Artfully Edmonds: With weather this hot, let’s take art to the parks

Sometimes the most artful thing one can do is to head to the park. Pictured here is Edmonds City Park, the site of Edmonds Arts Commission concerts and events. Courtesy City of Edmonds.

Hot! The word for the week, is “hot,” right? All year-round Artfully Edmonds lets you know about hot jazz spots, hot dance troupes, and all of that – but what do we do when things are literally “hot”?

We head to the open spaces, look for a breeze; plop down on cool, soft grass in the shade of a leafy tree and wait for the house to cool down for the evening.

This week Artfully Edmonds takes a look (mostly) at what our Edmonds-area open spaces have to offer as a distraction to the classic summer weather we’re experiencing this week.

In chronological order, we’re going to start with Shakespeare – the stuff of smoldering revenge, best served cold:

Lynndale Park is attracting families to its cool setting with Shakespeare’s “Richard II” for a little revenge served cold.

Thursday, Aug. 3
7 p.m.

Richard II: Shakespeare in The Park

Lynndale Park Amphitheater
18827 72nd Ave. W.

This week’s Shakespeare in The Park is produced by Greenstage, which describes The Bard’s play, thusly: Strife amongst the nobility is at the root of the production, Richard II, in both the play and the king’s reign. Emotionally torn between his cousin, the Duke of Hereford, and the Duke of Norfolk, over the murder of Richard’s uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, Richard II finds himself walking on hot coals.

Banishing both men seems the easiest way out of his difficulties, and Richard is all for an expedient solution. However, it’s when the Duke of Hereford’s father (the Duke of Lancaster) dies that the trouble really begins.

It may seem like a lot of roles to keep track of, readers; but each character is so strongly written, the intrigue so compelling, that one is easily drawn into a storyline no less compelling than Game of Thrones 

Shakespeare in The Park! What better environment to enjoy a play by Shakespeare than in a park setting.

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Museums are cool, right? That’s probably why Edmonds Parks and Recreation has chosen “Night at the Museum” as one of its Outdoor Movies! selections. Photo credit IMDB.com

Friday, Aug. 4
~ 9p.m. or dusk

Night at the Museum

Outdoor Movies!

Frances Anderson Center
700 Main St.

Although Shakespeare may be a bit challenging for the younger set – Night At the Museum is not. For making memories of Edmonds’ summers that children will carry with them into adulthood, the Outdoor Movies! program is the perfect way to cool down before bedtime.

Night at the Museum is based on the children’s book by the same name (so, many little read-to-me children will already know the story). This fantasy-comedy is one of those movies that children love seeing over-and-over (and over) again. If you’re a parent, you know what we’re getting at.

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Terry West Productions lures the Lynnwood dance crowd north — every Friday, starting this Friday. Image courtesy Terry West.

Be cool ~ Dance!

Friday, Aug. 4

7 p.m. ~ Tango and Rumba lessons
8 p.m. ~ The Dance Party begins

Closest Party Ballroom to Edmonds!

First Class Ballroom

1216 50th St. S.E.
Everett

Just 12 miles north of Bar Do Jo, you’ll find the closest party ballroom for Edmonds/Lynnwood dance couples.

Lynnwood’s “Verve” crowd has migrated north to First Class Ballroom, bringing with them first-class deejay, Hall of Fame inductee, Terry West and high-class, world-traveled instructor, Alexandria Hawkins to join the troupe of dance instructors at First Class Ballroom.

Artfully Edmonds and her party friends will be checking out this new venue Friday evening. Definitely come over to our table and say, “Hi!”

This just may be our new Friday night “party central”.

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Driftwood Players Teen Troupe will delight audiences this week with “Big Fish” ~ Some stories are just too monumental to forget!

Friday – Sunday

Aug. 4, 5 at 8 p.m.
Aug. 5, 6 at 2 p.m. 

Big Fish

Driftwood Teen Troupe

Wade James Theatre
950 Main St.

Directed by Ruben Van Kempen, with music direction by Mark Press. Choreographed by Sheri Lewis. Stage manager is Maddie Griffin.

Family histories are part fact, part fiction, some exaggeration – but a lot of legend and lore; especially if your father is Edward Bloom, traveling salesman. Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Hollywood adaptation directed by Tim Burton Big Fish is a whopper of a tale!

If you’ve ever sat around the table at a family reunion, Thanksgiving or the holidays and listened to the legends on which your family history is based, you will have the greatest fun with Big Fish.

Tickets for Big Fish are available at the Driftwood Players box office.

And while you’re at Driftwood’s online box office. . . Grab your tickets to take the family the following weekend to. . .

Gulliver’s Travels

Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT)

Two shows ~ One day only

Playing one day only, you will not want to miss this rollicking rocket ride as Gulliver’s Travels enjoys a futurist remake thanks to MCT that shows on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Here is how MCT has updated the story: With his spaceship wrecked and his trusty computer on the fritz, brave explorer Gulliver finds himself lost in space. While transporting from world to world, Gulliver discovers fighting aliens, foolish Yahoos, robots and more – all who need just as much help from Gulliver as Gulliver needs from them!

With a cast of 50 Edmonds-area kids and theatre mentors, we know you’ll have at least one on-stage character to cheer on!

Here’s your ticket link for Gulliver’s Travels.

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Saturday, Aug. 5

Noon

Exploring Art Through Yoga

Atrium Arts
18717 76th Ave. W., Suite D
Lynnwood

Ready for the anticipation of a new experience? Ready to expand your intellectual, artistic and creative abilities — maybe with a BFF?

During this unique workshop participants will experience what personal energy looks like on paper and canvas by creating multiple works of fine art while incorporating the practice of gentle yoga and meditation. Curious?

Explore watercolors, acrylic painting with the use of black India ink, and vinyasa floor murals. Expand your artistic expression and release your creative side in a fun and friendly environment.

All materials needed for the workshop will be provided. You’re advised by yoga coach Bridgette Dillan to wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting paint on.

Phone in your registration to 206-915-6005.

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Tickets for the July ‘Wine Walk’ sponsored by Art Walk Edmonds have sold out. You’re not going to miss the August ‘Wine Walk’ sponsored by Art Walk Edmonds, are you?

Saturday, Aug. 5
5 p.m.

Wine Walk Edmonds benefiting

Art Walk Edmonds

This Saturday the immensely popular wine walk for August will be taking over downtown Edmonds.

Wine Walk Edmonds, which allows you to sip, stroll and shop your way through our picturesque, waterfront town, features local and regional boutique wineries, and premier labels.

Sponsored by Art Walk Edmonds (AWE) the summer wine walks are a great opportunity to gather with friends, meet winemakers and taste some of the best wine in Washington.

Last month’s wine walk sold out — so be sure to buy your tickets today from this link.

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Lynndale Park will be the lush setting for Sno-King Community Chorale’s sing-along this weekend. Image courtesy City of Lynnwood.

Sunday, Aug. 6
2 p.m.

It’s summer! Let’s sing.

Sno-King Community Chorale

Lynndale Park
18927 72 Ave. W.

Season 18 in the offing!

If you enjoy singing in a community-friendly, fun atmosphere, gather up your family and picnic baskets and head to Lynndale Park this Sunday where members of Sno-King Community Chorale will gather for their annual get-together before heading into their 18th concert season.

You can visit with Edmonds friends you may not have seen for awhile; the kids can run in the grass, and the sweet sound of the Sno-King Community Chorale will fill the air.

Are you a musician? If you have a guitar, banjo, or ukulele, you’re invited by the chorale to bring it along – join in, chat up the music community and make connections for the upcoming performance season.

Note: The park is located at 189th Pl. SW off of 68th Avenue West. An alternative is entering at the north entrance off Olympic View Drive and 73rd Avenue West. You will hear the melodic voices of chorale members from the park’s shelter #1.

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Sunday, Aug. 6
3 p.m.

Steel Magic Northwest

Concerts in The Park
600 3rd Ave. S.

A South Snohomish/North King County music program founded by Edmonds’ resident Gary Gibson, Steel Magic Northwest’s mission is “to teach music, teamwork, leadership, and other important life skills, and to build community through the context of the modern steel orchestra.” The youth and adult bands perform together on the same stage in this fun family summer concert.

My Edmonds News featured Gibson in this 2015 profile explaining how Steel Magic Northwest was established.

Included in the performance programming for Edmonds’ Saturday Farmer’s Market and numerous other high-visibility concerts in the recent past, this week Steel Magic Northwest adds to its roster a main stage appearance at Edmonds’ city park as part of the Concert in The Park series.

The ensemble’s official website features this video of what Steel Magic Northwest is all about.

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Roberto the Magnificent, just is! It’s going to be so much fun! Courtesy Edmonds Arts Commission.

Tuesday, Aug. 8
Noon

Kids!

Roberto the Magnificent

Hazel Miller Plaza
5th Avenue South at Maple Street

It’s too hot to make them nap, so let Roberto the Magnificent captivate the kids midday.

Entertaining audiences for more than two decades, Edmonds’ resident magician, Robert Stuverud (a.k.a. Roberto the Magnificent) will show off his juggling and comedy act, recognized as one of the nation’s most unique variety acts.

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Wednesday, Aug. 9
7:30 p.m.

The Weepies

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

Acoustic songwriters Deb Talan and Steve Tannen began writing together the very night they met, and soon formed indie band, The Weepies.

They easily sold more than a million records, with over 17 million streams on Spotify, on the strength of their simple yet insightful songwriting and distinctive harmonies. The duo has wracked up 20 million views on YouTube.

Bob Hillman, who has a very compelling backstory in his own right, will open for The Weepies. Hillman has released three albums and toured the United States and Europe. His credits include opening act on Suzanne Vega’s Songs in Red and Gray tour.

Tickets to see The Weepies are available at this link.

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Tuesday, Aug.10
5 p.m.

Seattle country singer Jessica Lynne, whose talents were first recognized in her native Denmark, is known as one of London Tone Music’s most successful artists.

She has opened for Tim McGraw, Keith Anderson, and Lady Antebellum; and has enjoyed a moment in the spotlight in 2014 during a televised audition for The Voice in 2014.

This is a rare occasion – thanks Edmonds Arts Commission!

The commission’s summer of free concerts offers something for all ages and musical tastes, from traditional folk music to pop and jazz, Shakespeare, and some clowning around for the kids. For information about the Edmonds Arts Commission, visit www.edmondsartscommission.org.

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Photo courtesy of Anamaria Dulama Lovric.

Saturday, Aug.12
6 p.m.

Floricica: Romanian Folklore, Dance and Music

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

Dance ensemble, Floricica promotes Romanian folkdances, customs and traditions. They are one of the last groups traveling the world trying to keep the traditions and folklore of the Transalvania region in general, and Romania specifically, alive.

Folklore represents the roots and heritage that bring joy to the human experience. Supporters, dancers and crew pledged to Romanian folklore, customs and traditions established the troupe in 2004.

Anacortes resident and dance instructor, Anamaria Dulama-Lovric, was one of Floricica’s founding teachers before moving to the U.S. in 2013. She now organizes and hosts the performance troupe in their northwest tour.

Tickets here!

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“The Willow Trio” is performing at Cascadia Art Museum in the Music at the Museum series. Image courtesy Cascadia Art Museum.

Saturday, Aug. 19
7 p.m.

Music at the Museum

The Willow Trio: An Evening of Chamber Favorites

Cascadia Art Museum
190 Sunset Ave.

Featuring Pamela Liu, violin; Judy Huehn, piano and Erika Pierson, cello — experience chamber music at its best in a prestigious setting.

Tickets for Music at the Museum are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. They are limited, so make sure to purchase yours now through this link.

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From Scotland, Skerryvore includes Edmonds in its 2017 tour schedule. Photo courtesy Kris Kesiak.

Wednesday, Aug. 23
7:30 p.m.

The Scots are coming!

Skerryvore: Band

Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 4th Ave. N.

Making Edmonds one of the stops on its 2017 U.S. tour, the Scottish band Skerryvore will just be coming in from the Milwaukee Irish Fest. But before midnight the ECA crowd will send this vibrant, fresh band on to the Mad Gael Music Festival in Madison, Wisc. as it crisscrosses the U.S. this summer.

The band, comprised of Craig Espie, Alan Scobie and Jodie Bremaneson, showcases the best of Scottish Celtic rock. YouTube captures the exciting vitality of this band with a scenic of Scotland with Skerryvore providing the “Come hither!” score.

Skerryvore had its beginnings as a foursome, taking its name from the famous Skerryvore lighthouse off the coast of Tiree, Scotland. According to their official statement, “It was the release of their third album, “Skerryvore that catapulted the group into the limelight with a string of prestigious awards, including Scottish New Music Awards’ Record of the Year (2011); and Scots Trad Music Award’s Live Act of the Year (2011).

Tickets to see Skerryvore are available from the ECA online box office at this link.

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Saturday/ Sunday

Aug. 12/ 13
10 a.m.

Art Market

ArtWorks
201 2nd Ave. S.
Buy direct!

With Edmonds now established as an arts destination, many arts enthusiasts are taking advantage of ArtMarket.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shop for art, treat yourself to lunch, and take in the beautiful vistas that bring so many people to this by-the-shore community.

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Wednesdays 5 – 7 p.m.
Sundays 1 – 3 p.m.

SEA Jazz

Seattle Teen Music
336 Admiral Way ~ Port of Edmonds

SEAJazz is a live music concert series performed at the Port of Edmonds and produced by Seattle Teen Music (STM). SEAJazz features some of the areas best young jazz musicians.

The open-air concerts take place in the port’s breezeways overlooking Puget Sound. Combine the sophistication of jazz with the frivolity of enjoying ice cream cones on park benches.

Family fun – no tickets needed, no reservations necessary!

— By Emily Hill

Emily Hill is the author of two novels and a short story collection. Emily is retired from a career in public information and news media relations. If you would like your event listed, or featured, in Artfully Edmonds, Emily invites you to contact her at myedmondsnews@gmail.com.

 

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