Today! ~ Thursday, May 8 ~ 2 p.m.
Operation Fashion Forward

Edmonds Yacht Club
326 Admiral Way

Yes, today is the day we’ve been looking forward to as C’est la Vie joins forces with Operation Military Family Cares for an elegant event on the Edmonds waterfront beginning at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

Details of this exciting event have been covered in earlier editions of My Edmonds News and after counting the days, it’s time.

See you at the Yacht Club!
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Large Stage Events at ECA

Chanticleer
Thursday, May 8 ~ 7:30 pm.

Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave. N.

“Chanticleer”, the Bay Area’s multiple Grammy award-winning male vocal ensemble, brings She Said/He Said, a program displaying the group’s characteristically eclectic repertoire and featuring songs from its upcoming CD, entitled “Someone New”.

The She Said/He Said performances include music and texts exploring the feminine ideal by Hildegard von Bingen and Tomás Luis de Victoria; the harmony and tension between the sexes by Maurice Ravel, Johannes Brahms, and Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn; “Give me Hunger” by Stacey Garrop; and Vince Peterson’s new arrangement of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”

Named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer was founded in 1978 by tenor Louis Botto, who sang in the ensemble until 1989 and served as Artistic Director until his death in 1997. Chanticleer – based in San Francisco – is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its seamless blend of twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music.

Tickets: $27, $32 & $37, $15 youth/student, 10 percent discount for seniors and military. Call the ECA Box Office at 425-275-9595, go online at www.ec4arts.org or visit us in person at the ECA Box Office, 410 4th Ave. N.

ECA is a proud member of TeenTix, and offers $5 tickets to teens at the Box Office on the day of the performance, pending availability. To become a TeenTix member, register at www.teentix.org.
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Saturday, May 10 ~ 7 p.m.
Seattle Chinese Chorus

The Seattle Chinese Chorus (SCC) is pleased to present its annual open concert entitled “Life Is Wonderful.” The two-hour performance will feature mixed choruses, male and female ensembles, duets, solos, dancing and great Chinese and Western music.

SCC is well-known in the greater Seattle area for its reputation of high quality diverse singing programs. SCC has been selected on numerous occasions as recipient of an arts grant from the Bellevue City Arts and Culture Committee. In 2012, the Seattle Chinese Chorus won a Silver metal in the 7th World Choir Games held in Cincinnati, OH.
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Saturday, May 17, 7:30 p.m.
Yesterday And Today ~ A Beatles’ Tribute

Rock to the music of the Beatles in an interactive concert experience where the audience creates the playlist for the night… every night! Everyone has a Beatles song attached to an event in their life. Through laughter and personal stories, yesterday and today connects the audience and performers in a way like none other. Each performance becomes a unique and remarkable event.

This show takes the incredible music of the Beatles and personalizes it with the stories and perspectives of audience members.

Saturday, May 17 ~ 1 p.m.
And, don’t forget the Beatles Music Sing-A-Long earlier in the day at the Edmonds Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave., where musician Billy McGuigan will lead an interactive sing-along of Beatles tunes and classic favorites. The Sing-A-Long is free, but you will want to make reservations for the 1 p.m. event by calling 425-774-5555. In connection with the performance Yesterday and Today at Edmonds Center for the Arts.

The Edmonds Senior Center invites, “Bring the whole family to this special event!” The 60-minute program is presented in partnership with Áegis Living of Edmonds.
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Theater News

THUGS: A Musical Mafiasco
Performances through Sunday, May 11

Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

We’re sharing the enthusiasm of Marka Kreiman, a Facebook fan of The Driftwood Players: “Go see Thugs! It’s a great and funny show!”

“THUGS: A Musical Mafiasco” by David Tucker (lyrics by Kim Douglass and D. Richard Tucker) is the theater company’s early-spring production; directed by Ted Jaquith, with musical direction by Mark Press.

From the playbill: It is 1929, and two thugs are banished from Chicago’s gangland community and find work in the lazy town of Shady Groves, as body guards for a man and a woman, both disguised as the late Anthony Sartori. Added to this are two feuding crime lords, their lovesick children, and an effeminate hit man, resulting in a whirlwind of mistaken identity. Inspired by Goldoni’s “Servant of Two Masters,” this new musical comedy features such soon-to-be classic tunes as We Gotta Whack Him, Badda Boom, Badda Bing, and Some Day (Like Bonnie and Clyde). See why it was laughter that made the Roaring Twenties roar.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays ~ 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinee ~ 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.driftwoodplayers.com or by calling 425-774-9600.

For other important upcoming Driftwood Player news, go to this My Edmonds News feature https://myedmondsnews.com/2014/04/whats-happening-driftwood-players-thugs-first-dibs-epic-fundraiser/
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Galleries foster efforts of artists and [otters

Edmonds has a number of venues that give artists – both adults and children – and opportunity to explore and nurture their artistic dreams.

These are the studio locations inviting the public to class for the balance of the month:

Sculptors Workshop and Pottery Sale
Friday, May 9 ~ 1-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 ~ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Frances Anderson Center
Room 210
700 Dayton St.

Garden art, vases, mirrors, platters, mugs, plates and bowls are just a sampling of the hundreds of one-of-a-kind artworks by local artists available at the Sculptors Workshop Spring Sale the weekend before Mothers Day.

The studio’s artists have been preparing for an upcoming gallery show themed “Dreams” so you are likely to see some dream-inspired pieces!

The Sculptors Workshop is a pottery cooperative infused with a rich 43-year history. This semiannual sale is a wonderful chance to meet some of the co-op’s 20 artists, and at the same time find unique handmade gifts.

For more information, visit the Sculptors Workshop’s Facebook page, or email: sculptorsworkshop1967@gmail.com
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May 9-11 ~ 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thinking Outside of the Box: Watercolor workshop
Taught by Bev Jozwiak

This workshop is designed to help students at every skill level to master techniques, design and color. Learn to paint boldly, think outside the box and paint outside the lines with examples of basic color mixing including luscious greens, glowing whites and rich blacks. Develop good composition and strong values. Demos every day. This workshop is best for advanced beginners to advanced artists.

To register for these classes, call 425-697-2787, come in, or register online at www.ColeArtStudio.com.

For more photos and additional information visit the Cole Studio website.
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ArtWorks
201 2nd Ave. S.

There is a lot happening at ArtWorks an exciting gallery and studio in the heart of Edmonds where one can learn calligraphy, drawing, painting – attend receptions, take Tai Chi – and more!

Some May highlights include the calligraphy and oil painting classes that begin later in the month, watercolor classes and open studio every Wednesday. Brigitt Hefferan will be teaching a May Mixed Media class on the 9th, 16th 22nd and 30th from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information check the class website.

On Wednesday, May 21 join the ArtWorks After Hours celebration hosted by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, ArtWorks, and the Edmonds Arts Festival and Foundation. Stop by for beverages, appetizers and desserts from the Baking Program at Edmonds Community College!

Please call 425-774-6049 for further information on the celebration or go to www.Artworks-Edmonds.org.
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May 2-10, 2014
Ballyhoo Theatre

Edmonds Heights
23200 100th Ave W, Edmonds

Evening performances are on May 9 and 10 at 7 p.m.
Sunday matinees on May 10 ~ 2 p.m.

Pippin, a Musical
From the playbill: “Pippin,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, based on the book by Roger O. Hirson, is the story of a young man’s quest for meaning and purpose, and the charismatic Leading Player of a theatrical ensemble [who guides] that journey toward a heroic conclusion.

Drawing upon a spectacular variety of performance arts—commedia dell’arte, clowning, epic theatre, modern dance—Edmonds Heights’ “Pippin” is a dazzling odyssey through power, pleasure, war and love, as experienced by a naive prince, Pippin, and overseen by the magnetic Leading Player.

With a colorful troupe of Players under his command—always ready to become characters on Pippin’s journey—the Leading Player engages the audience in invoking Pippin’s mythic search for his true destiny. The only question is: will that destiny be fulfilled in an extraordinary blaze of glory, or will Pippin be strong enough to make a different choice and find real, earthly happiness?

“Pippin” is directed by Shileah Corey, choreographed by Emma Ruhl and features a cast of 25 talented actors, ages 14-18. Michael Corey conducts the orchestra.

Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the door. For further information regarding the performance call 425-431-7840 or visit the production’s website at the Facebook page of Ballyhoo Theatre https://www.facebook.com/BallyhooTheatre

“Pippin” is not suitable for young children.
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GREASE: The Musical
School version: May 8-18
Evening/Sundays: May 23-June 8

Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre
Shoreline Conference Center
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline

From the playbill: Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.

Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin'”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley.”

Tickets: The theatre company is performing both a “school version” production and their evening and Sunday matinee versions of the musical. Ticket choices are available here.

Pub Fun!

Edmonds-Kind-of-Line-up for our Activity Oriented pub and eatery venues:

Church Key Pub
109 4th Ave. N.

Mondays ~ The Darts Tournament begins at 7 p.m. sharp!
Tuesdays ~ Pub Trivia begins at 7 pm

Sharp Darts! ~ Sharp Wit!

Raucous fun, lively crowd, and a few rounds of darts!
Trivia hosted by such notables as “Geeks Who Drink”
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A Very Taki Tiki Bar & Grill
518 Main, Edmonds

Saturday Nights ~ 9 pm

Mainstay talent, DeeJay Manny, continues his tattles and tunes, rockin’ and rioting at “A Very Taki Tiki Bar” this Saturday, and every Saturday, according to bar and grill owner Bryan Benn.

Kafé Neo ~ Traditional Greek Music
21108 Highway 99, Edmonds
Every Sunday 5:30-8 pm

John Novakis and The Grecian Sounds play traditional Greek music and take requests every Sunday. To follow what is happening at Kafé Neo visit their website at https://www.kafeneo.net/KN_Edmonds_Contactus.html.
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Engel’s Pub ~ “Classic Rock, Rockin’ Blues”
113 5th Ave. S., Edmonds
Tuesday Nights ~ 8-11 pm

Engel’s Pub features “Lou and Friends” with an Open Mic Join In! invitation to all every Tuesday. Lou Echeverri leads a four-piece Classic Rock, Rockin’ Blues band with Dano Mac on drums, Curtis Moore on keys, and Al Smith on bass.
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Coming Sunday, May 18 ~ 6-10 p.m.
Vince Valenzuela Stand-Up Comedy Benefit

Shorewood High School Theatre
17300 Fremont Ave. N., Shoreline

What would you do if you had a family member who had gone through a series of health crises, needed knee and hip replacement surgery and is financially devastated from their ongoing health issues?

Well, if you are Vince Valenzuela, actor and nationally known comedian you’d start with the old saying, “Laughter is The Best Medicine” and plan a silent auction and comedy line-up Benefit featuring a roster of talented well-known comics.

The family member needing the Northwest native’s helping hand is his older brother, Nick, who has had a series of health related setbacks over the years.

Valenzuela, who has appeared in dozens of commercials, and such popular shows as “Comedy Central”, “Grimm”, and TNT’s “Leverage”, says of the upcoming benefit, “I hope this [comedy benefit] and fundraising campaign will literally help Nick (who needs knee and hip replacements) get back on his feet.”

National headliners joining Vince for the Nick Valenzuela Comedy Benefit include: Susan Rice, Brad Upton, Art Krug, Duane Goad, Joe Vespaziani, and David Crowe.

Tickets are $20 per person, available here.

For more information about the event call 206-954-8226 or check the website.

Emily Hill is an author and long-time resident of Edmonds. She is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or venue featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.