Entertainment opportunities on the Island | Arts Briefs

As always, it will be a musical weekend at the Red Bicycle Bistro. The Washout Fans, a quartet of four musicians who play original music and covers that pay homage to the diverse American music experience, will play a free, all ages show at the Bike at 8:30 p.m. Friday. The band’s instruments include guitars, mandolin, cello, percussion and harmonica, and the group also sings in three-part harmony.

Two bands come to the Bike

As always, it will be a musical weekend at the Red Bicycle Bistro. The Washout Fans, a quartet of four musicians who play original music and covers that pay homage to the diverse American music experience, will play a free, all ages show at the Bike at 8:30 p.m. Friday. The band’s instruments include guitars, mandolin, cello, percussion and harmonica, and the group also sings in three-part harmony.

Soul Senate, a seven-piece soul and funk band, will take the Bike’s stage at 9 p.m. Saturday. The band bridges the funky sounds of the 1960s and 70s, as made famous by Stevie Wonder and the Stax label recording artists, with a distinctly modern sound. 

Tobolowsky comes to Vashon

Stephen Tobolowsky, a famously funny character actor who has appeared in more than 200 movies and television shows, will be the star of a fundraiser for Vashon High School’s theater program. The actor, who is also revered for his radio show “The Tobolosky Files,” will perform a one-man show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at the Vashon High School theater. 

Tobolowsky is best known for playing Ned Ryerson in “Groundhog Day,” Sammy Jankis in “Memento” and Werner Brandes in “Sneakers.” On television, he has played Tor Ekland on “Seinfeld,” Hugo Jarry on “Deadwood” and Bob Bishop on “Heroes.” He currently plays Sandy Ryerson on “Glee” and Stu Beggs on “Californication.” 

Tickets for the event, $25, will go on sale in mid-September. Sponsors at $75, $150 and $200 levels are currently being sought for both the show at VHS and a champagne, dessert and “meet the star” event at Sound Food that will follow the show. For more information, contact Lauri Hennessey at lauri@hennesseypr.com or send a check to the Vashon Schools Foundation, marked “VHS Drama Fundraiser,” to P.O. Box 481, Vashon, 98070. 

Music and an open mic at Luna

Café Luna will host Portland musician Scott McDougall and his one-man folk band act at 7 p.m. Friday. McDougall’s humble set-up includes a kick-drum, high hat, harmonica and a few stringed instruments; he sings songs of travel, discovery and perseverance.

The next night, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, the café will be the site of an open mic hosted by Richard Waits, Joe Allison and David Ray. Musicians, poets and storytellers all welcome. Sign-up starts at 7 p.m. 

Calling all singers

Singers interested in joining the Vashon Island Chorale can register from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Vashon Library. Rehearsals begin on Sept. 6 and continue on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Concerts will take place on Dec. 3 and 4. The major work being prepared is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem.” No auditions are required. Dues are $50 plus music costs, which vary. For more information, contact Jo Ann Bardeen at 567-5841 or jbardeen@yahoo.com or visit www.vashonislandchorale.org.

Friends, family join Marita Ericksen

On Sunday at 5 p.m., Marita Ericksen will gather three generations of her family, including her mother Dorothy Herivel, sisters Debbie Hushagen, Kathy LaRose, Suzy Maloney, brother John Herivel and daughter Elise Ericksen, to present a concert of sacred and secular music. The concert will take place at Vashon Lutheran Church, where Ericksen works as music director. Friends joining the family band include Dinah Helgeson, Anne Herfindahl, Randy Bruce, Julea Gardener, Paul Colwell, Dick Paulsen, Jean Richstad, Dan Brown and Steve Amsden. A free will offering will be taken and CDs of “Marita Ericksen Family and Friends” will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the church’s music ministry fund.  A potluck dinner will follow the concert.