COCOA’S PICKS
Marina Albero’s ‘Gaia’
6:30–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, FireHouse Arts & Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
Maria Albero might not be a household name, but if you’re a jazz aficionado, you’ve likely come across her music. Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, Albero’s distinctive style combines influences from old-world Europe, contemporary Spain and ’90s Cuba. She’s also recognized for her impressive improvisational skills.
Jazz can be an intimidating genre, but audiences of all stripes can appreciate Albero’s multicultural approach. Feeling the need for a (mental) vacation on a dreary winter weeknight? Make the evening special by grabbing dinner or a cocktail in Fairhaven. Then, mosey down to FireHouse and let Albero and her all-female band, Gaia, transport you elsewhere. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Creative Crafters Club
2–3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, Ragfinery, 1421 N. Forest St.
The holidays are over, the sun still sets before 5 p.m., and the weather isn’t exactly inviting — so how better to spend a Thursday night than cozied up with a craft? Novice makers and accomplished fiber artists alike are invited to attend Ragfinery’s community crafting event, held every two weeks at their downtown Bellingham storefront.
The folks at Ragfinery do an excellent job of making their clubs approachable to all skill levels. Participating crafters can bring an ongoing fiber arts project (if you have one), or use Ragfinery’s scrap material and supplies to tackle the project of the week. Ragfinery encourages optional donations, but this event is free to attend. All ages are welcome. Info: ragfinery.com.
BAAY Presents: ‘The Firebird!’
7 p.m. Jan. 12–14 and 2 p.m. Jan. 13–14, The BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St.
Those familiar with Slavic folklore might already know the tale of the Firebird. In Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth’s theatrical retelling, the story goes like this: A long time ago, in a land far away, a tsar named Vyslav sends his sons on a quest to find a mythical incandescent bird. The ensuing adventures involve talking wolves, warrior maidens, witches, wizards and the obligatory epic battle.
Former BAAY Executive Director Ian Bivins’ production pays homage to the original folk tale, but there’s one key difference: It was adapted for actors ages 9 to 12. These pint-sized performers succeed in making Russian folklore both endearing and engaging. Info: baay.org.
Amy Ronhaar, ‘Raising Amy’
6–7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Writer Amy Ronhaar’s track record reflects a woman of varied literary talents. Whether she’s writing poetry, short stories, biography or even research, she’s clearly not afraid to dabble across genres. This week, you can catch Ronhaar at Village Books sharing passages from her latest literary project, a self-published memoir.
“Raising Amy” is told in three parts, recounting the author’s extraordinary childhood on Whidbey Island. Her writing emphasizes the power of resilience and self-efficacy while refusing to shy away from heavier subjects such as trauma and loss. Readers who gravitate toward stories about mother/daughter relationships, grief and healing are sure to connect with Ronhaar’s work. Info: villagebooks.com.
e(ART)h: Reciprocity and Resilience in the Age of Climate Change
1–4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. 1st St., La Conner
If your New Year’s resolution involves re-engaging with your creativity, here’s a chance to learn a few new techniques. All levels of artists are welcome at this watercolor and mixed media course led by Kayla Williams. In addition to playing with new mediums, participants will also be prompted to explore their own reciprocal relationship with the environment.
This course is held in dialogue with MoNa’s Surge Exhibition, which shines a light on climate change and its effects on Pacific Northwestern coastal communities. Through artistic expression, participants will tap into “conceptions and applications of reciprocity, resilience and agency” amid environmental uncertainty.
Advance registration is recommended, and the participation cost is $35 (which includes a $5 supplies fee). Info: monamuseum.org.
Little Bo Peepz & Feather Fatale Present: When Worlds Collide — A Drag Variety Show
9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, The Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St., Ste. 301
The Blue Room is a relatively new venue, but it’s already become one of my personal favorites — partly because their events have introduced me to unforgettable local drag performers.
Case in point: Feather Fatale. After witnessing his infectious charisma (and impressive athleticism) at a Blue Room show last year, my jaw was left firmly on the floor. Lil Bo Peepz is also one of Bellingham’s most innovative queens, and she’s joined forces with Feather Fatale to curate a night of horror-tinged camp and couture.
When Worlds Collide is one of the Blue Room’s oldest variety shows, and if you haven’t yet experienced the “cosmic chaos,” you’ll want to mark your calendar now. This edition (aptly called the “Dead of Winter”) will feature beloved local performers including Mx, Whorchata, Faye, Vivian Harlow and, of course, co-hosts Feather Fatale and Lil Bo Peepz. Info: blueroombham.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@casadiadaily.com.
