Global Heat warms up the park
Vashon Allied Arts and the Vashon Park District will bring Global Heat to Ober Park from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. This high-energy, hip hop band crosses generational lines and mixes various genres, making it a favorite among Seattle area audiences.
Internationally known lead artists include founding members of Circle of Fire and SoulShifters. Following an Art Institute of Seattle event, organizers said, “A hip-hoppin’ rock fusion funk rapping break dancing good time!”
The free event is part of VAA and the park district’s Summer Concerts in the Park series. Bring the family, a picnic and lawn chairs; remember that alcohol is not allowed in the park.
Loose Change blasts the Bike
Loose Change, a longtime Vashon favorite, visits the Red Bike at 8:30 p.m. Friday. This entertaining band has a commanding stage presence and produces non-stop danceable tunes. Troy Kindred, its powerful front man, is a lively entertainer, with an infectious energy and enthusiasm that get the crowd into the act.
Kindred is backed by a tight 10-piece band that includes the big organ sound of keyboards, an inspired lead guitar, solid bass and drums, a dynamic three-piece horn section and strong vocals. The sheer size of Loose Change makes for a big sound and a great on-stage look.
The show is free and open to all until 11 p.m., then 21 and over after that.
Unplug at Vashon Winery
Vashon Winery’s fifth annual folk festival — Uncorked and Unplugged — takes place at the pastoral grounds of this north-end winery from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Expect original songs by The Geezers, MiddleMarch, Lawson Cannon, Rose Laughlin, Mark Wells, Kate Macleod and Kat Eggelston. Bring a chair or blanket. Wine and cider will be available. Tickets, $12, children under 16 free, can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 898-0416, or visit www.vashonwinery.com.
Young thespians bring the Bard to Point Robinson
Seattle’s Young Shakespeare Workshop will host a free production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Point Robinson Park. The workshop draws students from around the region to its free summer endeavor, where students spend several weeks polishing one of the Bard’s classics then performing it at Seattle-area venues. This is the program’s 12th year bringing a show to Vashon.
“The kids do really, really well,” said Darren Lay, an Islander and the program’s artistic director.
Last November the Young Shakespeare Workshop was one of 12 recipients of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the nation’s highest honor for after-school and summer arts and humanities programs.
‘Garden Gate’ returns
“Through the Garden Gate,” a Vashon play based on a book by Islander Terry Hershey, is back by popular demand. The play, which pulls together 20 Islanders (among them, dancers, actors, musicians and a magician), was first performed in May at the Blue Heron Arts Center.
It will have a one-night revival on Saturday at Ober Park, when the curtains, so to speak, rise at 7 p.m. The performance is free.
