COCOA’S PICKS

‘Step Afrika’

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

The high-energy routines in “Step Afrika” are guaranteed to get your heart rate up. Performances pay tribute to a variety of percussive dance styles, from Black fraternities and sororities to contemporary dance and even traditional West and Southern African styles. But these shows are about more than dance alone: “Step Afrika” involves audience participation, humor and storytelling for a genre-bending performance worth remembering.

“Step Afrika” is the first-ever professional dance company devoted to stepping, defined as “a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument.” The company was founded in 1994 and has toured more than 60 countries across the globe. They’ll be in Bellingham for just one day on Tuesday, March 19 — the main performance happens in the evening, but there is also an educational program for grades 4–12 at 10 a.m. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

‘Lysistrata’

7:30 p.m., March 21–23 and 28–30, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave. 

Those Brazen Wenches is a new Bellingham-based theater company with a simple mission: to give a platform to locally written works, as told through a feminist lens. In other words, as their Instagram bio puts it, they’re “smashing the patriarchy (in entertaining ways)” — which is a mission I can certainly get behind.

Those Brazen Wenches are about to premiere their take on Aristophanes’ classic farce, “Lysistrata,” aka the “first battle of the sexes.” Adapted for the Idiom Theater stage by Rosalind Reynolds, the show follows Greek women who protest an ongoing war by refusing to provide their husbands with the only thing they desire. What is that thing, you ask? You can use your imagination — and yes, this show is probably PG-13. Info: facebook.com/thosebrazenwenches. 

Animals as Natural Therapy’s 2024 Gala and Auction

5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, Silver Reef Casino Resort, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale

Since 1999, Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) has provided invaluable services to the Bellingham community. Between EAGALA (equine-assisted growth and learning) programs for seniors, youth and veterans; school partnerships; and even summer camps for LGBTQ+ teens, their animal-guided mental and behavioral health programs address a wide variety of needs.

ANT is a registered nonprofit, meaning many of their programs are funded through donations. They’re marking 25 years with a gala on March 23, and if you want to show your support, why not help them celebrate the occasion? This year’s theme — “Party Like a Parton” — is a cheeky homage to Dolly herself. Expect dinner, auctions, a costume contest, line dancing and plenty of horses. Info: animalsasnaturaltherapy.org. 

‘Charting the World: A Journey Through Old and New Maps’ Opening

4–6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, Cordata Gallery, 465 W. Stuart Road

History buffs and art lovers alike will find something to appreciate about “Charting the World,” the newest offering from Bellingham’s prestigious Cordata Gallery. This immersive exhibition “invites visitors on an enchanting journey through the evolution of maps, from traditional cartography to modern digital mapping technologies.” Through maps and map-inspired artworks, audiences will gain a better understanding of how cartography has influenced our perception of the world around us.

“Charting the World” has an opening reception on March 23 and will be on view until May 18. A variety of artistic mediums are featured, but a collection of rare, hand-drawn historic maps make up the heart of the exhibition. The show also has a regional slant, featuring works by local artists like Chuck Kitterman, Hannah Rivers and David Syre. Info: cordatagallery.com.

Photography Sessions with Red Room Tintype

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 23–24, Syre Education Center,  201 Prospect St.

If you’ve ever spent time in a darkroom, you know there’s nothing quite like the feeling of submerging paper into developer and watching an image slowly appear — almost as if by magic. Film photography has a special kind of mystique to it, but in my opinion, tintypes (which actually predate film!) are the most magical of all. This photographic technique dates back to the 1850s, and its practitioners use chemicals like silver nitrate to fix images onto thin plates of metal.  

Ever wanted to capture your own likeness on a tintype? Now’s your chance: Seattle photographer Kyle McMillin of Red Room Tintype is offering a limited number of half-hour sessions at Whatcom Museum’s Syre Education Center. The event is in honor of Whatcom Museum’s archival photography show, “The Pet Show,” so participants are encouraged to bring their pets along to join in on the fun. Check Whatcom Museum’s website for information on registration and pricing. Info: whatcommuseum.org.

ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.

Thursday, March 14

Mazama Release Party

5–8 p.m., Elizabeth Station, 1400 W. Holly St.

Celebrate spring at Elizabeth Station with the release of their newest drink from Yonder Cider. A pear cider with orange peel and botanicals, Mazama is the perfect way to welcome the new season and pairs well with Elizabeth Station’s Pi Day deals for pie — pizza pie, that is! Info: yondercider.com.

Friday, March 15

5th Anniversary Weekend

Fringe Brewing, 5640 3rd Ave., Ferndale

Fringe Brewing is turning 5 years old on the 19th, but they’re going all out and celebrating all weekend long. Starting on March 15, they’ll have discounts on beer, a raffle for limited editions merch and even three brand-new brews. To put the icing on the cake, these deals coincide with Fringe’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stout specials. Info: fringebrewing.com.

‘Volar, Flamenco en Vivo 2024’

7:30–9 p.m., FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.

This performance consists of emotional self-expression in the form of traditional flamenco art (by Savannah Fuentes) plus singing and instrumentals (by Diego Amador Jr.). In this captivating showcase, these two artists embody our need to live freely and be the best selves we can be. Info: savannahf.com.

Saturday, March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Party

5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Barley and Brew, 102 Woodworth St., Sedro-Woolley

Party all night with all the vibrant events Barley and Brew has planned for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They’ll have an Irish-themed food truck, Irish-themed beer and an Irish-American band, The Devilees, playing live until midnight. If you’re looking to go all out this St. Paddy’s Day, this’ll be one stop you won’t want to miss. Info: barleyandbrew.com.

Free Guided Painting Class

2–4 p.m., Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale

The Ferndale Arts Commission is hosting a free painting class. What will you be painting? Well, it’s a surprise, so you’ll have to find out firsthand. The Commission will supply canvases, paints, brushes and any other painting supplies you might need, so just bring yourself and get ready to paint away. Registration is required. Info: cityofferndale.org.

Spring Gala

1–3 p.m., McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way

Young performers from Fidalgo Youth Symphony and Mount Baker Youth Symphony have prepared a concert to welcome the first days of spring this month. These sister organizations show off the talent and dedication of the local young artists involved as they play a variety of Romantic masterworks. Info: mcintyrehall.org.

Sunday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Weekend Shenanigans

11 a.m., Boundary Bay Brewing Co., 1107 Railroad Ave.

Boundary Bay kicks off its jam-packed St. Patrick’s Day weekend of live Irish music, Irish beers and fare and crazy good deals on other food. The lively energy there will make you want to get up and dance alongside the Irish dancers. To top it all off, after the Bellingham Parade on the 18th, Boundary Bay is also hosting an After Party complete with adoptable dogs from Happy Tails Happy Homes. Info: bbaybrewery.com.

Spring on the Farm

2–5 p.m., Hedgerow Willows, 1424 W. Axton Road, Ferndale

Hedgerow Willows hosts their first annual Spring on the Farm event. It’s part petting zoo with sheep and ducklings to admire; part market, complete with local vendors; and part photo session with a perfectly picturesque willow arbor. This spring celebration has something for everyone. Info: hedgerowwillows.com.

Tuesday, March 19

A Taste of Traditional Trinidad Street Food

6:30–9 p.m., Community Food Co-op, 405 E. Holly St.

Sarah Chan of Calypso Kitchen is set to share traditional Caribbean recipes from Trinidad and Tobago. Taste the amazing flavors of (and learn how to make) pineapple and mango chow, eggplant fritters, chickpea curry and more as you pull up a chair for this interactive class. Info: communityfood.coop.

‘Frida’

7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St.

Lincoln Theatre commemorates Women’s History Month by showing films based on the true stories of women and their accomplishments, including “Frida,” the 2002 biopic of Frida Kahlo. “Frida” follows Kahlo’s experiences as she channels a debilitating injury and the ups and downs of her marriage into her unique artwork. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Wednesday, March 20

‘Whisky Galore!’

7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St.

Lincoln Theatre and the Celtic Arts Foundation present “Whisky Galore!,” a film set on the Scottish island of Todday in World War II. After running out of whisky, these islanders come into a generous store of 50,000 cases of it from a ship that has run aground and decide to keep it for their own in this comedy. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Thursday, March 21

‘Citizen Hurricane!’

7:30–9 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.

A rock ‘n’ roll comedy routine with an improvised set where the audience can choose which way to spin the story — and the music — is coming to The Upfront Theatre this March. David and Ken bring together comedy routines akin to “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and Bo Burnham with hits by bands like Radiohead, Foo FIghters and Jack White. Info: theupfront.com

Travelogue: From Glaciers to Rainforests

7–9 p.m., Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St.

Christine Smith has served as a tour guide through Southeast Alaska for the past 18 years and has seen her fair share of beautiful scenery and wildlife during her travels. Follow along with her as she shares an immersive presentation about the wonders she’s experienced across the Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park. Info: whatcommuseum.org.

Trial By Flavor Cooking Demonstration: Curried Winter Squash Soup

5:30 p.m., Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon

As a former member of Skagit Valley College’s culinary program, local chef Suzanne Butler loves to share cooking tips with those looking to learn a new recipe. She is all prepped for her next demonstration, where she’ll show you how to make curried winter squash soup and send you home with your own booklet of recipes to try. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.

Friday, March 22

Succulents & Sips Night

6 p.m., Farmstrong Brewing, 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon

Enjoy your favorite beer or cider and a bite to eat at the Rooted Kitchen food truck as you create your own succulent scenes. For $35, you’ll get a ceramic dish and tray, three succulents and all of the tools and materials you’ll need to pot them. Info: florafaunaplants.com.

Saturday, March 23

Victory Garden Art Fair

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Garden Spot Nursery, 900 Alabama St.

More than eight local artists are set to display their art alongside unique garden displays at this fair meant to inspire and educate you and your own garden creations this season. New to gardening? There will be plenty of tips and tricks on how to grow your own plants and foods. Info: garden-spot.com.

62nd Annual Gem & Mineral Show

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St.

This year’s gem and mineral show, organized by Mount Baker Rock and Gem Club, features everything from various rocks, fossils, jewelry, exhibits and even auctions for these prized objects. The proceeds from the show also support scholarships for geology students at Western Washington University. Info: mtbakerrockclub.org.

‘Roméo et Juliette’

9:55 a.m., Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St.

Watch the live transmission of Nadine Sierra and Benjamin Bernheim’s brilliance as they star as the famous star-crossed lovers of Shakespeare’s “Roméo et Juliette” at the Metropolitan Opera. With this high-definition showing, you can experience the romantic soundtrack and enchanting scenery like you never thought you’d be able to from Lincoln Theatre. Info: lincolntheatre.org

Sunday, March 24

Spring Nature Ritual

2–4 p.m., Bow Sanctuary, 3533 Chuckanut Dr.

Join Michelle Murphy as she combines her work with restoration ecology and as a therapist to guide this group through mindfulness practices in nature. Using collage, art-making and/or words, you’ll also have the chance to create a piece of work representing your experience and intentions with the coming spring season. Registration is required, and more info can be found online. Info: bowsanctuary.com.

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.