Interested groups must apply through the same process as other performers, but will be juried separately. If you, or someone you know, would like to perform, download an application form at www.edmondsartsfestival.com and follow the instructions.

A demo CD must be included with the submittal or other arrangements need to be made in advance with a festival co-director of Performing Arts. Groups will need to provide their own instruments, music stands and special dance floors. The festival will provide the sound system and amplifiers (through Morgan Sound) and can supply chairs for seating if notice is given a month in advance.

Submittal packages must be received no later than March 15. Questions can be emailed to performingarts@edmondsartsfestival.com

This year’s line-up includes John Keister, host of Almost Live; Karen Rontowski, recently seen on the Late Show with David Letterman; Brian Boshes, featured at Bumbershoot and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival; and Kermet Apio, a Terrace Park parent and winner of the Great American Comedy Festival.

The event,  at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, is designed to benefit programs for children throughout the Edmonds School District. Schools can sign up to receive a portion of the ticket sales generated by their school.

General admission tickets are $25. VIP tickets are $55 and include a reception with appetizers and drinks as well as preferred seating in the show. The VIP party starts at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

“Starmites,” written by Stuart Ross and Barry Keating, tells the story of Eleanor, a rebellious and reclusive teenager who is mysteriously thrust into the world of her favorite comic book. In Innerspace, she discovers that she is the legendary Milady, a teen superhero who must team up with the Starmites to save the Universe from the forces of evil. Standing in her way is a colorful assortment of villains. With the help of hip-hop heartthrob Space Punk, Eleanor ultimately finds her strength within and defeats her foes.

Directed by Shileah Corey and choreographed by Indeah Thomaier and Gabriel Corey, ”Starmites,” involves a cast of 33 actors, ages 12-15. Performances are Feb. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances Feb. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All performances are at Edmonds Heights K-12, 23200 100th Ave. W. Call 425-431-7840 for information.

Edmonds Heights K-12 once again has had to change its performance schedule for “Allegro” due to weather. This from director Shileah Corey:

“The Allegro show for this Sunday has also been canceled. We have to delay our opening once again because we can’t tech our show due to school closures on Friday. We will open next Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., and will have performances Saturday at 2 and 7, and an added Sunday show at 2.”

Updated at 8:10 a.m. Jan. 19

Due to the cancellation of school and all school related activities in the Edmonds School District, Edmonds Heights K-12 announced Thursday that it is delaying the opening of its musical, “Allegro” from Friday to Sunday at 2 p.m.  The new schedule is as follows:
Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.
Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.
Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.
Jan. 29 at 2 p.m.

Here’s the original story from Jan. 12:

Edmonds Heights K-12 (formerly Edmonds Homeschool Resource Center) will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Allegro,” Jan. 20-28.

This musical chronicles the first 35 years in the life of an Everyman, Joseph Taylor, Jr., in a series of vignettes and musical sequences. “Allegro,” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, opened on Broadway in 1947, the third musical by the pair.

“Allegro” is directed by Shileah Corey, choreographed by Emma Ruhl and conducted by Michael Corey. It features a cast of 30 actors, ages 14-18. Performances are Jan. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances Jan. 22 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. All performances are at Edmonds Heights K-12, 23200 100th Ave. W. Call 425-431-7840 for information.

ORCA TEAM will be at Main Street Burgers Jan. 21.

Starting Saturday, Jan. 21, Edmonds’ Main Street Burgers will be presenting “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” a new monthly party every third Saturday in downtown Edmonds, featuring live music from local musicians.

This month’s party will feature ORCA TEAM, described as a 1960s Post Punk Beach Party from the Pacific Northwest. “They make the music of a punk trio if everyone in the band decided to keep their volume low and their tones clean.”

According to Main Street Burgers’ Facebook page,  “each song is short, sung with a lonesome croon, equipped with a melodic bass line, and drenched in reverb. Songs topics range from wearing a retainer, traveling to foreign cities, being a boring person, letting go of past feelings for a lover, and being a spoiled trust-funded baby.”

Shake, Rattle & Roll will run from  5-8 p.m. Jan. 21. at Main Street Burgers, 414 Main St.

The Sno-King Community Chorale, shown here in downtown Edmonds last week, will present holiday favorites during two shows Saturday. (Photo by Bryan Briscoe)

Tickets are going fast for Sno-King Community Chorale’s popular “Holiday Magic: A World of Celebrations” concert set for tomorrow, Saturday, at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

The 110-voice chorale, under the direction of Frank DeMiero, will perform seasonal songs from around the world, plus the heartwarming story, “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus.”  This family concert promises to put you in the holiday spirit and bring the joy of the holidays to all!

Single-performance tickets are available at the ECA Box Office, by phone at 425-275-9595 or online at www.ec4arts.org

Holly and Claire Christensen share life on and off the stage.

By Ellen Chappelle

At first glance, 13-year-old twins Holly and Claire Christensen resemble regular American teenage girls. At once shy and bubbly, they radiate that familiar combination of excitement and uncertainty that typifies their age. But watching them during one of their many ballet rehearsals reveals something special: a deep-seated passion and dedication beyond their years.

Dancers since the tender age of 4, the girls joined Edmonds’ Olympic Ballet Theatre and School when they were just 5 years old. And it shows. “They are two talented young girls,” says Mara Vinson, one of OBT’s Artistic Directors. “Both have (an) excellent work ethic, are responsible and come to each class and rehearsal with a great attitude.”

Also known for its work ethic, OBT itself has long been a pillar of the Edmonds arts scene. And the husband-and-wife team of Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev (former Pacific Northwest Ballet principal and soloist, respectively) are no different, working with the company in various creative roles for the past five years. Most recently, they choreographed and directed OBT’s highly acclaimed premiere of “Coppélia, The Girl with Enamel Eyes.”

Holly, left, and Claire, right, danced in OBT’s "Nutcracker." (Photos by Alante Photography)

Currently, the Christensen twins and their fellow dancers are deep into rehearsals for “The Nutcracker,” a holiday tradition at OBT. And although the company has been delighting Edmonds audiences with “The Nutcracker” for 30 years, excitement about the production continues to grow like the mythical Christmas tree in Clara’s dream.

Vinson and Gorboulev, who took over OBT’s helm from founding Artistic Director Helen Wilkins earlier this year, are breathing new life into the 119-year-old ballet. New energy, new guest artists and new choreography, along with the ornate sets and glittering costumes, will further sweeten this magical holiday treat.

And after five years as part of “The Nutcracker” cast, Holly, Claire and their friends have reached a long-held goal. “Their class is dancing on pointe on stage with OBT for the first time this year, which is a milestone for young dancers,” said Vinson.

“It’s exciting and a little scary,” Claire smiled. Both girls are dancing in the Spanish pas des trois and in the Marzipan number. They are also understudies for Snow.

Claire Christensen, left, rehearses the pas des trois.

The twins agree that rehearsals for the big holiday show are progressing nicely, as is the leadership of the new artistic directors. “This company’s really awesome,” said Holly. “The directors are amazing.” Claire agreed, saying, “We get a lot of individual interaction as opposed to just (being taught) as a class, which makes us improve more.”

Vinson says that she and Gorboulev are enjoying their first year guiding the company. “It is hard to believe that we’ve only held these positions for a few months,” she said. “I think we’ve just thrown ourselves into the work and haven’t looked back. It has been most rewarding seeing the growth in the dancers, and most challenging realizing that in order for the best results, we can’t be everywhere at once. We’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by such great support from our dancers, board, staff, and the families of Olympic Ballet. They have truly made us feel welcome.”

The Christensen twins, along with fellow dancers, in ballet class. (Photo by Alante Photography)

But even as Vinson and Gorboulev are fully immersed in the mammoth task of adjusting to their new directorship while mounting a major production, they are also looking ahead. “Our goals for Olympic Ballet Theatre for 2012 and beyond are to develop our audience and have more collaborations with live music,” Vinson shared. “Both are so important for our dancers!”

The Christensen twins have long-term goals, too. “I want to be an interior designer or a costume designer,” says Holly. “I kind of want to be an architect,” says Claire. “Or a ballerina,” she adds. Offstage, the girls currently pursue other hobbies. Claire likes to read and knit. Holly also enjoys reading and likes drawing and crafts. They tried Girl Scouts, but found themselves stretched too thin and chose to focus on dancing instead. “Ballet was more important to us,” said Claire.

Whatever they choose to do with their futures will have to wait. For now, it’s all about the dancing. “I really enjoy doing ballet here,” says Claire. “It’s a really good school.”

“The Nutcracker” will be performed at the Everett Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and at Edmonds Center for the Arts on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through OBT’s website.

With a background in theatre and journalism, Ellen Chappelle is perfectly poised to covers the local arts scene for My Edmonds News. She also keeps busy writing and editing for artists and small businesses, publishing an informational site for dog owners and creating handcrafted jewelry. Please keep her posted about all things artistic in Edmonds by emailing her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.: Modern-day swing traditionalists Big Bad Voodoo Daddy presents their “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Show.”

Saturday, Dec. 10, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sno-King Community Chorale presents Holiday Magic: Christmas Around the World

Monday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Cascade Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Concert, featuring Messiah sing-along

Dec. 16-18 Olympic Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker. For tickets, call 425-774-7570

Tickets are available for both shows by calling the ECA box office at 425-275-9595 or on-line at www.ec4arts.org.

Dan Niven and Sam Reed in "Christmas Belles" at Phoenix Theatre. (Photo by James Sipes)

By Ellen Chappelle

Do you have certain names on your Christmas list that you keep skipping as you shop? (It’s not that you don’t love those people, of course; they’re just so difficult to buy for!) But you can only avoid those names for so long. Eventually you’ll make your way through your list and those names will still be there, staring up at you from that slip of paper. So now what? Christmas will soon be here and you are out of ideas!

Never fear, tired shopper! We’ve got a great idea: How about the gift of art?

We’ve already established that surrounding yourself with unique, handcrafted objets d’art can decrease anxiety and depression, as well as increasing good health and overall satisfaction with life. Similarly, giving a creative experience, such as art classes or tickets to a performance, can uplift the spirit and create joyful memories. In fact, a study published in the UK’s Daily Mail last year says that creative and cultural activities “were significantly associated with good health and satisfaction with life. The more often people visited cultural places or were creative themselves, the more benefits were seen.”

So, in the interest of healthy gift giving, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming events, classes and other artsy things that you can give to your loved ones, as well as to yourself! And all of these are available right here in Edmonds, so you can skip the driving, the parking hassles and the crowds, too! (Note: While this article highlights events you can enjoy this month, we’ve posted links so you can purchase tickets to future events to tuck beneath the tree.)

Performances to experience
Our friends at Edmonds Center for the Arts are going to be busy this month! Their bursting calendar includes several must-see performances.

Modern-day swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy delivers its Christmas gifts early with a “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party.” Yuletide classics like “Blue Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and “We Three Kings” become rollicking big band extravaganzas, with a few original songs added for good measure. The boys in the band take over the ECA stage on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

The Sno-King Community Chorale, under the direction of Frank DeMiero, is a community-based choral organization providing both performers and audiences the opportunity to experience the joy of music. Join the Chorale on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. for this special evening of holiday music celebrating Christmas around the world.

Cascade Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Michael Miropolsky present their 50th season holiday concert on Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The song sheet lists holiday music by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Leroy Anderson and others. The audience will even get involved, with a Messiah sing-along. Featured performers include 11-year-old champion ballroom dancers Polina Dickenson and Nathan Murstein.

Olympic Ballet Theatre’s exciting full-length production of “The Nutcracker” brings to the stage a growing Christmas tree, a booming cannon and, of course, outstanding dancers! Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The Driftwood Players are currently enjoying a successful run of the well-loved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical classic “The King & I,” running through Dec. 18. The show’s lavish score features showstoppers including “Getting to Know You,” “Hello, Young Lovers” and “Shall We Dance?” Due to special partnerships with local businesses, the theatre will offer delicious treats during this run, including cupcakes by Cupcake Luv, coffee by Waterfront Coffee Company and “dunkers” from Trader Joe’s.

The Driftwood Players are presenting a special showing of Irving Berlin’s 1954 classic Hollywood film “White Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Come enjoy this story of a successful song-and-dance team that becomes romantically involved with a sister act, with whom they team up to save a Vermont inn. It stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen and features the hit songs “Count Your Blessings,” “Sisters,” “Snow” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.” It’s so much fun, you’ll want to sing along!

The Edmonds Exchange Club presents its annual holiday concert at Driftwood’s theatre on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 pm. A family favorite, the concert includes the magic of Aaron Wheeler, The Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Ensemble, The Big Blue Ball Marimba Ensemble, and Zest, a Sweet Adeline quartet. Tickets at $10 for adults, $5 for Children 12 & under, can be purchased in advance at Edmonds Pharmacy, Edmonds Bookstore, Pancake Haus and Nama’s Candy Store or at the door on the day of the concert. Proceeds from the concert help support several Snohomish County charities.
Phoenix Theatre presents Christmas Belles through Dec. 23. A church Christmas pageant spins wildly out of control as three squabbling sisters try to rein in the mayhem. Amidst an ailing Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator, a family secret emerges that just might derail the entire production. And on top of everything else, the pageant will be shown live on cable access television for the first time ever.

Art gifts to enjoy
Cole Gallery has earned a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier art galleries. They have always featured nationally acclaimed Northwest painters and sculptors and have recently added more 3D works, such as jewelry and smaller sculptures, to their artfully chosen collection.

Semantics Gallery features original works in sculpture, glass, pottery, wood, basketry and paintings. The gallery is currently hosting is hosting the regional juried art show of the Seattle District Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the local group.

Gallery North visitors enjoy a new exhibition of paintings and photography each month, as well as sculpture, pottery, woodwork, glasswork, baskets and jewelry. Each item is created by a Gallery North artist member and each purchase supports the gallery and its efforts to keep this unique community tradition alive. This month’s show, “Mixed Exposure,” showcases the work of watercolor artist Kim Caldwell and lampwork glass artist JR Hause.

Manya Vee Selects specializes in “contemporary, fine American craft in a variety of media, including glass, metal, jewelry, textiles and mixed media.” Gallery owners Manya Vee and Jeff Stilwell love art you can use! “Wear it, dine on it, burn it, put flowers in it, and so much more,” they say. The gallery reflects Vee and Stillwell’s “affinity for color and texture combined with excellence of skill.” Preferring artists with small studios, they seek out the most unique and beautiful of handcrafted items to display.

Autumn’s Framing features art in the modern realism style and work with craftsman, art nouveau and pre-raphealite influences by outstanding local artists. “You will find the perfect greeting card for any occasion, lovely artwork to grace your walls, or something sparkly to complement your neckline,” says owner Autumn Kegley.

Classes to express yourself
Cole Gallery has a busy classroom below the gallery where many people are discovering their artistic ability. Here are two upcoming class listings to give you a taste of what you’ll find:
“Making Watercolor Work for You” with Denise Cole
One-day workshop Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $80
Winter Miniatures (& Cards!) 
Learn the secrets of mastering watercolor and have fun! While working from photos and still life, each student will work on projects of their own choice with personal help from Denise. Paint your own holiday card or masterpiece just for you!

“Pastel Painting ‘FUN’damentals” with Patty Forte Linna
Thursday evenings, Dec. 8, 15, (ongoing) 6-9 p.m.
$35 each (or $30 if signing up for three or more)
Join national award-winning artist Patty Forte Linna for an ongoing weekly class in learning the fundamentals of painting with pastels. The class will provide in-depth coverage of the following topics: composition and design, value, color and edges.

Gallery North also offers workshops in their own basement classroom, where member artists teach acrylic and watercolor painting, encaustics and jewelry making.

ArtWorks hosts classes from talented local artists in drawing, painting and mixed media. They also offer an Open Studio Art Spa once or twice weekly, so you can get some work done in a comfortable space. With all the room you need, hot and cold running water, easels, inspiration and a full kitchen, you may never want to leave!

So if you’re stumped by what to buy for those on your list, make quick work of your Christmas shopping this year by giving beautiful art pieces and memorable creative experiences. Your loved ones will thank you for it!

With a background in theatre and journalism, Ellen Chappelle is perfectly poised to covers the local arts scene for My Edmonds News. She also keeps busy writing and editing for artists and small businesses, publishing an informational site for dog owners and creating handcrafted jewelry. Please keep her posted about all things artistic in Edmonds by emailing her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.