COCOA’S PICKS
I Heart B’Ham
3–6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14
Commercial St. Plaza, 1300 Commercial St.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally tied to romantic love. But while you’re at it, why not celebrate your community, too?
That’s exactly the ethos behind I Heart B’ham, a Valentine’s Day block party happening Friday, Feb. 14 at Commercial Street Plaza. The event brings together much of what makes downtown Bellingham special: performers, artists and local businesses, to name a few. (I’m also told there will be sweet treats.)
But I Heart B’Ham is just one of the many Valentine’s Day celebrations happening around town. I’ve put together a roundup of other activities, events and performances — stay tuned for that online later this week. Info: downtownbellingham.com.
Aslan Depot Seven-Year Anniversary
Noon until late Saturday, Feb. 15
Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.
It’s hard to imagine a version of downtown Bellingham without Aslan Depot (and not just because Cascadia Daily News’ offices are directly across the street). Between their excellent tap list, Tuesday jazz nights and cozy couches, I’ve spent more evenings here than I’d care to admit. In other words, if downtown Bellingham had a living room, the Depot would be a strong contender.
The Depot is celebrating its seven-year anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 15 by raising a glass to “community, craft and celebration.” The event might not be a traditional birthday celebration — but it is a very Bellingham celebration, and that’s what counts. Partygoers can jam to live music by indie rockers Cuttlefish, or get a flash tattoo from local artist Tharence Chilmsferd. There are also drink specials, vintage anniversary blends on tap and even a new beer release. Info: aslanbrewing.com.
B’Ham Hop
Feb. 14–16
Locations vary, downtown Bellingham
Bellingham has a lively dance community, from contra and square dancing to hip-hop, Argentine tango and even swing dance. The B’Ham Swing Jam brings a subsection of this community — namely, performers across heritage jazz idioms — together at venues across Bellingham, including the Hotel Leo, the Oddfellows Temple Room and the Nest Event Space.
Per the B’Ham Swing Jam’s website, the event “caters to vernacular dancers, with workshops in heritage jazz dance, tap dance, breaking, and hip-hop.” You don’t have to be an established dancer to attend one of their workshops. In addition to more structured sessions, dancers can also participate in “jams,” dance battles and social dances featuring live bands. It all kicks off with a Valentine’s Day jam on Feb. 14; check online for a full lineup. Info: bhamhop.com/JAM.
‘Breaking Boundaries’
7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
Californian gymnast Nastasya Generalova is the daughter of an African-American father and Russian mother. Her mom enrolled Generalova in gymnastics at the age of 4 to honor her heritage — but Generalova would prove to be an exceptionally talented gymnast, eventually setting her sights on the Tokyo Olympics.
The feature documentary “Breaking Boundaries” traces Generalova’s “personal journey of expression as the only Black girl in Team USA.” Directed by Dina Burlis, it depicts the athlete’s triumphs and challenges, as well as the complexities of mother/daughter relationships.
In celebration of Black History Month, Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival is screening “Breaking Boundaries” at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center on Feb. 15. (Also, heads up that the larger film festival is also slated for April 24–27 this year — it’s not too early to mark your calendar!) Info: cascadiabreakingboundaries.eventive.org.
‘The Storyteller’
Times vary, Feb. 7–8 and 12–15
Western Washington University’s DUG Theater, 516 High St.
Western’s College of Performing and Fine Arts’ upcoming play is inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” But in lieu of magic spells, “The Storyteller” is a “more intimate exploration of how we heal through connection and the telling of our own narratives.” The production takes a humanizing look at heavy themes — including homelessness to grief, survival and resilience — through the lens of its 17-year-old protagonist, Randy.
“The Storyteller” is fittingly directed by Kamarie Astrid, whom Hamsters might recognize as a co-artistic director for the Bellingham Story Hour. Astrid got permission from indie rockers Shannon and The Clams to use their new album, “The Moon is in the Wrong Place,” as the show’s soundtrack. Even in a town with no shortage of creative theater companies, the result is truly one-of-a-kind. Info: cfpa.wwu.edu.
COMMUNITY 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.
