May 18th, 2013, by Lin
Thursday, May 23, with a performance by 5th through 8th grades at 7 p.m. in the Orcas School Cafeteria
6th grade band with Band Director Martin Lund
5th grade band with Band Director Martin Lund
5th and 6th grade strings with Director Pamela Wright
5th and 6th grade choir with Director Pamela Wright
Orcas school music students are now preparing for the school year’s final three music concerts, which will take place over the next three Thursdays. “Here’s your chance to hear and support these award-winning young musicians for the last time this year,” said Pamela Wright, Music Director for strings and choir. “Also, sadly, this is your last chance to see Martin Lund conducting our band musicians because he is resigning at the end of this school year.”
Each concert takes place on a Thursday, but each takes place in a different venue. All concerts are free and open to the public, although donations are gratefully accepted for the High School concert.
The first concert is Thursday, May 23, with a performance by 5th through 8th grades at 7 p.m. in the Orcas School Cafeteria. Concertgoers on May 23 will hear the 5th and 6th grade choir sing “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele and “Gold” by Britt Nicole. The 5th and 6th grade strings will play “Western Dreams” and “Swashbucklin’ Sailors,” traditional sea shanties. The middle school strings will play Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #5 and #3. The 5th grade band is considering several songs including the “William Tell Overture,” “Kookaburra” and “Can-Can.” The 6th grade band will play “Black Forest Polka” and “Yankee Doodle.” The middle school band will play “Fiesta Mexicali” and “The Entertainer.” The sixth grade brass quintet will also be playing their “superior”-rated piece, “The Five Guardians of the Brass Ring.”
The concert series will continue on Thursday, May 30, when the Orcas High School strings and band perform at 7 p.m. at Orcas Center. One of the exceptional parts of this concert is sure to be the appearance of violinist Monique Mead, soloing with the Orcas High School strings on Vivaldi’s “Spring” from “The Four Seasons.” In addition, the Orcas Youth Orchestra will play a Martin Lund arrangement of “I Like a Gershwin Song”, as well as Brahms 2nd Symphony, 3rd movement. Donations to the Music Advocacy Group (MAG) will be accepted for this performance to offset the $400+ rental fee for Orcas Center.
On Thursday, June 6, Kindergarten through 4th grade students will conclude the series with a concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Gym at the Orcas School.
May 18th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
David Lutz
Kaivalya Natana–Sanskrit for “silence dancing.” Imagine every action in our lives flowing from a place of silent potential into beautiful, smooth manifestation.
“It’s not only possible, it’s pretty simple!” claims Orcas resident Dave Lutz. “Kaivalya is the process of creation itself, and we can tap into this heart-opening flow through a very simple and easily-learned ancient method. It’s possible to learn kaivalya in a single day, and dramatically transform your life.”
Lutz maintains this practice will bring deeper fulfillment, awareness , and reduction in stress to every level of life.
“From relationships to health, you will see a difference,” he adds.
He’s offering a one day workshop where part of the focus will be on the movement form of kaivalya. “It is what tai chi and qigong were based on, but much simpler, more powerful, and easier to learn,” he says.
He’ll also dive deeply into the concept of how it works on a universal scale, and then tie this into our individual lives. It will be held at the Ocean Song temple at 102 Cliffhouse Ct. next to Rosario on Saturday May 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $45.00. RSVP to 376-3472, or kaivallha@sambodha.org
May 17th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
The Funhouse Commons Teen Advisory Board meets tonight, Friday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
All are welcome to attend and become a part of the Teen Advisory Board. Pizza will be served and the group will plan fun events for Teen Nights.
And, your participation looks great on your resume!
Call 376-7177 for any questions.
May 17th, 2013 |
May 16th, 2013, by Lin
A Review by Cara Russell
Talented orphans from Oliver!
Nineteenth-century England was a time of political and social unrest, and the last place you would want to be born—especially if you were an orphan.
Charles Dickens’ Oliver!, directed by Deborah Sparks, opens with about fifteen orphans slowly marching into a workhouse, an empty bowl and spoon under each arm, singing “Food Glorious Food.” The workhouse is run by the pompous Mr. Bumble (Joe Babcock) and the materialistic matron Widow Corney (Lesley Liddle), who believe that it is only right to keep the orphans on a strict diet of gruel.
A small boy emerges from the group, approaches Mr. Bumble, and utters the famous line, “Please sir, I want some more.” Mason Scoggin who plays plays Oliver is both sweet and incredible. Outraged by the request, Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney sell him to the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry, a smaller role made large by excellent acting (Freddy Hinkle).
Living with the undertaker and his family turns out to be another disaster when the mean-spirited Nora Claypole, well-played by Claire Orser, relentlessly bullies Oliver, driving him to stand up for the mother he never met.
Oliver runs away to London. He immediately meets the clever and charismatic Artful Dodger (Matthew Laslo). And Laslo makes a cool Dodger, just the kind of kid who could do more than get by living on the streets. The two boys take to each other like old friends and Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin (Robert Hall), a conniving conman who takes homeless children and turns them into pickpockets. Hall’s Fagin is intriguing and lovable, and keeps your attention with every song, gesture, and raise of his eyebrow. And Fagin’s boys are crafty, endearing, and a joy to watch.
The young prostitute Nancy (Cali Bagby), is the true hero of the story. She tries to see the good in her corrupt life, including her bullying lover. She feels an instinct to protect young Oliver, but to what end? Bagby has a beautiful singing talent, and she brings moments of joy, sorrow, and depth to her character when she sings “As Long as He Needs Me.”
Nice guy in real life, Conrad Wrobel is completely transformed when he enters the stage as the murderous Bill Sykes. He remains scary and cruel until the curtain call, where he gracefully absorbs the boos and hisses from the crowd, and sings for the first time with the entire cast.
Every member of the ensemble brings old London to life, with their many roles and good ole gang mentality. Throughout the night we hear beautiful solos by Holly King, Mimi Anderson, and Stormy Hildreth, just to name a few.
There is a shout-out to the silent film era, the lighting is fantastic and eerie, the costumes are beautiful, and the wigs extravagant, taking the audience into the twisted larger-than-life world of Oliver!
Songs include “It’s a Fine Life,” I’d Do Anything,” and “Consider Yourself.” Oliver! will leave you humming, singing, and whistling these fun tunes even after you leave the theater.
Top hats and large wigs off to Deborah Sparks, who has directed a wonderful production.
Oliver! continues at Orcas Center Friday – Saturday, May 10 – 11 and Friday –Saturday, May 16 – 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Oliver! are $18 for adults, $11 students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm.
For more information about Orcas Center 2013 season events, please visit orcascenter.org.
May 16th, 2013 |
May 15th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
Forest scene by Buchanan using techniques of Gaugin and Cezanne
May 20, 21, 23 and 24 at Olga Community Club
Caroline Buchanan is teaching a class next week at the Olga Community Club on how studying the color and composition of Cezanne and Gauguin can make YOU a better artist in 2013.
In this four day session, you will learn how Cezanne, in his watercolors, exploited the whites of the paper, how he shingled pure color to push some forms out and others back, and how he taught us the secret of painting loosely. In addition the class will learn how he rotated shapes in space to create more volume.
Gauguin took Cezanne’s lessons to Tahiti and explored the role of strong pure color as never before. He responded to the tension created by spatial depth while using colors to flatten the picture plane. You learn how you, a 21st century artist, can use Gauguin’s color to make your paintings more exciting, and how you can use his compositional format to balance between deep space and the picture plane.
The class is May 20, 21, 23, 24, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Olga Community Club
The price $250. There are only 3 spaces left. If interested call Caroline at 376-5509 or write to her at watercolors@rockisland.com. More information at her website www.buchananwatercolors.com.
May 15th, 2013 |
May 15th, 2013, by Madie Murray
Knitting Club members are each knitting numerous squares that will be joined together for a warm original blanket. Right to left: Greg White, Willow White, Alana Kelly, Uma McMurray, Sue Silvernail and Ingrid Hanson
By Madie Murray
The walls and tables in the Four Winds Camp main lodge will once again be filled with amazing student art at this year’s Orcas Island Education Foundation’s Food for Thought Benefit being held on Saturday, May 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Several featured and available for auction are currently on exhibit for all to admire at the Orcas Center during the month of May.
Since the venue of the Benefit is surrounded by a beautiful, lush forest, the inspiration for the artwork comes from the theme of this year’s event, “A Woodland Feast.” Objects reflecting this theme are being made by students with the help of Island artists and teachers such as a chair made of cedar collected from local beaches, split and worked with hand tools then fastened together with bronze ring nails made by OASIS K-8 Science students with Brett McFarland which was a study of force, pressure and inertia. Another is a “magic rotating lamp” of forest images made by Sharon Harvey’s third grade class along with Gus McMurray.
5th graders Joseph Brewer and Maya Heikkinen apply their art to a woodland mural which also includes bark from Mexico for texture and a real woodland feel, says artist Michele DeLong.
Live auction items will include some highly sought-after and rare items like a dinner for six prepared by The Secret CookBook Club, a wooden bowl making workshop, and featured will be a stunning table crafted by woodworker Jonathan Loop. All monies raised by this major OIEF fundraiser goes specifically to support and maintain important public school programs and student scholarships.
The casual, picnic-style dinner will feature mouth-watering BBQ brisket (in ample supply this year), pulled pork sliders, vegetarian baked beans, various salads, Abby Rueb’s famous chili-corn pudding and several yummy desserts.
All this and an exciting, casual and comfortable gathering of friends is just $40 per person. Tickets may be purchased ONLINE at oief.org, at the Elementary School Office or the Chamber of Commerce Office. Free childcare will be available at the Camp during the event, but parents are asked to provide dinner for their children.
May 15th, 2013 |
May 15th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
Islands a Cappella sopranos sing at Rosario’s Music Room. Top row, from left: Pam Loew, Margie Doyle, Caroline Scott. Lower row, from left: Catherine Ellis, Ginger Lowell, Patty Johnson.
Islands A Cappella presents a “Sentimental Journey” through a world of love songs May 17-19. From a hymn by Thomas Tallis to the sweet strains of “Till There Was You” from The Music Man, love in all its many guises will be sung and celebrated.
The singers begin their spring “tour” on San Juan Island, performing at Friday Harbor Presbyterian, 6 pm, Friday, May 17. Saturday evening’s concert is at Lopez Community Center for the Arts, 7 pm. Sunday evening, May 19, the concert begins at 6:30 pm in the Music Room of Rosario Resort’s Moran Mansion. A guest performance by the Orcas Boy Choir will be included in the Orcas Island concert.
The ensemble, founded 11 years ago by Dennis Bonner as Orcas A Cappella, now includes singers from San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands. Angel Michaels, from San Juan, now directs.
In addition to the songs already mentioned, the program includes settings of texts by Emily Dickinson, Robert Burns, the Persian mystic, Rumi, and the Spanish poet, Pablo Neruda. On the lighter side, a pop tune by Billy Joel and the ever-popular classic, “Sentimental Journey” add an up-beat to the show. Taking a break from their usual “a cappella only” program, pianist Patty Johnson accompanies several of the songs.
Tickets are $10 at the door at all concerts. Also available at Darvill’s on Orcas Island. Please join Islands A Cappella for a spring evening of heart-filling and memorable music.
May 15th, 2013 |
May 13th, 2013, by Kathleen Lunde
Corey Wiscomb and Robb Eagle to play at Agave Restaurant
By Kathy Lunde
Please join us this coming Saturday, May 18 @ 6:30pm, as Agave welcomes back Robb Eagle and Corey Wiscomb.
This talented duo play an acoustic blend of music styles from Bluegrass, Rock, and Folk. The encompass a mix of originals and cover tunes presented using the varied techniques of fingerstyle, flatpicking, slide and rhythmic strumming.
Great music, food and drink await you this Saturday night. For reservations, (highly recommended), please phone Agave, 376-1422.
May 13th, 2013 |
May 12th, 2013, by Lin
Sunday, May 19, 7:30 pm, Orcas Center
Ruthie Foster brings her eclectic blend of new and traditional blues and folk music to Orcas Center. Photo: John Carrico
Orcas Center presents Ruthie Foster in a solo performance of new and traditional blues and folk music at Orcas Center on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 pm, funded in part by the Orcas LGBT Fund. Orcas Center has been looking to bring Ruthie Foster to Orcas for many years but was unsuccessful due to her tremendous popularity and busy touring schedule. Finally Orcas Center landed the right combination of timing and touring support (thank you Orcas LGBT!). You won’t want to miss Ruthie Foster. She is an extremely talented performer who won the Blues Music Association awards for both Best Traditional and Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in back-to-back years.
Ruthie’s eclectic musical history is a combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Her astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride – from humble church choir beginnings in rural Texas, followed by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, to her award-winning music career in Austin. Ruthie added a Grammy nomination to her list of achievements in 2009 – Best Contemporary Blues Album for The Truth According to Ruthie Foster.
Tickets: $25, $19 Orcas Center members, $11 students. Visit orcascenter.org, or call 376-2281,
*Ruthie Foster will also lead a master class for adult and youth singer/songwriters on May 19 from 3 – 5 pm. The master class is free for ticket holders and $10 for others and is designed to provide an opportunity for local musicians of all ages to benefit from Ruthie’s background, experience and artistic philosophy. Pre-registration required, call (360) 376-2281 x 3 to register.
Make a whole night of it with Burgers & Brew at 6 pm ($15 at the door)!
May 12th, 2013 |
May 12th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
Camp Orkila’s zipline is open to the public! on Sundays, May 19 and June 2 Reservations required!
From Laura Bruhns, YMCA Camp Orkila
YMCA Camp Orkila would like to invite the public to come out and take a ride on our 1,000-ft Zip Line! We will be holding by-appointment only Community Zip days on the following dates:
- Sunday May 19th- 12:30-3:30pm
- Sunday June 2nd- 12:30-3:30pm
If interested, you must call camp at 360.376.2678 to sign-up for a time assignment. Please know the number of people in your party at the time of calling. Maximum weight capacity for a single rider is 285 lbs (subject to change depending on conditions) and children must be entering 3rd grade or older to participate.
Being prompt is important so please plan to arrive at camp 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Please enter through the main entrance on Mount Baker Road and follow signs to the designated parking areas.
We look forward to seeing you!
May 12th, 2013 |
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If you are planning on bringing your child for childcare — can you email me at: maxdigger@gmail.com? We’re trying to get a head count.
And with child, without child — we hope you’ll come! It will be a fun and delicious event.
Here is the link to tickets: http://oief.org/events.html
Thanks — Janet
Yum. Can’t wait! Well done, Madie.