Arts Briefs | July 13 edition

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 13, 2023

Rickie Lee Jones

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones will showcase her latest album, “Pieces of Treasure,” in collaboration with legendary producer Russ Titelman, at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 17, at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).

In “Pieces of Treasure,” Jone emphasizes themes of survival, aging, and unwavering love. The album serves as a testament to her evolution as an artist while staying true to her distinctive musical style. The reunion with Titelman, who co-produced Jones’ groundbreaking debut and “Pirates,” adds an extra layer of significance to this project.

Both shows are currently listed as sold out, but check for last-minute availability at VCA’s box office, open 12-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, or at the door on the night of the shows.

Kathryn Claire and Margot Merah

The musical duo of Kathryn Claire and Margot Merah will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Snapdragon’s Black Cat Cabaret.

Claire and Merah, who share a love of songwriting, traditional music, folk and harmony singing, first met in 2013 in a small Irish pub in Amsterdam.

After two and a half years apart, the two reunited last summer in the Pacific Northwest for a tour featuring original and traditional songs and instrumentals, along with their favorite covers. They began writing together on the road and when they toured again in Europe this past spring, they decided the time had come to create an album together.

In their live shows and on their upcoming album, “Come Close, Come In,” the two multi-instrumentalists play guitar, fiddle, ukulele, bodhran, and harmonica, and weave together intricate vocal harmonies.

Check out their music here.

The circus comes to town

Up Up Up Inc., a group of seven performers hailing from Bellingham, Seattle, and beyond, is set to captivate audiences with their talents from 6 to 7:30 p.m. next Saturday, July 22, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Comprising aerialists, musicians, acrobats, clowns, and illusionists, this ensemble promises a show that is both enchanting and comical, transcending language barriers for a diverse audience. The performance will offer an accessible and inclusive experience for individuals of all linguistic backgrounds and promises a delightful experience filled with acrobatic displays, live music, mesmerizing illusions, and a plethora of other astonishing circus acts.

For more information and to purchase tickets, head here.

Talks on the Rock

Melissa Riker, choreographer and artistic director of Kinesis Project dance theatre, a large-scale outdoor dance company based in New York City and Seattle, will discuss the research and creative process behind her most recent dance work, “Capacity, or: The Work of Crackling,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at VCA.

Riker’s interest in the parallels between rocks and our own human tendencies led to a collaboration with award-winning geoscientist Dr. Martha (Missy) Cary-Eppes, Opera on Tap, and Anti-Social Music, creating what the collaborators now refer to as a “dance of geological proportions.”

Purchase tickets online.

A second “Talk on the Rock” featuring Lori Tsugawa Whaley will delve into the profound impact of the Samurai Code. This discussion will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at VCA.

Whaley, an author, speaker, life coach, and storyteller, will draw upon her personal journey of using Bushido, the code of ethics followed by ancient Japanese samurai warriors, to overcome a traumatic brain injury. She will demonstrate how this code — encompassing values such as courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty — can serve as a guiding light in navigating the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Whaley, a third-generation Japanese American and a descendant of a samurai warrior, has dedicated herself to sharing the wisdom of Bushido and her Japanese heritage. Her captivating presentations have graced TEDx stages, universities, libraries, and cultural venues across the West Coast, making her a prominent advocate for the code of Bushido.

General admission for the event is priced at $20. For more information, visit online.