As we prepare to say hello to spring, a number of upcoming events will help bid farewell to winter — including a unique concert at Whatcom Community College, a bird-related festival in Blaine, a book reading from a beloved regional author, an art exhibit opening and, as befits this time of year, a visit from leprechauns.
Winter Concert
Melanie Sehman directs a concert that includes Whatcom Community College students who are composing and arranging pieces specifically for this performance, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17 at WCC’s Heiner Center, 237 W. Kellogg Rd.
There will be an original ensemble arrangement of “Dos Oruguitas” from the Disney movie “Encanto” by upper-level student German Navarrete.
A group of students also arranged a suite of themes from the “Star Wars” movies that are meant to follow the character trajectory of Anakin Skywalker. Liam Holstein made a beautiful, textural arrangement of a Slipknot song, “The Devil in I.” And student Kyle Barngrover wrote an original composition for a small group (two guitars, viola, trombone and tuba) entitled “The Climb.”
The only repertoire piece from the ensemble is an adapted (read: shortened) version of Morton Feldman’s “Projection 4” for viola and piano.
Lastly, since the students have been studying techniques of group improvisation, the ensemble will be presenting a fully improvised piece with two student conductors using Butch Morris’ “Conduction” language.
Entry is free and open to the public. Call 360-383-3548 for more details.
Wings Over Water Birding Festival
This three-day event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, March 18 through 20. The annual event celebrates the wide variety of migratory birds and raptors found in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy expert speakers, workshops, guided tours, educational exhibits, kids’ games and activities, art and craft vendors and live raptor presentations — all in downtown Blaine and Birch Bay.
One of my favorite summer activities is the Plover Ferry ride across Semiahmoo Spit, which usually opens on Memorial Day weekend. But, weather permitting, it will be offered at this year’s festival!
Tickets will not be available at the dock, but can be secured prior to the festival online or in person at WOW Festival Headquarters, Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 Eighth St. They must be purchased before you arrive at the dock.
The historic ferry will take passengers on an approximately 45-minute nature cruise along Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay. A knowledgeable birder will be on board to point out the wildlife and birds along the way. Dress appropriately for inclement weather. For details on the MV Plover Passenger Ferry, visit draytonharbormaritime.com.
Another fun family activity is a guided tour of the Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum at Semiahmoo Spit, offered on Saturday and Sunday.
Housed in an original Alaska Packers cannery building, the museum’s exhibits tell the story of days gone by and include a scale-model fish trap, antique machinery, a gallery of historic photos and an original 28-foot Bristol Bay fishing boat.
In addition to in-person events, pre-recorded guided bird walks can be viewed beginning March 20 on the website. Find out more at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.
Every Little Thing
Bainbridge Island’s Mary Lou Sanelli, author, speaker and master dance teacher, shares her latest collection of essays, “Every Little Thing: Small Breakthroughs, Big Mistakes, Endless Lessons,” at 7 p.m. Friday, March 18 at Village Books, 1200 11th St.
The book has been nominated for a Pacific Northwest Book Award and a 2022 Washington State Book Award. Sanelli wrote the book during the pandemic while sheltering in place.
Sanelli has published six collections of poetry and four works of non-fiction. She contributes to the opinion page of The Seattle Times; and her work has been aired on “Weekend Edition: National Public Radio;” as well as presented live at Town Hall Seattle.
She has been the recipient of an Artist Trust Award, A Jack Straw Writers Award, Poetry on the Buses (Seattle), and a 2021 Bainbridge Island Individual Artist Award. For more information, go to villagebooks.com or marylousanelli.com.
Children’s Art Festival and Open House
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19, all ages are welcome to attend an Open House and Children’s Art Festival taking place at the new Bellingham Sikh Temple, the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, 5591 Telegraph Ave.
The event includes langar (vegetarian food) to eat, and arts and crafts activities with volunteers from Pace Atelier Art Studio. Be prepared to remove your shoes in the temple. Head coverings are required, and kerchiefs will be available, or bring your own scarf or beanie. Masks are required. Find out more at chardikalaproject.org.
Many Wests
“Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea” opens from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building, 250 Flora St.
This exhibition, organized jointly by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and four nationally accredited art museums, examines the perspectives of 48 modern and contemporary artists who offer a broad and inclusive view of our region.
The works — paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed media — highlight the various ways artists explore singular conceptions of the American West, revealing that “the West” has always been a place of multiple stories, experiences and cultures. It will be on display until Aug. 21. Details can be found at whatcommuseum.org.
Leprechaun Daze Car Show
Go green when the Fourth Corner Elites Car Club brings back its annual show of classic cars and trucks Sunday, March 20 at the parking lot at Hardware Sales, 2034 King St.
Registration is at 9 a.m.; awards take place at 1 p.m. Entry to view the cars is free; donations benefit the organization’s Project Santa Claus. Go to fourthcornerelitescarclub.com for more information.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
