Music, dance and theater exploring the meaning of our relationships and the concept of home take center stage this week and next at a number of intimate venues in Bellingham. Plus, let loose your jazzy soul with some of the top musicians in our area, and find out more about a renowned local dance company that will soon be on the move.
Dancers (left to right) Cecelia Hanford, Camille Dale, Shannon Zahalka, Makenna Johansen, and Gabby Malagreca in “we go here, we go there.” The work choreographed by Jess Zoller is part of Bellingham Repertory Dance’s “The Long Tide,” which shows April 12 to 17 at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center. (Photo by Bonnie Smerdon)
‘The Long Tide’
Bellingham Repertory Dance presents “The Long Tide,” an evening of contemporary dance, at 8 p.m. April 12, 15 and 16; at 5 p.m. April 16, and at 2 p.m. April 17 at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
“The Long Tide” explores different aspects of relationships, such as the ways we can work together, how we disengage and move apart, how we support each other and even how we navigate our relationship to the past and to the ever-evolving present and features old favorites as well as never-before-seen premieres. Tickets range from $15 to $35. For details, go to bhamrep.org.
Bellingham Theatre Guild
Western Washington University legend Jim Lortz directs a pay-what-you-will stage reading of “My Name is Lucy Barton,” in its “Lend Us Your Ears” series at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St.
Beth Wallace performs in Rona Munro’s adaptation of the hit play from London and New York about the journey of rediscovery when the titular Lucy Barton wakes up in a hospital room with her estranged mother at her side. Warning: the play contains adult language and situations.
In other BTG news, volunteers help put the “community” in community theater. Want to see what Bellingham Theatre Guild is all about? Want to learn more about the departments that make the magic happen? Come to a volunteer meeting from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16 in the lobby of the H Street playhouse. If you are able to, please fill out a volunteer interest form prior to attendance at bellinghamtheatreguild.com/volunteer.
The jazz explosion
The Jazz Center of Bellingham presents jazz drummer and innovator Jerry Steinhilber with Josh Cook and Thomas Harris on saxophones; Blake Angelos on piano; King Dahl on bass; and Steve Jones on percussion perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect Street. Admission is $10 for students, $20 general. Details: jerrysteinhilber.com.
‘Natural Homeland: Honoring Ukraine’
“Natural Homeland” is a program of music for solo flute, piccolo, alto flute and electronics that takes place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.
Portland, Oregon flutist Amelia Lukas will introduce and offer context for each piece. Lukas, of Ukrainian heritage, will explore the meaning of “home” and our place in the world, especially in light of current events. A diverse and gorgeous array of music will weave together stories of natural and human disaster, political unrest and displacement, but also of hope and inner sanctuary.
Lukas offers a master class at 4:30 p.m. the same day, free and open to all. Call 360-650-3130 for details. Learn more at cfpa.wwu.edu or amelialukas.com.
Opus is on the move
Opus Performing Arts recently announced its new downtown home starting in July 2022. This summer you’ll be able to find Opus on the second floor of 207 Prospect St. in the same building as the Bellingham Cider Company and Sylvia Center for the Arts.
Artistic director Brooke Evans, Artistic Director and owner and business manager Allan Redstone say they can expand the company’s offerings in this larger space.
Established in 2013, Opus Performing Arts provides high-quality dance instruction that focuses on fostering a lifelong love of dance while addressing proper foundations and technique. Details: 360-734-5300 or opusbellingham.com.
An earlier version of Best Bets highlighted an “Eterno: El Flamenco Live” performance that was slated to take place with dancer Savannah Fuentes and guitarist Diego Amador Jr. Thursday, April 7 at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center. The performance was canceled because Romero could not get his visa. It will not be rescheduled. Updated at 12:34 p.m. Wednesday, April 6.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
