Lelavision and UMO get grants

King County’s cultural services agency, 4Culture, approved 52 new group art projects — a total of nearly $200,000 in funding — including two Vashon art groups.

Lelavision, a two-person performance art group that “uniquely combines music, dance and scupture to create innovative works of awe and whimsy,” according to its Web site, has been awarded $5,000. The group will use the grant to create and perform “Musico Ballistica,” an interdisciplinary performance. Lelavision’s current project is entitled “The Propagation Project” and incorporates science into its exploration of cross-pollination.

4Culture has awarded $6,000 to UMO, the Island’s seven-member ensemble that aims to “stir the human spirit and incite the imagination” with its original physical theater works. Recent performances have included “Cities” (2001), “Rapunzel” (2005) and May 2008’s “New Works.” UMO’s grant will fund the theater production “Rubble Women.”

July poetry slam

Poets who enjoy a good challenge are invited to take part in the next “8-Word, 8-Day” poetry open mic event at Cafe Luna at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 17.

For this event, poets are asked to write original poems using the following eight words: “opening nine gates,” “what if”, and “the beekeeper’s wife.” These phrases must be used exactly as posted, with no changes in tenses, but may be placed in any order anywhere within the poem.

Poets are also invited to read other original works or a favorite poem by another poet.

The public is invited to attend as well, to sip their favorite Café Luna beverage, listen and enjoy.

Poets should sign up in advance at the Cafe, and plan on bringing a copy of whatever they read for the open mic archives.

Poetry Open Mic is a monthly event at Café Luna, taking place every third Thursday. For more information, call Devon Atkins, 353-9227 or visit www.cafelunavashon.com.

Elementals play Café Luna

The Elementals will bring their blend of acoustic groove and traditional folk to Café Luna at 7:30 p.m, Saturday, July 26.

The band is comprised of Sherri Thal on violin, vocals and percussion and Brent Magstadt on guitar and vocals. 

The duo says they are likely to have a couple of other musical guests sit in for the evening.

Join the musicians for an after dinner caffeine cocktail or glass of wine. More information can be found at www.cafelunavashon.com.