COCOA’S PICKS
Brigadoon’s Annual Gala and Auction
5:30–9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Hotel Bellwether Ballroom, 1 Bellwether Way
Brigadoon Service Dogs provides an invaluable service to folks in Whatcom County and beyond. As its name implies, this nonprofit trains service dogs to assist with a variety of needs — namely physical, behavioral and developmental health disabilities in adults, kids and veterans. With the help of these skilled pups, community members can gain independence, confidence and a new four-legged companion.
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the community is invited to have a “barking good time” celebrating Brigadoon’s 20th year in action — roaring ‘20s-style, of course. This anniversary gala helps fund their services and features refreshments, auctions, a dessert dash and, to quote the invite, “smooches with our pooches.” It’s also taking place at Hotel Bellwether, meaning the scenery will be (almost) as stunning as these dogs are adorable. Info: brigadoondogs.org/gala.
‘Musical Miscast’
Sept. 12–13, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Musical theater roles are usually written for specific looks and vocal ranges. In the year 2024, however, some rules are meant to be broken — and “Musical Miscast” leans hard into this idea. The concept is a little genius: Local actors perform songs or roles they’d never traditionally be placed in. That can be due to anything from gender to age, vocal range or, as the show’s description puts it, “general vibe.”
The showcase runs all weekend thanks to the efforts of Flooded Productions, one of Bellingham’s newest theatrical production companies. Flooded formed in early 2024 to “establish and nurture more theatrical artistic opportunities for a wide variety of creatives” — so if that sounds like your cup of tea, make sure to keep an eye on whatever they do next. Info: instagram.com/flooded_productions.
An Evening with Jodi Picoult
7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, WWU PAC Concert Hall, 516 High St.
Fellow bookworms take note: As of publish time, tickets are still on sale for one of the fall’s most anticipated author visits. Jodi Picoult — yes, that Jodi Picoult — will present her new book, “By Any Other Name,” in Bellingham on Friday, Sept. 13. The New Hampshire-based novelist will be in conversation with local author Becky Mandelbaum at Western Washington University’s PAC Concert Hall, and all tickets include a signed copy of Picoult’s book.
You might know Picoult from “My Sister’s Keeper,” which was adapted into a feature film with Cameron Diaz. But Picoult has written nearly 30 novels in total, including other bestsellers such as “Mad Honey,” “Wish You Were Here” and “The Book of Two Ways.” She’s in town for just one night, and if I were you, I’d snag tickets sooner rather than later. Info: villagebooks.com.
North Sound Soul: Boundary Bay 29th Anniversary Celebrations
5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
It’s hard to believe that, in a beer-centric town like Bellingham, craft brews are a relatively new phenomenon. Breweries like Aslan and Kulshan are unofficial cultural institutions — but the oldest among them, Boundary Bay Brewery, was founded just shy of three decades ago. I know this because Boundary Bay is gearing up to celebrate its 29th birthday later this month. (Also, having just turned 30, I have mixed feelings about being older than the concept of Bellingham beer.)
Boundary Bay is celebrating 29 years in style with North Sound Soul, a local band performing what CDN music columnist Jesse Stanton describes as “a heavily horn-focused blend of soul, funk and rock.” This concert is the first in a series of anniversary celebrations; as usual, performancs take place in the beer garden and are family-friendly Info: bbaybrewery.com.
Bellingham Community Chorus Fall Season
6:30–9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, St. James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St.
Autumn doesn’t technically begin until Sunday, Sept. 22, but the Bellingham Community Chorus (BCC) is kicking off its fall season a few weeks early. Rehearsals for their 2024 showcase, “Winter Wonder,” officially begin on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and you’re invited to join them. This choir is an all-volunteer affair, so if you need an excuse to make new friends and harmonize for the joy of it, just sign up — no auditions required.
BCC has a charming origin story: “A group of singers wanted to sing for fun, regardless of musical training or experience.” That ethos holds true three decades later. Their practices are open to all who love to sing; just make sure to register in advance online. Also note that performances don’t occur until December, so you have plenty of time to hone your vocal chops. Info: bellinghamcommunitychorus.org.
ALL EVENTS
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For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.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.
