Arts Briefs | Dec. 25 edition
Published 10:30 am Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Muppet Burlesque
Just Ducky and What-Not Theatrics will present “The Muppet Burlesque Christmas Carol,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 at Heights Hall (the historic Vashon Grange Hall located on Cowan Road, accessible from the north-end ferry dock parking lot). Created by an island resident, the show debuted last year and will return in an expanded edition with fan-favorite performers and new faces.
The show, for ages 18 and older, is described as “both naughty and nice” and includes characters from Kermit to Miss Piggy in a holiday cabaret bursting with music, comedy and burlesque. Find out more at tinyurl.com/w45kvu6p.
One More Mile
Islander West McLean will present a night of music with Vashon’s long-running blues band, One More Mile, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at The Station, 17816 Vashon Hwy SW.
An opening set for the show will be played by Wes and Shawn Peterson.
One More Mile — an island favorite at venues including Strawberry Festival and Concerts in the Park — plays a mix of classic blues standards with some soul, gospel and New Orleans funk covers mixed in.
Jason Lollar is an accomplished blues guitarist who has played all over the Northwest, from the Washington Athletic Club to the Oregon State Penitentiary. He is the founder of world-renowned custom guitar pickup company Lollar Pickups.
Mike Nichols is an award-winning blues harpist who has toured extensively with The Great Divide and opened for Elvin Bishop and Commander Cody, among others.
Dan Tyack is a premiere session player and innovator on lap and pedal steel guitars. He’s played Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, San Quentin Prison and every honkytonk bar and state fair in between.
Chris O’Brien has been a piano, organ and guitar player for decades, with a love of blues, jazz and rock music. While living on Vashon, he has played with The Confessions, Alchemy, One More Mile, the Fabulous Coop House Band and several jazz combos, among others.
Wesley Peterson has drummed and sung with beloved island bands including Saint Ophelia and Tim Couldn’t Make It. Chuck Keller has played bass for Saint Ophelia, Star Anna and Once for Kicks, among others.
No cover charge is listed in publicity for the show, but bring cash, just in case.
Some’tet
Some’tet, led by islander Michael Whitmore, holds court Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack). The group will play at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, in a show for ages 21 and older only. No cover, but bring money for the tip jar.
The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow West Coast jazz, layered with South American rhythms, art songs, torch songs and free jazz.
The venue has limited seating, guaranteeing an intimate and relaxing experience of music.
New Year’s Eve at Open Space
Open Space for Arts & Community will host its third annual New Year’s Eve bash and dance party headlined by the rock super-group Bowie Rex & His Boogie Army, starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The name of the party? “The Fantastic Intergalactic Countdown.”
The Boogie Army is a sight and sound to behold, featuring guitarists Dave Dederer and Tim Dijulio, with Michael Musburger on drums. Their set draws from high-energy music of the 1970s and ’80s, including songs by David Bowie, T. Rex, The Kinks and Talking Heads.
Martin Feveyear, frontman for the group, will as always don full glam regalia — feather boa, painted face and signature silver platform shoes — setting the tone for a night of spectacle and celebration.
“Along with playing at Ober Park in the summer, it’s our highlight of the year, and the most joyous way to celebrate the next circle around the sun,” he said. “There’s just no better experience than playing your most favorite music with people you love, to people you love.”
The program will begin with music from local DJ Gal Anon, followed by warm-up band Cheap Scenery, with Brian Palermo serving as emcee throughout the night. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme with sparkly, out-of-this-world attire.
The event is family-friendly and includes a youth zone, offering kids a place to step away from the revelry and enjoy arts and crafts. In addition to the customary bar and concessions, food for the evening will be available for purchase from The Hardware Store Restaurant Pop-up.
Find out more and get tickets at openspacevashon.com.
New Year’s Eve at Hardware Store
Ring in the new year at The Hardware Store Restaurant, where island chanteuse Maggie Laird and Todd Zimberg will play Loud in the House music from 6-9 p.m. The party starts at 5 p.m., with a $10 cover charge.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
For more than 45 years, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has been redefining the sound of New Orleans brass. Now, they’ll play a show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Vashon Center for the Arts.
Fusing jazz, funk, R&B and soul into what they call a “musical gumbo,” this Grammy Award-winning ensemble has toured the globe, recorded with artists from Norah Jones to Widespread Panic, and released more than a dozen acclaimed albums. Their high-octane performances are legendary — bursting with rhythm, joy and an unstoppable groove that will have you on your feet.
Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.
Dogs in Art
Noted art historian Rebecca Albiani will present a talk, “Dogs in Italian Renaissance Art,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Vashon Center for the Arts. Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.
