COCOA’S PICKS

La Conner Birding Festival

Starts at 10 a.m. both days. Feb. 3–4, Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner

With more than 16,700 acres of wildlife area to explore, the Skagit Valley is a bird-watching wonderland. The La Conner Birding Festival has historically been one of the biggest annual events for the Skagit birding community — but the COVID-19 pandemic brought this annual tradition to a (temporary) halt. Lucky for La Connerites, however, the festival is set to make its grand return the first weekend of February.

This year’s lineup includes a winter birding showcase, as well as workshops and discussions led by avian experts. Author Tony Angell will also be giving a presentation, entitled “For Ravens, Crows, and Other Birds, Timing is Crucial,” on Saturday night. Birding enthusiasts will also find plenty of excuses to get out in the field and observe some of the region’s most stunning migratory birds in the wild. Info: lovelaconner.com. 

Ska-kom Seed Swap and Fix-it Fair

12–4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, Chuckanut Brewery, 11937 Higgins Airport Way

Nothing is blooming yet, but spring is inching closer — and if you need something to look forward to in the meantime, why not start planning your spring garden? The Ska-com Seed Swap and Fix-it Fair is a great excuse to get out, meet fellow gardeners, and stock up on seeds for the new season. It’s organized by Pumped Bellingham, Clara’s Canning Co., and SteelWool Fabrication. 

But you don’t need to have a green thumb to find joy in this event: In addition to the seed swap, there are opportunities to repair clothing and bikes, as well as sharpen knives. All services are by donation, and you’re also welcome to simply show up, enjoy a pint and learn about why seed diversity is so important for the environment.

Downtown Bellingham First Friday

6–10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, downtown Bellingham

This is the second First Friday event of the year, and as always, it promises to be a delightful time. These monthly community events are an excuse to explore new pockets of Bellingham, as well as meet the retailers and artists who give the downtown corridor its character. Businesses stay open late, artists open their studios and live music can be found around every corner. 

A map for the event is published the Wednesday prior, so if you want to plan your evening in advance, make sure to check online. Printed maps are also available from participating businesses. Hint: The offerings are a little different at every art walk, but my favorite mainstays include Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building and Make.Shift. Info: downtownbellingham.com.

Fairhaven Art Walk

4–7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, Historic Fairhaven

Fairhaven is a hub for artists and artisans of all stripes — but it’s not every day that you can find them gathered in one place. That’s why the Fairhaven Art Walk is one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated events. 

With more than 20 participating artists, this event gives folks a unique opportunity to put their finger on the neighborhood’s creative pulse. Attendees are invited to wander Fairhaven’s charming red-brick streets and immerse themselves in an afternoon of “community, creativity and culture.” 

Fairhaven hosts a variety of community events throughout the year — but unlike First Fridays in downtown Bellingham, these art walks aren’t monthly. (In fact, the next one isn’t until May.) Sixteen different retail locations will also be participating, so if you’re looking for an excuse to connect with local creatives and support local businesses, here’s your chance. Info: enjoyfairhaven.com. 

Randy Rainbow for President

7:30 Sunday, Feb. 4, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

Today’s divided political landscape isn’t always funny, but Randy Rainbow finds the humor regardless. Ex-theater kids are likely familiar with songs like “Seasons of Love” from Rent, or “Welcome to the ’60s” from Hairspray — but what about “Seasons of Trump,” or “Welcome to DeSantis”?

In the wake of the Trump presidency, Rainbow has garnered a following for his viral musical parodies. You might already know him from his four-time, Emmy-nominated web series, “The Randy Rainbow Show,” or his Grammy-nominated comedy album, “A Little Brains, A Little Talent.” But even if you’ve never heard of Randy Rainbow before, this live event at the Mount Baker Theater could be the perfect introduction. (At the very least, it’ll be a welcome distraction from the 2024 primaries.) Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

48-Hour Theater Festival

7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Feb. 3–4, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave.

What happens when you combine sleep deprivation, long rehearsal days and copious amounts of caffeine? For most folks, this is the recipe for a minor breakdown — but in the hands of talented thespians, the combination results in not one, but two wildly entertaining evenings of theater.

The premise of the 48-Hour Theater Festival is as nutty as it sounds: Six playwrights pen brand-new, 10-minute plays based on a randomly chosen theme. From there, actors and crew have just one day to make magic happen — and yes, this happens two nights in a row.

This is the Idiom’s longest-running (and possibly the world’s quickest) theater festival, and this year’s edition is extra special. It’s the first 48-Hour Festival to take place in Idiom’s new building, so if you haven’t seen the space yet, you’re in for a treat. Info: idiomtheater.org. 

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Events compiled by contributor Margaret Bikman.

ALL EVENTS

Thursday, Jan. 25

Winter Dances

7:30 p.m. Jan. 25–26, 2 p.m. Jan. 27, Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center Mainstage Theater

Students in WWU’s Bachelor of Fine Arts dance program perform their original works and feature an original piece by Seattle choreographer Nia-Amina Minor about dancer Syvilla Fort, the first Black dancer at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts. 

Here’s a bit of local knowledge: John Steinbrueck, the architect of the Space Needle, was in a relationship with Fort, and may have based the Needle’s sweeping, delicate structure on David Lemon’s wooden sculpture, “The Feminine One,” which captured a feminine body in motion. Fort happened to be one of the most prominent dancers in Seattle when Lemon sculpted the piece. Info: cfpa.wwu.edu.

‘The Flick’

7:30 p.m., FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.

Three employees of a movie theater cope with the advent of changing from 35-millimeter projectors to digital format, as well as changes in their own lives. Annie Baker’s award-winning play runs Jan. 25, 27 and 28. Info: bellinghamtheatreworks.org.

Friday, Jan. 26

Illuminight Winter Walk

5 p.m., River Walk Plaza in front of District Brewing, Mount Vernon

The Illuminight Winter Walk is an all-ages, luminary-lit procession in downtown Mount Vernon. Now in its 10th year, there will be some special events during the walk, which begins with music at 5 p.m., followed by the walk along the river at 5:30 p.m. Free luminarias will be available at the event, or make your own at Tri Dee Arts the day of the event. Dress warmly. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.

‘The Addams Family’

Jan 26–28, Feb. 2–4, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.

What to do? Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, normal young man. Gomez and Morticia are set to meet him and his family at a dinner party, hosted by the Addams. Kaleb Van Rijswijck directs, with musical director Dylan Cisneros. Info: baay.org.

Seattle Opera Chorus

7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College campus, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

The 36-member Seattle Opera Chorus performs Pagliacci’s “The Bell Chorus,” “Choral Dances,” from Britten’s “Gloriana,” “Stomp Your Foot” from Copland’s “Tenderland” and other selections from the opera repertoire. A pre-concert talk takes place 45 minutes prior to the concert. Info: mcintyrehall.org.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Lifesong Project Workshop with Havilah Rand

1-4 p.m., Lynden Library, 216 Fourth St.

Havilah Rand, well-known in these parts as a composer for her very personal songs, hosts her LifeSong Project, in which she works with participants to honor their own stories. She’ll guide others to create their own songs from their stories in this three-hour workshop. This event is one in this year’s Whatcom Reads series. Info: wcls.libcal.com.

Luminary Lights on the Berm

5 p.m., Birch Bay

Join a luminary walk along the Birch Bay berm. Bring your homemade lantern to the Birch Bay Activity Center (7511 Gemini St.) and volunteers will place it along the path for you. Or bring your own lights and lanterns and walk in the procession on the berm. Meet at the Birch Bay Library, (7945 Birch Bay Drive) at 5 p.m. for a cup of hot cocoa or warm cider before making your way along the berm. Info: wcls.libcal.com. 

Three Wheels Turning

7 p.m., Presence Studio, 1412 Cornwall Ave.

Port Townsend folk trio Micaela Kingslight, Samara Jade, and Aimée Ringle, perform original songs in the style of The Wailin’ Jennys and Be Good Tanyas on electric and acoustic guitars, mandola, piano/keyboard, organ, electric bass, banjo, cajón, mandolin and cello. Joining them is Bellingham’s own Earth Practice. Info: threewheelsturning.com.

Sunday, Jan. 28

The Jazz Project

4 p.m., FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.

Join The Jazz Project for an afternoon of jazz with saxophonists Josh Cook and Steve Treseler’s Quintet, also featuring Bill Anschell on piano, Jeff Johnson on bass and Jud Sherwood on drums. Info: jazzproject.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 30

Simon Trpčeski

7:30 p.m., Western Washington University Performing Arts Center Concert Hall

Born in Macedonia in 1979, pianist Simon Trpčeski has collaborated with more than 100 orchestras on four continents, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, City of Birmingham Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Deutsche Sinfonie Orchester Berlin and Dresden Philharmonic. For this concert, he’ll perform works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven and Prokofiev. He will also present a master class, open to the public, at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, in the concert hall. Info: cfpa.wwu.edu.

Friday, Feb. 2

A Celebration of Black Music

7:30 p.m., Western Washington University Performing Arts Center Concert Hall

This annual concert, celebrating the contributions of Black jazz and classical musicians, features the Western Flute Ensemble, conducted by Mehrdad Gholami; a duet by Mehrdad Gholami, flute, and Jeffrey Gilliam, piano; a piano solo by Milica Jovanović; the WWU Jazz Big Band and Combos conducted by Kevin Woods; and the University Choir, conducted by Kyre Rengstorf with guest clinician Richard L. Hodges. Info: cfpa.wwu.edu.

Texas Guitar Quartet

7:30 p.m., McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.

What a treat to have this acclaimed classical guitar ensemble come to our region. The quartet’s impressive resume includes performances at the Encuentro Internacional de Guitarra in Nicaragua, Victoria Bach Festival, Guitar Foundation of America Convention and Festival Internacional del Noreste in Mexico, and they’ve presented a series of concerts in historic cathedrals along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Info: mcintyrehall.org.

Saturday, Feb. 3

‘Lend Us Your Ears: ‘Mary’s Wedding”

2 p.m., Bellingham Theatre Guild playhouse, 1600 H St.

Attend a play reading of Canadian playwright Stephen Massicotte’s set in 1920 on the Canadian prairie about two young adults in love and how World War I changes their lives. The reading will be performed by Bellingham actors Spenser Stumpf, Sarah Miller and Riley Myers, and it contains adult language situations. No reservations necessary; it’s general seating. bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

The Bellingham Dixieland All Stars

3 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden

Bandleader Bob Storms delves into his repertoire of more than 2,000 songs and tunes inspired by music from the 1920s and 1930s. The octet comprises Bob Storms, leader and reeds; Nancy Button, vocalist; Frank Kuhl, trumpet; Isaac Poole, trombone; John Flancher, bass; Tim Volpicella, guitar; Randal Wade, piano; and Brent Storms, drums. Info: jansenartcenter.org.

Winter Showcase

4 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

Dancers from The Dance Studio, from youngsters to advanced performers, showcase tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical and contemporary styles perform in a kid-friendly event, led by longtime dancer and choreographer Britt Burton and her team of creative and talented instructors. Info: https://mountbakertheatre.com.

The New Old Time Chautauqua

7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon

This performance celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Flying Karamazov Brothers, jugglers extraordinaire, plus you’ll enjoy Artis the Spoonman’s hot dog spoon playing; hula hooper, rope twirler, and trumpet player Vanessa Vortex; troubadour guitarist Jim Page; Bellingham poet Kevin Murphy; and the colorful The Fighting Instruments of Karma marching band. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Sunday, Feb. 4

Starry Night Chamber Players

2 p.m., McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

An ensemble of instrumentalists on violins, cello, guitar, mandolin and trumpet will attempt hyper-speeds on their respective solos and small groups. Performing are Richard Rorex on lead guitar; David Holzemer, Tara Weaver and Sharyn Peterson on violin; David Jones on bass; David Janicki on mandolin; Malcolm Peterson on trumpet; Matthew Rehfeldt on cello; and Lorraine Earle on piano. Refreshments are included in the tickets. The intimate Chamber Music concert takes place in the Studio Space at McIntyre Hall. Info: mcintyrehall.org.

Bellingham Chamber Music

3 p.m., Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave.

The Bellingham Chamber Music Society presents an afternoon of Nordic and American music, featuring Carl Nielsen’s “Serenata in Vano” and Franz Berwald’s “Grand Septet,” as well as string quartets by living American female composers Jessie Montgomery and Caroline Shaw. A reception will follow the concert. Info: musicinbellingham.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.