Venture to Lummi Island for art, learn about journalist Bob Woodward’s career, explore the life of a disabled dancer, reintroduce yourself to Patsy Cline — or try contra dancing!
Walking After Midnight
“Always … Patsy Cline” is back after a three-year hiatus at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov 11, and Nov. 18–19; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, in Mount Vernon at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St.
Ria Peth and Kelly Visten have been performing as Patsy Cline and Louise Seger since 2010 — most recently seen from 2014 to 2019 at The Conway Muse.
Accompanied by a seven-piece country band, the show is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. It’s based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
The musical play, complete with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight” — 27 songs in all. The show’s title was inspired by Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS Patsy Cline.” Advance reserved seating tickets range from $24–$30 at lincolntheatre.org.
Ria Peth, left, and Kelly Visten reprise their roles as Patsy Cline and Louise Seger in “Always… Patsy Cline,” beginning Friday, Nov. 11 at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. (Photo courtesy of Gary Brown)
Lummi Island Artists’ Holiday Studio Tour
More than a dozen artists and craftspeople will offer their work at 11 locations on Lummi Island from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12–13. Peruse paintings, drawings, prints, notecards, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery, metalwork, stonework, quilts, clothing, knitwear and more.
To get to Lummi Island: Take I-5 exit 260, go west on Slater Road to Haxton Way, turn left on Haxton to the ferry dock. The eight-minute ferry ride leaves at 10 minutes past every hour (plus extra trips as needed). Round trip is $14 per car and driver, $8 per additional person, $8 per bicycle and rider. Anyone ages 13–19, and accompanied children 12 and younger, ride free! Pick up maps at the Islander Store or at participating locales. Details: 360-758-7121 or lummi-island.com.
Contra dance
Come contra dance from 7–10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Fairhaven Middle School’s gym, 110 Parkridge Road, hosted by Marlin and Virginia Prowell.
George Marshall will call the dances as The Engine Room (Noah Van Nordstrand, Alex Sturbaum and Kelsey Wells) play on fiddle, guitar, banjo and foot percussion.
Contra participatory old-time country dances, mostly New England contras with some squares and circles, will be part of the mix. All ages are welcome, beginners too. Admission is sliding scale, $15–$25. Bring proof of vaccination and booster shots, picture ID and a well-fitted N95/KN95 mask. Please wear soft-soled shoes for dancing, no street shoes. For details, email virginia@januscom.com.
An Evening with Bob Woodward
Journalist and bestselling author Bob Woodward pulls back the curtain on Washington, D.C., and its leaders to captivate audiences with stories that are sometimes surprising, at times shocking, and always fascinating. “How We Got Here — Lessons From Ten Presidents” will feature a moderated conversation with Cascadia Daily News Executive Editor Ron Judd at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. The conversation will be followed by a 45-minute audience Q&A session.
This legend in reporting has won nearly every American journalism award, including two Pulitzer Prizes. Woodward has co-authored 21 bestselling books, including “All the President’s Men,” his and Carl Bernstein’s account of the Watergate scandal. Tickets are $40–$80. Purchase them at mountbakertheatre.com.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward discusses his career with Cascadia Daily News executive editor Ron Judd Saturday, Nov. 12, at Mount Baker Theatre. The moderated discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A. (Photo courtesy of Poynter)
Dance film series
“Invitation to Dance,” a film that is an eye-opening insider’s account of disability in 21st century America, screens at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
In 1971, Simi Linton was injured while hitchhiking to Washington to protest the war in Vietnam. As a young disabled college student, she confronted insidious forms of discrimination she couldn’t have imagined before. Over time, she joined forces with a vibrant disability community and realized that political engagement, love and dance could once again be central to her life. Rock ‘n’ roll, dancing and sexuality liberated Simi from the shame she felt as a young disabled woman.
The film is one of the “Documenting Grace” film series sponsored by Western Washington University’s Institute for Critical Disability Studies. Find out more at kuntzandco.org.
Benefit burlesque show
The Risque Renegades Cabaret will host a benefit show for the family of Victoria Sprong Chue (CB Diva), who died Oct. 23, from 6–8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St. This show is for ages 18 and older. All proceeds from the show will go directly to her family. Entry is $20; please bring cash. Details: blueroombham.com.
The mountain life
Hosted by Village Books, snowboarding legend Jeremy Jones will talk about his debut book, “The Art of Shralpinism: Lessons from the Mountains” with Hana Beaman, a longtime professional snowboarder, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Sehome High School Theater, 2700 Bill McDonald Parkway.
An insightful and unique manual to being in the mountains from one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed ski-snowboard mountaineers in the world, “The Art of Shralpinism” is not a technical guide to snowboarding but rather an experiential approach to creating a mountain life, full of anecdotes from Jones’ life and expert tips accompanied by Jones’ captivating art.
His commitment to ethics in outdoor adventure and his passion for the mountain environment led him to found Protect Our Winters, a global cause uniting the winter sports community against climate change, and he was recognized in 2013 as a “Champion of Change” by President Barack Obama for his work with the nonprofit organization.
Hailing from the mountains of Southern California, Beaman was first known for park riding. Competing in events such as the X-Games, U.S. Opens and world championships dominated the first decade of her career; she eventually focused mainly on filming in the backcountry. After another decade of filming for video parts and traveling the world, Beaman feels fortunate to be able to call Bellingham home. She first met Jones when they were teammates in the early years of her career, and he has made a substantial impact on her life and snowboarding. Reserve tickets at villagebooks.com.
Before attending an in-person event, check with individual venues to make sure it is taking place as scheduled.
Margaret Bikman’s column runs every Wednesday. Reach her at margaret.bikman@gmail.com.
