September 9, 2026 — Catch Blues by the Water and Laughs on Stage
Blues benefit
Picture this: You’re relaxing by the water on a beautiful late-summer day, listening to the blues and gazing at the Olympic Mountains. That — if the weather cooperates — is an option for Saturday, Sept. 12, when Boston Harbor Marina is hosting a benefit concert for the Olympia Film Society. Headlining is harmonica player and singer/songwriter Joel Astley, whose work has been lauded by the Washington Blues Society. Astley and his band play both originals and covers in genres that go beyond the blues to roots rock, funk and soul. Also on the bill: blues guitarist Johnny Burgin (who also plays the harmonica) and Olympia’s own Fishtrap, playing blues and rock on instruments that include, yes, the harmonica. The bands will play from 4 to 7 p.m. at the marina, 312 73rd Ave. NE, Olympia. The show is free — but it’s a fundraiser, so take a hint: Donations are encouraged.
Photo by Shanna Paxton Photography.
‘Laughing’ ladies are back
Live theater offers many pleasures, but rarely does it give audiences the joy of seeing the same characters again and again, so that they become like old friends. (During the pandemic, Meredith Grey became one of my besties.) Olympia Little Theatre’s “Keep on Laughing,” opening Friday, Sept. 11, offers a reunion for those who saw “Exit Laughing” at OLT in March. (No worries if you missed “Exit,” though; the sequel, also written by Paul Elliott and directed by Dave Marsh, stands alone.) Back for more mischief and camaraderie — and, of course, laughs — are longtime friends Connie (Jilyna Layne), Leona (Marci Ballou) and Millie (Debbie Sampson). The plot this time concerns Connie’s romance with a much younger man. Performances are at 7:25 p.m. Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19 and 24-26 and 1:55 p.m. Sept. 13, 20 and 27 at the theater, 1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia. Tickets (https://olympialittletheater.org/shows/dead-mans-cell-phone/) are $12-$18.
Last weekend to go ‘Barefoot’
Harlequin Productions’ “Barefoot in the Park,” closing Sunday, Sept. 13, takes the witty words of Neil Simon and adds a nifty set, cool retro costumes and a cast of talented comic actors: Kate Anders, Christian Bolduc, Andy Gordon, and Kim and Russ Holm. Anders and Bolduc play a mismatched pair of newlyweds living, loving and yelling in a sixth-floor walk-up. Almost everyone arrives on the scene huffing and puffing, and the repetition of the gag takes nothing away from the humor. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 and 12 and 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the State Theater, 202 4th Ave. E, Olympia. Tickets (https://harlequinproductions.org/show/barefoot-in-the-park/) are $35-$49, with rush tickets available for $5-$24.50 two hours before showtimes.
Molly Gilmore very much likes gender-inclusive public restrooms (particularly when a man is surprised or annoyed at the need to wait in line), but she suggests that all such facilities post a sign reminding those who lift the toilet seat to lower it when they’re done.
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