COCOA’S PICKS
Krampus Night
6–10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Chuckanut Bay Distillery Ballroom, 1311 Cornwall Ave.
According to American holiday lore, naughty kids receive a lump of coal. But misbehaving children in Europe’s Alpine region get Krampus, an anthropomorphic goat liable to swat them with birch branches and/or kidnap them in a handbasket. Festive, right?
The legend of Krampus is increasingly widespread in the U.S. — so much so that a nonprofit troupe of thespians, Krampus Seattle, hosts Krampus parades (or “Krampuslaufs”) throughout the state. Krampus is also the inspiration for Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s Krampus liqueur. Be warned: It might taste like Christmas in a cup, but at 110-proof, it’s more naughty than nice.
Chuckanut Bay celebrates its annual Krampus release with Krampus Night, hosted this year in a new ballroom space above Penny Farthing restaurant. Guests should expect costumes, dancing, good food and even samples of a limited-release, 4-year-aged Krampus. Members of Krampus Seattle will be in attendance to “terrify and delight in equal measure” — because nothing says “happy holidays” quite like everyone’s favorite anthropomorphic goat. Info: chuckanutbaydistillery.com.
45th Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Nov. 22–Dec. 24, Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave.
For a slightly less terrifying holiday event, check out Allied Arts’ 45th annual five-week-long holiday market. Per the nonprofit’s website, more than 100 artisans will set up booths with holiday wares including (but not limited to) “one-of-a-kind gifts, specialty food treats, stunning jewelry, beautiful artworks from paintings to photographs, scented soaps and bubbles for a personal spa and more.”
But the Festival of the Arts isn’t just a shopping occasion. It coincides with a series of events, including kids’ art activities and live performances on Saturdays and Sundays. Highlights include a cork gnome and fairy ornament craft workshop on Nov. 24, and a performance from the Bellingham Ukulele Orchestra on Dec. 7. The market is open daily through Dec. 24; purchases can also be made online. Info: alliedarts.org.
Lego + Libations
6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Studio, 250 Flora St.
The longer I write about Whatcom County, the more impressed I am at the level of talent (and quirk) among its residents. For example, did you know that our area is home to not one but two expert Lego builders? Brad Bergman and Mike Tarrant were contestants on Fox’s “Lego Masters” and even created a Lego version of Old City Hall. Bergman himself will show you how to build it brick-by-brick on Nov. 21.
Lego + Libations is the first “Artful Pairings” event, a new series from Whatcom Museum where attendees “make a craft and drink a craft (cocktail, wine, beer or cider, that is).” In addition to helping participants build their projects, Bergman will speak about his experience designing a micro model of Bellingham’s most iconic building. Tickets include a limited-edition Old City Hall boxed Lego kit plus one drink ticket. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: ‘Americana’
3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
What comes to mind when you think about “Americana” in relation to music? If “The Star-Spangled Banner” pops into your head … you’re not wrong, but maybe think outside the box. (I immediately thought of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which admittedly isn’t much better.)
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s interpretation of “Americana” on Nov. 24 will include a performance of John Williams’ score for the “The Cowboys” Overture, from the iconic John Wayne Western. Next up is Jeff Midkiff’s folk-inspired composition, “From the Blue Ridge” and Aaron Copland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning piece, “Appalachian Spring.”
It’s worth noting that “Americana” shouldn’t be limited to just North America. The program concludes with South American composer Alberto Ginastera’s “Four Dances From Estancia,” which incorporates elements of Argentinian folk music. Info: bellinghamsymphony.org.
44th Seattle International Comedy Competition
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Seattle’s yearly comedy tradition returns for a night of semifinals at Mount Baker Theatre on Nov. 23. That evening, 10 talented comedians will compete for glory — or rather, laughter — by performing their best 10-minute set. Audiences must choose a winner, though Mount Baker’s website notes there’s “little difference in the level of talent between those who advance and those who do not.”
This year’s competition is hosted by Phillip Kopczynski, an Eastern Washingtonian comedian known for his “high-energy hilarity” and second-place win at the 2018 Seattle International Comedy Competition. You also might know him from Superbowl commercials, the “Kill Tony” podcast or his Drybar special, “Full Grown Man,” which has garnered millions of views. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
