The Village Green will be the scene of a lively concert and participatory folk dance at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 23. The concert, the first in a summer-long series sponsored by the Vashon Park District and Vashon Folkdancers, will feature the music of Pangéo, a four-member group drawn together by a passion for Greek and Balkan folk music.
Pinocchio promises to be a delightful showcase of talent A wide smile comes over my face this time of year as Dance!Vashon brings its Broadway-quality productions to my front door. As a kid growing up outside of New York City, spring always meant class trips to shows like “A Chorus Line,” “Pippin” and “The Wiz.”
For the past 18 years, Island gardeners have opened their garden gates to allow the public to see the outdoor sanctuaries, private yards and garden beds that represent hours of hard work. Once again, this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, garden owners invite Islanders to visit and appreciate their labors of love.
Teens can find creative outlets — from Glass Camp to Summer Stage, to photography and dance — at Vashon Allied Arts’ summer programs.
Islanders will have a chance to kick up their heels at four world music concerts presented this summer by Vashon Park District and Vashon Folkdancers.
The unusual outdoor concert series will not only provide an eclectic lineup of world music groups but also engage concertgoers in lively, participatory folk dances from various cultures.
The Backbone Campaign, the Vashon-based organization known for its eye-popping mix of giant puppets and progressive politics, will hold a benefit called “Songs of Freedom: People Power Music Across the Decades,” featuring a full roster of Island singers, songwriters and musicians. The benefit — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi — will also include an auction of items donated by Island businesses.
World-renowned pianist, composer and recording artist Scott Cossu will bring an evening of world-influenced jazz and rhythm and blues to Blue Heron Art Center at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21.
Vashon Allied Arts’ Garden Tour, scheduled for June 21 to 22, has something for everyone this year — not only leisurely strolls through exclusive private gardens, but also opportunities to hear live music, shop for garden-related items, bid on a silent auction of one-of-a-kind birdhouses and enjoy a cornucopia of new garden art by dozens of artists.
This spring, Island photographer Ray Pfortner offered what he called the most challenging installment of his popular “Shoot to Show” classes at Vashon Allied Arts. The subject matter and theme were the animals of Vashon-Maury Island.
Rebecca Dvorin Strong, known for her abiding interest in dark and light interiors and landscapes, began a new series of tree paintings in fall 2006. These oils and gouaches will be featured, along with fine woodworking by Island artist Steven Caldwell, at Blue Heron Gallery in June.
The exhibition will open 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6, with a reception with the artists, refreshments, and live music by Richard Person, Jim Hobson and George Heidorn.
The Little House will feature the ceramic and photographic works of Island artist Christine Beck, opening at 6 p.m., Friday, June 6.
The Back Bay Inn will feature the work of watercolor artist Marilyn Blitz in an exhibit opening from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6.
Gallery 070 will present new paintings by Jeff Scott in an exhibit that opens from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6.
The New Works series, presented by Vashon Allied Arts, continues at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Blue Heron with two musical groups in one evening.
Buy tickets to Garden Tour
Silverwood Gallery will open an exhibit of Ivonne Escobar de Kommer’s new copper repousse sculptures from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 6.
“How the End Begins: Two Poets on Power, Sexuality and Mortality” will meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, at the Vashon Library.
Vashon Junior Civic Ballet is a free program sponsored by the Vashon Park District. It is open to all members of the community who would like to dance or work backstage in two productions a year. The company currently includes 24 dancers, ages 4 to 24, who rehearse on Saturday afternoons at Ober Park. A summer dance camp for two age groups will be offered in August, and rehearsals for the company’s annual “Nutcracker Ballet” will begin in September. For more information, contact Vashon Park District at 463-9602.
