Elizabeth Lord to Cohost Capital City Pride
By ALEC CLAYTON for OLY ARTS Olympia’s master of storytelling, the one and only Elizabeth Lord, will cohost this year’s Capital City Pride with Lauren O’Neill....
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Capital City Pride 2018 – Performance and Event Schedule
COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OVERVIEW Capital City Pride hosts the largest small-town pride festival in the Pacific Northwest. Pride brings together the gay, lesbian,...
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Jakes on 4th is Pride Party Central
By ALEC CLAYTON Jakes on 4th is, as it has been, “Pride Party Central” in Olympia. “Jakes has been in business since August 2004, and we’ve been a Pride...
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Capital City Pride Hosts Annual Olympia Parade and Festival 2018 Theme: “Live. Love. Be.”
By OLY ARTS STAFF Capital City Pride hosts the largest small-town pride festival in the Pacific Northwest. Pride brings together the gay, lesbian, bisexual,...
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Olympia Celebrates 18th Annual Comics Festival
by Billy Thomas for OLY ARTS On Saturday, June 2, 2018, comic book creators, readers, and collectors will once again gather in downtown Olympia to celebrate the Olympia...
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Rock Against Trump, a youth-led benefit concert
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS In early June, the Capitol Theater in Olympia will see notable Pacific Northwest bands join forces in a benefit concern entitled “Rock...
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White Ravens and the Art of Listening
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS The island archipelago of Haida Gwaii lies 585 miles from Olympia, WA. These islands serve as the heartland of the Haida Nation, and the...
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Theater Review: Three Days of Rain at Harlequin
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Harlequin Productions’ latest offering is Three Days of Rain, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama by Richard Greenberg,...
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Washington State Poet Laureate Claudia Castro Luna at the Lacey Library
by Bryan Willis for OLY ARTS Washington State’s new Poet Laureate, Claudia Castro Luna, will be featured at the Lacey Library Monday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at a free...
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Down the Rabbit Hole with Studio West
by MELISSA AVRIL HARRIS for OLY ARTS In search of an escape this spring season? Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Studio West Dance Academy’s production of Alice...
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Swan Lake Showcased by Ballet Northwest
by MOLLY GILMORE for OLY ARTS Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake didn’t earn much acclaim when it debuted in 1877 in Moscow, but once it took wing, the ballet continued to...
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Procession of the Species 2018 — Photo Essay
OLY ARTS is excited to partner again with Shanna Paxton Photography for the complete photo essay of Procession of the Species 2018! ((Also see our LUMINARY PROCESSION...
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Luminary Procession 2018 – Photo Essay
OLY ARTS is excited to partner again with Shanna Paxton for complete photographic coverage of Procession of the Species 2018! ((See also our PROCESSION OF THE SPECIES...
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Arts Walk: Katherine Smith and Jess Tanguay — The Duality of Fantasy and Reality
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS The work of two visual artists will collide in a single show at Arts Walk this weekend. Local multimedia virtuosos Katherine Smith and...
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Past and Present Come to Life in Three Days of Rain at Harlequin
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Harlequin Productions’ “Three Days of Rain,” opening May 3, is a subtle mystery — not a whodunit, but rather a “what happened...
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Arts Walk: China Star
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The Evergreen Arts Walk Tour describes China Star as “a conceptually-minded process artist working across disciplines...
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Procession: Luminary Lights Glow in the Night
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS The subtler sibling to the many-splendored Procession of the Species, the Luminary Procession shines brightly, filling the streets of...
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Arts Walk: Chris Maynard
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Chris Maynard’s unique and unforgettable feather art has often been seen at Childhood’s End Gallery in Olympia, and...
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Arts Walk: Debra Van Tuinen
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Debra Van Tuinen’s latest paintings in oil over acrylic are the culmination and apotheosis of a long and ongoing...
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Procession: Honk if You Love Dance
by Bryan Willis for OLY ARTS Artesian Rumble Arkestra is teaming up with Radical Acts of Dance Company (RADCo) to create a movable meadow for the Procession. Mary...
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Arts Walk: Daniel G. Bernstein
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Daniel G. Bernstein’s photography covers the land, animals, people, and important events in and around Olympia and the...
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Procession: Hansen Elementary Students Get Industrious
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Although few people welcome ants parading across their kitchen counter, the students in Julia Abrams’ first and second grade class at...
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Arts Walk: Diana Fairbanks
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Art lovers should have little trouble finding Diana Fairbanks’ paintings, as she is showing in multiple venues in this...
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Procession: Berebitsky’s Marvelous Menagerie
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Jerry Berebitsky is the technical director for performing and media arts at The Evergreen State College. He’s also filled...
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Arts Walk: Mia Schulte
Arts Walk Pick 2018 by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Mia Schulte creates brightly colored abstract paintings inspired by landscapes — many of which call to mind the...
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Procession of the Species 2018
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS The annual return of two Olympia institutions is approaching — the Luminary Procession and the Procession of the Species. Started in...
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Frankie Cosmos in Olympia
by Kate Hayes for OLY ARTS Frankie Cosmos is on her way to Olympia! Next Wednesday night (April 18), Frankie will headline a collaborative show at the Olympia Film...
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Las Cafeteras: Eclectic Big Band Tastes Like L.A.
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS One would be hard-pressed to find a band more intimately ingrained in the Los Angeles scene than Las Cafeteras. Their sound is an eclectic...
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Say Yes to Pink Martini
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Portland-based Pink Martini is a danceable jazz combo with international flair. “More and more,” said founder Thomas Lauderdale,...
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Saint Martin’s presents Urinetown, the Musical
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS Urinetown – the ribald and uproarious musical with the bizarre name – is coming back to Olympia. Produced by the theater department of...
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Center Salon To Welcome Jess Walter
by Bryan Willis for OLY ARTS Two of the Northwest’s most well-known novelists will be featured in events April 12 and 13 in Olympia. Jess Walter, the National Book...
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Stephen Petronio Post-Modern Dance Master at the Washington Center
by Yvonne Joyce for OLY ARTS Stephen Petronio is a name — and dance company — well known to audiences in New York City, but less well known on the West...
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Olympia Peace Choir Spring Concert
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS The Olympia Peace Choir will hold its annual spring concert this coming Saturday. The concert has become an annual event for this choir of...
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Harlequin Productions apologizes for past missteps, promises a safer environment
New updates to the Harlequin story include a public statement from Harlequin Productions Board of Directors, the appointment of new leadership, and the announcement of...
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Woman’s Club of Olympia celebrates 135th anniversary with special event
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The Woman’s Club of Olympia is holding its 135th Anniversary celebration March 24, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Abigail Stuart House. There...
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane comes to Olympia Family Theater
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The story of a china doll, a rabbit, is the next offering of the ever-entertaining Olympia Family Theater. Edward Tulane is a toy rabbit...
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VISUAL ART REVIEW: Jean Mandeberg at Bar Francis
VISUAL ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Bar Francis is a tiny coffee shop on Franklin Street nestled between Dumpster Values and Old School Pizza. It’s a place...
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THEATER REVIEW: The Art of Racing in the Rain at Harlequin Productions
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Harlequin Productions’ “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a triumph of humor and humanity, guaranteed to make...
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Drop-Dead Comedy at Standing Room Only
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS When writer Joseph Kesselring commenced work on his most famous of a dozen plays, he intended it as serious drama. Its setup may even...
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Olympia Little Theatre: Butterflies are Free
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Next up at Olympia Little Theatre is the comedy with a message, Butterflies are Free, by Leonard Gershe, winner of two Tony Awards. Unusual...
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God is a Scottish Drag Queen
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Not today, Satan! God is coming to Olympia, and she is looking fabulous. In early March, the Washington Center will host Mike Delamont’s...
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Ethnic Celebration Returns to Lacey
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS The Lacey Ethnic Celebration returns in 2018 with a bevy of exciting performances, food, music and community-oriented activities. This is a...
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ART REVIEW: World famous photographers shown at Evergreen Andy Warhol, Dorothea Lange, Diane Arbus and more
ART REVIEW: by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS There are two major, world-class photography exhibitions in the main art gallery at The Evergreen State College and the smaller...
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Get Your Pitch On: Harmony Sweepstakes at the Washington Center
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Prepare yourself for Pitch Perfect, West Coast Style. The Harmony Sweepstakes acapella competition is coming back to the Washington...
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The Art of Racing in the Rain at Harlequin Productions
by Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS In March, Harlequin Productions will bring to the stage “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a play based on Garth Stein’s New...
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Folk Musical Legend John McCutcheon at Traditions
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS Since his emergence on the folk scene in the ’70s, John McCutcheon has not only been one of the most respected songwriters and...
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VISUAL ART REVIEW: CJ Swanson paintings at Batdorf and Bronson
VISUAL ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton FOR OLY ARTS Years ago, CJ Swanson and her husband, the painter David Noah Giles, opened the now defunct Art on Center Gallery in...
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A Really Big Shoe 12: Folk Music of America Benefits Homeless Kids
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Each year for the past 11, members of the Olympia musical group Entertainment Explosion have put on a show to benefit homeless children in...
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Theater Review: 3 Impossible Questions at Olympia Family Theater
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS “3 Impossible Questions” at Olympia Family Theater is a world premiere play based on beloved Islamic folk tales...
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Winter Movies at Olympia Film Society
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Winter is in full swing in Olympia, so this is the best time of year to enjoy a warm theater, a big screen and a tub of popcorn at Olympia...
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Olympia Symphony Orchestra: Closing Remarks
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS When an orchestra covers a beloved composer, it must take care to play his music with precision. “No piece of music is easy,” said Huw...
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Emerald City Music: Spiritual Journey
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS In mid-February, Emerald City Music will take Olympia South Sound music lovers on a spiritual journey through classical music. This is the...
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Three Impossible Questions at Olympia Family Theater
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Olympia Family Theater premieres a new play by local actor, director and playwright Christian Carvajal based on ancient Muslim...
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Burlesque in Olympia: A Special Valentine’s Weekend Hint!
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS Olympia’s own resident burlesque cooperative, TUSH! Burlesque, will be on stage this weekend with a titillating romp that celebrates...
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Old Time Festival: Sabra Guzmán Returns to Her Old Time Roots
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Old-time music is perhaps the oldest form of North American folk music, pre-dating Bluegrass. Vocalist, guitarist and bassist Sabra Guzmán...
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2018: Oly Old Time Festival Schedule
Concerts, Shows, and DancesSouth Bay Grange Thursday Night Kick-off Dance (2/15) 7pm – 10pm ...
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Old Time Festival: Brograss
by Adam McKinney and Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS Our music has a grand tradition of passing the love of music on from generation to generation. Brograss is a great example...
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Miracle Worker On Stage in Olympia
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS The classic play about the life of Helen Keller and her faithful educator, Annie Sullivan, is brought to life this month on stage at Olympia...
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Old Time Festival: Hawk Proof Rooster
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS Old-time string music, with origins dating back to the late 19th century, never really went away. More accurately, it fell out of popular...
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Old Time Festival: Spencer & Rains
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS When we talk about old-time music, there’s an implicit promise in that description. We’re discussing music that carries forward...
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Old Time Festival: Riley Baugus with Clawhammer Banjo and Appalachian Song
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Banjo player and singer Riley Baugus will perform with Sabra Guzman at the Oly Old Time Festival main concert Feb. 2. Baugus plays and sings...
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Oly Old Time Festival: Locations
The Oly Old Time Festival is taking place in three locations around Olympia in 2018. – First Christian Church 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia – South Bay...
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Old Time Festival: High Waisted Ramblers
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS The Oly Old Time Festival is not only a musical showcase for new, emerging and established musical artists. It’s also an experiential...
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Brian Reed, Award-Winning This American Life Voice, Speaks Live at The Washington Center
By Christian Caravajal and Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS For over 20 years, “This American Life” has given public-radio airwaves an unusual perspective on current...
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The Rhythm and Romance of Rosanne Cash
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Being the daughter of a musical legend can open doors, to be sure, but it multiplies the difficulty of forging a career apart from his...
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Grammy Award Nominee Featured at Gayla Event
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Grammy award nominee Mary Lambert will be featured at this year’s Pizza Klatch “Gayla” celebration at Olympia’s Washington...
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Visual Art Review: The Personal is Political
Visual Art Review: the annual postcard show at South Puget Sound Community College ART REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS You’ll find the good, the bad and the...
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Visual Art Review: Jennifer Lauer at All Sorts Gallery
Visual Art Review by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Jennifer Lauer’s Color and Light at All Sorts Gallery is a little gem of a show of still life and landscape painting in...
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A Time-Traveling Comedy at Olympia Little Theatre
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Time is of the essence in English playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s 1995 thriller Communicating Doors, opening this weekend at Olympia...
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THEATER REVIEW: American Idiot at Lakewood Playhouse
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS I carried delicious anticipation and a measure of trepidation to the opening of American Idiot at Lakewood Playhouse –...
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Ladysmith Black Mambazo
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS There aren’t many popular musical institutions more respected or longer lasting than Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They’d already...
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Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen: An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories at the Washington Center
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Two accomplished musicians, their acoustic guitars, and some front-porch tales—that’s what audiences can expect during An Evening with...
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I Am My Own Wife at Harlequin Productions
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Harlequin Productions will bring Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play I Am My Own Wife to Olympia for their first play of 2018....
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Theater Review: Stardust Christmas Fandango
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Harlequin Productions’ The Stardust Christmas Fandango is the 22nd show in the series of locally written and produced...
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Theater Review: Winnie the Pooh
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Olympia Family Theater has never done a bad play. Their performances are professionally produced with top-notch adult actors...
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Kathy Gore-Fuss: At Home in Nature
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS For nearly four decades, the art of Olympia artist Kathy Gore-Fuss has moved through a fascinating metamorphosis from multi-media,...
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Apple Tree Showcases Musical Annie
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS South Sound children’s theater group Apple Tree Productions will open Annie for a limited run in mid-December. Annie is the first...
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Christmas Carol on stage at Evergreen
by Jerry Berebitsky and Lori Lively Charles Dickens’ classic play, A Christmas Carol, will be performed by 8th grade students from the Olympia Waldorf School (OWS) on...
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Olympia Celebrates a Festival of Lights
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS One of the joys of living in a broad, multicultural society is the resulting plethora of holiday celebrations. Hanukkah, the Jewish...
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The Glory of the Lord Shall Be Revealed – Messiah Sing-Along
by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTs As the winter months descend on the world, the cold and darkness is met with a combination of reverie and revelry. Nights get quieter, and...
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Masterworks Choral Ensemble Brings A Season of Light
by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS The Masterworks Choral Ensemble will brighten the Washington Center Main Stage on Saturday, December 2, with its annual holiday concert. This...
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SOGO HoHo Holiday Variety Show
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS The holidays kick off with a roar at the 2017 Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) holiday show, sponsored by Tumwater Eye Center,...
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South Sound Sacred Celebrations
by Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS Winter is a time for family and for fun. Christmas is often celebrated as a single day during which the birth of Jesus Christ is remembered,...
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Olympia Family Theater Becomes the Hundred Acre Wood
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Olympia meets the Hundred Acre Wood this fall season at Olympia Family Theater. The family production company will perform a theatrical...
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The Stardust Christmas Fandango at Harlequin Productions
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS This season’s The Stardust Christmas Fandango at Harlequin Productions is a Christmas card of comedy, nostalgia and great ’60s music....
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Ballet Northwest brings the Nutcracker back to the Washington Center
by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS Once again, the stage at the Washington Center will be filled with mice, soldiers and snowflakes in Ballet Northwest’s 34th annual...
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Studio West’s Nutcracker Brings Ballet to Life
by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS No holiday season is complete without settling into a soft, cozy theater seat to watch Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet. Studio...
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Embellishing Ballet: The Nutcracker’s Dazzling Costumes
by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS The ways in which The Nutcracker delivers beauty, grace and whimsy to audiences isn’t limited to just dancing (as mesmerizing as...
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Olympia Downtown for the Holidays
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS Olympia always welcomes in the new holiday season in style with a joyous celebration full of music, lights and much more. “Downtown for...
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A Stroll through Providence Christmas Forest
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS In its 30th year, Providence Christmas Forest is a different kind of winter wonderland — a forest of trees and wreaths decorated in...
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To add an event or edit the OLY ARTS listing, contact our team at calendar @ olyarts.com
