Arts Briefs | August 13 edition

Published 11:20 am Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Concerts in the park

The Vashon Park District will present five concerts this summer in Ober Park, running from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday in August. Each concert is free, and all are invited to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the outdoor music experience.

On Aug. 13, Bowie/Rex & His Boogie Army will take the stage, performing music from David Bowie, Marc Bolan & T-Rex, Roxy Music, The Cars, The Kinks, Talking Heads, Joy Division and more.

Following suit is Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme on Aug. 20 and High Step Society on Aug. 27.

Opening each event is “New Voices,” a Vashon Events program showcasing the latest youth voices in the island’s music scene. Openers will perform at 7 p.m. and headliners will go on stage at 7:30 p.m. and play a 90-minute set. On Aug. 13, 10-year-old Indigo Alton will open the evening with a violin performance.

For more information about Concerts in the Park visit vashonevents.org.

Summer Arts Fest Round #3

Vashon Center for the Arts will host an opening reception for the third round of their Summer Arts Fest between 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 14. The exhibition will feature work from a collection of island artists, as well as art from VCA’s Aug. 9 Big Print Event. The Gallery Shop will also will also feature a collection of pottery by Laurie Thorpe between Aug. 7-30. Together, the artists will offer a vibrant ending to the annual festival. The third round of the 2026 Summer Arts Fest will be on view until Aug. 30.

For more information about Summer Arts Fest, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Kristina Marinova

Classically trained pianist Kristina Marinova will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Open Space for Arts & Community as she tours her newest album.

The 2025 album, “The Bus Came by and I Got On,” transforms eleven Grateful Dead tracks into cinematic piano experiences, capturing the iconic music across decades.

For more information about the event and to purchase tickets visit openspacevashon.com.

JD Hobson Band

The JD Hobson Band will play an evening of eclectic folk music at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 on the Back Lawn of the Vashon Sugar Shack.

Born and raised in Seattle, Hobson spent his youth absorbing the city’s iconic grunge scene. Remanants of that sound are at the center of the band’s music, along with Americana, blues and Appalachian folk.

The event is 21+ and food and a full bar willl be available. For more information visit vashonevents.org.

Vashon Island Film Festival

The fifth annual Vashon Island Film Festival will return to the Vashon Theatre between Aug. 13-16. Presented by the Vashon Film Institute, the festival will show films across categories including narrative features, documentary features, short films, special presentations and local spotlight.

To view the full festival lineup and to purchase tickets, visit vashonevents.org.

Acrobatic Conundrum: Trust Fall

Seattle-based circus company Acrobatic Conundrum will perform the tenth installment of their cabaret series “Trust Fall” at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Open Space for Arts & Community’s outdoor stage.

As acrobats spin, dance horizontally, stack themselves into the air, the show will explore themes community, interdependence and care — asking the question: “Who’s got me?”

For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit openspacevashon.com.

Blessing Bled Chimanga

Internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean musician Blessing “Bled” Chimanga will perform an evening of music at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Blending drums, marimba and vocals, Chimanga draws on Afro-jazz, traditional Zimbabwean sounds and contemporary rhythms to create a globally-resonant sound. On his current tour, Chimanga will be accompanied by the 7 piece Ukama band, adding an extra kick of energy to the performance.

For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit openspacevashon.com.

Drama Dock Presents: Rent

Drama Dock Theatre Company will present its production of the iconic musical, “Rent,” between Aug. 19-23 at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Set in New York City’s East Village, the play follows a group of artists and friends as they navigate the struggles of young adulthood during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

More than three decades after its Broadway debut, Rent remains a relevant reflection of LGBTQ+ struggles, housing inequality and the power of community.

Drama Docks production will feature a cast of local and regional performers as well as a live band. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.

The Wren

Ghost Boat Theatre’s newest production, “The Wren,” will debut at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Black Box Theatre at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Drawing on Irish folklore, tradition and music, the play is inspired by the Irish ritual of “hunting the wren,” — where the tiny bird is pursued and killed, followed by a village procession and burial.

The original play was written by Kat Eggleston — who will also act in a leading role — and is directed by Samantha Shermann. The play also features a live band and a stage design that creates an immersive experiences for audiences.

“The Wren,” will show at Open Space for Arts & Community until Aug. 30, with multiple showtimes to choose from.

For more information about the show, visit openspacevashon.com.

Drink the Sea

Musical supergroup Drink the Sea will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 at Vashon Center for the Arts as a part of their 2026 tour of the U.S. and Europe.

The group is composed acclaimed musicians Peter Buck, Barrett Martin, Alain Johannes, Duke Garwood and Lisette Garcia. Together, Drink the Sea offers decades of musical history, collaboration and textured songwriting to audiences.

At their Aug. 30 show, Drink the Sea will perform music from their three albums, as well as music from some of the artists’ former bands. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Up Up Up Crane Truck Circus

Up Up Up Crane Truck Circus will perform a thrilling show on Vashon at 6 p.m. on Sep. 2, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

During the hour-long show, aerialists will perform using a hand cranked crane to fly though the air, alongside flying pianos and live music.

The non-profit touring circus ensemble performs all over the Pacific Northwest — at women’s shelters, tribal centers, nursing homes and more — bringing the joy of circus to everyone regardless of income.

For more information about the show, visit openspacevashon.com.