Tales of an Everyman

Robin Branstator will read from her new book, “At Home on the Range: George R. McIntosh, Western Everyman,” at 6 p.m. Friday at Vashon Bookshop. Branstator has served as book review editor for the publication Colorado Libraries and has published works related to both library science and art history. Her book tells the story of a 19th-century pioneer whose adventures included gold mining in Colorado and serving with the North in a pivotal Civil War battle. According to the author, the book is “an Everyman’s tale, but also that of an individual who, despite poor health, contentious kin, accidents and natural disasters, persevered on frontier lands to become a prosperous rancher and family man in northeastern Colorado.”

Tangled in UMO’s web

Vashon’s famed performance ensemble, UMO, will offer a performance of a new show, “Indra’s Web,” at a gala benefit for the troupe at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Open Space for Arts & Community. The evening will also feature food, beverages and a look at UMO’s rich history. Drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets, $20 in advance and $25 at the door, are on sale at www.brownpapertickets.com, Vashon Bookshop and The Hardware Store Restaurant. For more information, visit www.umo.org.

Band brings beat to Bike

Cordaviva, a nine-piece dance band that plays music of the African diaspora, will play a free show at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Red Bicycle Bistro. The music will include horns, harmonies sung in several languages, keyboards, guitars and driving percussion. Cordaviva has performed all over Seattle, at venues such as The Triple Door, Nectar Lounge, The Tractor Tavern and ACT Theatre. The show on Vashon is for all ages until 11 p.m. and for ages 21 and older after that.

Calling all artists

Two Wall Gallery has announced a call for entries for Islanders to submit artwork and designs for “An Independent Vashon: What We’ll Need To Declare,” slated to open in July. The theme of the show is centered around the idea of an independent Vashon Island-state. Last year, the gallery hosted a contest to choose an “official” Island flag. This year’s call is for designs for currency, coinage, a great seal, postage stamps, uniforms, medals and ribbons and any other items (except a flag) that are needed in order to run an independent state with a government and military. Works in all media are invited. For more information, contact Greg Wessel at twowallgallery@aol.com or call 250-2222. Submissions will be accepted until June 1.