On April 27, the Vashon Heritage Museum will present its second annual “Celebrating Our Heritage” gala — an evening of interactive history, art and entertainment — at Open Space For Arts and Community.

Last year’s Heritage Museum gala had a Roaring Twenties theme. This year, the museum will skip forward in time to focus on the 1950s, with longtime Voice of Vashon (VoV) radio stalwart Jeff Hoyt delivering an original comedy act: “50 Photos from ‘50s Vashon.”

To add to the evening’s enjoyment, guests will be entertained by The Dusty 45s, an Americana band that has fired up crowds for more than two decades with their high-octane style and sound.

Led by singer/songwriter, guitarist and trumpeter, Billy Joe Huels, the band’s songs draw inspiration from the roots of rock, rhythm and blues, honky-tonk and jazz. Huels is known for his portrayal of Buddy Holly at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre — a role he reprised in Vashon Drama Dock’s 2022 production, of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” at Vashon Center for the Arts.

In addition to Hoyt’s presentation and the music of The Dusty 45s, there will be delectable eats at the event, inspired by 1950s recipes from Chef Chantel Jackson, of Thyme Well Spent Catering.

Guests will be invited into a 1950s-era ice cream parlor turned bar, where artwork by Sue Hardy, an island artist who serves on the museum’s board of directors, will be on display.

Complimentary wines and beer will be provided by event sponsors Thriftway and Andrew Will Winery. Vashon Pharmacy is also an event sponsor.

Attendees will have the opportunity to peruse curated displays from the Museum’s collection — including archival prints of Vashon in the 1950s, vintage clothing, two 1950s mint cars, and other memorabilia that will provide a backdrop for festive photos opportunities.

Proceeds from the evening will go to support the operations of the award-winning museum. The Vashon Heritage Museum is currently closed for extensive remodeling.

When it reopens in July, the museum will feature a reimagined main space taking visitors through an interactive journey of the island’s long history, galleries featuring local artists and spaces for special exhibits.

The renovation and opening of the new museum galleries are a multi-year project funded by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Royal Little Family Foundation, The Beardsley Family Foundation, 4Culture, and Vashon islanders.

To find out more about the museum and purchase tickets to the gala, visit vashonheritagemuseum.org.