COCOA’S PICKS
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’
Sept. 27–28, Oct. 4–6 and Oct. 12–13, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon
Get into the spooky spirit with “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a black comedy about “the only thing more deadly than poison: family.” The play centers around Mortimer Brewster, a critic whose engagement announcement is upstaged by the discovery of a dead body in his elderly aunts’ window seat. But the two old ladies aren’t as innocent as they seem.
This screwball production runs for three weekends at Mount Vernon’s historic Lincoln Theater. Even if you aren’t familiar with the 1944 Cary Grant film, the live version of “Arsenic and Old Lace” proves this tale is a classic for a reason. Without spoiling anything, I’ll leave you with a word of advice: If the Brewster sisters offer you a glass of elderberry wine, just say no. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico: ‘Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)’
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Mount Baker Theatre’s new season is officially in full swing, with shows from names like Squirrel Nut Zippers and the living legend that is Ben Folds happening at the end of this month. But these aren’t the only events to watch out for: Mariachi Herencia de Mexico are also bringing innovative mariachi music to the Mount Baker Theatre stage. As an added bonus, they’ll be joined by Mount Vernon’s Mariachi and Folklorico group for the last song of the night.
Composed of 14 young bicultural musicians, Mariachi Herencia de Mexico are twice-nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards and have released six studio albums (so far). Per MBT’s description, their latest release, “Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa),” “combines the band’s mariachi virtuosity with Spanish Harlem’s vibrant percussion line.” It’s worth noting that all members are quite young, ranging in age from 18 to 32 — so if you want a front-row glimpse at the next generation of Latin music, Mariachi Herencia de Mexico are a great place to start. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Las Guaracheras
3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
Mount Baker isn’t the only theater bringing Latin culture to the stage this week. On Sunday, Sept. 29, all-female salsa group Las Guaracheras will headline McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. This electric sextet have performed everywhere from Barcelona to Bogotà, consistently working to “uplift a female voice within Afro-Latin music and build a more inclusive, diverse and respectful cultural space for all.”
Las Guaracheras’ music is highly danceable — but with lyrics conveying themes like memory and transformation, they aim to deliver celebration and contemplation in equal measure. For additional insight into this performance, make sure to show up 45 minutes early for a pre-concert talk. Info: mcintyrehall.org.
Shoot the Trails
5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, Fishermen’s Pavilion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive
If you ever recreate at Galbraith Mountain, you have the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) to thank. The nonprofit stewards hundreds of miles of non-motorized trails in Whatcom County — and Shoot the Trails is its biggest annual fundraiser.
Every year, WMBC asks the community to submit their very best local mountain bike photography and videography. This call-out leads up to something akin to a homegrown film festival, wherein audiences view each submission and live-vote for their favorites. The top three photographers and videographers receive cash prizes, and there’s even a separate category for youth under 18.
This year’s event finale takes place on Sept. 28 at Fishermen’s Pavilion, and professional and newbie bikers alike are invited to attend. At its core, Shoot the Trails is an excellent way to connect with — and give back to — the local bike community. Info: wmbcmtb.org.
Skagit Bigfoot Fest
Sept. 27–29, Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon
If you’ve spotted an unusually hairy patron making himself at home in Skagit Valley businesses, don’t worry, you’re not going insane. You’ve just encountered Bigfoot.
During the month of September, Bigfoot shows up everywhere from Mexican restaurants to real estate offices and even dance classes. These appearances culminate in the Skagit Bigfoot Fest, aka an entire weekend of community-driven activities and musical performances. But Bigfoot Festival isn’t just about Sasquatch himself: Rather, it’s about celebrating music, art and creativity in Skagit Valley.
Attractions include food trucks, beer and wine, a family-friendly Kids’ Zone, hundreds of local vendors and even a 5K fun run. And if that weren’t enough, music lovers can enjoy performances from musicians like Checker Bloom, Charlie Partin and the Chris Eger Band. You don’t have to be a Bigfoot truther to have fun — but if you go in with an open mind, you might leave with a new outlook on the Pacific Northwest’s favorite cryptid. Info: skagitbigfootfest.com.
ALL EVENTS
The following is a selection of events submitted by CDN readers. Click here to add yours.
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.
