take flight on the stage at Vashon High School Theatre during the weekend of June 16.
From enchanting magical pumpkins to mice skilled in modern dance, this ensemble performance promises to captivate even those seated in the back rows.
Marina Rae-Gill and Isabella Peani will share the role of Cinderella, while Gerritt VanRoekel will portray the Prince. Lorien Buffington and Kate Spranger will bring the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand to life with their pointe shoes.
The role of Cinderella’s stepmother will be alternated between Kate Spanger and Marina Rae-Gill, and the stepsisters will be played by Lorien Buffington, Abby Furr, Calliope deSmet, and Daisy Jones. Sabine Jorge and Daisy Jones will portray the dancing mice, providing encouragement to Cinderella.
The cast also includes special alumni dancers, Sophie Blasingam, Isa Sanson-Frey, and Talia Spurlock. Additionally, the tradition of including a group of “dancing dads” continues, as these volunteers dedicate their time and talent to create memorable entertainment.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16; 1:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17; and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18. Tickets, $20 for adults and $15 for students aged 18 and under are available at the Vashon Dance Academy lobby (cash or check payable to Dance! Vashon), Burton Coffee Stand, or through Venmo @Dance-Vashon (please include the date/time, name, and the number of adult/youth tickets in the note).
Early Music
The final Salish Sea Early Music Festival program of 2023, “Italian 17th-Century 3-Part Canzonas,” will feature Anna Marsh on dulcian (renaissance bassoon), John Lenti on theorbo and renaissance lute, and Jeffrey Cohan on renaissance transverse flute. The concert will take place at noon Thursday, June 22, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, on Vashon. For additional information, visit salishseafestival.org/vashon.
Changemakers wanted
Mythologist Michael Meade and transformational facilitator Arne Rubinstein will present ideas and practices of rites of passage during a workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 24, offering a viable framework for transformation and leadership that can change individual lives and alter social patterns. The workshop is designed for change-makers, leaders, mentors, youth, and those seeking to clarify their gifts and deepen their sense of life’s purpose.
Sign up for the workshop at tinyurl.com/mw33dvxh.
Jazzy June
Vashon Jazz Guy Bruce Phares will conclude his “Jazzy June” duet series with a duet with virtuoso vibraphonist Ben Thomas, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Vashon’s Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.
“Ben is an incredibly accomplished virtuoso on the vibes; an improviser and composer of deep expressiveness, wit, and crisply focused execution,” said Phares.
Thomas leads his own ensembles, writes and composes, has cut five solo albums, and is well-known for his role in the Jovino Santos Neto’s Quinteto. His artistry on the bandoneon (an expressive cousin to the accordion and a central element in the sound of tango music) is acclaimed, Phares added.
