COCOA’S PICKS
‘Heritage in Motion’
6–9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, Allied Arts Gallery, 1213 Cornwall Ave.
After a month of holiday celebrations, it would be reasonable to spend the first weekend of the year resting. But if you’re eager to hit the town, Jan. 3 is the first First Friday event of 2025. Events range from musical performances to food specials; personally, I treat First Friday as an art crawl.
This month I’m most excited about the opening of “Heritage in Motion” at the Allied Arts Gallery. The exhibition showcases work by three Indigenous artists — Jason LaClair, Michelle DeAsis and Dionisio “Nish” Romero — whose work “celebrates the living, breathing nature of Native artistry while highlighting the distinct voices shaping today’s cultural landscape.”
This reception takes place at Allied Arts’ brand-new location at 1213 Cornwall Ave., right by Hotel Leo. Opening reception takes place from 6–9 p.m., and the show will be on view until Feb. 1. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
New Year’s Eve at Old City Hall
6:30–9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St.
On New Year’s Eve 2024, the Whatcom Museum is throwing a New Year’s Eve shindig with drinks, snacks and live music from local favorites Baby Cakes. The event runs from 6:30–9:30 p.m., meaning early risers can watch the ball drop in New York City and be in bed by 10. Those who prefer to celebrate into the night can kickstart their evening at the museum, then move along to the next party.
But while the Whatcom Museum’s event is a standout, there’s no shortage of things to do on New Year’s Eve in Bellingham. Check back this weekend for a full roundup of events around town, or see music columnist Jesse Stanton’s column for music-specific happenings. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
‘Obsessed with Light’
3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
To start 2025 with a dose of inspiration, consider attending the screening of “Obsessed with Light” at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center. The poignant documentary is “a meditation on light and the enduring obsession to create,” highlighting the work of 20th-century artist Loïe Fuller. This Vaudeville performer-turned-Art Nouveau darling “invented a completely new kind of spectacle” by combining dance, fabric and movement.
But “Obsessed with Light” isn’t just a film about art history. Fuller’s work is still relevant today, having influenced performers ranging from The Red Hot Chili Peppers to Shakira and even Taylor Swift. Viewers can dive deep into her legacy at this upcoming screening, presented as part of Kuntz and Company’s “Documenting Grace” series and sponsored by Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival. Info: kuntzandco.org.
‘Falsettos and Sunsets’
8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, Karate Church, 519 E. Maple St.
The Karate Church is a classic “if-you-know-you-know” venue, with an amusing history to boot. What began as First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham became the Bellingham Academy of Self Defense in the ‘70s, then the Alternative Library in 2015. It now functions as a community center — though letters on its facade still read “Academy of Elf Defense.” (Presumably, the “s” in “self” was stolen or lost.)
These days the Karate Church hosts a variety of offbeat events, from markets to performances and even the odd clown show. “Falsettos and Sunsets” is a one-act from Marlo Winter and Luz Gaxiola, two Olympia-based clowns in the midst of a West Coast tour. But this performance isn’t for kids: It’s packed with “outrageous physical comedy, startling emotional honesty and slapstick existential confusion.” Info: luzclown.com.
‘Canadian Steam’
7:30–9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
On the subject of very silly shows, the Upfront’s next event has quite the, ahem, unique premise. Think “Thunder Down Under,” except instead of glistening Australian bodybuilders, you have … pasty Canadian lumberjacks? Audiences 18 and up can expect to be wooed by love ballads, questionable dance moves and plenty of jokes. After all, “everyone knows that the sexiest quality is being funny.”
In other words, “Canadian Steam” is what happens when you cross “Magic Mike” with “Whose Line Is It Anyways” — then throw in references to maple syrup and moose for good measure. It’s brought to you by The Comedy Department, Vancouver’s “go-to for world-class comedy and custom entertainment.” Info: theupfront.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The following is a selection of events submitted by CDN readers. Click here to add yours.
For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
