Arts Briefs | Nov. 2 edition

Matt Anderson, Rising Appalachia, Dia de los Muertos, and more.

Poetry Open Mic

Margaret Rancone, Poet Laureate of Vashon, will hold an open mic poetry reading at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at The Coop, at 15245 115th Ave NW. Sign-up will begin at 5:45 p.m. All are welcome.

Matt Anderson

Canadian triple-threat singer/songwriter and musician Matt Anderson will offer up raw blues, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel in a concert held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Anderson’s recordings have garnered more than 23 million streams on Spotify and 26 million views on YouTube.

In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theaters around the world, Anderson has shared the stage and toured with legendary figures including Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Randy Bachman, and others.

Get tickets and find out more at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Rising Appalachia

Rising Appalachia, a New Orleans band that serves up a gumbo of influences including world, rock and soul music, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

The band wields everything from banjos and fiddles to djembe, balafon, congas, tablas, kalimbas, beatbox, and even didgeridoo. It was founded in 2007, by sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, and now includes multi-instrumentalist David Brown, percussionist Biko Casini, and fiddler/cellist Duncan Wickel.

Fifteen years and seven studio albums into an ambitious adventure that has already taken them around the world, Rising Appalachia is now making its way to Vashon.

Co-presented by Open Space for Arts & Community and Debra Heesch, the one-night-only event will take place in the Grand Hall of Open Space. Learn more and get tickets at openspacevashon.org.

Burlesco Notturno

Fans of burlesque and cabaret, rejoice: The latest edition of “Burlesco Notturno” will be offered up at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Featuring the explosively talented Atomic Bombshells, the talented musicians of The Love Markets, and Mistress of Ceremonies Mme X (and her lawyer), the night promises laughter, thrills and saucy spectacle for ages 21 and older.

Find out more at openspacevashon.com.

Bruce Phares’ Birthday Jam

Bruce Phares’ Birthday Jam will return at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Vashon Center for the Arts. Featured musical guests include Marc Seales on piano and John Bishop on drums.

Phares is one of VCA’s most prolific collaborators, beloved for his series of free concerts featuring stellar jazz musicians from Seattle and beyond.

An unusually lyrical approach to bass playing places Phares among some of the top acoustic bass artists in the country, and he is also known for his personal and inclusive approach to audiences. The Birthday Bash will be an evening of fun, laughter, and great jazz music. Get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Dia de los Muertos

Vashon Center for the Arts will host its annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

The lineup of performers includes the band, Mariachi Noreste, and a performance from Lux Gaxiola, of Duo Finelli.

The centerpiece of the event will be Bailadores de Bronce’s special 50th Anniversary performance, showcasing traditional dances that define the diversity of Mexican culture — influenced by Indigenous, European, and African roots.

After the performance in Kay White Hall, enjoy a fiesta in VCA’s atrium, where there will be more music, dancing, crafts, and food provided by Vashon’s La Isla Mexican Food.

For more information, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Zach Nugent’s Dead Set

Dead Set will bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Led by Zach Nugent, the band’s uncanny ability to channel the spirit of Jerry Garcia is nothing short of astounding, organizers said. Nugent’s virtuosic guitar work captures Garcia’s essence, and the band’s tight-knit chemistry ensures that every note resonates with the same magic that made the Grateful Dead legendary.

The band’s music runs from gamut from the cosmic explorations of “Dark Star” to the uplifting anthems of “Sugar Magnolia” — a joyous celebration of Jerry Garcia’s enduring legacy.

Find out more and get tickets at openspacevashon.org.