Editor 
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS Several parks and societies screen films throughout the summer in Olympia. Families and movie buffs are welcome. Be sure to bring a blanket. The majority of these films begin at dusk, around 10 p.m. in July and 9 p.m. in August. Screen on the Green On August Friday evenings, …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Geoff Proehl, professor of theater arts at University of Puget Sound (UPS), has been selected by his North American theater-arts peers to receive the G. E. Lessing Award for Career Achievement. This is the most prestigious award given by the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), an …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The classic-rock band Blind Facsimile, aka Blind Fax, is Deb Rutter (vocals), Lorraine Stensager (vocals, keyboards), Tim Stensager (vocals, keyboards), Brian Ferris (guitar, backing vocals), Evan Ogden (drums) and Vince Chavez (bass). Chavez says the band “captures the heart and soul of classic rock, playing music which defined generations. …
Olympia enjoys an embarrassment of riches when it comes to local acting talent, but every star owes his or her success to good teachers. Thus it’s no surprise Oly also has some of the best youth theater programs around. Get to know the companies that make this city a training ground for nationally lauded performers …
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS This summer Olympia will host a number of authors and writers at events ranging from book signings to story readings. Literary enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and lend their support to the written word. The Interminables Paige Orwin will visit the Olympia Timberland Library to discuss her …
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Apple Tree Productions’ summer season offers two musicals that aim to create a professional-theater experience for young actors and audiences alike. Seussical, based on the works of Dr. Seuss and starring youth aged 5-18, is the season’s big offering. “It’s really bright and fun,” said Apple Tree founder Heidi …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS On Aug. 5, Music in the Park moves to the Port Plaza at Percival Landing for a show from old-style-blues band Blues County Sheriff. Band members say they live to have fun and put on a great show. “Forget the myth that blues is sad music,” they say. “Our …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Olympia’s TUSH! Burlesque has been cooperatively creating innovative and intelligent neo-burlesque since 2009. The troupe is a collective of vivacious women who were brought together by a shared vision: to rebel against commercial beauty standards. Its members represent an authentic and unconventional array of body types, ages and cultural …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The gypsy-jazz band Swing 49 performs for Olympia’s Music in the Park this summer. Self-described as offering soulful vocal jazz, virtuosic guitar solos and funky horn lines, Swing 49 is Jacqueline Schafer, vocals; Tovi Newman, guitar; Forest Wilson, guitar; Logan Bean, trumpet and Joe Eunice, bass. Calling Olympia home, …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS EDITOR’S NOTE: This event was cancelled by the venue on Aug. 4. — Olympia painter Barlow Palminteri graces the walls of Salon Refu with a series of paintings of his backyard. “Everything was within 500 feet of the house,” Palminteri says. The gallery will be filled with paintings and …