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, yet, for observant Christians, the weeks before constitute an entire sacred season called “Advent” (which means “the arrival”). Advent is celebrated for four …

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Kenny G Headlines the Washington Center

(Update: Kenny G show is now sold out) by Karen Lunde for OLY ARTS Kenny G will ring in a joyful holiday season at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts on November 29. The jazz saxophonist, a Washington native, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington in Seattle. His 1994 Miracles: The …

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Governor’s Arts Award for Terry Shaw

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Choir director, composer, and teacher Terry Shaw has won a Governor’s Arts Award, to be presented Nov. 14. Shaw was named a Young Arts Leader, an award that recognizes his contributions to the arts and impact on the community. Shaw, who teaches wrestling and choral music at Timberline High …

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Man Forever: Percussive Art in Olympia

by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS Man Forever represents something of a music nerd’s platonic ideal. Led by John Colpitts (aka Kid Millions), the vocalist, drummer, and creative backbone of New York noise-rock titans heavyweights Oneida, Man Forever takes artistic ambition and makes a game of how far it can be stretched with complex syncopation …

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Nathan Rødahl

Expect the Unexpected From Olympia Chamber Orchestra

by Rosemary Ponnekanti for OLY ARTS Improvisation isn’t usually a thing for classical orchestras, so this year’s season for the Olympia Chamber Orchestra shows just how nimble that ensemble can be. After last year’s conductor search ended in disappointment, the orchestra is once again trying out two candidates, with some of the season’s music — …

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A Change in the Air for SOGO

by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia is starting its 2017–2018 season with exciting, notable changes. Some, like the addition of alumni soloists to SOGO’s fall concert, hint at the organization’s evolving role in Olympia’s arts community. Others, like the announcement that this season will be conductor and music director John …

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John Welsh

John Welsh’s Grand Finale

by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS After 18 years as music director of Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, John Welsh will retire at the end of this season. Welsh, who has been music director of the group since it was founded, conducts SOGO’s Conservatory Orchestra for musicians in high school and occasionally college. “These young …

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Nathan Rødahl

Nathan Rødahl Conducts Olympia Chamber Orchestra

by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS Native Olympian Nathan Rødahl will conduct the Olympia Chamber Orchestra’s fall concert, where Arriaga’s Symphony in D, Janacek’s Suite for Strings, Korngold’s Shneeman (The Snowman), Debussy’s Petite Suite and Bizet’s Symphony in C come together in an unconventional performance. Each of the five composers share something in common with …

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Alice in Chains, from Night of the Living Tribute Bands 2016

Return of Night of the Living Tribute Bands

by Jennifer Crain for OLY ARTS It’s another night of rockin’ recollection. On October 28, the Capitol Theater will host the 14th-annual Night of the Living Tribute Bands to support live-music programming at the historical theater. The show brings in a new mix of performers that revive the sounds, looks and antics of famous bands …

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Andy Akiho

Emerald City Music Grooves With Andy Akiho

by Adam McKinney for OLY ARTS Emerald City Music has recently started its second season. Just about everything about ECM’s shows strays from the highfalutin norm of the classical set. They feature more relaxed environments and more contemporary compositions, thereby aiding in bringing a new audience to classical music. One of their upcoming shows is …

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