COCOA’S PICKS
WWU’s Back to B.L.A.C.K: A Legacy of Art Closing Event
4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, Viking Union Multipurpose Room, 516 High St.
Each year, Western Washington University chooses a theme for the events surrounding Black History Month. 2024 “Back to B.L.A.C.K. A Legacy of Art,” and programming “honors the creativity and beauty that members of the Black Community have contributed to our world.” Events included everything from lunch and learns, to men’s basketball games, and now the celebration comes to an end with “networking, creative expression, and joy.”
This closing event honors Black artistry by providing a space for a variety of creatives and entrepreneurs to come together. Expect everything from karaoke to dancing, photography and a collective art piece. Beyond that, representatives from a variety of Black-owned businesses will be in attendance and providing services free of charge to students. The event is hosted at Western, but the whole community is invited to attend. Info: wwu.edu/black-history-month.
Coool Babies perform ‘Stop Making Sense’
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St.
The first time I listened to Talking Heads, I was 14 years old, deeply naive and convinced I had discovered the best band since the Backstreet Boys. I didn’t realize I wasn’t alive for the band’s inception — but even three decades late to the party, I felt like the discovery made me cooler than all my friends. Thus began a lifelong love affair with new wave, and even in 2024, I’ll profess my love for David Byrne any day of the week.
Fellow Talking Heads lovers won’t want to miss “Stop Making Sense,” a re-enactment of the iconic Talking Heads movie by Seattle tribute band Coool Babies. Die-hard fans are sure to be impressed by the group’s attention to detail, and with nine band members, every single synth is reproduced with care. Now’s the time to don your biggest, most impractical suit — because, if you’re looking to relive some ‘80s new-wave nostalgia, this must be the place. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
Fix-It Fair
Noon–3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, Ohio Street Workstudios, 112 Ohio St.
I get emotionally attached to articles of clothing, so it feels personal when they begin showing wear and tear. In theory, I could mend these clothes myself, but in practice, my sewing skills are limited — which is why I’m thankful for folks like Leah Foster of Pumped Bellingham. If you also have a list of clothes in need of mending, you can bet she’ll point you to the right people.
On March 2, Pumped is hosting the second-ever Fix-It Fair at Ohio Street Workshop, and these fixes aren’t limited to clothing alone. Attendees can also expect small appliances and bike repair, knife sharpening, and shoe and jewelry shining. Best of all, every repair is free or by donation. Info: facebook.com/pumpedbellingham.
Grace Potter: ‘Mother Road’
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Ask any artist: Winding highways, changing landscapes and an unbridled sense of freedom make for fertile creative ground. Grace Potter is one among many musicians who’ve found inspiration on the open road, and “The Mother Road” is her addition to this well-worn canon. This new album perfectly encapsulates the magic of road trips — albeit with a spirit and perspective that only Potter can bring to the table.
I won’t be hitting the road myself any time soon, but at least I can scratch the wanderlust itch by catching Potter at Mount Baker Theatre. “The Mother Road” is the product of Potter’s cross-country solo road trips, wherein she spent countless days in front of the wheel and nights in roadside motels. If you’re also itching for a cross-country escape, this might be the concert for you. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
‘Euphoria’ — Bellingham’s All Trans Casted Drag Show
9 p.m. Saturday, March 2, The Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St., Suite 301
Rumors might be Bellingham’s only (official) queer bar, but it’s not the only place you can go to catch a great drag show. The Blue Room is garnering a reputation as one of Bellingham’s best venues for drag. It’s also open to audiences 18-plus, meaning the space is accessible to folks who aren’t yet old enough to catch a show at Rumors.
Among the Blue Room’s formidable lineup of drag shows, “Euphoria” is notable for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s hosted and produced by one of Bellingham’s most beloved queens, Dizzy Phoria. Beyond that, the showcase features an all-trans cast. Get ready for a series of inclusive, entertaining performances from performers including Bellingham’s Feather Fatale, B.C.’s Peaches and Screams and Seattle’s Kitty Vixen. Info: blueroombham.com
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
ALL EVENTS
Thursday, Feb. 22
‘The Spirit of Harriet Tubman’
7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Leslie McCurdy shares the entire life story of Harriet Tubman using Tubman’s own words in this one-woman play that she has performed all across the country. She depicts a mix of both prominent and lesser-known stories from Tubman’s life to show just how determined she was to follow her dreams. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Free Community Day
9:30–11:30 a.m., Bellingham Sportsplex, 1225 Civic Field Way
Bring the whole family to Bellingham Sportsplex’s next Free Community Day. Spend some time around the bounce house, soccer field or music station. You can even layer up and stop by the skate rink between 10–11 a.m., when it will be open to ice skaters of any age and skill level. Info: whatcomsportsandrec.com.
Friday, Feb. 23
Cupid’s Arrow
7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
This dating game show hosted by Bellingham’s favorite improv group is an ideal way to get some comic relief for single people and couples alike. Decide which contestant on the show is the best fit for the bachelor or bachelorette in question, then watch how their first date transpires. Info: theupfront.com.
Saturday, Feb. 24
Wine Pairing with Chateau Ste/ Michelle
3 p.m., Yeah Baby Boards, 2015 Main St., Ferndale
Enjoy six courses of charcuterie with local meats and cheeses, each of which is paired with a carefully selected wine from Woodinville’s own Chateau Ste. Michelle winery. The wine experts and charcutiers in attendance will help guide you through each and every flavor-packed bite. Tickets available for purchase online, and pre-registration is required. Info: yeahbabyboards.com.
Paws for a Beer Adoption Event
2–4 p.m., Paws for a Beer, 501 Harris Ave.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, join the Alternative Humane Society of Bellingham for an adoption event at the only dog-friendly tavern in town: Paws for a Beer. Stop by for a brew and leave with your new best friend. Make sure to sign your new pup up for a Paws for a Beer membership, too, for free training classes. Info: alternativehumanesociety.com.
An Evening With Sig Hansen
8 p.m., Silver Reef Casino Resort, 4876 Haxton Way
Captain Sig Hansen from Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” will be in attendance at Silver Reef Casino Resort to speak about the show and his other life experiences. You’ll also get the chance to ask him any questions you might have about him and his career. Info: silverreefcasino.com.
Sunday, Feb. 25
Whatcom WRITES Group Reading
2-3 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St.
Authors from this year’s Whatcom WRITES Anthology submissions are prepared to share the pieces they’ve submitted for publication. Each piece explores the contest’s legacies theme, inspired by the 2024 Whatcom READS book: “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk” by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe, detailing her story of healing and home. Info: whatcomreads.org
Art As Business Session: Studio Tips with Louise Magno
1-3 p.m., Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave.
Learn some of the steps it takes to create a studio or business as an artist with Louise Magno, who is a painter, photographer and graphic designer. Whether you’re looking for tips for selling your art online or being involved with art groups in the community, Magno will cover the best ways to market your art and engage in these business ventures. Info: alliedarts.org
Peter Boal, ‘Illusions of Camelot’
4–5 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Peter Boal, former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, shares his memoir “Illusions of Camelot.” He details his journey from growing up in Bedford, New York to founding the chamber ensemble Peter Boal and Company, up until his current work as the artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Info: villagebooks.com.
Monday, Feb. 26
Macrame Monday
4-5 p.m., Northwest Yarns & Mercantile, 1401 Commercial St.
Every Monday, Northwest Yarns hosts a macrame class. Learn how to create your own macrame plant hanger for a fashionable, yet functional way to display your plants. You can even use the skills you learn with this class to create other macrame pieces of your own. Info: nwyarns.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Fun With Fermentation
6:30-9 p.m., Community Food Co-op, 405 E. Holly St.
Miranda LeonJones, owner of Bright & Sunny Ginger Beer and self-proclaimed fermentation geek, teaches how to make your own kombucha and ginger beer. The class fee of $79 includes an insight into how to feed and care for both fermented beverages, as well as your own kombucha SCOBY, a ginger beer starter bug and other ingredients you’ll need to start your own batches. Info: communityfood.coop
Wednesday, Feb. 28
All Level Yoga
5:30–6:30 p.m., Ferndale Library, 2125 Main St.
Stop by the Ferndale Library for a beginner-level yoga session to unwind and prepare for the rest of your week. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome, just remember to bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable and form-fitting clothing for the best experience. Info: wcls.org
Thursday, Feb. 29
‘Guys and Dolls’
7:00 p.m., Squalicum High School, 3773 E. McLeod Road
Squalicum High School’s Drama Club presents the family-friendly musical and romantic comedy, “Guys and Dolls.” Set in New York City, and Havana, Cuba, watch as Nathan, Adelaide, Sky and Sarah navigate both their relationships and gambling prospects all at once in this hilarious and energetic musical comedy. Info: squalicumdrama.com.
Leap Day Show with Shady Groove
6–8 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
Celebrate Leap Day — a.k.a. the most useless, yet oddly delightful holiday of 2024 — with the music of Shady Groove. This Jerry Garcia-style band features Bellingham’s own Shady Groove, along with musicians Bert Edkins, Chris Glass, Dave Lyon, Tim Maloy and John Wilson, and their acoustic tunes are sure to put a smile on your face. Info: bbaybrewery.com.
Friday, Mar. 1
First Friday
6–10 p.m., downtown Bellingham, 1300 Commercial St.
It’s the first of the month, and if you live or work anywhere near downtown Bellingham, you know what that means: It’s time to take part in this monthly celebration of arts and culture. Enjoy free admission to the Whatcom Museum. Each month features fresh programming, and you can find a map of participating businesses online. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
Saturday, Mar. 2
Plant Swap
10 a.m., Garden Spot Nursery, 900 Alabama St.
Bring in your houseplants and cuttings to swap for plants from other gardeners in the community. Houseplant experts will be present and available to answer your questions about how to care for each of the plants at the event, as well as a repotting table to get your new plants ready to thrive in your home. Info: garden-spot.com.
Whatcom Farm Expo
9 a.m.–2 p.m., Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St.
Attend the eighth Annual Whatcom Farm Expo and learn about the different resources available to you. Whether you’re an individual looking for tips to grow your own food or part of a larger business looking for the latest agricultural inventions, this informal meet-and-greet can help you improve the health of your animals and crops. Info: whatcomcd.org.
Jasmine Greene Band
Crystal 7 p.m., Hotel Leo Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave.
Head to the Hotel Leo on Saturday night for an evening of cocktails, nibbles and music from Bellingham’s own Jasmine Greene, a vocalist who “comes at you with a gas can in one hand and a zippo in the other.” General seating starts at $36, though VIP tickets are also available and include table service and premium refreshments. The show is 21-plus. Info: thehotelleo.com.
Sunday, March 3
Play It Forward Chamber Residency
3 p.m., Christ The Servant Lutheran, 2600 Lakeway Drive
Catch the Odyssey String Quartet, a music group from L.A.’s Colburn Conservatory, during a meet-and-greet masterclass at Christ The Servant Lutheran Church. As part of outreach efforts by the Bellingham Chamber Orchestra and Bellingham Festival of Music, the quartet will visit Whatcom County for their “10th Annual Play It Forward Chamber Residency.” During this week-long residency, Colburn Conservatory students will teach, perform and inspire high schoolers across the county. The performance is open to the public. Info: bellinghamfestival.org.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
