Improv theater fun, early shopping for art, two very different films at the Mount Baker Theatre and a whole lot of music is coming your way this week!
Who’s who?
“The Upfront Fools! An Improvised Comedy of Errors” is staged at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 4–26 at the Upfront Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Improbable situations, mistaken identities, absurd schemes … what could go wrong? Set entirely in one location, The Upfront Fools! will bring audiences into a fast-paced world of absurdity and miscommunications. Expect wild plots, silly jokes and tons of physical gags as improvisers craft exaggerated characters and compromising situations, weaving everything together into one ridiculous story. “The Upfront Fools!” is fully improvised, based on audience suggestions and suitable for the whole family. Tickets are $10–$15. Info: theupfront.com.
Art Walk and First Friday
Downtown Bellingham’s First Friday is an expansion of the monthly Art Walk. First Fridays continue to showcase local galleries and artists but now also feature expanded community programming. Look for places to dine while out and about, events and activities, and more from 6–10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.
First Fridays provide opportunities to rediscover the city center throughout the year. More than a dozen businesses host artists, feature signature dishes, become a stage for musicians and more! For participating venues, see the virtual interactive map and online directory at downtownbellingham.com/art-walk.
Global Spice World Music Series
Western Washington University’s department of music hosts David Trasoff, sarode specialist; and Ty Burhoe, tabla master; at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the school’s Performing Arts Concert Hall. Tickets for the concert of Indian music are $12 general, $8 for seniors and students. Details: tickets.wwu.edu.
Snow is falling
“All Right Here: A Snowboarding Film About Mount Baker” screens at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Mount Baker Theatre’s main stage, 104 N. Commercial St. It’s a snowboard film about our local mountain, produced by and featuring professional snowboard athlete Mary Rand and co-produced, edited and filmed by Liam O. Gallagher. The screening is a fundraiser for Bellingham nonprofit Vamos Outdoors Project. Founded in 2018, Vamos is working to build community and outdoor access for Latinx, migrant and multilingual youth and their families. Entry is by donation. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
A film for progressive-minded people
Simultaneously, “Ahead of the Curve” shows at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in Mount Baker’s smaller Walton Theatre, with the mission to bring a diverse group of progressive-minded people from the region to connect, socialize, reflect and learn about the evolution of the lesbian magazine Curve, first published in the 1990s. In the documentary, Curve founder Franco Stevens reaches out to people in today’s queer spaces to understand what queer women need today and how Curve can continue to serve the community.
The evening will begin with a reception and social hour including complimentary appetizers and a no-host bar. The film screening will follow, with an additional social hour until 10:30 p.m. Optional informal activities will be available for those wishing to engage and reflect with the community. Local guitarist Ronnda Cadle will accompany the activities before and after the film. Tickets are $25 at mountbakertheatre.com.
Chorale concert
Bellingham Chamber Chorale opens its 2022–23 season with a program of music inspired by literal and figurative wings at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Church of the Assumption, 2116 Cornwall Ave. Frederick Mabalot directs the chorale.
The program: “Archangel Gabriel Mass” by G. P. Palestrina; “The Blue Bird” by Charles Stanford; “The Bee” by Frank Bridge; “Blackbird” by The Beatles, arranged by Daryl Runswick; “Goodnight My Angel” by Billy Joel, arranged by Philip Lawson; and “Paraiso” by Ryan Cayabyab, arranged by Christopher Borela. Tickets are $25 general, $10 students. Find out more at bellinghamchamberchorale.org.
‘American Voices’
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will be joined by clarinetist Anthony McGill and soprano Ashley Becker in an afternoon of American classics at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. The program includes Alexandra Gardner’s “Significant Others,” Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah.”
McGill is the principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic and an active voice for social justice. Becker rejoins the BSO in this collection of iconic works. Ryan Dudenbostel’s pre-concert lecture will take place at 2:15 p.m. in the Walton Theatre. Doors open at 2 p.m. and seating is limited. Face masks will be required at all 2022–23 BSO performances. Tickets are $15–$49. Visit bellinghamsymphony.org for details.
Growing up autistic
Eris Benson shares her book “Rohan Makes Friends” at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Benson grew up in the Pacific Northwest with her mom and younger sibling. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of 19 while attending Western Washington University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. Her ability to see autism as her specialty rather than an affliction is what inspired her to begin a children’s book series focusing on strengths and acceptance.
Her main character, Rohan, feels overwhelmed and alone. While he struggles to manage the onslaught of stimuli to his senses, will someone reach out and find a way to connect with him? In this heartwarming story, readers learn there are limitless ways to connect if people are willing to try. For details on this free, family-friendly event, go to villagebooks.com.
Swinging quintet
Trumpeter Jim Rotondi and alto saxophonist Dick Oatts, who are among the world’s most outstanding soloists on their instruments, perform with Marc Seales on piano, Michael Glynn on bass, and Matt Jorgensen on drums at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Tickets are $10–$20. Find out more at jazzcenterofbellingham.org.
Insights on new work
Western Washington University’s Symphony Orchestra performs the second-ever performance of Bruce Ruddell’s “Healing Heart of the First People of This Land” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at WWU’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. This powerful, 50-minute work was commissioned by Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as a vehicle for, in Hilbert’s words, “bringing healing to a sick world.” Ryan Dudenbostel conducts.
Premiered by the Seattle Symphony in 2006, the piece draws inspiration from two sacred Coast Salish songs Hilbert entrusted to the composer, and features a number of percussion instruments native to this region. Also on the program is the world premiere of “Chasing Shadows” by Western student composer Christopher Morrison, and Gustav Mahler’s sublime “Rückert Lieder,” featuring a new member to Western’s voice faculty, Richard Hodges.
A pre-concert panel discussion featuring composer Bruce Ruddell, Vi Hilbert biographer Janet Yoder, and Hilbert’s granddaughter, Jill LaPoint, will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening in the PAC Mainstage inner lobby. Yoder will also talk about her book at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Village Books, 1200 11th St. Both events are free. Info: cfpa.wwu.edu/event or villagebooks.com.
Before attending an in-person event, check with individual venues to make sure it is taking place as scheduled.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
