Nights with Sugar
Want a grown-up night out? “Sugar” transforms the Underground Nightclub into a 70-minute cabaret for people 21 and older as American Theater Northwest invites you to experience a fun-filled, sexy and sassy evening of live music, dance and stories of love and loss.
Shows start at 7 p.m. Feb. 10–12 at the Underground, 211 E. Chestnut St. Audience members are asked to remain masked unless eating or drinking. Proof of vaccination will be required, or have a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of attendance at the show. Performers are fully vaccinated and tested, and will be unmasked during the performance. Tickets are $30 general, $50 for VIP (includes reserved seating near the stage, sweet treats and more). Procure them at sugartheshow.com/index.html.
A world of music at Western Washington University
Flamenco, anyone? At 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, Maharajah Flamenco Trio will blend traditional Spanish rhythms with jazz, classical and world music, featuring award-winning guitarist Silviu Ciulei, bassist David Cobb, and percussionist and didgeridoo virtuoso Ramin Yazdanpanah. The concert is hosted by Western’s music department and takes place at the Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.
The ensemble’s 2021 second studio album, “Felices Días” (“Happy Days”) is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to bring about musical comfort and joy to new and old fans alike. Among their works on their first studio album, “Encuentro,” is a flamenco version of Bach’s Prelude from the Second Lute Suite. Tickets are $8 for seniors and students and $12 general. Purchase them at tickets.wwu.edu.
My Circus Valentine
Oh, the twists and turns of the amazing acrobats of Bellingham Circus Guild! If you’ve never attended, this is your chance — there will be an unprecedented 12 showings including two live streams —of the Circus Guild’s annual Valentine show at the Cirque Lab, 1401 6th St.
Escape to a dreamy and magical evening with new work from favorite aerial artists such as Dream Frohe and PJ Perry, who have been with this event since its inception in 2010. Sadye Osterloh will bring her unique brand of hilarity and magic, with the assistance of Matthew “Poki” McCorkle, a performer who will show us, with impeccable skill, that the impossible is, in fact, possible.
The show also welcomes back Seattle artist and Cirque du Soleil alum Jody Poth, partnering with newcomer Leah Jones in a dynamic duo straps act.
Laura Burch returns to the fold after numerous spins through the traditional circus circuit, and Justin Thierrin makes his way back from another corner of the traditional circus world bringing with him Circus Valentine newcomer Nikki Laumb.
Mylee Francisco will return to Guild’s stage after many years away to sparkle and mesmerize. Jill Marissa (pictured) will return to invert the laws of strategy (and gravity).
Shannon Gray, who began her circus career in Bellingham, will travel from the shores of California to present a raw, deeply-felt performance on dance trapeze. And the amazing Sara Sparrow will return from afar to guide us on a delightful adventure through this star-studded lineup. In addition to a sliding-scale dress rehearsal show open to the public at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, performances will happen Feb. 12–14 and 19–20. Tickets are $5–$25. Get them before they’re gone at bellinghamcircusguild.com/events.
For the Kids
Bellingham Parks and Recreation hosts a drop-in event for kids ages 7 and younger to celebrate the day of love with the ones you love from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Bloedel Donovan Park’s Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave. Families are invited to play and be silly together. Enjoy oodles of games, crafts and fun. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. There’s no need to register. Current health department guidelines will be followed, and a $3 suggestion will get you in the door. If you have questions, call 360-778-7000.
Fairhaven Chocolate Walk
With more than 24 participating businesses and restaurants, the Fairhaven Association kicks off its inaugural Fairhaven Chocolate Walk from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, with chocolate provided by Sweet Bellingham, Evolve Chocolate and Seattle’s jcoco (a sister brand to Seattle Chocolate). Ticket holders will check in at “Chocolate Central” inside Finnegan’s Alley just off of Harris Street, where they’ll receive a chocolate collection bag and a passport map to all the participating businesses. And you don’t even have to have a sweetheart to participate. Registration opens at noon and fees are $25. Details can be found at enjoyfairhaven.com/event/fairhaven-chocolate-walk. If you have additional questions, contact hello@luvbellarose.com or scott@enjoyfairhaven.com.
All event dates and protocols are subject to change pending the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
