Articles by Tom Simpson
By TOM SIMPSON Hometown brothers Luke and Isaac Olson will kick off the summer for Lacey in Tune with an early evening set that reverberates with country-pop songwriting prowess. Originally from Olympia, the duo won the Battle of the Bands at Capital Lake Fair in 2013 and also won a national songwriting contest for their …
by Tom Simpson and Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS Early in 2018, the Harlequin Productions ship hit the shoals of the #MeToo movement. Alleged sexual harassment of actors and staff led to rapid changes in staff and policies. (Read more at OlyArts.com/harlequin) On June 1, at the company’s annual Season Announcement Gala, Eclectica!, Harlequin sets …
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 against Trump.” According to organizers, the concert is intended to promote community unity. Funds raised will benefit the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes advocacy and …
by Tom Simpson for OLY ARTS Olympia’s own Lavon Hardison was voted the 2017 Northwest Vocalist of the Year on Monday night by Earshot Jazz, a nationally known jazz non-profit organization in Seattle, Washington. “Thanks to Earshot Jazz and all of you who voted! I’m humbled by this honor,” said Hardison on her Facebook page. …
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 Saint Martin’s University, Urinetown will be on stage in April for two weekends at the State Theatre, Harlequin Production’s home venue. “We look forward to sharing …
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 over 100 singers. This year, the concert will feature songs about peace and social consciousness from diverse cultures, including music by classical pianist Robert Jorgensen, …
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 the mystery and magic of Valentine’s Day. Olympia 650-seat Capitol Theater will be the host for TUSH’s special Valentine’s show, this time called “HINT!” — with a Murder Mystery theme. …
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 of this genre’s continuity over time. Tashi (16) and Kaj Litch (13) learned to appreciate bluegrass early on, thanks to their family’s band, the …
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 High School. “Miracle Worker” is being staged over the first two weekends of February, under the direction of Julliard fellow and Olympia director Kathy …
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 activity. Every evening of the festival hosts an interactive square dance with a fantastic live band and callers who provide clear direction, organization and a sense of …