New Traditions

Legacy & Stories That Shaped Us — Celebrating 50 Years of Playback Theatre

Heartsparkle Players began doing Playback Theatre in 1991 as a way to support
elementary school children in developing empathy and reducing bullying. Students told stories about when they received and gave acts of kindness. In the beginning, they performed primarily in schools and later began commissioned performances for organizations, faith groups, and finally they added public performances. They have held their public performances at Traditions for 28 years, often collaborating with other community groups. Founding member Debi Edden said, “We want to bring hope, stories and community to our gatherings.”

The Musical Chemistry of Garrett & Gunn

On Saturday, October 24, the acoustic duo of Reggie Garrett & Christine Gunn will perform for the fourth time at New Traditions, this time celebrating the release of The Road Taken, their first collaborative CD.
“We’re always so moved and engaged by both of them,” said New Traditions co-owner Jody Mackey, who expects the event to sell out.
The two share a similar musical sensibility, according to Garrett. “Christine is one of those musicians for whom the thing that’s important is the song,” he said. “There’s not a lot of ego involved. She listens, plays what the song calls for.”

Celtic Duo in the Intimate Gathering Place

Internationally known piper Dick Hensold and singer/guitarist Patsy O’Brien are playing April 11 in the intimate Gathering Place at New Traditions Fair Trade.

Hear the banjo transport and immerse you like never before

Kendl Winter has arrived at Banjo Mantras, an instrumental album that fully leans into what the banjo is capable of doing when completely disconnected from the baggage of bluegrass. To hear the spritely dance of banjo music you need only pick up the album at Winter’s release party on March 1st at New Traditions in Olympia.

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