Writers who only appear rarely in our pages, but must be tagged as “writer”
By Karen Lunde The Masterworks Choral Ensemble is poised for its 38th season under the leadership of artistic director and conductor Gary Witley, who’s helmed the choir since its inception in 1981. This season begins with a concert at The Washington Center on October 13. The concert celebrates the four sacred elements: air, earth, fire …
By Tom Simpson The Washington Center for the Performing Arts’ 2018-2019 season is already a success. The first show of the new season of national touring acts – Stephen Stills & Judy Collins – sold out in August in two weeks flat. Next up are a variety of recognized names in entertainment, from Shoshana Bean …
By LUCIA VOLKER The upcoming season is the 66th for Olympia Symphony Orchestra. Last year, the focus was on grand, celebratory symphonies. “The season after a big anniversary year is always tough, when the hoopla is over and bunting taken down,” says music director and conductor Huw Edwards, “but these are great years to really …
By TOM SIMPSON If you are under age 15, and you like to rock, Lacey in Tune and Timberland Regional Library’s Summer Reading program has you covered. The Not-Its, a Northwest “Kindie Rock” quintet, is composed of Sub Pop alumni and radical musicians who create kid-friendly harmonies infused with punk sensibility and rocking beats. Are …
By TOM SIMPSON Danny Vernon is well known to Olympia and Lacey audiences for his fascinating recreation of Elvis Presley’s passion, style and tunes. He performs music from across Presley’s career, including the young, hillbilly Elvis of the 1950s, the sleek movie-star Elvis of the 1960s and the dissolute, glam Elvis of the 1970s. Performing …
by Tom Simpson On August 16, Harlequin Productions opens the musical Ruthless! – The Stage Mother of all Musicals. Ruthless! is a unique all female musical. The story spoofs the genre of classic Broadway musicals that feature an ambitious young female lead, embodied by well-known shows like Annie, Gypsy and Mame, as well as movies that embody this genre, like All About …
By TOM SIMPSON Country singer and songwriter Kaitie Wade spent the last five years in Nashville, performing and recording to international acclaim. Her single “Don’t Wanna Miss” received airplay on U.S. and international radio last year. Wade recently opened for country star Russell Dickerson during his Washington-state tour. Her entertaining style includes a classic-country feel …
By TOM SIMPSON Lacey in Tune goes into August with SWAY, a Northwest cover band that features contemporary hits by artists like, Bruno Mars, Usher, Rihanna, David Guetta, Lady GaGa, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, Jason Derulo, LMFAO and Ariana Grande. The band also throws in classic hits by Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince for …
By TOM SIMPSON Instead of music or acting, this evening focuses on creatures of all sizes and types – including the most creepy-crawly of all, snakes and spiders. “Creature Teachers” is a dynamic duo, composed of animal lovers Shanti Kriens and Amanda LeBlanc. Kriens and LeBlanc take creatures of all sizes directly into classrooms and …
By JONAH BARRETT for OLY ARTS Get dressed up and get fancy for the third-annual Center Stage Awards and Gala at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts this July. “This year’s gala will have a Midsummer Night’s Dream feel,” said executive director Jill Barnes. “Think fairies, fireflies and outdoor gardens.” The gala is …