entertainment news nw-december 2013

www.McIntyrehall.org

Welcome to Entertainment News NW!

email [email protected] • See www.ennw.info for “News, Reviews and Updates” 1

www.karmartmotorsports.com

www.HotelBellwether.com

2 Entertainment News Northwest ~ December 2013 360.599.6827

Allied Arts Holiday Festival . . . . . . . . . . . 17American Red Cross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Apple Yarns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Arlington Arts Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Arthritis Foundation: Jingle Bell Run . . . . 25Artwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Ballet Bellingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Bellingham Chamber Chorale . . . . . . . . . 35Bellingham Children’s Theatre . . . . . . . . . 21Bellingham Food Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Bellingham Sports & Spine PT . . . . . . . . . 24Bellingham Tennis Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Bellingham Theatre Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Blaine Harbor Art Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Bruton and Schellberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Chrysalis Inn & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Chuckanut Bay Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Diamond Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Diane Arvin, M.D. . . . . . . .inside back coverEverything in Sight Optical . . . . . . . . . . . 24Ferndale Heritage Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Fireside Martini Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Gateway Centre Executive Suites. . . . . . . . 4Giuseppe’s Al Porto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Good Earth Pottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Greg Aanes Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Holiday Handmade Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . 13J & L Productions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Jansen Art Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Joy of Pilates Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Julian MacDonough: Tribute Jazz . . . . . . 33KarMart Motorsports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Lighthouse Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Lincoln Theatre —Celtic Yuletide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 —Falstaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Lithtex Northwest . . . . . . .inside back coverMcIntyre Hall Performing Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . inside front coverMount Baker Theatre . . . .inside back coverOld Fairhaven Association . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Pickford Film Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Port of Bellingham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Renaissance Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants . . . . . . . 25Skagit County Historical Museum . . . . . . 27Skagit Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Skagit Valley Casino Resort . . . . .back coverStudio UFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Taylor Shellfish Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Dance Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The Gift Nook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13The Neighborhood Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . 6Uptown Art Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Village Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Whatcom Art Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Whatcom Chorale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Whatcom County Council on Aging . . . . 23WWU PAC Dept. of Dance . . . . . . . . . . . 11YES Massages (Eileen Gribble) . . . . . . . . . 25

ADVERTISERS’INDEX

—Thank You! TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2013 FEATURES:

Mark O’Connor & Friends: An Appalachian Christmas Tour . . . . . . . . . . 36Motherlode in Concert to Benefit the Conant Dodge Memorial Scholarship Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Rooted in Peace: Stephanie Burgess’ Original Wood Art. . . . . . . . . . . . 7She’s Baa-aack! Sister Terrorizes McIntyre Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27The Magical Strings’ 35th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert . . . . . . . . . . . 35‘Tis the Final Season for The Wutcraker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DEPARTMENTS:

Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11Bazaars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Benefits & Fundraisers . . . . . . . . . . .30Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . 13-23Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12Family & Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Health & Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25

History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Home & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Lectures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Literature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-33, 34, 36Potpourri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26, 28Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

On the cover: Law-enforcement officers Flo Simon, Carlotta Jarratt and Beth Larson — Strong women firsts behind bars in the Rat King’s dungeon! See feature story on Bellingham Children’s Theatre production of The Wutcraker on page 3.

Circulation: ENNW prints 10,000 copies & distributes to over 200 sites in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. For a current list of distribution sites go to http://www.ennw.info/distribution.html.Deadlines: We request Press Releases, Photos and Calendar Items by the 10th of the month before its release (December 10th for January issue). Send an email if you would like to be on our monthly reminder list. Press Releases, Calendar Items & Photos are now exclusively received through our Online Submission Form accessed through our website www.ennw.info/submit-an-event/. Please keep event description to 60-100 words per item.Submission Guidelines: Article ideas are encouraged with a sample of your writing style. You will be given credit and a bio line, but at this time we are unable to pay for articles. If we accept your proposal, please plan on writing 300–600 words.Advertising: We would like to encourage you to consider advertising with us. We feel we offer a great value for your hard earned advertising dollars. Due to the quality, ENNW is not in the recycle bin in a day or two. Many readers report they hold onto it all month long, resulting in better value. If you would like a rate sheet, please call or email to request one. Your advertising will make it possible for us to continue.Copyright & Pub Info: ©2013 Entertainment News NW. Reproduction of contents in any format is forbidden without written permission from ENNW. ENNW is only responsible for ad cost in the event of an error. Every effort has been made to gather accurate information regarding events. Please contact the sponsoring agency for more details. Printed at Lithtex NW, Bellingham, WA, USA.This Month’s Contributors: n Stephanie Dethlefs is the executive director of Whatcom Young Writers and usually tries to write with one hand while parenting her two children with the other. n Christopher Key is an actor and director who lives in Bellingham and writes to help support his theatrical addiction. n Osa Hale has been a regular contributor to Entertainment News NW since 2012. She is a senior at Western Washington University, majoring in Visual Journalism. Her work has also appeared on Bellingham’s KOMO News website, the Western Front, and Klipsun magazine. n Michelle Wallace is a Seattle-based writer and recent graduate of Western Washington University, where she studied literature and astronomy. Her work has also appeared in Alaska Airlines Magazine and Horizon Edition Magazine, and she keeps a blog at wordsbywallace.wordpress.com. n Meghan Thompson enjoys exploring the NW, soaking up the liquid sunshine, people watching, and blogging about her adventures. You can follow her exploits at http://confessionsofawordslut.wordpress.com.

Volume 10 Number 11P.O. Box 2606 • Bellingham, WA 98227-2606

360.599.6827 • email: [email protected] • www.ennw.infoThe ENNW Publishing Team

Mark Fuller • 360.676.0428 • [email protected] Fuller • 360.676.0428 • [email protected]

Dorothy Tjoelker-Worthen • 360.815.6286 • [email protected] Crnich • 360.656.6577 • [email protected]

Lynna Dunn Fuller • [email protected]

DECEMBER 2013


by Stephanie DethlefsFor the final time, the wacky holiday

parody The Wutcraker will take the local stage to tickle our collective funny bones. After four successful productions, it is time for the Bellingham Children’s Theatre to see where it can go from here.

The Wutcraker premiered in 1998 with a child-centered cast. Since then, it has become a large production and a tradition for many of all ages. This year’s show has a cast of 60 ranging in age from six to senior. Some well-known community members serve as members of the cast,

It was while suffering from a terrible head cold while writing the script in 1998 that the famous ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairies became the Booger Flung Scaries. The Boogers joined other madcap characters such as The Lonely Cheese, Uncle Doppleganger, and Duhwhera. “By the virtue of applause that is showered on [them], I am convinced there are many audience members out there who have imaginations as bizarre as mine,” says Robinson.

BCT began “in a living room on Ellis Street” in 1996 and has grown to win the

Seattle International Fringe Festival’s People’s Choice Award as well as two Bellingham Mayor’s Awards. The company prides themselves on being inclusive of all ages and abilities, performing both serious and wildly imaginative plays and musicals while providing great actor training. “Many BCT graduates have gone on to pursue professional stage careers all over the country,” says Robinson. The organization welcomes volunteers and is actively seeking people who would like to help produce The Wutcraker for audiences beyond Bellingham.

“It’s personally rewarding as a playwright and director to stage a play that showcases people who might have always wanted to try theatre, but who ordinarily might shy away from participating in a play,” says Robinson. “I’ve had so many men in their 50s, who have never set foot upon the stage, come up to me during intermission and ask if they can play a Booger the following year.”

The Wutcraker will be onstage at Bellingham High School December 19-22. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7pm; the Sunday matinee is at 2pm. Tickets are now available for purchase for $14 at Village Books and Greenhouse. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door prior to curtain for $17. The show is open for children as young as four. For more information, visit www.BellinghamChildrensTheatre.com.Photos by Drue Robinson.

‘Tis the Final Season for The Wutcraker

Booger Flung Scaries and “Ice” intimidate Clara and her cousins in the Rat King’s disenchanted

forest. Left to right over the bridge: John Hindman, Norman Green, Alexandra Gorski,

Robert Muzzy, Deb Slater, Stan Tag, Phil Heaven, Dave Walker. Beneath the bridge: Bella Yearian,

Maya Norton, and Jasmine Chang. (2010 production of The Wutcraker.)

See Bellingham’s first female Deputy Police Chief, Flo Simon, Bellingham’s first female police officer, Carlotta Jarratt and Beth Larson, the first female

Sergeant for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department in Bellingham Children’s Theatre

production of The Wutcraker.

including KAFE radio’s Dave Walker, local children’s author Derek Munson, WWU professor Stan Tag, Meridian Middle School principal Jerry Sanderson, as well as familiar BCT actors Norman Green, Angie Mills-Watson, Brian Watson and Michael Spinale.

In a special twist, the dungeon scene this year features three of Whatcom County’s “first” female law-enforcement officers locked up behind bars: Bellingham’s first female police officer, Carlotta Jarratt; Bellingham’s first female Deputy Police Chief, Flo Simon; and Beth Larson, the first female sergeant for the Whatcom County’s Sheriff’s Department. Six-year-old Sagelynn Dennison, from Nooksack, plays The Lonely Cheese.

The Wutcraker is the brainchild of BCT founder and director Drue Robinson, who enjoys putting lively twists into the plots of predictable stories. “I like to heighten the humor, allow the audience to access their ironic sensibilities, and give everyone on stage the opportunity to partake in something goofy and playful – all while creating community,” she explains.

www.taylorshellfish.com


Women’s Voices NW – Women’s Voices NW, a program celebrating women in our community, celebrates the holidays with local women artists, including Lydia McCauley and Clara Olink Kelly reading a special Christmas story. Listen in on Sun., Dec. 1 at 9am on KMRE 102.3 FM or www.womensvoicesnw.wordpress.com. Free. More info: 360-223-3252 or www.sparkmuseum.org.Bellingham Laughter Club – Think Globally, Laugh Locally. Join our Certified Laughter Leader and experience the health benefits of social, joyful laughter exercises. We will meet the first Sunday of the month at the Downtown Food Co-op Connections Building: Dec. 1. Free. Info: [email protected] or 360-734-4989.Northwest Singles Club (NSC) – Join the Northwest Singles Club for these free events in December: Weekly Coffee Hour, every Saturday (Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 28) from 10-11:30am at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal on Harris St. • Weekly Walks, every Monday (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) from 10-10:30am at Taylor Dock in Fairhaven. • Monthly meeting and dinner, Wed., Dec. 11, 5:30pm at Cascade Pizza, 2431 Meridian St., Bellingham. Events are for age 50+. More info: 360-393-3982.Whatcom Learning Lab Reading Tutoring – Whatcom Learning Lab provides trained volunteers who tutor children or adults in reading. Tutoring will take place Mondays and Wednesdays through May from 3-5pm at Northwest Baptist Church, 3545 Northwest Ave., Bellingham. Cost is a sliding scale fee. More info: 360-371-3978, [email protected] or www.WhatcomLearningLab.org.

Program Information Sessions at BTC – Bellingham Technical College will offer the following free program information sessions in December:

Electrician, Tues., Dec. 3, 3:30-4:30pm; Associate Degree Nursing, Tues., Dec. 10, 3:30-4:30pm; Electronics, Tues., Dec. 10, 3:30-4:30pm; Nursing Assistant, Tues., Dec. 17, 3:30-4:30pm; Process Technology, Tues., Dec. 17, 3:30-4:30pm. Bellingham Technical College is located at 3028 Lindbergh Ave. More info: 360- 752-8396, [email protected] or www.btc.ctc.edu.

Cultural Travel Boutique and Arts Event – Bellingham Travel & Cruise will host the Collective Lifestyle Boutique for an arts and fine crafts sale on Sat., Dec. 7 from noon-6pm at 200 W. Chestnut St. Owned locally by Nina Birnbaum, Elizabeth Deboo, and Catherine Tedrow, Collective Lifestyle Boutique features handcrafted items of clothing, jewelry and household products from international women’s cooperatives. Collective and Bellingham Travel will bring emerging artists from Bellingham and the Pacific NW to the venue as an alternative consumer exchange in an entertaining environment. Speakers of interest to cultural tourists will be featured throughout the day. Refreshments provided. Free admission. More info: 360-739-8263, [email protected] or www.bellinghamtravel.com.

International Human Rights Day Celebration – Join us in celebrating International Human Rights Day on Tues., Dec. 10, 7-8:30pm at the Bellingham

”Welcome to Sedro-Whoolleyville” – The Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Council of Sedro-Woolley wish to welcome visitors during the month of December. There will be a downtown Christmas parade, a Christmas sweater contest, breakfast with Santa, and a Seuss-worthy gingerbread house contest, plus all manner of Seuss-themed decorations throughout our downtown. Free admission. More info: 360-855-1841 or [email protected].

Mount Baker Theatre Education Program – The Mount Baker Theatre is presenting the 18th season of our Education Series. The second show in our eight show series, “Doktor Kaboom!,” will be performed on Mon., Dec. 2, at 10am and 12:15pm. “Doktor Kaboom!” is an interactive one-man science variety show that creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. Doktor Kaboom’s supercharged (and super safe!) science experiments will have students erupting with laughter and bubbling with curiosity. He keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demos. Using masterful improvisational skills, the artist takes his

audience on a sidesplitting tour of the modern scientific method while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences. Nothing says science like KABOOM! Tickets are $5 or $6.50 for students in the Bellingham School District. The additional $1.50 offsets a portion of the district transportation costs covered by Mount Baker Theatre. Info / tickets: 360- 734-6080, www.mountbakertheatre.com.

Children’s Storytimes at Bellingham Public Library – Little Storytime (birth-3 with an adult partner): Mondays (Dec. 2, 9), 10:05am, 10:35am, or 11:05am (one-half hour); Tuesdays (Dec. 3, 10), 10:05am, 10:35am, or 11:05am (one-half hour); Wednesdays (Dec. 4, 11), 10:05am or 10:35am (one-half hour). • Baby Time (infants with an adult partner): Tuesdays (Dec. 3, 10), 2-2:45pm. • Time for Tales (ages 4-8 with families welcome): Wednesdays (Dec. 4, 11), 2-2:45pm. • Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5 with an adult partner): Thursdays (Dec. 5, 12), 10:15 or 11am (one-half hour). • All storytimes in the Dodson Room at the Central Library. Free. More info: 360-778-7200 (Bethany), [email protected] , www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Comics and Animation Club – This is a club for fans of anime, cartoons, comics,

YWCA, 1026 N. Forest St. Refreshments, speaker, music, candlelight ceremony and Amnesty International Write For Rights (letter writing starts at 6:30pm). Free admission. More info: 360-734-0217.

AAUW Monthly Meeting – The December meeting of the Bellingham Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be held on Sat., Dec. 14, 10am-noon at the Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, 1825 Cornwall Ave. (in the old Mayberry’s building). Artist presentations and a cookie exchange will be featured. Come and shop after the meeting. The AAUW supports equity for women and girls through education, research, advocacy, and philanthropy. Free admission. More info: 360-392-8856 or [email protected].

Monthly Backgammon Tournament Play – Like to play backgammon? Looking for others who like to play? Maybe you don’t play but would like to learn? The Bellingham Backgammon Association meets the third Sunday of each month (Dec. 15) at 5:30pm at The Clubhouse at Parkway Village, 2015 24th St., Bellingham. Match play starts at 5:30pm with a beginners’ seminar at 5pm. We play four 50-minute matches to 7 points each. Bring your board if you have one. Entry fee is $15 for four matches. There’ll be snacks too! More info: 360-255-1014, [email protected] or www.bellinghambackgammon.com.

www.gatewaytotaloffice.com


drawing, manga, or video games (grades 6-12). Get together to discuss our favorites, to draw, to create our own characters and comics as a group, and more! Join us Mondays, 3-4pm, at the Blaine Library (610 3rd St.). More info: 360-305-3600.

Minecraft for Teens – Do you like building virtual worlds? Are you in middle school or high school? Then you should join the Minecraft Club at the Lynden Library for grades 6-12. Join us weekly on Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30pm (no Minecraft Dec. 24), at the Lynden Library (216 4th St.). More info: 360-305-3600.

Tuesday Bingo – Kiwanis sponsors a family friendly game of bingo on Tuesday nights (Dec. 3, 10, 17) from 6:15-8:45pm at the Elks Club. Cash prizes. All ages. Come join the fun and support the kids in our community! The Elks Club is located at 710 Samish Way, Bellingham. Admission is $11. Info: www.bellinghamkiwanis.org.

Ferndale Toddler Time – Whatcom Center for Early Learning presents Ferndale Toddler Time on Wednesdays, 10-11:30am, at the Boys & Girls Club of Ferndale, 2015 Cherry Street. Children, ages 5 years and younger, and their parents are invited to drop in any (or every) Wednesday for active play, crafts and snacks. Meet other parents and families; parental supervision is required. Donation of $2 per child or $5 per family is requested to cover program costs. No sessions Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Info: 360-671-3660, [email protected] or www.wcel.net.

Prospective Parent Information Night – Prospective parents of preschool-aged children are encouraged to come and visit Pioneer Meadows Montessori School (2377 Douglas Rd., Ferndale) on Thurs., Dec. 5 from 7-8pm. Director Kim Connor and Education Director Ellen Lebitz will be providing details about our Montessori program, giving tours of the classrooms and building, and answering any questions parents may have about Montessori education. Pioneer Meadows Montessori School is located on more than 5 acres in Ferndale, minutes from the freeway, and serves children pre-K through grade 6. Please call 360-778-3681 to RSVP. More info: 360-778-1785, [email protected] or www.pioneermeadowsschool.com.

Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights Festival – Come to downtown Blaine to celebrate Holiday Harbor Lights Fri., Dec. 6, 9am-6pm, and Sat., Dec. 7, 9am-7pm, to kick off the season for the whole family. Friday’s activities include an arts & crafts bazaar at the Blaine Community Center from 9am-4pm and the Blaine Library book sale from 10am-6pm. Saturday’s activities include the arts & crafts bazaar from 9am-4pm; the Library book sale from 10am-3pm; Holiday Art Market from 10am-7pm (at the former Goff’s store); Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash Run/Walk at

2:30pm; free horse drawn trolley rides from 4-6pm; karaoke by Thousand Trails from 4-7pm; tree lighting ceremony and community caroling at 4:30pm; arrival and visit with Santa at 5pm; and the lighted boat parade from 6-7pm. Donations accepted for the Let’s Move Blaine Coalition (www.letsmoveblaine.org). More info: 360-332-4544 or www.blaineholidayharborlights.com.

Holiday Port Festival – What’s your favorite landmark? And can you re-create it using edible materials? This year’s Holiday Port Gingerbread House Contest theme is “Landmarks,” and contestants can compete in this category or in one of nine age-or-group categories. Now in its 18th year, the contest is free and open to all ages and abilities. Entries don’t have to be houses or made of gingerbread, but they must be visibly edible. The main thing is to have fun and be creative! The Gingerbread House Contest is part of the Holiday Port Festival, a Port of Bellingham event that takes place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal Dec. 6-8. This family-friendly event will feature performances from local bands, choirs and dance troupes, along with fire truck rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, art activities for children, Santa Claus, and the gingerbread contest display. Families, community groups and classrooms of school-age children have all made a tradition out of entering the gingerbread house contest every year, which typically receives more than 80 entries from bakers that range in age from under five to over 65. Many of the entries are donated to a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting our local Mount Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. Entry forms and rules can be downloaded from www.portofbellingham.com/gingerbreadcontest or by calling the Port at 360-676-2500. Hours are noon-8pm Fri., Dec. 6, 11am-6pm Sat., Dec. 7, and 11am-5pm Sun., Dec. 8. More info: 360- 676-2500 or www.portofbellingham.com.

Olde Fashioned Christmas in Ferndale – Pioneer Park’s 15 historic cabins glow with tiny lights as volunteers of the Ferndale Heritage Society host the 21st annual Olde Fashioned Christmas in Ferndale (2004 Cherry St.) from Dec. 6-8. Enjoy holiday displays, crafts, music, wagon rides, shopping, and treats. Bring your own camera for a visit with Santa. Hours: Fri., Dec. 6, 5-9pm; Sat., Dec. 7, 1-9pm; and Sun., Dec. 8, 1-4pm. Tickets: $4 adults, $3 children. Info: 360-384-6461 or www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com.

Tree Lighting Ceremony – Join family, friends and neighbors on Fri., Dec. 6 for the downtown Bellingham holiday tree lighting ceremony followed by the monthly Downtown Art Walk. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:30pm at the Depot Market Square. Festivities include the lighting of a holiday tree, special guest

(continued on page 6)

www.skagitsymphony.com


Mayor Kelli Linville, community carolers, Santa Claus himself, and refreshments provided by The Woods Coffee. The Downtown Art Walk follows from 6-10pm for a full evening of seasonal fun in downtown Bellingham. Info: 360-527-8710 or www.downtownbellingham.com.

Breakfast with Santa – Meet the Jolly Old Elf himself while enjoying a hearty pancake breakfast on Sat., Dec. 7 from 9-11am at the Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center, 2600 Squalicum Pkwy. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with all the little boys and girls to hear their last minute Christmas wishes. Photos will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit subsidized childcare at the Center. Tickets may be purchased at www.bellinghamchildcare.com. Admission is $6 adults / $4 children. More info: 360-676-0950.

Children’s Holiday Gift Bazaar – Bring the whole family to shop for handmade crafts and treats made by school age children (grades K-5). Space is limited and registration is required. There will be a bazaar at the Lynden Library, Sat., Dec. 7, 10:30am-12:30pm, and at the Deming Library, Sat., Dec. 14, 10:30am-12:30pm. More info: 360-305-3600.

Santa is Coming to Bellingham, And He’ll Sign Your Book! – Of course we all know that Santa comes to Bellingham every year. But this year there’s a book just about his visits to Bellingham. Santa has loaded up his sleigh and, with the help of one red-nosed reindeer, will soar over rooftops in Bellingham neighborhoods, including Birchwood, York, Silver Beach, Happy Valley and, of course, Fairhaven. Join us at Village Books on Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14 from 11am-noon for a special visit with Santa. He’ll sign the book, Santa is Coming to Bellingham, and will be handing out a treat to those who visit. For kids of all ages, we hope you’ll stop by our store to get this fun keepsake book signed by Santa himself. Info: www.villagebooks.com.

Photos with the Grinch – Come have your picture taken with the Grinch in Village Books’ Readings Gallery. Digital images will be taken by local photographer Tim Chandonnet and will be available for $10 and proceeds benefit Blue Skies for Children. Dates and times: Sat., Dec. 7, 12-5pm; Sun., Dec. 8, 12-5pm; Sat., Dec. 14, 12-5pm, Sun., Dec. 15, 12-5pm. Interested in being a Grinch who helps out Blue Skies for Children? Tim may still need volunteers to don the Grinch costume and pose with families, kids and pets. Contact Tim at [email protected]. More info: www.villagebooks.com.

Classes for Kids at Launching Success Learning Store – Launching Success Learning Store will be host the following free classes for kids in December: Kids Kreate!, Sat., Dec. 7, ages 5 and up, 1-2pm; Lego® Play, Sat., Dec. 14, ages 5-10, 1-2pm. Launching Success Learning

Store is located at 133 Prince Ave., Bellingham. More info: 360-527-2641 or www.launchingsuccess.com.

Winter Ice Skating Show – The Bellingham Figure Skating Club proudly presents its 16th annual winter show entitled “The Night Before Christmas,” for two performances: Sat., Dec. 7 at 4pm and Sun., Dec. 8 at 1:30pm at the Bellingham Sportsplex, 1225 Civic Field Way. Under the artistic direction of Karlyn Hungate and Krista Vagen, this year’s show features more than 20 skaters who are eagerly anticipating the delights of Christmas. New this year! Santa is planning to visit and take pictures with kids. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for our Toys for Tots drive and receive a free ticket for our fabulous gift basket raffle! Tickets are $7 advance or $9 at the door and are available at the Sportsplex box office. Children 5 and under are free. More info: www.bfsc.info or 360-676-1919.

Christmas is for Kids! (of All Ages) – Enjoy hands-on crafts and cookie decorating at the Skagit County Historical Museum (501 S. 4th St., La Conner) on Sun., Dec. 8 from 11am-5pm. Mrs. Claus will be visiting and reading stories! Admission is $5 adults / $4 seniors and children 6-12 / children under 6 free / $10 families / members free. More info: 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounty.net.

Winter Art Camps at BellinghamART – A great way for children and teens to create art over the holiday break. Everyone will use their creativity, learn new skills, and have fun drawing, painting, and sculpting. Each camp follows a creative winter theme and includes all materials, tools, and a daily snack. The youngest artists will also enjoy daily narrated stories and music. Camps run the week of Dec. 30-Jan. 3. Cost for ages 4 to 5: three days, 10am-12pm, $85. Cost for ages 5 1/2 to 12: four days, 9am-noon or 1-4pm, $148. Cost for teens: four days, 1-4pm, $148. BellinghamART is located at 1701 Ellis St. More info and to register: 360-738-8379, [email protected] or www.bellinghamart.com.

”Charlotte’s Web: The Musical” – Join The Neighborhood Playhouse at the Bellingham Theatre Guild (1600 H St.) in January for E.B. White’s timeless story of Wilbur, a runty piglet who is sheltered by two very special friends, Fern and Charlotte. The whole family will enjoy this musical by Joseph Robinette and Charles Strouse (Bye Bye Birdie; Annie) as each character explores what it means to be needed, to be loyal, to be a friend. Performances will be held: Sat., Jan. 4 at 7pm; Sun., Jan. 5 at 2pm; Fri., Jan. 10 at 7pm (PJ Night); Sat., Jan 11 at 2pm & 5pm; and Sun., Jan. 12 at 2pm. Tickets available at Village Books and at www.brownpapertickets.com. Admission is $8-$12. More info: 360-961-2213 or www.theneighborhoodplayhouse.net.

(continued from page 5)

www.theneighborhoodplayhouse.net

www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com

www.redcross.org


by Michelle Wallace“Peace of the Quiet Earth.” “Love

Grows Here.” “Find Peace from Within.” Phrases such as these adorn Bellingham artist Stephanie Burgess’ signature garden poles in her quirky hand-painted script. Recently, Burgess’ art has taken off on a national level; multiple retailers are currently selling garden decorations that sport her designs, and a wide range of home products are in the works. But Burgess has remained true to her roots, continuing to craft every one of her peace-related designs on real wood planks. This month, the first-ever showing of her original wooden pole art – which is digitally scanned to create the popular garden poles – will open in La Conner.

“I’m kind of an old ex-hippie,” Burgess admits as she explains how she found her niche in painted-wood peace art. In 2010, she was making her way as an artist with a hodgepodge of products, from painted-wood game boards to tiny rocking chairs. When she stumbled upon a traditional “Peace Pole” – which, as part of a project by The World Peace Prayer Society (worldpeace.org), spreads a message of peace in multiple languages – she knew she had found a focus for her art. Her self-described “groovy” style created a new twist on the traditional Peace Pole, and Burgess soon expanded her repertoire to include more general “Art Poles,” which display lightheartedly poetic phrases such as “Deep Peace of the Flowing Water” and lyrics from John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” Sometimes, Burgess includes these additional phrases next to the traditional message of peace that appears on Peace Poles around the world.

A free artist reception from 4:30-7pm on Saturday, December 7 will kick off the debut of Burgess’ original pole art at La Conner’s Earthenworks Gallery (713 S. First St.). Painted on wooden planks up to 75 inches tall, Burgess’ original designs are now being faithfully reproduced on garden poles and other products–some of which are also available locally at Garden Spot Nursery, Paper Dreams, and A Lot of

Flowers, according to Burgess. Guests can meet the artist at the opening reception, which requires no reservations to attend. Refreshments will also be served at the event, after which Earthenworks Gallery will continue to carry and feature Burgess’ art.

Burgess has lived in the Pacific Northwest for two decades, and continues to craft peace-inspired paintings on wood from her home workshop in Bellingham. She maintains the view that each wooden canvas she obtains is unique, and meticulously crafts each of her designs around the so-called “imperfections” (like knots, cracks and grooves) that she finds in the wooden planks she paints on. Burgess’ creative process includes burning, carving, and using bright colors to create a look that’s centered both on

natural beauty and lighthearted quirkiness. “One of the things that speaks to me about my work,” Burgess explains,

“is that it is very simple and childlike, yet elegant and very deep in its message.” Partly for this reason, Burgess often works with her grade-school-age daughter, Izze, to choose colors, shapes and words for her spirited designs.

The simple messages in Burgess’ designs, which she feels lucky to now share nationwide, have always been rooted in themes of peace, family, community and the earth. She is looking forward to sharing her original work with her local community right here in Northwest Washington. To learn more about Stephanie Burgess and the premiere showing of her original garden pole artwork,

visit www.paintedpeace.com , www.earthenworksgallery.com or call Earthenworks Gallery at 360-466-4422.

Photos by Jeff Aspnes.

Rooted in Peace: Stephanie Burgess’ Original Wood Art

Bellingham-based artist, Stephanie Burgess, creates original wood-art designs

bearing messages of peace, family, community and the earth.

Burgess’ bright array of garden poles are decorated with simple, peace-inspired messages such as “Love Blooms Here.” Many of Burgess’ designs are for traditional “Peace Poles,” which

express a message of peace in multiple languages.

www.chuckanutbaygallery.com


Allied Arts Holiday Festival – The 34th Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts is a multi-week festival featuring affordable, locally handmade products ranging from jewelry, paintings, wearable art, specialty foods, and repurposed art. Weekend events feature live local music, artist demos, and fun youth art projects. Open weekly in December, Wed.-Sun., from 10am-6pm, plus Mon., Dec. 23, 10am-6pm, and Tues., Dec. 24, 10am-3pm, at the former Mayberry’s, 1825 Cornwall Ave. (next to Woodsmiths). Free admission. Special demos will be held on the following dates: Clarissa Callesen, Mixed Media Ornaments, Sat., Dec. 14, 10-11am, $3; Beth Anderson, Quick Nature Collages, Sat., Dec. 21, 10:30-11:30am, free. More info: 360-676-8548, [email protected] or www.alliedarts.org.

Winter Group Show at Lucia Douglas Gallery – New work by Jano Argue, Robert Bell, Michael Clough, Ed Kamuda, Greg Laananen, Gene Lewis, Ene Lewis, Allen Moe, Peregrine O’Gormley, Tracy Powell, Tom Sherwood, Emily Wood, Thomas Wood, and Robin Wassong will be showing thorough Jan. 10 at the Lucia Douglas Gallery, 1415 13th St., Bellingham. Gallery will be closed Dec. 22- Jan. 5. Free admission. More info: 360-733-5361, [email protected] or www.luciadouglas.com.

Art Exhibit: “Variations on a Theme” by Linda Hughes – The elaborate glazing patterns on the functional stoneware of Linda Hughes will add vibrant color and design to your everyday life, as well as your holiday celebrations. Hughes’ work will be featured through December at Good Earth Pottery (1000 Harris Ave., Bellingham), with a reception for the artist on Fri., Dec. 6 from 5-8pm. Gallery hours are Mon.-Sat. from 11am-6pm and Sun. from noon-5pm. Open until 8pm on Fridays until Christmas. Info: 360- 671-3998, [email protected] or www.goodearthpots.com.

Artwood, a Gallery of Fine Woodworking – Artwood is full of handmade new pieces for “The Holiday Gift Show.” We have boxes, jewelry, tables, desks, rocking chairs and many, many other items to choose from for that special gift. Come to Artwood, browse, and enjoy the feel of wood! The gallery is open 7 days a week (Mon.-Sat., 11am-6pm; Sun., 11am-5pm) at 1000 Harris Ave. in Historic Fairhaven. More info: 360-647-1628, [email protected] or www.artwoodgallery.com.

’Tis the Season at the La Conner Quilt and Textile Musuem – Enjoy the Gaches Mansion (703 S. 2nd St., La Conner) dressed for the holidays with selections of seasonal quilts from the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum’s Permanent Collection. One of the quilts on display will be a red and white Log Cabin quilt; the top was made by Vina McGraw

in the 1930s and recently hand-quilted by the Guemes Island Women’s Fellowship. Also on display will be one of the oldest pieces in our collection, an 1840s Bethlehem Star, completely hand-pieced, hand-appliqued, and hand-quilted. Measuring over 9’ x 10’, it is one of the largest pieces in our collection. Quilts can be viewed through Sun., Dec. 29. • Continuing Exhibitions: Inspired to Design: Art Quilts by Elizabeth Barton through Dec. 29; and Abstracted Fibre Art Network Exhibition by the Fiber Art Network from Western Canada through Dec. 29. Open Wed.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Admission is $7 (includes all exhibits). More info: 360-466-4288, [email protected] or www.laconnerquilts.org.

Art Exhibit: Evan Whitehead – Native to Bellingham, Evan Whitehead grew up in the foothills of Whatcom County and the North Cascades Range calling Bellingham his forever home and Mt. Baker his “backyard” of natural beauty and internal inspiration. As a self-taught artist, Whitehead paints the familiar expressive landscapes of Mt. Baker, the surrounding Nooksack Valley foothills, and Mt. Shuksan in acrylic on a variety of display mediums, large and small, including canvas, murals, walls, rock, wood, or fences. Whitehead’s art will be on exhibit during regular business hours through Jan. 4 at Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, 601 W. Holly St., Bellingham. The artist will also discuss his work on Wed., Dec. 11 at 7pm. Free admission. More info: 360-752-3377 or [email protected].

Fairhaven Holiday Festival – The Old Fairhaven Association invites you to enjoy the holiday season in a relaxed and charming atmosphere. The Annual Fairhaven Holiday Festival runs through Dec. 21 offering merry enticements across the district. Throughout the season, Historic Fairhaven will continue to put the jolly in your holiday season with many businesses staying open late on Fridays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20. On Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 from noon-3pm, enjoy carriage rides and visits with Santa Claus at the Fairhaven Village Inn, plus carolers around the district. All of this happens under thousands of twinkling lights to put the enchantment in your holiday season. More info: www.fairhaven.com.

Art on a Small Scale – Come to Fourth Corner Frames & Gallery (311 W. Holly St., Bellingham) this holiday season for a little art that is just the right size for gift giving! Featuring amazing Prismacolor & ink drawings by Myron Zorger as well as works by local favorites Laurie Potter, Laurel Baldwin and Rob Vetter. Small scale – big talent! More info: 360-734-1340 or [email protected].

Life in the Odd Lane: The Art of L. Houston – Art for the strange and confused will be on display from L.

www.goodearthpots.com

www.WhatcomArtMarket.org

www.uptownart.com/bellingham


Houston at the Conway Muse throughout December. It’s a bolt of color that won’t blow away. Free admission. More info: 360-757-6289 or www.conwaymuse.com.

Clay Club – Clay Club will be held on Tuesdays in December (3, 10 & 17) from 6-9pm at Baker Creek Ceramic Studio, 4058 Hammer Dr., Bellingham. Bring your ideas for your own clay projects, use studio equipment to build your pieces and get peer support, advice and feedback. Please bring your own tools, a hand towel and plastic to cover your work in progress. Clay Club members get one private shelf for work in progress and tools as long as they are enrolled. Clay and tools are available for purchase. Cost is $69. More info: 360- 393-5458, [email protected] or www.bakercreekceramics.com.

Ceramic Artist Holiday Potluck – All local ceramic artists are invited to gather at Baker Creek Ceramic Studio (4058 Hammer Dr., Bellingham) for our holiday potluck on Thurs., Dec. 5 at 6pm. Bring your favorite dish and a beverage and meet other ceramic artists! Free admission. More info: 360-393-5458, [email protected] or www.bakercreekceramics.com.

Pacific Arts Holiday Market – Pacific Arts Market is celebrating over 17 years as an established holiday craft show. For the first three full weekends in December, artists and the community will convene in a unique shopping environment to buy local and independent arts and crafts and meet the makers behind the products. All artists hail from the Northwest and will be present at the show to discuss their trade with savvy local shoppers! The Pacific Arts Holiday Market will be open on Dec. 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22 from 10am-6pm at the former Sportsman’s Chalet, 114 W. Holly St., Bellingham. Open late on Fri., Dec. 6 for the Downtown Art Walk. Free. More info: [email protected] or www.pacificartsmarket.com.

Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show – This show will feature work from nearly 100 Allied Arts members, including professional artists, students, and new or emerging artists. Works presented will range from traditional paintings to photography to contemporary sculptures and everything in between. In honor of the miniature theme, all pieces will be no bigger than 6 inches in any direction. The show will be open Fri., Dec. 6, Tues.-Sat., Dec.10-14 & Tues.-Fri., Dec. 17-20, from 10am-5pm at the Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. Free. More info: 360-676-8548, [email protected] or www.alliedarts.org.

Art Showing and Wine Tasting – Join Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants (19 Prospect St.) on Fri., Dec. 6 from 6-10pm for a wine tasting during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk. We will be featuring six regional artists: Susie Wood, Scott Williams, Margaret Van Patten, Diane

Culhane, Thomas Wood, and Suzanne DeCuir. More info: 360-393-3271, [email protected] or www.sjwinemerchants.com.

December Gallery Walk – Join us for the Dec. 6 Gallery Walk from 6-9pm along Commercial Avenue in Old Town Anacortes. See our website for details, or call Kathy at 360-293-6938. Free admission. More info: 360-293-6938, [email protected] or www.anacortesart.com.

Downtown Bellingham Art Walk – The Downtown Art Walk on Fri., Dec. 6 exhibits the high quality of artists and the remarkable variety of venues present in downtown Bellingham. From 6-10pm on the first Friday of every month, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, studios and more keep their doors open to showcase a wide array of artwork by local and renowned visiting artists. The December Art Walk will feature work from many unique artists around town. We invite you to stroll through the streets of downtown, enjoying art, food and community! Free admission. More info: 360-527-8710, [email protected] or www.downtownbham.wordpress.com.

Dynamic Duo Debuts “Creatures of Comfort” – Honey Salon is proud to present “Creatures of Comfort” by Bellingham arts and crafts darlings Karie Jane Von Allmen and Liliana Franz. For their collaboration, Franz contributes her luxurious leather and fur pillows and home decor, complemented by the painstakingly intricate ink and gold leaf on paper drawing of Von Allmen. DJ, drinks, and holiday noshes will accompany the artist’s reception on Fri., Dec. 6 from 6-10pm at Honey Salon, 310 W. Holly St. Showcase on display during regular business hours


www.blaineharborartgallery.com

www.jansenartcenter.org

www.FurnitureBellingham.com


from Dec. 3-Feb. 6. Free admission. More info: 360-778-3858 or www.honeybellingham.com.

Trish Harding School of Art at Studio UFO – “Along the Way” opens Fri., Dec. 6, 6-10pm at Studio UFO, featuring new oil paintings by Trish Harding. This work was painted en plein air both locally and “along the way” to each place Tom and Trish stopped along the way to New Mexico. These are great Christmas ideas for the person who has everything but a Trish Harding original! Live music by Tom Harding throughout the evening. • There will also be an opening reception for “Ghost Ranch” featuring new pastels by Molly Mae Harding, at Bayou on Bay’s Oyster Bar on Fri., Dec. 6, 6-9pm, during the Art Walk. The show will be up through December. • Open Studio Painting (any medium) with Trish Harding, Wed. (Dec. 4, 11, 18) or Thurs. (Dec. 5, 12, 19), 10am-3pm, $135 for all three Wed. or Thurs., or $50 for one session; you must specify dates (no refunds or rollovers). • Laurel Baldwin shows recent acrylic paintings at WECU Fairhaven Branch. Kelcey Bates will show at DIS beginning in January. • Info: 360-319-6115, email [email protected] or visit www.studioufo.net. Bay Street Village, 301 W. Holly St., Suite M-4, Bellingham.

Winter Celebration of the Arts – The Waterfront Artists, they of varied art

genres, invite you into their studios for their Winter Celebration of the Arts during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk on Fri., Dec. 6 from 6-10pm at 1220 Central Ave. on Bellingham’s waterfront. While at the Waterfront Artists’ Studios, make a point to listen in at the studio of sonic artist Brian Hughes, whose album “Between Empires” won the Zoney Award for Best Electronic Album of 2012. Free.

”Wreaths With Aretha” – The wreath as an art form will be the focus of The Lucky Monkey’s December art show; couple this with recorded music by the Queen of Soul, and you have “Wreaths With Aretha,” opening Fri., Dec. 6 at 6:30pm during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk. This is a group mixed-media show and sale of unique, hand-crafted, locally-made wreaths. The Lucky Monkey is located at 312 W. Champion St. Free admission. More info: 360-223-2743 or [email protected].

Annual WWU Industrial Design (ID) Fundraiser – Mindport Exhibits (210 W. Holly St., Bellingham) is excited to present the annual WWU ID Fundraiser during December’s Downtown Bellingham Art Walk on Fri., Dec. 6 from 7-10pm. All of WWU’s Industrial Design Society of America members will be participating, roughly 36 students. They are a group of aspiring industrial designers with the goal of fundraising to further their education

through travel to design firms across the Northwest. Each year they have had an impressive selection of innovative items for sale during this event, all designed and produced by the students. Free admission. More info: [email protected] , 360-647-5614 or www.mindport.org.

Holiday Art Market – Blaine Harbor Art Gallery artists will venture forth from their online gallery to show their work at the Holiday Art Market, part of Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights Festival, on Sat., Dec. 7 from 10am-7pm and Sun., Dec. 8 from noon-5pm. The gallery store will be located in the former Goff’s Store, 674 Peace Portal Dr. in downtown Blaine. Blaine Harbor Art Gallery is an online gallery featuring artists from the Blaine area who work in fine arts, ceramics and glass, fiber art, fine woodworking, jewelry and photography. Free admission. More info: [email protected] or www.blaineharborartgallery.com.

Holiday Open House – Join Morrison Glass Art Studio and our new neighbor Green Frog Glass Store on Sat., Dec. 7 from 10am-4pm as we celebrate the holidays with an open house. Live glassblowing demonstrations and fabulous stained and fused glass creations! Morrison Glass Art Studio is located at 2111 Lincoln St., Bellingham. Free admission. More info: 360-714-8732, [email protected] or www.morrisonglassart.com.


www.studioufo.net

http://www.artwoodgallery.com

www.RenaissanceCelebration.com


Tap Dance Classes with Lynnette Allen – Adult Beginners 1 Tap, Fridays, noon-1pm; Adult Beginners 2 Tap, Fridays, 1-2pm; Intermediate Tap, Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm. Come and enjoy music that makes you want to dance, tap vocabulary made easy to learn, and choreography that’s easy to remember. Classes will be held at Bell Tower Studios, 1430 N. Garden St., Bellingham. No classes during Christmas vacation. Cost is first class free / $50 per month / add a class $25 per month. More info and to register: 360-714-9305, [email protected] or www.lynnetteallen.com.

Thursday Evening Folk Dance – The Fourth Corner Folkdancers meet on Thursdays in December (5, 12, 19 & 26) from 7:15-10pm at the Fairhaven Branch Library, 1117 12th St., Bellingham. All ages are welcome, and no experience or partners are needed. The focus is on traditional dances from Eastern Europe, Greece, Israel and Turkey. We have our own band and a large collection of traditional ethnic dance music. Teaching and tutoring are available. Admission is $5 suggested donation / first time and students free. More info: 360-380-0456.

Ballet Bellingham Presents “The Nutcracker” – Prepare to be transported on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on Fri., Dec. 6 at 7:30pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Choreographed by Artistic Director Jessica Crook, with gorgeous costumes and beautiful dancing to the classic Tchaikovsky score, this is a production sure to bring out the child in everyone. Tickets are on sale now at the Mount Baker Theatre ticket office. Admission is $20 general / $15 seniors and students. More info: 360-734-6080, www.mountbakertheatre.com or www.balletbellingham.com.

Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker” – With a talented cast of over 100 dancers, Northwest Ballet Theater’s magnificent production brings to life the timeless holiday masterpiece. NBT’s annual tradition features beautiful scenic backdrops made in Russia, classical tutus made by professional seamstresses in New

York, and exciting set pieces and technical effects that create an unforgettable theater experience. Performances will be held: Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7 at 7:30pm at Nooksack High School (3326 E. Badger Rd., Everson, 360-714-1246); Sat., Dec. 14 at 7:30pm and Sun., Dec. 15 at 2pm at the Mount Baker Theatre (104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360-734-6080); and Sat., Dec. 21 at 7:30pm and Sun., Dec. 22 at 2pm at McIntyre Hall (2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, 360-416-7727). Admission is $15-$30. Info: [email protected] or www.northwestballet.org.

”The Nutcracker” – Skagit Valley Academy of Dance will present “The Nutcracker” on Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7 at 7:30pm and Sun., Dec. 8 at 2pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” has inspired young dancers since its beginning with the original choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanon in 1892. Admission is $20-$37. More info: 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Traditional Jazz – Dance to the New Orleans / Dixieland music of the Crescent City Shakers on Sat., Dec. 7, 2-5pm, at the VFW Hall, 625 N. State St. in Bellingham. Presented by the Bellingham Traditional Jazz Society. Featuring fine acoustics, large wooden dance floor, snacks and beverages. Admission: $10 members / $6 students / $12 general. More info: 360-734-2973 or www.btjs.webs.com.

All You Need is Love: Dance Party to Support Meals on Wheels – The Whatcom Meals on Wheels Program is hosting a benefit dance party on Sat., Dec. 7 from 7-10pm at the Bellingham Activity Center (BSAC) with music from The Walrus. Prepare to have a great time dressing up in your best sixties outfit and dancing like there is no tomorrow! The Walrus is one of the Northwest’s favorite bands with vocally rich and intricate arrangements. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Whatcom Meals on Wheels Program. The BSAC is located at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. Admission is $20 at the door / $15 advance purchase at


Create a Painting – Looking for something completely different and exciting? Come to Uptown Art Studio (23 Bellwether Way, #101, Bellingham) on Sat., Dec. 7 from 3-5pm or 7-9pm and create a painting in a fun, social setting. The safe, relaxed atmosphere – guided by two trained artists – insures an unforgettable experience. At the end of the session, take home your completed painting. Discover your artist within while creating precious, shared memories with friends and family – or meet new friends! To add to the festivities, wine and beer are included for adults over 21! No experience necessary. Check website for other classes and to choose your painting. Cost is $39.95, which includes beer, wine, and all supplies. More info: www.uptownart.com/bellingham.

Art Exhibit: Jean Behnke – Using methods of relief printing, casting and assemblage, Jean Behnke presents new work for her exhibit at Gallery Cygnus (109 Commerical St., La Conner), which can be viewed through Dec. 22 during regular gallery hours (Fri.-Sun., noon-5pm). An opening reception will be held Sat., Dec. 7, 5-8pm in conjunction with the Skagit Valley Art Escape. More info: 360-708-4787, [email protected] or www.gallerycygnus.com.

J&L Holiday Art Show – Come and enjoy the 2013 J&L Holiday Art Show on Fri. & Sat., Dec. 13 & 14 from 11am-6pm and Sun., Dec. 15 from 9am-4pm at the Hampton Inn Fox Hall, 3985 Bennett Dr., Bellingham. We have 30 artists in all mediums to assist in your holiday shopping, featuring paintings, photos, fused glass, woodworking, jewelry, drums, ceramics, pottery, textile, bears and so much more! Come enjoy the holiday spirit with local NW artists and pick out that unique holiday present. Free admission. More info: 360-708-3170 or www.facebook.com/JLArtShow.

Make A Silver Ring Workshop – Enjoy spending a day designing and making a personalized, sterling silver ring on Sat., Dec. 14 from 11am-5pm at the Bellingham Metal Arts Guild, 2620 N. Harbor Loop Dr., Suite #6, Bellingham. In a creative and nurturing setting, you will learn basic jewelry skills including sawing, soldering, texturing and forming metal. No experience needed; open to adults 18 and older. Cost is $85 plus $15 materials fee. More info: 360-201-0236, [email protected] or www.BellinghamMetalArtsGuild.org.

Jansen Art Center is offering the following workshop in December: Fold Form Bracelet Workshop, Sun., Dec. 15, 11am-4pm, $65. Instructor: Judith Gauthier. Jansen Art Center is located at 321 Front St., Lynden. More info: 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org.

www.wwu.edu/theatredance/events.shtml


BSAC or at www.brownpapertickets.com. Info: 360-733-4030 or [email protected].

Holiday Ball with USA Dance Bellingham – Come to the Presence Studio (1412 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham) for a semi-formal holiday dance on Sat., Dec. 7. A waltz lesson will be taught from 7-8pm, with the dance from 8-10pm. Enjoy our new location! Singles and beginners always welcome. Refreshments provided. Admission is $10 general / $7 members and students. More info: 360-734-5676, [email protected] or www.bellinghamusadance.com.

Aerial Showcase – Join the Bellingham Circus Guild on Sat., Dec. 7 at 8pm at The Cirque Lab (1401 6th St., Suite 102) for a show featuring all local aerialists and their favorite work from this year. Admission is $10 suggested donation. More info: [email protected] or www.bellinghamcircusguild.com.

International Folk Dancing – Enjoy learning and dancing dances from the Balkans, Scandinavia, Celtic countries and other lands on Tuesdays (Dec. 10, 17, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28) from 7-9:30pm at Bayview Civic Hall, 12615 C St. Everyone welcome, including beginners. No partners needed. Folk dancing is the only form of aerobic exercise where, when you are through, your face hurts from grinning. Admission is first time free, then $3. More info: 360-766-6866, [email protected] or www.skagitdancers.org.

Western Line Dancing – Western Line Dance classes will be held Fridays in December (13 & 20) at the Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Rd., Lynden. New beginners start at 5:45pm (for 45 minutes), beginners 1 from 6:30-7:30pm, and intermediate from 7:30-8:30pm. We

dance the oldies to the latest club dances. Mostly country with a little bit of rock and soul. Ages 16 and up. No partner or experience needed. This is an upbeat class and a lot of fun. Leather-soled shoes are best to dance in; tennis shoes are acceptable, but do not slide well on the floor. Great exercise! Admission is $5. More info: 360-354-4325, [email protected] or www.facebook.com/LyndenLineDancers.

”Night Before Christmas” – A Gift of Dance presents our fall production of “The Night Before Christmas” Fri. & Sat., Dec. 13 & 14 at 7pm at Lynden Christian WFAC. Contemporary, ballet, hip hop and many more styles of dance will be showcased. Tickets on sale now: general admission tickets $9, reserved tickets $12! You can find us online at www.agiftofdance.org , 1897 Front St. in Lynden, and on Facebook! Call 360-318-3511 or email [email protected] for more info.

“Saving ChristmasTown” – The Dance Studio presents an original production of “Saving ChristmasTown” Fri. & Sat., Dec. 13 & 14 at 7pm, and Sat. & Sun., Dec. 14 & 15 at 2pm at the Bellingham High School Theater. Tickets ($12) are on sale at The Dance Studio and Katie’s Cupcakes in Fairhaven. This is a fun and energetic dance production with singing and acting for the whole family! Join us before the show for pictures with Santa! • Classes are in session for ballet, ballet technique, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary/lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, adagio and creative for ages 3 to adult, beginning to advanced levels. More info: visit us at 1820 Cornwall Ave., call 360-734-1595, or go online to www.thedancestudio.net.

Contra Dance – Come join us for an evening of contra dance on Sat., Dec. 14

at 7pm at the Fairhaven Public Library, featuring Ms. Behavin’. No experience necessary; no partner needed; no fragrances please. Beginner instruction first half hour. The Fairhaven Public Library is located at 1117 12th St., Bellingham. Admission is $8-$10 ($6 students). Info: 360-676-1554 or [email protected].

Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him – Dancing For Joy presents Nativity: We Danced Our Best for Him on Fri. & Sat., Dec. 20 & 21 at 6:30pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. The true meaning of the season is shared through this spirit-filled, local rendition of Christ’s birth. Dance styles include jazz, lyrical, modern and ballet. Admission is $12-$15. Tickets at: www.mountbakertheatre.com or 360-734-6080. More info: www.dancing4joy.org.

”The Giftmaker’s Workshop” – Day-to-Day Dance and Whatcom Fitness present “The Giftmaker’s Workshop” on Sat., Dec. 21 at 6:30pm at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Blue Skies for Children. People of all ages will enjoy this holiday delight! Admission is $8 adults / $3 kids / under 2 free; tickets available at the door. More info: 360-332-8167, [email protected] or www.daytodaydance.com.

New Year’s Eve Contra Dance – Bellingham Country Dance Society New Year’s Eve Gala Dance will be held on Tues., Dec. 31 from 8pm-1am at Norway Hall, 1419 Forest St., Bellingham. Live band and caller. Party favors and drinks provided. Alcohol free. Bring finger food to share. No partner needed; no experience necessary. Put your party clothes on and dance into the new year! Admission is $15 adults / $10 students / free 12 and under. Info: [email protected] , 360-676-1554, www.bellinghamcountrydance.org.

New Year’s Eve Dance: Midnight in Paris – Ring in the New Year with BDC! Desserts, champagne, balloon drop, music, and most of all, dancing! An elegant, formal way to say goodbye to one year and dance in the new. Join us on Tues., Dec. 31, 8pm-1am, at Bellingham Dance Company, 1705 N. State St. Buy your tickets early as space is limited. Tickets are $20 (before Dec. 25) / $25. More info: [email protected] , www.bellinghamdancecompany.com or 360-224-4082.


www.thedancestudio.net

www.ennw.info

NEW: Submit your event info online at www.ennw.info/submit-an-event/. Thank you! 13

CALENDARDECEMBER 2013

SUNDAY 12/1/2013Community Monthly Breakfast, Rome Grange,

8am-1pm, $5 adults / $2 kids 6-10 / free 5 and under, 360-739-9605.

Women’s Voices NW, Spark Museum of Electrical Invention’s KMRE Radio 102.3 FM, 9-10am, free, 360-223-3252, www.sparkmuseum.org. (pg. 4)

Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave. (former Mayberry’s, next to Woodsmiths), 10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)

Kirtan Singing Celebration, Anacortes Center for Happiness, 10:30am-noon, by donation, [email protected] , www.anacortescenterforhappiness.org or 360-464-2229. (pg. 31)

Hilltop Holiday Craft Sale, Skagit County Historical Museum, 11am-5pm, free, 360-466-3365, [email protected] or www.skagitcounty.net. (pg. 29)

Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, 11am-12:15pm, free. (pg. 31)

Socrates Cafe, Village Books Mezzanine, 11:30am-1pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Crafting for a Better Bellingham, Apple Yarns, 1-4pm, free, [email protected] , 360-756-9992 or www.appleyarns.com. (pg. 29)

Docent Tours of “Vanishing Ice,” Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 1pm & 2pm.

Imago Theatre: Frogz, McIntyre Hall , 2pm, $25, 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 26)

”Inspecting Carol,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 2pm, $14 adults / $12 seniors and students / $8 children, www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com , [email protected] or 360-733-1811. (pg. 26)

TAG presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” Lincoln Theatre, 2pm, $24 / $20 / $10, www.lincolntheatre.org. (pg. 26)

”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 2pm, $10 adult / $12 senior / $10 student / $8 child, f360-354-4425, [email protected] or www.clairevgtheatre.com. (pg. 26)

World AIDS Day Forum, Tarro Theatre, 2-4pm, free (donations requested), 360-416-7655. (pg. 30)

Author Reads: “The Columbia River: An Historical Travel Guide” by JoAnn Roe, Village Books, 4pm, www.villagebooks.com or 360-671-2626.

Bellingham Laughter Club, Downtown Food Co-op Connections Building, 4-5pm, free, 360-734-4989, [email protected]. (pg. 4)

Bellwether Sunday Jazz on the Bay: Stirred Not Shaken, Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 4:30-7:30pm, no cover, 360-392-3100.

Gary B’s Church of the Blues (blues jam), Castle Bar and Grill in Sedro-Woolley, 6-10pm, suggested donation $2 or 2 cans of food for the food bank, 360-855-2263.

Auditions: BTG Musical Birthday Bash Revue, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 7pm, free, 360-733-1811, [email protected] or bellinghamtheatreguild.com. (pg. 26)

MONDAY 12/2/2013Mount Baker Theatre Education Program

presents “Doktor Kaboom!,” Mount Baker Theatre, 10am or 12:15pm, $5 ($6.50 for Bellingham School District students), 360-734-6080, www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 4)

NSC Weekly Walk, Taylor Dock, 10-10:30am, free, 360-393-3982. (pg. 4)

Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon, free. (pg. 29)

Whatcom Knitting Guild Monthly Meeting, Squalicum Yacht Club, noon-3pm, free, 971-645-6515, [email protected]. (pg. 29)

Comics and Animation Club (grades 6-12), Blaine Library, 3-4pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 4)

Whatcom Learning Lab Reading Tutoring, Northwest Baptist Church, 3-5pm, sliding scale fee, [email protected] , 360-371-3978 or WhatcomLearningLab.org. (pg. 4)

An Evening of Music @ the Barkley Branch Library featuring the Zephyr Recorder Consort, 6-7pm, free, 360-778-7290.

Cooking Class: Fast and Easy Holiday Appetizers, Culinary Creations, 6-8:30pm, $40, 360-746-8425, [email protected]. (pg. 25)

YA Read! (Book Discussion Group) for readers of teen literature: “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein, Bellingham Central Library Teen Space, 6-7pm, free, 360-778-7231 (Jennifer), [email protected].

Cuban Salsa Class with Rumba Northwest, Bell Tower Studio, 6:30-7:45pm, $12 adults / $8 students (punch cards available), 360-595-7369, [email protected] or www.rumbanorthwest.com.

Auditions: BTG Musical Birthday Bash Revue, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 7pm. (pg. 26)

VB Reads … General Literature: “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter (author not attending), Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Whatcom Community College Fall Choir Concert, Heiner Auditorium, 7:30pm, free, 360-676-0266, [email protected]. (pg. 31)

Pretty Little Feet (old-time fiddle), Honey Moon, 8:30-11pm, free, www.honeymoonmeads.com.

TUESDAY 12/3/2013Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)Gentle Yoga Class with Joani, Jazzercise,

10:45-11:45am, $10 per class, 360-656-6699, www.yogawithJoani.com or [email protected]. (pg. 24)

Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)

Minecraft for Teens, Lynden Library, 2:30-4:30pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 5)

BTC Program Information Session: Electrician, Bellingham Technical College, Bldg. G 102A, 3:30-4:30pm, free, [email protected], 360-752-8396 or www.btc.ctc.edu. (pg. 4)

College Students Unite: Social Knitting/Crochet Circle, Apple Yarns, 4-6pm, free. (pg. 29)

Clay Club begins (1st of 3 classes), Baker Creek Ceramic Studio, 6-9pm, $69, 360-393-5458, [email protected] or www.bakercreekceramics.com. (pg. 9)

Tuesday Bingo, Elks Club, 6:15-8:45pm, $11. (pg. 5)

VB Writes ... Nonfiction Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 6:15-8:15pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Author Reads & Slideshow: “More, Faster, Backwards: Rebuilding David B” by Christine Smith, Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Hosted by WWU AS Productions, Mount Baker Theatre, 7:30pm, $9 general / $6 students, 360-734-6080, [email protected] or www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 28)

Heidi Muller & Bob Webb CD Release Concert, Roeder Home, 7:30pm, $10 adults / $5 children under 12, 304-382-9422 or [email protected]. (pg. 31)

Skagit Community Band presents A Celebration of the Season, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $15 adults / $10 seniors / $5 students and children, www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 31)

Jazz Project Jazz Jam, Boundary Bay Brewery, 8:30-11:30pm, free, 360-650-1066, [email protected] or www.jazzproject.org. (pg. 31)

happy holidays fromEntertainment News Northwest



WEDNESDAY 12/4/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Ferndale Toddler Time, Boys & Girls Club of

Ferndale, 10-11:30am, suggested donation of $2 per child / $5 per family, 360-671-3660, [email protected] or www.wcel.net. (pg. 5)

Genealogy Assistance (for adults), Bellingham Central Library Genealogy Alcove, 10am-2pm, free, 360-778-7323.

Winter Book Sale, Bellingham Central Public Library, 10am-6pm, free, 360-778-7250, [email protected].

Bellingham High School Showstoppers Holiday Concert, Trinity Lutheran Church, 10:30am, free, [email protected] , 360-671-0252, www.bellinghammusicclub.org. (pg. 31)


Free Crafting Demo, Stampadoodle & The Paper Cafe, noon-1pm, free, www.stampadoodle.com , 360-647-9663 or [email protected].

Home Schoolers Unite: Knit/Crochet Social Circle, Apple Yarns, 1-3pm, free. (pg. 29)

Whatcom Learning Lab Reading Tutoring, Northwest Baptist Church, 3-5pm, sliding scale fee, 360-371-3978. (pg. 4)

Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), Blaine & Sumas Libraries, 3:15-4:15pm, 360-305-3600.

Christmas Clay Magic Workshop (for kids 4-16), Jansen Art Center, 4-6pm, $25, 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org. (pg. 29)

Bellingham Ceili Club Session, Roeder Home, 6-9pm, free, [email protected] or www.bellinghamceiliclub.com. (pg. 31)

Bellingham Harborview Lions Fundraiser, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 6-10:30pm, $20, [email protected] or 360-303-7478. (pg. 30)

End of Life Choices Advance Care Planning / Advance Directive Workshop, Spring Creek Retirement & Assisted Living, 6:30-8pm, free, 360-788-6526, [email protected] or www.whatcomalliance.org. (pg. 24)

Birchwood Garden Club: Greenhouses, Garden Gear and Christmas Cheer, Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 7pm, free, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org. (pg. 25)

L.A. Salsa Class with Rumba Northwest, StudioZ, 7:30-8:45pm, $12 adults / $8 students (punch cards available), 360-595-7369, [email protected] or www.rumbanorthwest.com.

Mike Allen Quartet (MAQ) Jazz Series, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 7:30-9:30pm, $10, [email protected], 360-650-3133 or www.mikeallenjazz.com. (pg. 31-32)

Open Mic w/ Tad Kroening, Honey Moon, 8:30-11pm, free, www.honeymoonmeads.com.

THURSDAY 12/5/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Winter Book Sale, Bellingham Central Public

Library, 10am-6pm, free, 360-778-7250, [email protected].


Bellingham Jazz Singer Cheryl Jewell Headlines KPLU’s “Live Broadcast” Christmas Jazz Jam, Mary Baker Russell Music Center, noon-1pm, free, 253-535-7758, www.kplu.org. (pg. 32)

Brown Bag: Curator’s Tour of “Vanishing Ice” with Barbara Matilsky, Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 12:30pm, $5 Thurs. admission / Museum members free, www.whatcommuseum.org.

Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), Island Library, 2:30-3:30pm, 360-305-3600.

Bellingham High School (1961-63) Knitting Group, Apple Yarns, 3-5pm, free. (pg. 29)

Holiday Bell Making Workshop (for kids 4-16), Jansen Art Center, 4-6pm, $25. (pg. 29)

Live in the Piano Lounge: Cheryl Hodge (blues/jazz), Jansen Art Center’s Firehall Cafe, 5:30-7:30pm, free, [email protected] , 360-354-3600. (pg. 32)

The Crossing Guide Launch Party, Old World Deli, 5:30-7pm, free, 360-224-2387, [email protected].

VB Writes ... Poetry Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 5:30-7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

4-H Club and Project Leader Orientations, WSU Extension Office, 6-9pm, free, 360-676-6736, [email protected] or www.whatcom.wsu.edu. (pg. 28)

AHA! After Hours Art: Contemporary Native American Artists on Social and Environmental Issues, Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 6-8pm, free with $5 Thursday admission / Museum members free, www.whatcommuseum.org.

Ceramic Artist Holiday Potluck, Baker Creek Ceramic Studio, 6pm, free, 360-393-5458, [email protected] or www.bakercreekceramics.com. (pg. 9)

Introduction to Socks Knitting Class (1st of 3 classes), Apple Yarns, 6-7pm, $45, 360-756-9992, [email protected] or www.appleyarns.com. (pg. 29)

Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 6-8pm, free. (pg. 29)

Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Woman, Burlington Public Library, 7-9pm, free, 360- 755-0760, www.burlingtonwa.gov. (pg. 28)

Author Reads: “A Totem Pole History: The Work of Lummi Carver Joe Hillaire” with Gregory Fields (editor) and Felix Solomon, Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Prospective Parent Information Night, Pioneer Meadows Montessori School, 7-8pm, free, RSVP to 360-778-3681, www.pioneermeadowsschool.com. (pg. 5)

Thursday Evening Folk Dancing, Fairhaven Branch Library, 7:15-10pm, $5 donation requested / first time and students free, 360-380-0456. (pg. 11)

”Inspecting Carol,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 7:30pm. (pg. 26)

”The Monologue Project 8” (WWU Dept. of Theatre and Dance and Fairhaven Middle School), Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm, $8 general / $5 students with ID (cash or check only at the door), 360-650-7320, www.wwu.edu/theatre. (pg. 26)

Tocato Tango (traditional Argentinian tango mixed with classic jazz), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

FRIDAY 12/6/20137th Annual Homemade Arts & Crafts

Christmas Bazaar, Blaine Senior Center, 9am-4pm, free admission, 360-332-8040, [email protected] or www.blaineseniorcenter.com. (pg. 30)

Holiday Harbor Lights Festival, downtown Blaine, 9am-6pm, free admission, 360-332-4544, www.blaineholidayharborlights.com. (pg. 5)

Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave., 10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)

Blaine Holiday Book Sale, Blaine Library, 10am-6:30pm, 360-305-3600.

Friends of the Ferndale Library Holiday Open House, Book Sale, and Gift Bazaar, Ferndale Library, 10am-6pm, 360-305-3600.

Pacific Arts Holiday Market, former Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-9pm, www.pacificartsmarket.com. (pg. 9)

Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show, Allied Arts Gallery, 10am-5pm, free, [email protected] , 360-676-8548 or www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 9)


Gentle Yoga Class with Joani, Jazzercise, 10:45-11:45am, $10. (pg. 24)


Winter Wonderland Walk, The Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 11am-10pm, free, 360-733-6714, www.healthsupportcenter.org. (pg. 30)

23rd Annual Holiday Port Festival and 18th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, noon-8pm, free, www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport or 360-676-2500. (pg. 5)

3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, Lummi Gateway Center, noon-6pm, free, 360- 306-8554, www.LummiGatewayCenter.com. (pg. 29)

www.mountbakertheatre.com



Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Barkley Haggen Sing From the Heart, 2-3pm, free. (pg. 31)

The Dr. Is In: Knitting and Crochet Questions, Apple Yarns, 3-5pm, free. (pg. 29)

Artist Reception: Linda Hughes, Good Earth Pottery, 5-8pm. (pg. 8)

Olde Fashioned Christmas, Pioneer Park, Ferndale, 5-9pm, tickets $4 adults, $3 children, 360-384-6461, www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com. (pg. 5)

Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30pm, Depot Market Square, free, 360-527-8710, www.downtownbellingham.com. (pg. 5)

4-H Club and Project Leader Orientations, WSU Extension Office, 6-9pm. (pg. 28)

”Along the Way” by Trish Harding during Downtown Art Walk, Studio UFO, 6-10pm, free, 360-319-6115, [email protected] or www.studioufo.net. (pg. 10)

An Evening of Music @ the Fairhaven Branch Library featuring the Sehome High School Jazz Band at 6pm, Protea String Quartet at 7pm, and Rumba Northwest at 8pm, free, 360-778-7290.

Art Showing and Wine Tasting, Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants, 6-10pm, free, 360-393-3271, [email protected] or www.sjwinemerchants.com. (pg. 9)

December Gallery Walk, Old Town Anacortes, 6-9pm, free, 360-293-6938, [email protected] or www.anacortesart.com. (pg. 9)

Downtown Bellingham Art Walk, 6-10pm, free, [email protected] , www.downtownbham.wordpress.com or 360-527-8710. (pg. 9)

Dynamic Duo Debuts “Creatures of Comfort,” Honey Salon, 6-10pm, free, 360-778-3858, www.honeybellingham.com. (pg. 9)

Friday Night Writes Club for Teens at Village Books, 6-7pm, free, www.WhatcomYoungWriters.org.

Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Greenhouse, 6-9pm, free. (pg. 31)

Opening Reception: “Ghost Ranch” by Molly Mae Harding during Downtown Art Walk, Bayou on Bay’s Oyster Bar (1300 Bay St.), 6-9pm, free, [email protected] , 360-319-6115 or www.studioufo.net. (pg. 10)

Winter Celebration of the Arts, Waterfront Artists’ Studios, 6-10pm, free. (pg. 10)

”Wreaths With Aretha,” The Lucky Monkey, 6:30-9:30pm, free, 360-223-2743, [email protected]. (pg. 10)

Annual WWU Industrial Design Fundraiser, Mindport Exhibits, 7-10pm, free, 360-647-5614, [email protected] or www.mindport.org. (pg. 10)

Coast Salish Totem Poles with Prof. Greg Fields and Felix Solomon, Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 7pm, free, www.whatcommuseum.org.

The Lynden Choral Society: Handel’s “Messiah,” Third CRC, 514 Liberty St., Lynden, 7pm, suggested donation is $15 adult / $10 seniors / $5 children / $30 family, 360- 318-1723, [email protected]. (pg. 32)

Washington’s Legends of the Blues, Byrnes Performing Arts Center, 7pm, $15, 360-403-3448, www.arlingtonartscouncil.net. (pg. 32)

Whatcom Girls Chorus Performance, Trinity Lutheran Church, 7-9pm, donations for scholarship fund accepted, www.whatcomgirlschorus.com. (pg. 32)

Words @ the Works, The Works Studio Gallery, 7-9pm, free. (pg. 29)

Ballet Bellingham Presents “The Nutcracker,” Mount Baker Theatre, 7:30pm, $20 general / $15 seniors and students, 360-734-6080, [email protected] or www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 11)


Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” Nooksack High School, 7:30pm, $15-$30, 360-714-1246, [email protected] or www.northwestballet.org. (pg. 11)

Skagit Valley Academy of Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $20-$37, 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 11)

”Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller,” Meridian High School, 7:30-10pm, $12-$15, [email protected] or www.nwtg.org. (pg. 32)

TAG presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” Lincoln Theatre, 7:30pm, $24 / $20 / $10, www.lincolntheatre.org. (pg. 26)

”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 7:30pm. (pg. 26)

”The Monologue Project 8,” Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm, $8 / $5. (pg. 26)

B.J. Thomas, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Pacific Showroom, 8pm, $24-$28, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com. (pg. 32-33)

Faucher Four (jazz quartet), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

Music & Dancing with DJ Little, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

SATURDAY 12/7/20137th Annual Homemade Arts & Crafts

Christmas Bazaar, Blaine Senior Center, 9am-4pm. (pg. 30)

Breakfast with Santa, Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center, 9-11am, $6 adults / $4 children, 360-676-0950. (pg. 6)

Holiday Harbor Lights Festival, downtown Blaine, 9am-7pm, free admission, 360-332-4544, www.blaineholidayharborlights.com. (pg. 5)

Make It and Take It Grapevine Wreaths, Garden Spot Nursery, 9-10am, $35, 360-676-5480, [email protected] or www.garden-spot.com. (pg. 25)

Montessori Holiday Craft Market, Pioneer Meadows Montessori School, 9am-6pm, free, [email protected] or www.montessoricraftmarket.com. (pg. 30)

3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, Lummi Gateway Center, 10am-4pm. (pg. 29)


Bellingham Farmers Market, Depot Market Square, 10am-3pm, free, 360-647-2060, www.bellinghamfarmers.org.

Blaine Holiday Book Sale, Blaine Library, 10am-6:30pm, 360-305-3600.

Christmas Crafts and Cookies Fair, Ferndale Senior Activity Center, 10am-4pm, free, 360- 384-6244, [email protected] or www.ferndaleseniorcenter.org. (pg. 30)

Friends of the Ferndale Library Holiday Open House, Book Sale, and Gift Bazaar, Ferndale Library, 10am-6pm, 360-305-3600.

Greg Aanes Furniture Showroom Holiday Happening, 10am-2pm, 360-389-2714 or www.FurnitureBellingham.com. (pg. 25)

Holiday Art Market, former Goff’s Store in Blaine (674 Peace Portal Dr.), 10am-7pm, free, [email protected] or www.blaineharborartgallery.com. (pg. 10)

Holiday Open House, Morrison Glass Art Studio, 10am-4pm, free, 360-714-8732 or www.morrisonglassart.com. (pg. 10)

NSC Weekly Coffee Hour, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 10-11:30am. (pg. 4)

Pacific Arts Holiday Market, former Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)

Sculpture Woods of Ann Morris, 3851 Legoe Bay Rd., Lummi Island, 10am-5pm, free, www.annmorrisbronze.com.


Winter Wonderland Walk, The Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 10am-1pm, free, 360-733-6714, www.healthsupportcenter.org. (pg. 30)

Beginning Knitting: Learn to Knit a Hat (1st of 3 classes), Apple Yarns, 10:30-11:30am, $45, 360-756-9992, [email protected] or www.appleyarns.com. (pg. 29)

Children’s Holiday Gift Bazaar (for sellers grades K-5), Lynden Library, 10:30am-12:30pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 6)

Kids’ Event: Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) with Claire, Village Books, 10:30-11am, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

23rd Annual Holiday Port Festival and 18th Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 11am-6pm, free, www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport or 360-676-2500. (pg. 5)

www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport



Artisan Showcase and Holiday Sale, Jansen Art Center, 11am-5pm, free, 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org. (pg. 30)

”Santa is Coming to Bellingham” Book Signing, Village Books, 11am-noon, www.villagebooks.com. (pg. 6)


Square Knot Bracelet Workshop, Jansen Art Center, 11am-4pm, $65. (pg. 29)

Cultural Travel Boutique and Arts Event, Bellingham Travel & Cruise, noon-6pm, free, 360-739-8263, [email protected] or www.bellinghamtravel.com. (pg. 4)

Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Barkley Haggen Sing From the Heart, noon-1pm, free. (pg. 31)

Photos with the Grinch, Village Books Readings Gallery, 12-5pm, $10, www.villagebooks.com. (pg. 6)

Holiday Tea, Deming Library, 1-5pm, free admission, 360-305-3600. (pg. 30)

Kids Kreate! (ages 5 and up), Launching Success Learning Store, 1-2pm, free, 360-527-2641, [email protected] or www.launchingsuccess.com. (pg. 6)

Knitting in Circles Sampler Class (3-day class) begins, Jansen Art Center, 1-3pm, $45. (pg. 29)

Olde Fashioned Christmas, Pioneer Park, Ferndale, 1-9pm, tickets $4 adults, $3 children, www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com or 360-384-6461. (pg. 5)

Tech Gifts: Tablets and eReaders (for adults), Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 1-3pm, free, www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), Ferndale Library, 2-3pm, 360-305-3600.

”Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller,” Meridian High School, 2pm. (pg. 32)

”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 2pm. (pg. 26)

The Lynden Choral Society: Handel’s “Messiah,” Third CRC, 514 Liberty St., Lynden, 2pm, suggested donation is $15 adult / $10 seniors / $5 children / $30 family, 360- 318-1723, [email protected]. (pg. 32)

Traditional Jazz, VFW Hall, 2-5pm, $10 members / $6 students / $12 general, 360-734-2973, www.btjs.webs.com. (pg. 11)

Whatcom Girls Chorus Performance, Holiday Port Festival at Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 2pm. (pg. 32)

Beginning Crochet: Learn to Crochet a Hat (1st of 3 classes), Apple Yarns, 2:30-3:30pm, $45, 360-756-9992, [email protected] or www.appleyarns.com. (pg. 29)

Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) Holiday Party and Jam, St. James Presbyterian Church, 3-5pm, $5 + finger food to share, 360-733-6867, www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com or [email protected]. (pg. 33)

Christmas with the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 3pm, $20 general / $15 seniors and students / $5 kids 18 and under, 206-238-3927, [email protected] or www.bccsings.org. (pg. 33)

Create a Painting, Uptown Art Studio, 3-5pm, $39.95 (includes beer, wine, all supplies), www.uptownart.com/bellingham. (pg. 11)

Bellingham Figure Skating Club: “The Night Before Christmas,” Bellingham Sportsplex, 4pm, $7 advance / $9 door / children 5 and under free, 360-676-1919, www.bfsc.info. (pg. 6)

Artist Stephanie Burgess’ Opening Reception of Peace Poles, Earthenworks Gallery, La Conner, 4:30-7pm. (pg. 7)

Art Exhibit Opening Reception: Jean Behnke, Gallery Cygnus, 5-8pm, 360-708-4787, [email protected] or www.gallerycygnus.com. (pg. 11)

Richard Tucker (guitar/vocals/swing/standards), Old World Deli, 6-8pm, free, 360-738-2090.

Festival of Trees Gala Dinner and Tree Auction, Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 6:30-9:30pm, $50. (pg. 30)

Gloria Dawn (Christmas music), Olde Fashioned Christmas at Tillicum House in Pioneer Park (Ferndale), 6:30-9pm, music free, event admission $4 general / $3 kids, 360-305-5515.

Saturday Night Music: Andy “Badd Dog” Koch (blues), Jansen Art Center’s Firehall Cafe, 6:30pm, no cover, 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org. (pg. 33)

All You Need is Love: Dance Party to Support Meals on Wheels, BSAC, 7-10pm, $20 at the door / $15 advance, 360-733-4030, [email protected]. (pg. 11)

Create a Painting, Uptown Art Studio, 7-9pm, $39.95 (includes beer, wine, all supplies), www.uptownart.com/bellingham. (pg. 11)

Holiday Ball with USA Dance Bellingham, Presence Studio, 7-10pm, $10 general / $7 members and students, 360-734-5676, [email protected] or www.bellinghamusadance.com. (pg. 12)


Motherlode in Concert, Fairhaven College Auditorium, 7:30pm, $20 at the door (advance tickets $18 / $12), www.motherlodemusic.com. (pg. 32)

Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” Nooksack High School, 7:30pm. (pg. 11)

Skagit Valley Academy of Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm. (pg. 11)

”Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller,” Meridian High School, 7:30pm. (pg. 32)

Swinging the Christmas Carols and Seasonal Songs Concert, First Baptist Church, 7:30pm, $10 donation appreciated, 360-714-0054, [email protected] or www.swingconnection.org. (pg. 33)

TAG presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” Lincoln Theatre, 7:30pm, $24 / $20 / $10, www.lincolntheatre.org. (pg. 26)


The Coats’ Annual Holiday Show, Bellingham High School, 7:30pm, $20 general / $15 students and seniors, 360-676-6575, www.thecoats.net. (pg. 33)

”The Monologue Project 8,” Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm, $8 / $5. (pg. 26)

Aerial Showcase, The Cirque Lab, 8pm, $10 suggested donation, [email protected] or www.bellinghamcircusguild.com. (pg. 12)

B.J. Thomas, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Pacific Showroom, 8pm, $24-$28, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com. (pg. 32-33)

Stirred Not Shaken (casual jazz with vocals), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

Bullet Creek (Top 40 country/rock), Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

Salsa Dance Party with Rumba Northwest, Cafe Rumba, 9:30pm, $4, 360-595-7369, www.rumbanorthwest.com.

SUNDAY 12/8/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Pacific Arts Holiday Market, former

Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)23rd Annual Holiday Port Festival and 18th

Annual Gingerbread House Contest, Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 11am-5pm, free, 360-676-2500, www.portofbellingham.com/holidayport. (pg. 5)

Christmas is for Kids! (of All Ages), Skagit County Historical Museum, 11am-5pm, $5 adults / $4 seniors and children 6-12 / children under 6 free / $10 families / members free, 360-466-3365, [email protected] or www.skagitcounty.net. (pg. 6)

6th Annual Skagit Valley Jingle Bell Walk/Run, Pine Square in Mount Vernon, noon, $10-$45, www.skagitjinglebellrun.org. (pg. 30)

Holiday Art Market, former Goff’s Store in Blaine (674 Peace Portal Dr.), noon-5pm. (pg. 10)

Holiday Fair, Ferndale Kula Yoga, noon-4pm, free, 360-927-2202, [email protected] or www.ferndalekulayoga.com. (pg. 30)


Crafting for a Better Bellingham, Apple Yarns, 1-4pm, free. (pg. 29)

Friends of the Ferndale Library Holiday Open House, Book Sale, and Gift Bazaar, Ferndale Library, 1-5pm, 360-305-3600.

www.firesidemartini.com



Olde Fashioned Christmas, Pioneer Park, Ferndale, 1-4pm, tickets $4 adults, $3 children, 360-384-6461, www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com. (pg. 5)

Bellingham Figure Skating Club: “The Night Before Christmas,” Bellingham Sportsplex, 1:30pm, $7 advance / $9 door / children 5 and under free, 360-676-1919, www.bfsc.info. (pg. 6)

Annual Silver Tea, Everson Library, 2-5pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 30)

Holiday Harmony Concert, Mount Vernon Community Center, 2-4pm, $5, 360-428-4186, [email protected] or www.harmonynorthwest.org. (pg. 33)

Ice, Water, and Climate: Why Ice Matters with Nobel laureate Dr. Henry Pollack, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 2pm, free, www.whatcommuseum.org.

”Inspecting Carol,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 2pm. (pg. 26)

Skagit Valley Academy of Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” McIntyre Hall, 2pm. (pg. 11)


The Honeybees Holiday Concert, Leopold Hotel Crystal Ballroom, 2pm, $5 suggested donation, [email protected]. (pg. 33)

VB Reads … Motherhood by the Book: “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey (author not attending), Village Books, 2pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Celebrate the Season with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, Mount Baker Theatre, 3pm, $12 / $30 / $35, 360-756-6752, [email protected] or www.whatcomsymphony.com. (pg. 33)

Senior Voice Recital: Kristen Swenson, WWU Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, 4-5:30pm, free. (pg. 33)

Bellwether Sunday Jazz on the Bay: Rane Nogales Trio, Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 4:30-7:30pm, no cover, 360-392-3100.


Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, The Lights of Christmas’ Starry Nights Coffeehouse, 30 minute performances at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, $10-$15 / children under 3 free. (pg. 31)

MONDAY 12/9/2013NSC Weekly Walk, Taylor Dock, 10-10:30am.

(pg. 4)Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)Comics and Animation Club (grades 6-12),

Blaine Library, 3-4pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 4)Whatcom Learning Lab Reading Tutoring,

Northwest Baptist Church, 3-5pm, sliding scale fee, 360-371-3978. (pg. 4)

VB Reads … Environmental Conservation Book Group: “Apocalyptic Planet: A Field Guide to the Future of the Earth” by Craig Childs (author not attending), Village Books, 5-6pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Acupuncture 102: Calm the Holiday Madness, London Health Center (Ferndale), 5:30pm, free, 360-384-2900, [email protected] or www.londonhealthcenterinc.com. (pg. 31)

Anime @ Your Library (ages 12-19), Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 5:30-7:30pm, 360-778-7323 (Jennifer), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Cuban Salsa Class with Rumba Northwest, Bell Tower Studio, 6:30-7:45pm. See Dec. 2.

Author Reads: “The Arboretum” by the Red Wheelbarrow Writers NaNoWriMo (Group Reading), Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

John Reischman & The Jaybirds Concert, YWCA Ballroom, 7-10pm, $15, 360-733-5960, [email protected] or www.thejaybirds.com. (pg. 33,34)


TUESDAY 12/10/2013Felted Ruffle Scarf Workshop, Jansen Art

Center, 10am-2pm, $45 + $8 materials fee. (pg. 29)

Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show, Allied Arts Gallery, 10am-5pm. (pg. 9)



One-on-One Tech Coaching Session (basic computer, Internet, and downloading skills for adults), Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 11am-1pm, free, 360-778-7200, www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.



BTC Program Information Session: Associate Degree Nursing, Bellingham Technical College, 3:30-4:30pm. (pg. 4)

BTC Program Information Session: Electronics, Bellingham Technical College, 3:30-4:30pm. (pg. 4)


VB Writes ... Spec Fiction / Sci Fi Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 6-8pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.


International Human Rights Day Celebration, YWCA, 6:30-8:30pm, free, 360-734-0217. (pg. 4)

Author Reads: “The Red Umbrella: Danish Resistance and Johna’s Escape from Nazi Occupation” by David Christensen (local author), Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

International Folk Dancing, Bayview Civic Hall, 7-9:30pm, first time free / $3, 360-766-6866, [email protected] or www.skagitdancers.org. (pg. 12)

Stuart McLean & the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Special, Mount Baker Theatre, 7:30pm, $37-$52, 360-734-6080, [email protected] or www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 26)



Ferndale, 10-11:30am, $2-$5. (pg. 5)

www.alliedarts.org



Genealogy Assistance (for adults), Bellingham Central Library Genealogy Alcove, 10am-2pm, free, 360-778-7323.



Free Crafting Demo, Stampadoodle & The Paper Cafe, noon-1pm. See Dec. 4.


VB Reads ... Afternoon Book Chat: “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier (author not attending), Village Books, 1pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

End of Life Choices Advance Care Planning / Advance Directive Workshop, Spring Creek Retirement & Assisted Living, 1:30-3pm. (pg. 24)

2nd Chapter Book Discussion Group: “Vampire in the Lemon Grove” by Karen Russell, Bellingham Central Library Adult Conference Room, 2-3:30pm, free, 360-778-7230 (Katie), [email protected]. (pg. 29)


NSC Monthly Meeting and Dinner, Cascade Pizza, 5:30-7pm. (pg. 4)

Art Talk with Evan Whitehead, Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, 7pm. (pg. 8)

CSWT Open Mic, Firehouse Cafe, 7-8:30pm, free.

L.A. Salsa Class with Rumba Northwest, StudioZ, 7:30-8:45pm. See Dec. 4.


THURSDAY 12/12/2013Guild Gathering: “Holiday Magic” with the

BHS Showstoppers and storyteller Barbara Craigie, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, coffee at 9:30am, program at 10am, free, www.whatcommuseum.org.





Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), North Fork Library, 3:45-4:45pm, 360-305-3600.

Family Christmas Magic Workshop: Ceramics, Jansen Art Center, 4-6pm, $25 per person. (pg. 29)

AHA! After Hours Art: Docent tour of “Vanishing Ice,” Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 6-8pm, free with $5 Thursday admission / Museum members free, www.whatcommuseum.org.

Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, The Lights of Christmas’ Starry Nights Coffeehouse, 30 minute performances at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, $10-$15 / children under 3 free. (pg. 31)


VB Writes ... Fiction Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 6-8pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Author Reads: “A Commonplace Book of Pie” by Kate Lebo, Village Books, 7pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Improv Workshop by Improv Playworks, 1308 E. St., 7-9pm, free, 360-756-0756, [email protected] or www.improvplayworks.com. (pg. 28)

Thursday Evening Folk Dancing, Fairhaven Branch Library, 7:15-10pm. (pg. 11)

Whatcom County Historical Society: Annual History Holiday Open Mic, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 7:20pm, $3 suggested donation (Museum members free), www.whatcommuseum.org.


Bryan Forsloff (jazz solo guitar), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

FRIDAY 12/13/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,


Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show, Allied Arts

Gallery, 10am-5pm. (pg. 9)Gentle Yoga Class with Joani, Jazzercise,

10:45-11:45am, $10. (pg. 24)J&L Holiday Art Show, Hampton Inn Fox Hall,

11am-6pm, free, 360-708-3170, www.facebook.com/JLArtShow. (pg. 11)


3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, Lummi Gateway Center, noon-6pm. (pg. 29)


Fairhaven Family Movie (all ages), Fairhaven Library Fireplace Room, call for title, 4-6pm, free, 360-778-7200 (Bethany), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Western Line Dancing Class, Ten Mile Grange, new beginners at 5:45pm, beginners 1 at 6:30pm, intermediates at 7:30pm, $5, 360-354-4325 or [email protected]. (pg. 12)

An Evening of Music @ the Central Bellingham Library featuring the Kid’Sax Quartet at 6pm, Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) at 7pm, and Calyx at 8pm, free, 360-778-7323.

Author Reads: “Snippets” from the Whatcom Young Writers Literary Journal (Group Reading), Village Books, 6pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

A Gift of Dance presents “The Night Before Christmas,” Lynden Christian WFAC, 7pm, $9 general / $12 reserved, 360-318-3511, www.agiftofdance.org. (pg. 12)

Frightday the 13th Haunted Bellingham presentation, Simply Spirit Reading & Healing Center, 7-9pm, $5 donation, 360-647-7134, [email protected] or www.simplyspiritcenter.com. (pg. 31)

“Saving ChristmasTown,” Bellingham High School, 7pm, $12, 360-734-1595, www.thedancestudio.net. (pg. 12)

Heralding Christmas, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $16-$25, 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org or [email protected]. (pg. 34)


Snowflake Ball, Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10:30pm, $10 / $8, 360-224-4082, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com.

www.facebook.com/JLArtShow

www.facebook.com/JLArtShow




The Swing Gang (jazz featuring saxophone), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-10pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

Music & Dancing with DJ RoyBoy, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

SATURDAY 12/14/201326th Annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run,

Bellingham High School, 7am, $10-$45, www.bellinghamjinglebellrun.org. (pg. 30)

Holiday Wreath Making with Nancy, Garden Spot Nursery, 9-10am, $39. (pg. 25)

3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, Lummi Gateway Center, 10am-4pm. (pg. 29)

AAUW Monthly Meeting, Holiday Festival of the Arts (former Mayberry’s), 10am-noon, free, 360-392-8856 or [email protected]. (pg. 4)


Bellingham Farmers Market, Depot Market Square, 10am-3pm, free, 360-647-2060, www.bellinghamfarmers.org.

Mixed Media Ornaments Workshop with Clarissa Callesen, Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave. (next to Woodsmiths), 10-11am, $3, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)




Children’s Holiday Gift Bazaar (for sellers grades K-5), Deming Library, 10:30am-12:30pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 6)

Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), Everson Library, 10:30-11:30am, 360-305-3600.

Let’s Make Presents (grades K-5), Lynden Library, 10:30-11:30am, 360-305-3600.

J&L Holiday Art Show, Hampton Inn Fox Hall, 11am-6pm, free. (pg. 11)

Make A Silver Ring Workshop, Bellingham Metal Arts Guild (BMAG), 11am-5pm, $85 + $15 materials fee, 360-201-0236, [email protected] or www.BellinghamMetalArtsGuild.org. (pg. 11)

”Santa is Coming to Bellingham” Book Signing, Village Books, 11am-noon, www.villagebooks.com. (pg. 6)


Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece Workshop, DragonFrog Gallery and Gifts, noon-3pm, $15, 360-739-5314, [email protected] or www.dragonfroggifts.com. (pg. 25)


Experience Reiki with various practitioners and students, Unity Church, 1095 Telegraph Rd., drop-in 1-5pm, by donation, 360-224-3335, www.greentouch.net. (pg. 24)

Fidalgo Youth Symphony Christmas Concert, McIntyre Hall, 1pm, $15 general / $10 seniors / $1 children, [email protected], 360- 416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 34)

Lego® Play (ages 5-10), Launching Success Learning Store, 1-2pm, free. (pg. 6)

Street Law at the Library (for adults), Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 1-4pm, free, 360-778-7323.

Bellingham Dulcimer Club (BDC), Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1:30-3:30pm, free, 360-982-8599, [email protected] or www.bellingham-dulcimer-club.blogspot.com. (pg. 34)

Jacques Copinet Champagne Tasting, Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants, 2-4pm, free, 360-393-3271, [email protected] or www.sjwinemerchants.com. (pg. 25)



A Gift of Dance presents “The Night Before Christmas,” Lynden Christian WFAC, 7pm, $9 general / $12 reserved, 360-318-3511, www.agiftofdance.org. (pg. 12)

Contra Dance, Fairhaven Public Library, 7-10:30pm, $8-$10 ($6 students), 360-676-1554 or [email protected]. (pg. 12)

Rocking in the Holidays, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall Rotunda Room, 7-8:30pm, $15 adults / $5 students, [email protected] , 360-752-1423 or www.theamadeusproject.org. (pg. 34)


www.fairhaven.com



Country Dance at BDC, Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10pm, $7 general / $5 student, senior and military, 360-224-4082 or www.bellinghamdancecompany.com.


Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” Mount Baker Theatre, 7:30pm. (pg. 11)

Skagit Symphony Holiday Concert, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $20-$40, 360-416-7727, [email protected], www.mcintyre.hall.org. (pg. 34)


Fritz & the Freeloaders, Fireside Martini & Wine Bar, 8-10:45pm, no cover, 360-738-1000, [email protected] or www.firesidemartini.com.

Tango by the Bay (Argentine Tango Milonga), Squalicum Yacht Club, 8-11pm, $10 general / $7 USA Dance Club members & students, 360-734-5676, [email protected] or www.bellinghamusadance.com.

Gold Digger (Top 40), Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

Salsa Dance Party with Rumba Northwest, Cafe Rumba, 9:30pm, $4. See Dec. 7.

SUNDAY 12/15/2013J&L Holiday Art Show, Hampton Inn Fox Hall,

9am-4pm, free. (pg. 11)Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,


Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)Fold Form Bracelet Workshop, Jansen Art Center,

11am-4pm, $65, www.jansenartcenter.org. (pg. 11)


Socrates Cafe, Village Books Mezzanine, 11:30am-1pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.


Chanukah Concert with What the Chelm!, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 12:30pm, $3 suggested donation (Museum members free), www.whatcommuseum.org.


Heralding Christmas, McIntyre Hall, 2pm, $16-$25, 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 34)

”Inspecting Carol,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 2pm. (pg. 26)

Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” Mount Baker Theatre, 2pm. (pg. 11)



Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, 2:30-3:45pm, free. (pg. 31)

35th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert with the Magical Strings, Lincoln Theatre, 3pm, $16-$22, tickets at 360-336-8955, www.ILovetheLincoln.com. (pg. 35)

Gala Christmas Concert with Bellingham Community Chorus, St. James Presbyterian Church, 3-5pm, free, 360-738-7289, [email protected]. (pg. 34)

North Cascades Concert Band Concert, Anacortes’ Brodniak Hall, 3pm, $25 family / $12 adults / $10 seniors / $5 age 18 and under, www.nccband.org. (pg. 34)

Songs of Heaven: Whatcom Chorale Fall Concert, Church of the Assumption, 3-5pm, $20 adults / $15 seniors and students / $5 age 18 and under, 360-738-7166, www.whatcomchorale.org. (pg. 34)

Bellwether Sunday Jazz on the Bay: Alicia Dauber Quartet, Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 4:30-7:30pm, no cover, 360-392-3100.

Bells of the Sound presents Making Spirits Bright, First Congregational Church, 5pm, suggested donation of $10 adults / $8 seniors and youth, [email protected] , 206-931-7669 or www.bellsofthesound.org. (pg. 34)

Monthly Backgammon Tournament Play, The Clubhouse at Parkway Village, 5:30-9:30pm, $15 four matches, 360-255-1014, [email protected] or www.bellinghambackgammon.com. (pg. 4)


Vaudevillingham! Fundraiser for the Bellingham Circus Guild, The Cirque Lab, 7 & 9pm, suggested donation $5-$10, [email protected] or www.bellinghamcircusguild.com. (pg. 26, 28)

MONDAY 12/16/2013NSC Weekly Walk, Taylor Dock, 10-10:30am.Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)



Teen Game Night (ages 12-18), Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 5:30-7:30pm, 360-778-7323 (Jennifer), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.



TUESDAY 12/17/2013Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show, Allied Arts

Gallery, 10am-5pm. (pg. 9)Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)Gentle Yoga Class with Joani, Jazzercise,

10:45-11:45am, $10. (pg. 24)Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)End of Life Choices Advance Care Planning /

Advance Directive Workshop, St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 2-3:30pm. (pg. 24)


BTC Program Information Session: Nursing Assistant, Bellingham Technical College, 3:30-4:30pm. (pg. 4)

BTC Program Information Session: Process Technology, Bellingham Technical College, 3:30-4:30pm. (pg. 4)


Builders Club (ages 4-12), Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 5:30-7:30pm, 360-778-7200 (Bethany), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.


VB Writes ... Nonfiction Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 6:15-8:15pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

Bellingham Reads: “Quiet” by Susan Cain, Bellingham Central Library Dodson Room, 6:30-7:30pm, free, 360-778-7323 (Suzanne), [email protected].

International Folk Dancing, Bayview Civic Hall, 7-9:30pm. (pg. 12)



Ferndale, 10-11:30am, $2-$5. (pg. 5)Genealogy Assistance (for adults), Bellingham

Central Library Genealogy Alcove, 10am-2pm, free, 360-778-7323.



Free Crafting Demo, Stampadoodle & The Paper Cafe, noon-1pm. See Dec. 4.

VB Reads ... Engaged Citizens Book Group: “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander (author not attending), Village Books, noon-1:30pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.

www.bellinghamtennisclub.com




One-on-One Tech Coaching Session (basic computer, Internet, and downloading skills for adults), Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 2-4pm, free, 360-778-7200, www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.


MVHS Choir Winter Concert, McIntyre Hall, 4pm, $6-$8, [email protected], 360- 416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 34)

Evening of Readings with Jill Miller, Simply Spirit Reading & Healing Center, 6:30-9pm, $10, 360-647-7134, [email protected] or www.simplyspiritcenter.com. (pg. 24)

Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) Song Circle, Roeder Home, 7-9pm, $5, 360-733-6867, www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com or [email protected]. (pg. 34,36)

MVHS Choir Winter Concert, McIntyre Hall, 7pm, $6-$8, [email protected], 360- 416-7727 or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 34)

L.A. Salsa Class with Rumba Northwest, StudioZ, 7:30-8:45pm. See Dec. 4.


THURSDAY 12/19/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Petite Fours: Miniature Art Show, Allied Arts

Gallery, 10am-5pm. (pg. 9)Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)Teen Early Release Program: Make a

Handmade Calendar, Lynden Library, noon-1pm, 360-305-3600.

Book Presentation: Greed, Glory and Madness: A History of Mount Baker, Whatcom Museum (Old City Hall), 12:30-1:30pm, $3, 360-778-8930, www.whatcommuseum.org. (pg. 29)

Kendall Elementary Student Choir Sings Holiday Songs at the North Fork Library, 2-2:30pm, free, 360-305-3600. (pg. 36)


Live in the Piano Lounge: Paul Klein (blues/rock), Jansen Art Center’s Firehall Cafe, 5:30-7:30pm, no cover. (pg. 32)


BCT’s “Wutcraker,” Bellingham High School, 7pm, $14 advance / $17 door, 360-734-9999, www.bellinghamchildrenstheatre.com. (pg. 3)


Sister’s Christmas Catechism, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $15-$25, [email protected], 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 27)

Open Mic Karaoke with Rocky and Kristine, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 8pm-midnight, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

FRIDAY 12/20/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,


Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)




3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival, Lummi Gateway Center, noon-6pm. (pg. 29)

Drop-in Winter Crafts (ages 4-12), Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 2-4pm, 360-778-7200 (Bethany), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.


Western Line Dancing Class, Ten Mile Grange, new beginners at 5:45pm, beginners 1 at 6:30pm, intermediates at 7:30pm. (pg. 12)

Family Story Night (ages 6 to adult) with the Bellingham Storytellers Guild, Fairhaven Library Fireplace Room, 6-8pm, free, 360-778-7188, [email protected].

White Elephant Incognito Spectacular, Ciao Thyme, 6pm, $65 + tax, 360-733-1267, [email protected] or www.ciaothyme.com. (pg. 25)

Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him, Mount Baker Theatre, 6:30pm, $12-$15, 360-734-6080, www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 12)


Christmas Concert and Community Sing-Along, Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G St., Blaine, 7pm, by donation, 360-820-8312, www.blainejazz.org. (pg. 36)

Dances of Universal Peace: Meditation in Song and Movement, Center for Spiritual Living, 7-9pm, $5-$10 donation, 360-733-5745 or www.seattledup.org.

Traditional Music Solstice Dance Concert with Giant’s Causeway & Lindsay Street, The Majestic Underground, 7pm (kid friendly) or 9pm, $10 adults / donation for kids, 360-820-0486, [email protected]. (pg. 36)

Dance Party Mix (Swing, Latin, and Ballroom), Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10pm, $7 general / $5 students, seniors and military, 360- 224-4082, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $15-$25, [email protected], 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 27)

Music & Dancing with DJ Clint Westwood, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

SATURDAY 12/21/2013Holiday Family Centerpieces, Garden Spot

Nursery, 9-10am, $30. (pg. 25)3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival,

Lummi Gateway Center, 10am-4pm. (pg. 29)Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Bellingham Farmers Market, Depot Market

Square, 10am-3pm, free, 360-647-2060, www.bellinghamfarmers.org.

Free Adult Acting Class, Anacortes Community Theatre, 10am-noon, free, 360-840-0089, [email protected] or www.acttheatre.com. (pg. 28)



Quick Nature Collages Workshop with Beth Anderson, Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave. (former Mayberry’s), 10:30-11:30am, free, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)

One-on-One Tech Coaching Session (basic computer, Internet, and downloading skills for adults), Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 11am-1pm, free, 360-778-7200, www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.


Monthly Fly Day, Heritage Flight Museum, $5, noon-4pm, 360-733-4422, http://www.heritageflight.org/content/visit/fly-days/. (pg. 28)

www.bellinghamchildrenstheatre.com



Lego® Creator’s Club (grades 3-5), Ferndale Library, 3-5pm, 360-305-3600.

Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him, Mount Baker Theatre, 6:30pm, $12-$15. (pg. 12)

Saturday Night Music: Michael Gonzalez (acoustic guitar), Jansen Art Center’s Firehall Cafe, 6:30pm, no cover. (pg. 33)

”The Giftmaker’s Workshop,” Blaine Performing Arts Center, $8 adults / $3 kids / under 2 free, [email protected] , 360-332-8167 or www.daytodaydance.com. (pg. 12)


Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm. (pg. 11)

Sly Mr. Y (classic rock), Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.


SUNDAY 12/22/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,


Sportsman’s Chalet, 10am-6pm. (pg. 9)Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)Crafting for a Better Bellingham, Apple Yarns,

1-4pm, free. (pg. 29)”Shock Absorbers for Your Life,” Bellingham

Center for Spiritual Living, 1-4pm, $20 sugg. donation, [email protected] , 360-441-1195 or www.settingswork.com. (pg. 25)


Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Community Food Co-op, Cordata, 2-4pm, free. (pg. 31)

National Theatre Live: “The Habit of Art,” Lincoln Theatre, 2pm, $15 general / $13 seniors / $11 students / $2 off for members, 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org. (pg. 28)

Northwest Ballet Theater: “The Nutcracker,” McIntyre Hall, 2pm. (pg. 11)

Adoramus Carolers, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 3pm, $3 suggested donation (Museum members free), www.whatcommuseum.org.

Mark O’Connor and his Appalachian Christmas Tour, Mount Baker Theatre, 3pm, $20-$59, 360-734-6080, www.mountbakertheatre.com. (pg. 36)

Bellwether Sunday Jazz on the Bay: Cheryl Jewell Trio, Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 4:30-7:30pm, no cover, 360-392-3100.

Bach to Rock: Rocking in the Holidays with Matt Rehfeldt, The Conway Muse, 6pm, $10, www.mattrehfeldt.com.


MONDAY 12/23/2013Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-6pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)NSC Weekly Walk, Taylor Dock, 10-10:30am.

(pg. 4)


Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music, Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, 2:30-3:45pm, free. (pg. 31)




An Evening of Christmas Caroling, Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 7-9pm, free with donations accepted, 360-510-0654, [email protected] or www.lyndenmusicfestival.com. (pg. 36)

Ferndale Friends Book Club (“Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein), Ferndale Library, 7-9pm, 360-305-3600. (pg. 29)

The Journey’s 32nd Christmas Concert, McIntyre Hall, 7:30pm, $20-$24, 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org. (pg. 36)


TUESDAY 12/24/2013HAPPY 84TH BIRTHDAY MOM!Allied Arts Holiday Festival, 1825 Cornwall Ave.,

10am-3pm, www.alliedarts.org. (pg. 8)Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)

WEDNESDAY 12/25/2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY 12/26/2013Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)Winter Movie Matinee (all ages welcome),

Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 2-4:30pm, call for title, 360-778-7200 (Bethany), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

VB Writes ... Fiction Writing Group, Village Books Mezzanine, 6-8pm, 360-671-2626, www.villagebooks.com.


FRIDAY 12/27/2013Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)Winter Movie Matinee (all ages welcome),



Dance Party Mix (Swing, Latin, and Ballroom), Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10pm, $7 general / $5 students, seniors and military, 360-224-4082, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com.

Music & Dancing with DJ Clint Westwood, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

www.bellinghamfoodbank.org



SATURDAY 12/28/2013Deming Book Club (“Confederacy of Dunces”

by John Kennedy Toole), Deming Library, 10am-noon, 360-305-3600.



Scenic Wonders of Whatcom: “The Moldau,” Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 1:30-2:30pm, free, 360-778-7236. (pg. 31)

Knit 911 Class, Apple Yarns, 2:30-3:30pm, $25. (pg. 29)

WC Swing and Blues Night, Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10pm, $7 general / $5 students, seniors and military, 360-224-4082, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com.

Big Dog Revue (horns/dance show band), Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.


SUNDAY 12/29/2013Skagit Christmas, Skagit County Historical

Museum, 11am-5pm. (pg. 28)Crafting for a Better Bellingham, Apple Yarns,

1-4pm, free. (pg. 29)Bellwether Sunday Jazz on the Bay: Sonja Lee

Band, Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill, 4:30-7:30pm, no cover, 360-392-3100.


MONDAY 12/30/2013Winter Art Camps (ages 4-teens, 3-4 days)

begin, BellinghamART, $85 to $148, 360-738-8379, [email protected] or www.bellinghamart.com. (pg. 6)

NSC Weekly Walk, Taylor Dock, 10-10:30am.Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)Winter Movie Matinee (all ages welcome),






TUESDAY 12/31/2013Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 10am-noon,

free. (pg. 29)23rd Annual Note of Thanks (all ages

welcome), Lecture Room, Bellingham Central Public Library, 10:30am-noon, 360-778-7200 (Bethany), www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org.


New Year’s Eve Contra Dance, Norway Hall, 8pm-1am, $15 adults / $10 students / free 12 & under, 360-676-1554, [email protected] or www.bellinghamcountrydance.org. (pg. 12)

New Year’s Eve Dance: Midnight in Paris, Bellingham Dance Company, 8pm-1am, $20 / $25, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com or 360-224-4082. (pg. 12)

New Year’s Eve Gala, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Pacific Showroom, 8pm-1am, $90 per person, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com. (pg. 36)

New Year’s Eve Incognito, Ciao Thyme, 8pm, $125 + tax, 360-733-1267, [email protected] or www.ciaothyme.com. (pg. 25)

New Year’s Eve with DJ Clint Westwood, Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Winners Lounge, 9pm-1am, no cover, 877-275-2448, www.theskagit.com.

Polecat (Casino Royal on New Year’s Eve), Wild Buffalo, 9pm, $15 / $20 (advance tickets recommended), 21+, 360-746-8733 or [email protected].

WEDNESDAY 1/1/2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THURSDAY 1/2/2014Bellingham High School (1961-63) Knitting

Group, Apple Yarns, 3-5pm, free. (pg. 29)Introduction to Socks Knitting Class (1st of 3

classes), Apple Yarns, 6-7pm, $45. (pg. 29)Sit, Knit & Crochet, Apple Yarns, 6-8pm, free. Seasonal “Spring Sing Round-Up” with Valley

Voices a Cappella Chorus (13-week session) begins, Ten Mile Grange, 7-9pm, $30, 360-966-4976, [email protected] or www.valleyvoices.weebly.com. (pg. 36)

FRIDAY 1/3/2014The Dr. Is In: Knitting and Crochet Questions,

Apple Yarns, 3-5pm, free. (pg. 29)Western Line Dancing Class, Ten Mile Grange,

new beginners at 5:45pm, beginners 1 at 6:30pm, intermediates at 7:30pm. (pg. 12)

Dance Party Mix (Swing, Latin, and Ballroom), Bellingham Dance Company, 7:30-10pm, $7 general / $5 students, seniors and military, www.bellinghamdancecompany.com or 360-224-4082. See Dec. 20.

Faucher Four (jazz quartet), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

SATURDAY 1/4/2014Beginning Knitting: Learn to Knit a Hat (1st of 3

classes), Apple Yarns, 10:30-11:30am. (pg. 29)

Kids Kreate!, Launching Success Learning Store, 1-2pm, free, [email protected] , 360-527-2641 or www.launchingsuccess.com.

Beginning Crochet: Learn to Crochet a Hat (1st of 3 classes), Apple Yarns, 2:30-3:30pm, $45, 360-756-9992. (pg. 29)

”Charlotte’s Web: The Musical,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 7pm, $8-$12, 360-961-2213, www.theneighborhoodplayhouse.net or [email protected]. (pg. 6)

Bellingham Festival of Music “Welcome Home Concert” featuring Roman Yearian, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 7:30pm, $15 suggested donation for adults / students free, 360-733-9371, [email protected] or www.bellinghamfestival.org. (pg. 36)

Stirred Not Shaken (casual jazz with vocals), Skylark’s in Fairhaven, 8-11pm, no cover, 360-715-3642, [email protected] or www.skylarkshiddencafe.com.

SUNDAY 1/5/2014Community Monthly Breakfast, Rome Grange,

8am-1pm, $5 adults / $2 kids 6-10 / free 5 & under, 360-739-9605.


”Charlotte’s Web: The Musical,” Bellingham Theatre Guild, 2pm. (pg. 6)

www.GiuseppesItalian.com

www.wccoa.org


Holiday Yoga at 8 Petals Yoga Studio – As we enter the holiday season, with all of its hustle and bustle, treat yourself to a weekly yoga class to help you maintain your sense of harmony and peace. Yoga is a great way to bring the perfect balance of energy and tranquility into your life. 8 Petals Yoga Studio is located at 1317 Commercial St. #203, Bellingham. More info: [email protected] , 360-319-1601 or www.whatcomyoga.com.

Whatcom Museum and Pilates – Visit Joy of Pilates during December and get a free pass to the Whatcom Museum with your purchase. You can see the beautiful and thought-provoking “Vanishing Ice” exhibit (www.whatcommuseum.org) on display until March 2. “Vanishing Ice” introduces the rich artistic legacy of the planet’s frozen frontiers now threatened by climate change, a phenomena understood by the public primarily through news of devastating climatic events. The exhibition offers another perspective by providing visitors an opportunity to experience the majesty of sublime landscapes that have inspired artists, writers, and naturalists for more than two hundred years. More info: 360-224-1433, [email protected] or www.joyofpilates.net.

Gentle Yoga Classes – Join Joani for gentle yoga classes on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:45-11:45am, during the first three weeks of December (Dec. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20), at Jazzercise, 1517 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. Joani Glasser is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT-500) specializing in yoga therapy for the back, with over 30 years experience. This is a supportive, nurturing class ideal for beginners as well as those who desire healthy back yoga. Enhance movement, go deeper in pose and experience stillness, energy and relaxation. Cost is $10 per class this month. New 5-week series begins in January. More info:

[email protected] , 360-656-6699 or www.yogawithJoani.com.

Community Workshops Offered – End of Life Choices Advance Care Planning / Advance Directive workshops are sponsored by the Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement (WAHA) throughout the community. Free workshops (no registration required) will be held: Wed., Dec. 4, 6:30-8pm or Wed., Dec. 11, 1:30-3pm at Spring Creek Retirement & Assisted Living, 223 E. Bakerview Rd.; Tues., Dec. 17, 2-3:30pm at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway. More info: 360-788-6526, [email protected] or www.whatcomalliance.org.

Experience Reiki! This regular monthly opportunity for anyone to experience Reiki Energy is held on the 2nd Sat. of every month (Dec. 14) at Unity Church, 1095 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham, from 1-5pm. Anyone is welcome to drop in and receive a Reiki treatment. Practitioners of all levels volunteer to share Reiki with those who come to receive, and to answer your questions. There is no set charge for this event; all money collected goes to Unity Church for use of the space. More info: 360-224-3335, [email protected] or www.greentouch.net.

Evening of Readings with Jill Miller – Join local clairvoyant Jill Miller on Wed., Dec. 18 from 6:30-9pm for an evening of readings and to learn more about the life of a psychic! Jill will talk about her more than 30 years experience providing readings and energy healings and the joy of helping others gain clearer insight into their lives and personal growth. Jill will also do a psychic demonstration, giving short readings to workshop attendees (as many as time allows). Simply Spirit Reading & Healing Center is located at 1304 Meador Ave., B-11, Bellingham. Admission is $10.

www.everythinginsightoptical.net

www.joyofpilates.net

www.bsspt.com

www.thechrysalisinn.com


DiamondAntiques

In the heart of Bellingham

BUY SELLESTATE LIQUIDATION

1806 Cornwall AvenueBellingham, WA 98225

www.rubylane.com/shop/diamondantique

360-676-9100Closed Sundays

More info: 360-647-7134, [email protected] or www.simplyspiritcenter.com.

Shock Absorbers for Your Life – Learn simple ways to shed stress and reactions you’ve accumulated, and to soften the shocks of future bumps and setbacks. With this change you become lighter, more resilient and free. Experienced, certified

EFT practitioner Daimon Sweeney creates a safe space of clarity, humor and transformative change. Join him at the Bellingham Center for Spiritual Living, 2224 Yew St. Rd., on Sun., Dec. 22, 1-4pm. Admission is $20 suggested donation. More info: 360-441-1195, [email protected] or www.settingswork.com.

Greenhouses, Garden Gear and Christmas Cheer – Marjorie Curry with Charley’s Greenhouse will be joining the Birchwood Garden Club on Wed., Dec. 4 at 7pm at the Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. She’ll have a sleigh full of 2014 garden ideas and gear; greenhouses, greenhouse materials, cold frames and raised beds for 2014 will be titillating your senses! Selections, guidelines and benefits will be generous. Complementary garden tools and accessories are waiting to be placed under your Christmas tree. Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to everyone in Whatcom and Skagit County. Free admission. More info: www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

Holiday Classes at Garden Spot Nursery – Garden Spot Nursery (900 Alabama St., Bellingham) is offering the following classes in December on Saturdays from 9-10am: Make It and Take It Grapevine Wreaths, Dec. 7, $35; Holiday Wreath Making with Nancy, Dec. 14, $39;

Holiday Family Centerpieces, Dec. 21, $30. More info and to register: 360-676-5480, [email protected] or www.garden-spot.com.

Greg Aanes Furniture (GAF) – Join us for our holiday happening on Sat., Dec. 7, 10am-2pm, and come in for cookies, cider, warmth and inspiration. Regular showroom hours are Mon.-Fri. from 10am-5pm. Showroom is located at 2109 Queen St. which is one block north of Iowa St. on the corner with Kentucky (you have to jog up and over on Pacific!). For complete info and map, call 360-389-2714 or visit www.GregAanesFurniture.com or www.FurnitureBellingham.com.

Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece Workshop – DragonFrog Gallery and Gifts (4131 Hannegan Rd., Bellingham) will supply all the materials for you to make your own Holiday Centerpiece on Sat., Dec. 14 from noon-3pm. We will have a florist there to help you through the process, plus you can enjoy a bowl of chili and a cup of cocoa! Prepay at the gallery, or just show up and pay at the door. Please bring your own clippers. Workshop cost is $15. More info: 360-739-5314, [email protected] or www.dragonfroggifts.com.

Cooking Class: Fast and Easy Holiday Appetizers – Join us on Mon., Dec. 2 from 6-8:30pm for Fast and Easy Holiday Appetizers, a cooking class hosted by Culinary Creations, 1210 11th St., Bellingham. Cost is $40. More info: 360- 746-8425 or [email protected].

Jacques Copinet Champagne Tasting – Jacques and his wife stepped into the bubbles game back in 1975 and now are considered a power-house team who grow and make fabulous Chardonnay-based Champagne. We will have local Seattle importer William Woodruff from Chloe Imports pouring the fine, fine bubbles on Sat., Dec. 14 from 2-4pm at Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants, 19 Prospect St., Bellingham. Free admission. More info: 360-393-3271, [email protected] or www.sjwinemerchants.com.

Holiday Events at Ciao Thyme – Join us for the following holiday events at Ciao Thyme: A White Elephant Incognito Spectacular (multi-course gourmet meal with gift exchange), Fri., Dec. 20, 6pm, $65 + tax; New Year’s Eve Incognito (9-course meal with champagne and live music), Tues., Dec. 31, 8pm, $125 + tax. Ciao Thyme is located at 207 Unity St., Bellingham. More info and for reservations: 360-733-1267, [email protected] or www.ciaothyme.com.

Come Jingle with Us!

December 8, 2013Downtown Mount Vernon

www.skagitjinglebellrun.orgDecember 14, 2013

Bellingham High Schoolwww.bellinghamjinglebellrun.org

Nationally Sponsored by

Presented Locally by

www.yesmassages.com

www.rubylane.com/shop/diamondantique

www.sjwinemerchants.com

www.bellinghamjinglebellrun.org


Carol

More Infobellinghamtheatreguild.com

Tickets 733-1811

InspectingBellingham Theatre Guild presents

Written by Daniel Sullivan & Seattle Repertory Theatre Company

Directed by Deborah Currier

Nov.29Dec.15, 2013

thru

“[This] wickedly knockabout satire of ‘A Christmas Carol’... might just be the perfect antidote for the grinch community seeking to destroy the joys of the holiday season.”

Variety

Presented through sPecial arrangement with samuel French

Imago Theatre: Frogz – Founded in 1979 by Carol Triffle and Jerry Mouawad, Imago Theatre’s original productions have toured internationally for over two decades. Defying classification, they have populated the stage with characters and beings such as comedic amphibians, acrobatic larvae, circus boulders, and metamorphosing humans, in works which tantalize the senses, the intellect, and the passions. Join us for Imago’s Frogz on Sun., Dec. 1 at 2pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Admission is $25. Info: 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org.

”Inspecting Carol” – Get your holiday cheer on with this hilarious, madcap comedy! Behind the scenes of a struggling theatre’s annual slapdash production of “A Christmas Carol,” rehearsals are at a

standstill. Tim is no longer Tiny, Scrooge wants to do the play in Spanish (Feliz Navidad), and their funding is on hold pending an inspection. This hilarious spoof makes for a night at the theatre that is anything but show business as usual. Mild adult language advisory. Performances will be held on: Dec. 5-7 & 12-14 at 7:30pm; and Sundays, Dec. 1, 8 & 15 at 2pm. The Bellingham Theatre Guild is located at 1600 H St. Admission is $14 adults / $12 seniors and students / $8 children. More info: 360-733-1811, [email protected] or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

”The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” – The Lynden Performing Arts Guild is proud to present its holiday show, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The horrible Herdmans are the meanest kids around.

They lie, steal, cuss, and smoke cigars – even the girls. The last place anyone expected to see them is in church. So when the Herdmans storm Sunday school and take over the annual Christmas pageant, everyone braces for the worst. But no one is prepared for what really happens when the rottenest kids in the world take over the greatest story ever told. It’s a pageant full of surprises for everyone – including the Herdmans themselves. This holiday classic, complete with lots of kids (naughty and nice!), traditional Christmas carols, and of course, a happy

ending, will charm and delight your whole family! Performances will be held at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in the Dutch Village Mall, 655 Front St., Lynden on: Sun., Dec. 1, 2pm; Fri., Dec. 6, 7:30pm; Sat., Dec. 7, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun., Dec. 8, 2pm; Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30pm; Sat., Dec. 14, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun., Dec. 15, 2pm. Admission is $10 adult / $12 senior / $10

student / $8 child. More info: 360-354-4425, [email protected] or www.clairevgtheatre.com.

”Willy Wonka” – The Theater Arts Guild (TAG) presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. The final performances will be given Sun., Dec. 1 at 2pm; Fri., Dec. 6 and Sat., Dec. 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10-$24, and are available at www.lincolntheatre.org.

Auditions: BTG Musical Birthday Bash Revue – Adult male and female singers/actors are requested to audition on Sun. & Mon., Dec. 1 & 2 at 7pm for the Bellingham Theatre Guild’s 85th Anniversary Musical Birthday Bash Revue. Please bring 16 bars of a song for your audition; accompanist provided. Bring headshot and resume if available. Wear comfortable clothes for movement. If you have tap shoes, please bring them. The Bellingham Theatre Guild is located at 1600 H St. Info: 360-733-1811, [email protected] or www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

”The Monologue Project 8” – Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “The Monologue Project 8” in conjunction with Fairhaven Middle School at 7:30pm on Dec. 5-7, at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center in Bellingham. The show features college actors and middle school students performing original monologues written by Fairhaven students. Each evening show will be followed by a post-show discussion with the audience. Tickets are $8 general and $5 students (with ID) and are available at the door. Cash or checks only will be accepted. For more info please contact Rich Brown at 360-650-7320 or visit www.wwu.edu/theatre.

Stuart McLean & the Vinyl Cafe Christmas Special – Stuart McLean will bring his Vinyl Cafe Christmas Special to the Mount Baker Theatre on Tues., Dec. 10 at 7:30pm. McLean is known as “Canada’s favorite storyteller.” His hit radio show, “The Vinyl Cafe,” is heard by 1.5 million people each week. The Vinyl Cafe Christmas Tour 2013 features new Dave & Morley stories and live music, including the Juno Award-winning trio, The Good Lovelies. The Mount Baker Theatre is located at 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. Admission is $37-$52. More info: 360-734-6080, [email protected] or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

Vaudevillingham! The Monthly Uncensored Variety Show Fundraiser for the Bellingham Circus Guild! – The 15th of every month brings a totally new/different show, no pre-screening, all-volunteer, local and out-of-towners, novice and veteran performers, dance, aerial, comedy, magic, juggling, burlesque and more, acts from raw to polished. All


From left to right: Byron Priebe (Kevin Emery), Lauren Senechal (Zorah Bloch), Natalie Hendricks

(Betty Andrews / Silent Barb), Thomas Beirne (Wayne Wellacre), Teague Parker (Walter Parsons / Ghost), Elizabeth Rhoades (M.J. McMann / Martha

Cratchit), Brian Allyn (Luther Beatty / Tiny Tim), Earl Reid (Sidney Carlton / Jacob Marley); Robert Muzzy (Larry Vauxhall / Scrooge), Nicole Winkler (Dorothy Tree Hapgood / Mrs. Cratchit), George

Kaas (Phil Hewlitt / Bob Cratchit).

www.bellinghamtheatreguild.com


She’s Baa-aack! Sister Terrorizes McIntyre Hallby Christopher Key

Whether you’re a Roman Catholic, in recovery, or just a wannabe, you’ve probably heard of or seen Late Night Catechism or one of its sequels. Maripat Donovan conceived the original show in 1993 and has been scaring audiences into hysterical laughter ever since. The latest spawn of the Nun From Hell is called Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. Think CSI: Bethlehem. It’s coming to Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall December 19 and 20.

The Late Night Catechism shows manage to make fun of Catholicism without crossing the fine line that separates humor from cruelty. “Sister’s” barbs may be sharp, but there is no poison on the tips. And metal-edged rulers were banned years ago.

In this version, Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? (“We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri–they

were in a barn after all.”) Sequels often arouse suspicion, but reviewers have unanimously raved about Sister.

Judy Hedding of About.com had this to say: “Having recently seen the

original Late Night Catechism I admit that I was concerned about whether or not this could be as enjoyable, since some of the originality of the presentation is inevitably diminished. After all, we know not to chew gum, be late or have too much cleavage showing, and we understand Sister’s demeanor and comedic style, as portrayed by Patti Hannon. As it turns out, I had no reason to worry; Sister’s Christmas Catechism was even more fun than the original.”

“While the play is especially attractive to adult Catholics who remember the ‘old days,’ the ‘publics’ among you won’t feel left out,” said John Quinn of Encore Michigan. “You’ll find out how ‘the way we were’ made us ‘the way we are.’ But fair warning to all of you: If you value your dignity, do NOT sass Sister! She’s

dealt with your kind before, and is one step ahead of any shenanigans you’re likely to pull!”

According to Paul Menard of backstage, “Donovan’s formidable Sister rules the classroom with a firm yet friendly hand, staying one step ahead of any smart alecks in the house and deftly improvising off the loose script. But don’t expect ‘Christmas Catechism’ to be group therapy for recovering Catholics; there may be a few sly sideways swipes at the church’s sexism or illogicality, but the jokes are as tame and innocent as baby Jesus himself. Who would’ve thought a nun would make an already-guilty pleasure a little less guilty?”

As in all of these shows, there’s a lot of interactivity, and if your presence comes to Sister’s notice, you will suddenly find yourself in a live recreation of the Nativity scene. Several different actors portray Sister, depending on locale. Aubrey Manning will be wielding the chalk in the McIntyre production. Yes, you can buy your way into Sister’s good graces, if not into heaven. All of the Catechism shows ask for donations to support retired nuns since the RC church opted out of Social Security.

Sister’s Christmas Catechism plays Thursday, December 19 and Friday, December 20, 7:30pm at McIntyre Hall. Tickets are $25, $15 for children under 12. Reserve your seat in the classroom by calling 360-416-7727x2 or online at www.mcintyrehall.org.

Aubrey Manning as Sister and an audience member as the ox in the living nativity scene of

“Sister’s Christmas Catechism.”

The Sister is portrayed by Seattle actress Aubrey Manning.

www.skagitcounty.net/museum

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Hosted by WWU AS Productions – Ignite your passion for adventure, action, and travel! The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate you with amazing big-screen stories on Tues., Dec. 3 at 7:30pm at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. Journey to exotic locations, paddle the wildest waters, and climb the highest peaks. Get your tickets today and be taken away to the most captivating places on earth. Admission is $9 general / $6 students. Info: 360-734-6080, [email protected] or www.mountbakertheatre.com.

National Theatre Live: “The Habit of Art” – National Theatre Live’s 2010 broadcast of Alan Bennett’s acclaimed play “The Habit of Art,” with Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour, comes to the Lincoln Theatre on Sun., Dec. 22 at 2pm. Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera “Death in Venice,” seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W.H. Auden. The play examines the unsettling desires of two difficult men, and at the ethics of biography, while reflecting on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion is spent. The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon. Admission is $15 general / $13 seniors / $11 students / $2 off for members. Info: 360-336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.


4-H Club and Project Leader Orientations – Adults interested in working within their communities to support positive youth development are encouraged to become 4-H Volunteers. Animals, science, environment, expressive arts, foods, clothing – teach your passion! To learn more, join us on Thurs. and Fri., Dec. 5 & 6, from 6-9pm at the WSU Extension Office, 1000 N. Forest St., Bellingham. Free admission. More info: 360-676-6736, [email protected] or www.whatcom.wsu.edu.

Free Improv Workshop – Come join us for a free workshop in our new space on Thurs., Dec. 12, 7-9pm. We are now located at 1308 E Street, in one of Bellingham’s Historical Landmarks, the oldest brick building in Washington state! This will be an evening of play, creativity, storytelling and fun! We will do a selection of games and exercises from improvisational theater. All levels welcome, absolutely no experience necessary! Info: www.improvplayworks.com , 360-756-0756 or [email protected].

Skagit Christmas – Skagit County Historical Museum (501 S. 4th St., La Conner) celebrates Skagit Christmas during the month of December! The North Wing Gallery will be transformed into Christmas circa 1869. Special activities, including craft sale, cookie decorating, hands-on crafts, and more, will occur throughout December. Admission is $5 adults / $4 seniors and children 6-12 / children under 6 free / $10 families / members free. The museum will be open Tues.-Sun., 11am-5pm. More info: [email protected], 360-466-3365 or www.skagitcounty.net.Abigail Adams: Revolutionary Woman – Enjoy a visit with one of the most influential women of the War of Independence on Thurs., Dec. 5 from 7-9pm at the Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave. As Abigail Adams, Ms. Barbara Johnson will interpret the life, the times, and the difficulties she faced. As the wife of one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and our nation’s first ambassador to England, Adams witnessed many of the major events of the American Revolution. Free admission. More info: 360-755-0760 or www.burlingtonwa.gov.Monthly Fly Day will be held at the Heritage Flight Museum, 4165 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, Sat., Dec. 21, noon-4pm. See aviation history come to life and take to the skies! Flying and static displays of historic military aircraft, flight simulators, artifacts and memorabilia. Local food vendor, StrEAT Food, sells food and beverages. Suggested donation: $5 person. More info: 360-733-4422 or www.heritageflight.org.

(continued from page 26)the money raised goes back into the guild to help continue its mission to assist and support the circus arts community of Whatcom County, to promote circus arts to the community at large, and to radically proliferate delight at every opportunity! Join us Sun., Dec. 15, at 7 or 9pm at The Cirque Lab, 1401 6th St. in Fairhaven. Doors open at 6:30pm for the 7pm show and at 8:30pm for the 9pm show. Suggested donation is $5-$10. More info: [email protected] or www.bellinghamcircusguild.com.Free Adult Acting Class – Anacortes Community Theatre (918 M Ave.) is offering a free adult acting class from 10am-noon on the 3rd Saturday of the month (Dec. 21). More info: 360-840-0089, [email protected] or www.acttheatre.com.

www.ilovethelincoln.com

www.pickfordfilmcenter.org


Hilltop Holiday Craft Sale – Celebrate Skagit Christmas at the Hilltop Holiday Craft Sale on Sat., Nov. 30 and Sun., Dec. 1 from 11am-5pm at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. 4th St., La Conner. Featuring items created by local crafters. Free admission. More info: 360-466-3365, [email protected] or www.skagitcounty.net.

Classes at Apple Yarns – Apple Yarns will be offering the following classes and events in December: Crafting for a Better Bellingham, Sundays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 1-4pm or Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 6-8pm, free; Beginning Knitting: Learn to Knit a Hat, Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 10:30-11:30am, $45; Beginning Crochet: Learn to Crochet a Hat, Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2:30-3:30pm, $45; Sit, Knit & Crochet, Mondays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, or Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10am-noon or Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 6-8pm, free; College Students Unite: Knitting/Crochet Circle, Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 4-6pm, free; Home Schoolers Unite: Knit/Crochet Social Circle, Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 1-3pm,

free; Introduction to Socks Knitting Class, Dec. 5, 12 & 19, $45; The Dr. Is In: Knitting and Crochet Questions, Fridays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3-5pm, free; Bellingham High School (1961-63) Knitting Group, Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12 & 19, 3-5pm, free; Knit 911 Class, Sat., Dec. 28, 2:30-3:30pm, $25. Apple Yarns is located at 1780 Iowa St., Bellingham. More info and to register: 360-756-9992, [email protected] or www.appleyarns.com.

Whatcom Knitting Guild Monthly Meeting – The Whatcom Knitting Guild monthly meeting will be held Mon., Dec. 2, noon-3pm at the Squalicum Yacht Club on Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. We welcome new members. Bring a brown bag lunch. Free admission. More info: 971-645-6515 or [email protected].

Jansen Art Center is offering the following workshops in December: Christmas Clay Magic Workshop (for kids 4-16), Wed., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, $25.

Instructor: Jesse Rasmussen and Trisha Dawn Coggins. • Holiday Bell Making Workshop (for kids 4-16), Thurs., Dec. 5, 4-6pm, $25. Instructor: Jesse Rasmussen and Trisha Dawn Coggins. • Square Knot Bracelet Workshop, Sat., Dec. 7, 11am-4pm, $65. Instructor: Judith Gauthier. • Knitting in Circles Sampler Class (3-days), Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 1-3pm, $45. Instructor: Cynthia Poppe. • Felted Ruffle Scarf Workshop, Tues., Dec. 10, 10am-2pm, $45 + $8 materials fee. Instructor: Donna Hunter. • Family Christmas Magic Workshop: Ceramics, Thurs., Dec. 12, 4-6pm, $25 per person. Instructor: Jesse Rasmussen and Trisha Dawn Coggins. Jansen Art Center is located at 321 Front St., Lynden. Info: 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org.

3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival – Come join us for the 3rd Annual Coast Salish Winter Festival on Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21 (noon-6pm on Fridays and 10am-4pm on Saturdays) at Lummi Gateway Center, 4920 Rural Ave., Ferndale. You’ll find exclusive and unique hand-crafted gifts created and sold by Lummi community members. Meet with the artists and see the skill of their craft ranging from intricate bead work to wood carvings. Free admission. More info: 360-306-8554 or www.LummiGatewayCenter.com.

Words @ the Works – Poets Luther Allen and J.I. Kleinberg read poetry and Prentiss Cole displays new word-centric artwork during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk on Fri., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, at The Works Studio Gallery, 301 W. Holly St. Free.

2nd Chapter Book Discussion Group – Join us Wed., Dec. 11, 2-3:30pm, at the Bellingham Central Library Adult Conference Room for a discussion of Vampire in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell. More info: Katie at 360-778-7230, [email protected].

Book Presentation: Greed, Glory and Madness: A History of Mount Baker – Since its “discovery” by Captain Vancouver, Mount Baker has served as a beacon to seafarers and a lure for rough-and-ready men in search of gold, timber, and adventure. John D’Onofrio and Todd Warger present images and stories from their new book, Images of America: Mount Baker on Thurs., Dec. 19 from 12:30-1:30pm at the Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. Admission is $3. Info: 360-778-8930 or www.whatcommuseum.org.

Ferndale Friends Book Club will meet at the WCLS Ferndale Library, 2007 Cherry St., on Mon., Dec. 23, 7-9pm, to discuss Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Nancy Pearl describes the novel as a story of “deep friendship, incredible bravery, and difficult choices” with a backdrop of a spy mission to France during WWII. More info: 360-305-3600.

Whatcom READS! Inspires Local Quilt Challenge – Fourth Corner Quilts is sponsoring a unique quilting challenge inspired by the 2014 Whatcom READS! book, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed. Quilters of all ages are encouraged to read Strayed’s book and create a quilt that reflects the issues, themes, and locations it presents. Participants may submit quilts to Fourth Corner Quilts, 1844 State St., Bellingham, during regular store hours. All quilts are due January 16, 2014. For more info about Whatcom READS!, visit www.whatcomreads.org. For more info about this challenge, please contact Julie Menkee at Fourth Corner Quilts at 360-714-0070.

www.villagebooks.com

www.appleyarns.com


Have a Merry Grinchmas and Grow Your Heart Three Sizes – Beginning Dec. 1st and lasting through Christmas Eve, take part in Village Books’ Grinch Community Cares project, aimed at spreading good deeds throughout the community, while building a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit. Stop by our store and pick up a “25 Days of Grinchmas Bingo Card” which gives suggestions for 25 days of good deeds (like supporting local independent businesses). Fill out at least one row of good deeds and come back to Village Books for a special gift. Our Grinchmas celebration will also benefit our annual Giving Tree program. Purchase two Dr. Seuss books at Village Books and we’ll donate a Dr. Seuss book to a child through our Giving Tree program. We hope you’ll help us celebrate the season of giving! More info: www.villagebooks.com.

World AIDS Day Forum – Skagit Valley College Music and Drama Department, along with the Rainbow Alliance, will hold a fundraiser on Sun., Dec. 1 from 2-4pm to raise money for a 2014 performance in the Fringe Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Music and Drama Department will host Evergreen AIDS and the local chapter of PFLAG as they lead an educational session on AIDS. Events will include informal discussion, open forum Q&A, a panel discussion, and free information on HIV/AIDS. The department will also present a sneak preview of their entry into the Fringe Theatre Festival. Donations are requested. The Tarro Theatre is located at 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Info: 360-416-7655.

Holiday Book & Bake Sale at the North Fork Community Library – Stop by the North Fork Library (7506 Kendall Rd., Maple Falls) and pick up some wonderful holiday cookies and cakes and some very special gift books during regular library hours through Mon., Dec. 23. All funds raised go toward maintaining the North Fork Library. Info: 360-305-3600.

Bellingham Harborview Lions Fundraiser – Bellingham Harborview Lions Club is holding a fundraiser on Wed., Dec. 4 at 6pm at the Bellingham Theatre

Guild, 1600 H St. They have bought out the house for “Inspecting Carol,” a hilarious, mad-cap comedy, and are selling tickets for $20, which includes a pre-theatre reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages. In addition, there will be a silent auction of wonderful, seasonal baskets with the proceeds going toward community projects in Whatcom County. “Inspecting Carol” is about a behind the scenes struggle with the “theatre’s annual slapdash production of A Christmas Carol. Rehearsals are at a standstill. Tim is no longer Tiny. Scrooge wants to do the play in Spanish, and their funding is on hold. Info: 360-303-7478 (Cindy Grandquis) or [email protected].

Holiday Events with the Bellingham Health Support Center – The Bellingham Health Support Center (HSC) will host its Festival of Trees Gala Dinner and Tree Auction on Sat., Dec. 7 from 6:30-9:30pm in the Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave. Dinner tickets are $50 and will include prime rib, shrimp, beer, wine, and a dessert dash. Funds raised by this annual event go to help the HSC help another 20 plus non-profits keep their doors open. This year’s tree auction will feature the first ever Steam Punk and Wizard of Oz trees, along with over a dozen more amazing creations. Trees can be also be viewed during the HSC’s Winter Wonderland Walk on Fri., Dec. 6 from 11am-10pm and Sat., Dec. 7 from 10am-1pm at the Leopold Crystal Ballroom. Admission is free, so come vote for your favorite tree while enjoying some apple cider and cookies. Info: 360-733-6714 or www.healthsupportcenter.org.

Holiday Tea – The Friends of the Deming Library present their annual Holiday Tea at the Deming Library (5044 Mt. Baker Highway) on Sat., Dec. 7, 1-5pm. Enjoy performances by the Mt. Baker A Cappella Choir, the McLaughlin Irish Dancers and more. Delicious tea and cookies will be served. Handmade candy and local crafts will be for sale as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Deming Library. Free. More info: 360-305-3600.

Jingle Bell Runs for Arthritis – The Arthritis Foundation will hold two events in December. The 6th annual Skagit Valley Jingle Bell Run/Walk will be held in Mount Vernon on Sun., Dec. 8 (www.skagitjinglebellrun.org), and the 26th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk will be held in Bellingham on Sat., Dec. 14 (www.bellinghamjinglebellrun.org). For details, please visit the websites.

Annual Silver Tea – The Friends of the Everson Library invite you to their holiday gift to the community: the 30th Annual Silver Tea, “Christmas Stories.” You’ll discover individually decorated tables, Adrianne De Hoog’s handmade Santa figures, music for mingling, crafts for kids, and refreshments for all. Join us Sun., Dec. 8, 2-5pm, at the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. More info: 360-305-3600.

Holiday Handmade Bazaar – The 6th Annual Holiday Handmade Bazaar is a cozy little holiday sale curated by Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress and features your favorite local crafters, including Flying Bird Botanicals, Karie Jane, Moth & Squirrel, Breadfarm, Spincycle Yarns, Moon Valley Organics, Simpleworks, Red Boots Designs and more! The Bazaar is open daily from Sun., Dec.1-Tues., Dec. 24 at The Paper Mill, 205 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham. More info: 360-746-8574.

7th Annual Homemade Arts & Crafts Christmas Bazaar – The Blaine Community Senior Center’s annual Christmas Bazaar will be held Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7 from 9am-4pm at the BCSC, 763 G Street. Homemade arts and crafts by over 30 local artisans. Cookie walk, raffle, hourly door prizes, and visits with Santa (Sat., 10am-2pm). Deli lunch available. Proceeds benefit the Blaine Senior Center. Free admission. Info: 360- 332-8040, [email protected] or www.blaineseniorcenter.com.

Montessori Holiday Craft Market – Join us for good family fun and holiday treasures at our annual Montessori Craft Market on Sat., Dec. 7 from 9am-6pm at Pioneer Meadows Montessori School, 2377 Douglas Rd., Ferndale. Baked treats, handcrafted jewelry, woodworking, pottery and more. There will be live music, face painting, and raffles for goods from our talented vendors. We will also have a professional photographer on site to take your family’s holiday photo! Free admission. More info: [email protected] or www.montessoricraftmarket.com.

Christmas Crafts and Cookies Fair – Ferndale Senior Activity Center (1999 Cherry St.) is hosting its 3rd Annual Christmas Crafts and Cookie Fair on Sat., Dec. 7 from 10am-4pm. Browse locally handmade crafts, sip hot chocolate and shop a wonderful assortment of home-baked cookies for that special gift for the season. Free admission. Info: 360-384-6244, [email protected] or www.ferndaleseniorcenter.org.

Artisan Showcase and Holiday Sale – Join us at the Jansen Art Center (321 Front St., Lynden) on Sat., Dec. 7 from 11am-5pm as local artists demonstrate and sell their art work, including ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, wood working, glass art, paintings, and more. Free admission. Info: 360-354-3600, [email protected] or www.jansenartcenter.org.

Holiday Fair – Come support local artisans and wellness experts on Sun., Dec. 8 from noon-4pm at Ferndale Kula Yoga, 1920 Main St. We will have a wide variety of quality handmade gifts, as well as hosting several wellness professionals who will have holistic products and gift certificates available. Free. Info: 360-927-2202, [email protected] or www.ferndalekulayoga.com.

www.brutonandschellberg.com


Acupuncture 102: Calm the Holiday Madness – Join Matt Van Dyke, EAMP, on Mon., Dec. 9 at 5:30pm and learn how to remain calm and collected while the world around us goes crazy. Seating is limited. Call or email to reserve seat and snack. Calming tea will be served. Drop-ins are welcome. Presentation will be held at London Health Center, 2376 Main St., Suite 3, Ferndale. Free admission. More info: [email protected] , www.londonhealthcenterinc.com or 360-384-2900.

Frightday the 13th Haunted Bellingham Presentation – Author Taimi Dunn Gorman will talk about local ghosts and hauntings (with a slide show of orbs and mists seen during local paranormal investigations) on Fri., Dec. 13 at 7pm at Simply Spirit Reading and Healing Center, 1304 Meador Ave., B-11, Bellingham. Gorman’s book was the #10 best selling book at Village Books in 2012 and will be for sale at the event. If you already own the book, bring it along for an autograph. Admission is $5 donation. More info: 360-647-7134, [email protected] or www.simplyspiritcenter.com.

Scenic Wonders of Whatcom: “The Moldau” – Come to the Central Bellingham Public Library’s Lecture Room at 210 Central Ave. on Sat., Dec. 28 at 1:30pm for a slide-illustrated presentation featuring lovely views along the Nooksack River and the unique music of Smetana’s “The Moldau.” Co-sponsored by the Bellingham Public Library. More info: Suzanne at 360-778-7236. (continued on page 32)

Kirtan Singing Celebration – Bring your percussion if you’d like, your voice, or just your presence on Sun., Dec. 1 at 10:30am at the Anacortes Center for Happiness, 619 Commercial Ave. Together, we will gather around the sound of Simme Bobrosky’s guitar and sing beautiful songs of many cultures. Admission by donation. More info: 360-464-2229, [email protected] or www.anacortescenterforhappiness.org.

Kathie Hardy Celtic Harp Music – Kathie Hardy performs ancient and traditional melodies on Celtic Harp. She will be performing at the following locations in December (free unless noted): Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, 1825 Cornwall Ave.: Sun., Dec. 1, 11am-12:15pm; Sun., Dec. 15, 2:30-3:45pm; and Mon., Dec. 23, 2:30-3:45pm. • Barkley Haggen Sing From the Heart, 2900 Woburn: Fri., Dec. 6, 2-3pm and

Sat., Dec. 7, noon-1pm. • Greenhouse, 1235 Cornwall Ave.: Fri., Dec. 6, 6-9pm. • The Lights of Christmas’ Starry Nights Coffeehouse, Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood: Sun., Dec. 8 and Thurs., Dec. 12, 30 minute performances at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, $10-$15 / children under 3 free. • Community Food Co-op, Cordata: Sun., Dec. 22, 2-4pm. More info: [email protected].

Whatcom Community College Fall Choir Concert – Whatcom Community College’s annual Fall Collegiate Choir Concert will take place on Mon., Dec. 2 at 7:30pm at Heiner Auditorium, 237 Kellogg Rd., Bellingham. The concert will feature seasonal choral music from Bulgaria, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.S., in historical eras from Renaissance to contemporary. All ages are welcome. Free parking and wheelchair access. Free admission. More info: 360-676-0266 or [email protected].

A Celebration of the Season – The Skagit Valley College Music Department and the Skagit Community Band present A Celebration of the Season, a holiday concert celebrating music that makes this season special, on Tues., Dec. 3, 7:30pm, at McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon. Join the SVC music department as they present a holiday concert with special guests, the Skagit Community Band under the direction of Vince Fejeran. The SVC choral department, under the direction of Dr. Diane Johnson, will feature large and small vocal ensembles singing traditional and contemporary carols. Both groups will combine to present a collection of holiday favorites. The SCB will perform a special reading and musical presentation of the “Night Before Christmas” as well as a unique presentation of traditional carols. The SVC music department will also feature the SVC Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors and $5 students and children, and are available through the McIntyre Hall Box office or at www.mcintyrehall.org.

Heidi Muller & Bob Webb CD Release Concert – Heidi Muller and Bob Webb are coming to Bellingham for a CD release concert on Tues., Dec. 3 at 7:30pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr. Their new CD, “Dulcimer Moon,” has just

come out and features original songs, traditional tunes and a few covers with mountain dulcimer, guitar, mandolin and cello backup. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. The concert is co-sponsored by the Whatcom County Homemade Music Society and the Whatcom Family and Community Network. Info: www.heidimuller.com , [email protected] or 304-382-9422.

Jazz Project Jazz Jam – The Jennifer Scott Trio hosts the Boundary Bay Jazz Jam every first Tuesday (Dec. 3) of the month in the taproom (1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham), 8:30-11:30pm. Next Jazz Jam is Tues., Jan. 7. Free. More info: 360-650-1066, [email protected] or www.jazzproject.org.

Bellingham High School Showstoppers Holiday Concert – Join us at Trinity Lutheran Church (119 Texas St.) on Wed., Dec. 4 at 10:30am for a holiday concert with the Bellingham High School Showstoppers. The Showstoppers is a 20-member group auditioned out of the BHS Concert Choir. This group has won the Regional Ensemble Contest for the last 13 years, when the group first entered the contest. The Showstoppers, like the name implies, really entertain audiences of all kinds. In addition to more serious music for the small ensemble, they perform a variety of music including a different choreographed medley every year. Free admission. More info: 360-671-0252, [email protected] or www.bellinghammusicclub.org.

Bellingham Ceili Club Session – An Irish music session is an informal gathering of musicians who share in a repertoire of this traditional music. Join us for the session on Wed., Dec. 4 beginning at 6pm which will include a 6:15pm tune workshop, 7pm slow session, and 8pm regular session at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr., Bellingham. Co-sponsored by the Whatcom Homemade Music Society and the Whatcom Family and Community Network. More info: [email protected] or www.bellinghamceiliclub.com.

Mike Allen Quartet (MAQ) Jazz Series – WWU Jazz and The Jazz Project present: “The Mike Allen Quartet Monthly Jazz Series at BAAY.” The quartet features


Motherlode in Concert to Benefit the Conant Dodge Memorial Scholarship Fundby Tracy Springs

Motherlode, a dynamic group of four songwriters from Bellingham, Washington and Portland, Oregon, will perform at 7:30pm Saturday, December 7 to benefit the Conant Dodge Memorial Scholarship Fund. The concert will be at the Fairhaven College Auditorium. Tickets at the door cost $20. Advance tickets are available at Village Books

in Fairhaven and the downtown Community Food Co-op for $18 general and $12 for seniors and students.

Marie’s father, Conant Dodge, was the first in his family to complete a four-year college degree. Son of a blacksmith and one of seven children who grew up in rural Pennsylvania, Dodge helped fund college degrees not only for family members, but also for others who did not have the resources to pursue their dreams of education.

“His lifelong commitment to education was like a pebble dropped into a pool, spreading out to touch many lives,” Eaton said. “The family hopes that this scholarship for first-generation-to-college students might begin a legacy like his in another family.”

Much beloved by their fans (many of whom have followed the band since its inception in 1980), this four-woman band is renowned for displaying its humor and heart on its collective sleeve. Together, they skillfully weave their songs into a rich tapestry of harmony and variable instruments (acoustic guitars, cello, bass, dobro, mandolin, harmonica, flute) on a rainbow palette of original material (love songs, political satire, traditional ballads and songs about positive solutions to contemporary issues). They unabashedly demonstrate warmth, spontaneity and rapport with their audiences (who invariably sing along, to the delight of the artists).

With eight albums to their credit, Motherlode has played to enthusiastic audiences from Vancouver, B.C. to Los Angeles, California, sharing stages with such nationally known artists as Ronnie Gilbert, Nina Gerber, Theresa Trull, Judy Small and Tom Paxton.

For more information, please visit www.motherlodemusic.com.


WWU Jazz Director Mike Allen (saxophone), Miles Black (piano), Adam Thomas (bass), and Julian MacDonough (drums). December’s performance will be held Wed., Dec. 4 at 7:30pm at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 1059 N. State St. Admission is $10. Tickets can be purchased at www.jazzproject.org. Info: 360-650-3133, [email protected] or www.mikeallenjazz.com.

Bellingham Jazz Singer Cheryl Jewell Headlines KPLU’s “Live Broadcast” Christmas Jazz Jam – Bellingham jazz singer Cheryl Jewell has been chosen to headline KPLU’s Christmas Jazz Jam, a live broadcast on KPLU radio, 88.5 FM / Seattle. Performing live from the campus of Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in the Mary Baker Russell Music Center on

Thurs., Dec. 5, from noon-1pm, Jewell will be joined by her trio and by the PLU Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. David Deacon-Joyner. KPLU Radio will also broadcast the performance throughout the day on Christmas Day. The event is free to the public; early parking is recommended as parking is curbside on the streets of the university. The Mary Baker Russell Music Center is located at 12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma. More info: 253-535-7758 or www.kplu.org.

Live in the Piano Lounge – Join us on Thursdays in December at 5:30pm for live music in Jansen Art Center’s Piano Lounge: Cheryl Hodge (blues/jazz), Dec. 5; Paul Klein (blues, rock), Dec. 19. Jansen Art Center is located at 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. More info: 360-354-3600 or www.jansenartcenter.org.

Handel’s “Messiah” – The Lynden Choral Society invites you to come and join us for our 2013 presentation of Handel’s “Messiah” to be held at 3rd Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty St., Lynden. Two concerts will be offered: Fri., Dec. 6 at 7pm and Sat., Dec. 7 at 2pm. We will be sharing almost the entire work, so please plan to spend a couple of hours with us enjoying this inspiring music. Refreshments will be available after the concert. Come enjoy the music and then stay in Lynden on Saturday evening and enjoy the lighted parade! Suggested donation of $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 children, $30 per family will help us cover expenses. Info: 360-318-1723 or [email protected].

Washington’s Legends of the Blues – The Arlington Arts Council, in partnership with the Washington Blues Society, presents Legends of the Blues, an all-star concert at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center (18821 Crown Ridge Blvd., Arlington) on Fri., Dec. 6 at 7pm. Award winners from the state’s blues scene will be drawing upon decades of musical wisdom and notoriety, sharing with each other and the audience their passion and unique talents. Admission is $15. Info: 360-403-3448 or www.arlingtonartscouncil.net.

Whatcom Girls Chorus Performances – The Whatcom Girls Chorus will be performing twice in early December. Our Annual Family Concert will be at Trinity Lutheran Church (119 Texas St., Bellingham) on Fri., Dec. 6 at 7pm. Admission is free, though donations will be accepted for the Whatcom Girls Chorus Scholarship Fund. We will also be performing at the free Holiday Port Festival (Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave.) on Sat., Dec. 7 at 2pm. More info: www.whatcomgirlschorus.com.

”Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller” – The Northwest Washington Theatre Group proudly presents “Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller” on the following dates at Meridian High School: Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7 at 7:30pm; and Sat., Dec. 7 at 2pm. This is a Tony-nominated Broadway musical revue built around such classic rock and R&B tunes as “Ruby Baby,” “Kansas City,” “Hound Dog,” “Spanish Harlem,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Yakety Yak,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and over two dozen more. Meridian High School is located at 194 W. Laurel Rd., Bellingham. Admission is $12-$15. More info: [email protected] or www.nwtg.org.

B.J. Thomas Performs at Skagit Valley Casino Resort – Grammy winner B.J. Thomas will perform two holiday shows on Fri. & Sat., Dec. 6 & 7 at 8pm in Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s Pacific Showroom (5984 N. Darrk Ln., Bow). Thomas, who has been called a true “American institution,” is best known for his iconic hit song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” Over his career, he has

Motherlode is Janet Peterson, Nan Collie, Marie Eaton and Kathleen Fallon. These four vital women have been

performing together for over thirty years.


achieved fifteen Top 40 hits on the pop/rock charts, with ten on the Top 40 country charts. He has eleven gold and two platinum records to his name, as well as five Grammys and two Dove awards. Admission is $24-$28. More info: 877-275-2448 or www.theskagit.com.

Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) Holiday Party and Jam – Strum in the holidays! BUG invites you to their annual holiday party and jam on Sat., Dec. 7 from 3-5pm at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Please bring finger food to share. Admission is $5. More info: 360-733-6867, [email protected] or www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com.

Christmas with the Bellingham Chamber Chorale – Rejoicing in the spirit of the season, the BCC and artistic director Ryan Smit will delight audiences through music old and new on Sat., Dec. 7 at 3pm at the First Congregational Church of Bellingham, 2401 Cornwall Ave. The program features Lloyd Pfautsch’s “Day for Dancing” accompanied by flute, oboe, and percussion; two Marian hymns by Basque composer Javier Busto; three Christmas spirituals; and other seasonal classics. Tickets available at Piper Music, Village Books, Community Food Co-op, at www.brownpapertickets.com , and at the door. Admission is $20 general / $15 seniors and students / $5 kids 18 and under. More info: 206-238-3927, [email protected] or www.bccsings.org.

Saturday Night Music at Jansen Art Center – Join us at Jansen Art Center (321 Front St., Lynden) on Saturdays in December for the following performances: Andy “Badd Dog” Koch (blues), Dec. 7, 6:30pm; Michael Gonzalez (acoustic guitar), Dec. 21, 6:30pm. No cover charge; beer, wine and food available. More info: 360-354-3600, www.jansenartcenter.org.

Swinging the Christmas Carols and Seasonal Songs Concert – The Swing Connection will present its 6th Annual Swinging the Christmas Carols and Seasonal Songs Concert at the First Baptist Church (110 Flora St., Bellingham) on Sat., Dec. 7 at 7:30pm. New this year, the band will perform themes from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” as arranged by Duke Ellington and Shorty Rogers, and a contemporary arrangement of “Silent Night” by Tom Kubis. Julie Pulsifer, the band’s vocalist, will perform a variety of seasonal favorites. Free; but a $10 donation is appreciated. Info: 360-714-0054, [email protected] or www.swingconnection.org.

The Coats’ Annual Holiday Show – Internationally acclaimed a cappella group, The Coats, will help kick off the holiday season with its high-energy show on Sat., Dec. 7 at 7:30pm at the Bellingham High School (BHS) theater (2020 Cornwall Ave.). Identified as the premier a cappella

vocal group in the Pacific Northwest, The Coats are known for intensely arranged, interactive performances that blend music and comedy. In addition, the evening will open with performances by all three local high school small advanced choirs. Tickets are on sale now at the BHS ASB office, SqHS ASB office, SHS ASB office and Village Books. Admission is $20 general / $15 students and seniors. More info: 360-676-6575 or www.thecoats.net.

Bee Merry! – The Honeybees invite you to join them as they continue to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a Holiday Concert on Sun., Dec. 8 at 2pm in the Crystal Ballroom of The Leopold Hotel in downtown Bellingham. Performing together since the fall of 2003, Kathy, Marcia, Iris and Barb enjoy sharing their harmonies, humor and choreography with audiences of all ages. The group’s new CD, “A Sentimental Journey with The Honeybees” as well as their Christmas recording entitled “Bee Merry” and “First Buzz” (recorded in 2008) will all be available at the concert. Admission is $5 suggested donation. More info: email Barb at [email protected].

Holiday Harmony Concert – Harmony Northwest Chorus will present a Christmas Concert on Sun., Dec. 8 from 2-4pm at the Mount Vernon Community Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Music includes favorite traditional carols, upbeat holiday tunes and a group sing-along. Refreshments and door prizes offered. We will also be collecting donations for local food banks. Admission is $5 at the door / children 10 and under free. More info: 360-428-4186, [email protected] or www.harmonynorthwest.org.

Celebrate the Season with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra – The WSO’s special seasonal celebration warms up the season with orchestral and choral favorites on Sun., Dec. 8 at 3pm at the Mount Baker Theatre (104 N. Commerical St., Bellingham). Our guests include the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, conducted by Ryan Smit, and the Bellingham Children’s Choir, led by David Post. Admission is $12 / $30 / $35. Info: 360- 756-6752, [email protected] or www.whatcomsymphony.com.

Senior Voice Recital: Kristen Swenson – Soprano and WWU student Kristen Swenson will be performing her senior voice recital on Sun., Dec. 8 from

4-5:30pm at the WWU Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. Works by Handel, Debussy, Strauss, Ravel, and Verdi will be performed. Free admission.

John Reischman & The Jaybirds Concert – John Reischman, one of the country’s premier mandolin players, will perform in concert with his band, The Jaybirds, on Mon., Dec. 9 at 7pm in the


www.whatcomchorale.org

www.appleseedmac.com/firehouse/


YWCA Ballroom, 1026 Forest St., Bellingham. The group is famous for their polished, subtle, and thoughtful approach to bluegrass music. Admission is $15. Info: 360-733-5960, www.thejaybirds.com or [email protected].

Heralding Christmas – This 2013 “Heralding Christmas” concert will feature songs and arrangements that focus on the glory and praise of the Christmas season as proclaimed by angels so long ago. “Gloria in D” by Antonio Vivaldi (accompanied by string quartet, harpsichord, trumpet, and oboe) will be followed by Handel’s “And the Glory of the Lord” from “The Messiah” and “An Angelic Medley” arranged by Greg Gilpin. Arrangements by Paul Williams, John Rutter, and Emil Alwyn continue the theme of the angel’s proclamation. The concert will end with the Chorale’s signature piece, “Peace, Peace” by Rick and Sylvia Powell. Join us for this beautiful concert on Fri., Dec. 13 at 7:30pm or Sun., Dec. 15 at 2pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Admission is $16-$25. Info: 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org or [email protected].

Fidalgo Youth Symphony Christmas Concert – Celebrate this special time of year with a concert of holiday favorites and smaller chamber works on Sat., Dec. 14 at 1pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Admission is $15 general / $10 seniors / $1 children. Info: 360-416-7727, www.mcintyrehall.org or [email protected].

Dulcimer Club – The Bellingham Dulcimer Club (BDC) will meet at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth, between H and I Streets in the Lettered Streets Neighborhood of Bellingham, Sat., Dec. 14 from 1:30-

3:30pm. Free admission, but donations toward room rent are welcome. More info: 360-982-8599, www.bellingham-dulcimer-club.blogspot.com or email [email protected].

Rocking in the Holidays – Join us on Sat., Dec. 14 at 7pm at the Whatcom Museum Old City Hall Rotunda Room (121 Prospect St., Bellingham) for many styles of inspiring music from three centuries. Cello, electric guitar and classical guitar, with pre-recorded tracks on violin, viola, cello, bass, guitars, keyboards and drum machines. A rollicking evening with the old masters updated to the 21st century. Admission is $15 adults / $5 students. More info: 360-752-1423, [email protected] or www.theamadeusproject.org.

Skagit Symphony Holiday Concert – The Holiday Concert is a joyous occasion to hear and sing the much-loved music of Christmas and the holidays on Sat., Dec. 14 at 7:30pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Once again, the Skagit Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra in a performance of Bach’s “Cantata No. 196, Der Herr Denket An Uns,” a cantata for the blessing of home and children. The chorus will also sing Robert Shaw’s collection of traditional Christmas carols. With orchestral selections by Handel, Tchaikovsky and others, the audience will sing along with the orchestra in the Concert Caroling, arranged by music director Roupen Shakarian. Admission is $20-$40. Info: [email protected] , 360-416-7727 or www.mcintyre.hall.org.

Gala Christmas Concert with Bellingham Community Chorus – The Bellingham Community Chorus will be performing their Christmas concert and sing-along on Sun., Dec. 15 at 3pm at St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St.,

Bellingham. You will hear “Cabaret,” “The Prayer” (often sung by Josh Groban), “The Pink Panther” and many more spirited holiday selections. Free admission. More info: 360-738-7289 or [email protected].

North Cascades Concert Band Concert – The North Cascades Concert Band, under the direction of Rob Pattermann, is presenting its final energetic and lively fall concert of classical band music. The 50 piece wind band will play music both familiar and new. The final concert is scheduled for Sun., Dec. 15 at 3pm in Anacortes at Brodniak Hall (1600 20th St.). Ticket prices are $25 family (2 adults & up to 5 children), $12 adult, $10 seniors, and $5 for age 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door for each concert, or in advance at Piper Music or Village Books in Bellingham; Watermark Book Co. in Anacortes; Flowers by George in Arlington; and Blaine Bouquet in Blaine. For more info visit: www.nccband.org.

Songs of Heaven: Whatcom Chorale Fall Concert – The Whatcom Chorale will perform the “Sacred Antiphonal Works” on Sun., Dec. 15 at 3pm at Church of the Assumption (2116 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham) to kick off our 41st season. Tickets are available at the door and at Village Books, Piper Music, Everybody’s Store, Greenhouse, and both Food Co-op locations in Bellingham. Tickets can also be purchased online through www.brownpapertickets.com. Admission is $20 adults / $15 seniors and students / $5 age 18 and under. More info: 360-738-7166 or www.whatcomchorale.org.

Bells of the Sound presents Making Spirits Bright – Join the Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble on Sun., Dec. 15 at 5pm as they present a program of traditional and modern holiday classics like “Blue Christmas,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” and “Jingle Bells.” The performance will be held at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. Admission is suggested donation of $10 adults / $8 seniors and youth. More info: 206-931-7669, [email protected] or www.bellsofthesound.org.

MVHS Choir Winter Concert – Mount Vernon High School Choir’s Winter Concert will be held on Wed., Dec. 18 at 4pm and again at 7pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. A holiday tradition of exciting choral works featuring gospel, carols, classical works, and other holiday favorites. Admission is $6-$8. More info: 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org.

Bellingham Ukulele Group (BUG) Song Circle – Join the BUG Song Circle on Wed., Dec. 18 from 7-9pm at the Roeder Home, 2600 Sunset Dr.,



www.ilovethelincoln.com


by Osa HaleThe holiday season is full of warmth, of

finding joy in festivities, familiar songs, and hot cocoa. One musical delight that should not be missed, as the days grow shorter and colder, is the Magical Strings’ 35th annual Celtic Yuletide concert on December 15 at the Lincoln Theatre.

Sue Ellen Heflin, executive director at the Lincoln Theatre, explained that the concert is a delight for both the audience and the performers. Magical Strings has been playing Celtic tunes for more than 35 years, ever since Philip and Pam Boulding got involved with Irish music and harp-making, bringing family members into the art and forming a widely-loved sound. Magical Strings has recorded 18 albums and toured nationwide.

“The music itself is just gorgeous,” Heflin said. “They are very, very good musicians with a lot of skill and love for the music.”

Pam plays the hammered dulcimer, while Philip plays Celtic harp, dulcimer, tin whistle, accordion, and a bamboo harp from Madagascar known as the valiha. Philip has designed and built more than 2,500 harps and dulcimers, and runs the School of Magical Strings for students who wish to learn the art of the harp and dulcimer.

Magical Strings creates their unique music primarily with Celtic harps and hammered dulcimers crafted by Philip, accompanied by pennywhistles, violins, cellos, percussion, and a variety of international instruments. The band uses musical techniques developed by Philip, including dynamic, pulsating rhythms.

Storytelling is also an important and entertaining part of the Magical Strings performance. The Yuletide celebration,

more a gala than a simple concert, will also feature juggling, singing, and dancing.

The Raney Irish dancers and the Tara Academy of Irish Dance will join Magical Strings. Armed with stirring Irish tunes, vocalist Colleen Raney, guitarist Colm MacCárthaigh, fiddler Jocelyn Pettit and percussionist Matt Jerrell will accompany the dancers.

As three generations of Bouldings, along with other talented musicians and performers, foster the holiday fun, Heflin says an audience member can expect to hear distinctive Yuletide songs, and to join in the fun themselves.

“They play holiday-oriented music, but a lot of it isn’t what you hear on muzak in the elevator. It is very special music,” Heflin said. “There is a lot of audience participation. They’ll be invited to sing, to join the processional.”

The performance is a festive, fun event for the whole family, Heflin said. The music will range from Celtic renditions of traditional carols to original seasonal compositions. The celebration finishes off with the performers and audience members harmonizing on well-known holiday songs. It’s like a perfect cup of mid-December hot cocoa for the soul.

“It is a really engaging and warm concert,” Heflin said. “It’s like... coming out of the cold December weather into a lovely and warm experience.”

Tickets are available now, and they range from $16 to $22. The Lincoln Theatre ticket office is open Monday through Friday, from noon-5pm, and tickets can be bought in person or over the phone at 360-336-8955 during those hours. They can also be purchased online at the Lincoln Theatre’s website at www.lincolntheatre.org.

The Magical Strings’ 35th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert

www.bccsings.org

www.arlingtonartscouncil.net


Mark O’Connor & Friends: An Appalachian Christmas Tourby Meghan Thompson

Sunday, December 22nd, brings Mark O’Connor and his Appalachian Christmas Tour to Bellingham’s Mount Baker Theatre. The show begins at 3pm and is set to include classic holiday favorites as well as several Appalachian-themed songs including a new version of the “Appalachia Waltz.”

Seattle native Mark O’Connor has been described as “one of the most talented and imaginative artists working in music – any music – today,” by The Los Angeles Times, and “brilliantly original,” by The Seattle Times. O’Connor has sold over two-million CDs as a solo recording artist, and countless others with well-known performers such as Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Randy Travis, and The Judds.

A product of America’s rich aural folk tradition, as well as classical music, along the way, between these marvelous musical extremes, Mark O’Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied. He’s masterfully melded and shaped these influences into a new American Classical music, and a vision of an entirely American school of string playing.

O’Connor says, “Appalachia is the original melting pot of our country featuring more diverse styles of American music than just about anywhere. Growing up in the O’Connor musical household, Christmas time was a wondrous mixture of Christmas carols, fiddling, bluegrass and other traditional American music. And that is the spirit of ‘An Appalachian Christmas.’”

Ticket prices range from $20-$59 and can be purchased online at www.mountbakertheatre.com , via phone at 360-734-6080, or at the box office.

Bellingham. Select a song for the group to play from the “BUG Song Book” or “The Daily Ukulele.” Guest copies are available. If you’d like, bring a new song to share and sing with the group (20 copies). Bring a music stand if you have one. Admission is $5. More info: 360-733-6867, [email protected] or www.bellinghamukulelegroup.com.

Kendall Elementary Student Choir Sings Holiday Songs at the North Fork Library – Come and celebrate the holidays with songs performed by the Kendall Elementary School Student Choir on Thurs., Dec. 19, 2-2:30pm. These dedicated boys and girls will sing a wonderful assortment of winter songs and holiday favorites. Cider and cookies provided by the Friends of the North Fork Community Library. The North Fork Library is located at 7506 Kendall Road, Maple Falls. More info: 360-305-3600.

Christmas Concert and Community Sing-Along – International Concert Artist, Martin Kuuskmann and local musical talents band together Fri., Dec. 20, 7pm, to present an evening of Christmas music sure to make your evening bright! The concert will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G St., Blaine. Children are welcome. Admission is by donation (your generous donation will help support the 2014 Drayton Harbor Music Camp and Festival, previously known as the Blaine Jazz Camp and Festival). More info: 360-820-8312 or www.blainejazz.org.

Traditional Music Solstice Dance Concert with Giant’s Causeway & Lindsay Street – This will be a Solstice Dance Concert of very fine acoustic music for everyone on Fri., Dec. 20 at The Majestic Underground, 1027 N. Forest St., Bellingham. The first show (7pm) is super kid friendly, and the second show (9pm) will maintain a more concert atmosphere. We’ll keep our spirits high with warming drinks and fiery music. Honeymoon Hard Cider and hot mulled cider will be available for $3 a glass, along with some homemade organic tarts and pies too. Admission is $10 adults / donation for kids. More info: [email protected] or 360-820-0486.

An Evening of Christmas Caroling – Join the Lynden Music Festival committee and some special guests for an evening of caroling on Mon., Dec. 23 at 7pm at the Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 1105 Liberty St., Lynden. Admission is free with donations accepted for the Lynden Music Festival and families in need. More info: 360-510-0654, [email protected] or www.lyndenmusicfestival.com.

The Journey’s 32nd Christmas Concert – Bronn and Katherine Journey and their friends will present a casually elegant evening featuring music celebrating the joy of the Christmas season

on Mon., Dec. 23 at 7:30pm at McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Be prepared to thoroughly enjoy the warmth of this special event that combines harp, humor, and song. The program will include music from many genres – Broadway, folk, classical, and sacred – but the highlight of the evening will be the beauty of traditional Christmas classics. Admission is $20-$24. More info: 360-416-7727, [email protected] or www.mcintyrehall.org.

New Year’s Eve Gala – Dance the night away at Skagit Valley Casino Resort’s New Year’s Eve Gala on Tues., Dec. 31 from 8pm-1am in the Pacific Showroom (5984 N. Darrk Ln., Bow). Enjoy live music by three of Seattle’s hottest party bands: The Afrodisiacs, The Spazmatics and Mr. Pink! From 70’s disco classics to current dance hits, these bands pull the best from over five decades of music. Tickets for the Gala include reserved seats, buffet dinner, keepsake gift, no-host bar, countdown to midnight and more. Admission is $90 per person. More info: 877-275-2448 or www.theskagit.com.

Seasonal “Spring Sing Round-Up” with Valley Voices a Cappella Chrous – The Valley Voices a Cappella Chorus will again be starting their “Spring Sing Round-Up” on Thurs., Jan. 2 at 7pm at Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Rd., Lynden. This session will run 13 weeks each Thursday until March 27. Ladies interested in experiencing barbershop harmony singing should make arrangements this month by calling Vicki at 360-354-7965 or Bev at 360-354-6946. The “Seasonal Summer Sing Round-Up” begins April 3 and will revisit their “patriotic package;” this session includes singing in parades and at various community functions during the summer. Cost is $30. More info: 360-966-4976, [email protected] or www.valleyvoices.weebly.com.

Welcome Home Concert – The Bellingham Festival of Music presents its 4th annual “Welcome Home Concert” on Sat., Jan. 4, 7:30pm, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham. This concert will highlight violinist Roman Yearian, a graduate of Bellingham High School who has performed locally with the Whatcom Symphony and North Sound Youth Symphony. He was also the recipient of scholarships from the Bellingham Music Club and the Bellingham Assistance League. Roman left Bellingham to continue his violin studies with Elmar Oliveira at Lynn Conservatory in Florida. He is currently pursuing a degree in violin performance with Brian Lewis at the University of Texas in Austin. Adult admission is $15 suggested donation; students free. Info: 360-733-9371, [email protected] or www.bellinghamfestival.org.


“The audience was on its feet ... They were moved by Mr. O’Connor’s journey without

maps, cheering for the only musician today who can reach so deeply first into the refined, then the vernacular, giving his listeners a complex,

sophisticated piece of early-21st-century classical music and then knocking them dead with the brown-dirt whine of a Texas fiddle.”

—New York Times. Photo by Jim McGuire.

Submit your events online at www.ennw.info

www.MountBakerTheatre.com

www.peacehealth.org/apps/Physician/PhysicianDetail.aspx?ProviderID=1083

www.lithtexnw.com

www.theskagit.com

entertainment news nw-december 2013

Documents

port of bellingham

ballet bellingham

bellingham chamber chorale

bellingham food bank

arts center

bellingham sports spine

jansen art center

entertainment news northwest