DjangoFest lands Rosenberg Trio
Tickets are now on sale and going fast for DjangoFest Northwest which will be held Sept. 24 to 28 in Langley.
This year the festival is honored to welcome the world-renowned Rosenberg Trio in their first U.S. performance in 10 years and their only U.S. performance in 2008.
Now celebrating its eighth year of bringing gypsy jazz performers to Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, DjangoFest has proven to be the premier showcase of gypsy jazz in North America, presenting some of the biggest names in the genre to thousands of enthusiastic fans.
Other artists include: the Sebastien Giniaux Trio with Mathieu Chatelain and Jeremie Arranger; John Jorgenson Quintet; Howard Alden and Mimi Fox; Marc Atkinson Trio; 3 Leg Torso; Fishtank Ensemble; Jessica Fichot; Gonzalo Bergara; Hot Club San Francisco; Hot Club Pacific; and regional favorites Pearl Django (Seattle), and Hot Club Sandwich (Seattle), Hot Club Eugene (Oregon), and Whidbey’s own Billet-Deux!
Many of these fine performers will be conducting workshops and, as always, the djamming will go non-stop for five days.
For more information about DjangoFest, ticketing, artists, and workshops, please call the WICA ticket office at 360-221.8268 or 1-800-638.7631 or visit www.WICAonline.com.
Junior Willy
in action now
The Broadway Junior adaption of Roald Dahl’s timeless story, “Willy Wonka Jr.”, featuring the classic songs from the family film, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” and a cast of 26 local students, is continuing tonight, Aug. 2, through Aug. 10 at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd. in Oak Harbor and closes Aug. 10. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and younger. Call the box office at 360-679-2237, for further information, show dates, group discounts and reservations, or check the website at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
Go hog wild
on Fidalgo
Fidalgo Avenue Community will host the First Annual Fidalgo Avenue Block Party and Free Pig Roast Sunday, Aug. 10, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Fidalgo Avenue between Dock and Hathaway in Oak Harbor. The pig roast will be ready at 3 p.m. and available until 6 p.m. This community event will have something for everyone. Come try your throwing arm at the dunk tank, where for a donation you can try to soak the mayor or a city council member. Other activities will include: a climbing wall, face painting, sack, egg and balloon races, football toss, pie eating, and more. Local merchants have donated 75 items to raffle, including an original painting of the poster by Larry Mason. Raffle tickets are available at Frasers Gourmet Hideaway for $5 each. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross and Help House.
Family Float In Frankfurter Fest
North Whidbey Park and Recreation District presents its “Family Float In and Frankfurter Fest Final Fling” on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at the John Vanderzicht Memorial Swimming Pool, 85 SE Jerome St. Bring your favorite flotation device. Hot dogs and soda pop will be provided. Cost is $6.75 per family. Call 675-7665.
Bring your
dog and swim
North Whidbey Park and Recreation District presents its 4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Swim on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the John Vanderzicht Memorial Swimming Pool, 85 SE Jerome St. This free swim is for everyone and their dogs. The pool will be emptied, sanitized and painted after this swim. Call 675-7665.
Driftwood artists drawn to city
The City of Oak Harbor Arts Commission will hold the 3rd Annual Driftwood Day Saturday, Sept. 13, starting at 11:30 a.m. at Windjammer City Beach Park. Does that gnarled piece of driftwood remind you of a sea dragon or a sports car? Discover your inner artist in a fun, family friendly activity. Using only material discovered on the beach that day, entrants will create driftwood sculptures. The contest starts at noon, and judging will be at 1:30 p.m. Driftwood trophies will be awarded. Registration is free and takes place at the tent on the west end of Oak Harbor City Beach Park. Driftwood Day happens rain or shine, come prepared either way and join the fun. Bring a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Find bluegrass
at Meerkerk
Acoustic bluegrass will fill the air Saturday, Sept. 13, in the verdant setting of Meerkerk Gardens on Whidbey Island.
The day long Whidbey Island Old Time Bluegrass Pickers Festival begins with an open mic for regional musicians to perform on the outdoor bandstand. Signups begin at 10 a.m. For more information visit www.meerkerkgardens.org or call 360-678-1912.
AAUW holds fashion show
The American Association of University Women hold it Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show Thursday, Sept. 11, at 11:30 a.m. at Whidbey Golf and Country Club.
Tickets are $30. Guests have a choice of quiche or sampler tuna, chicken and potato salad. Purchase your tickets from Bonnie Abney at 678-9224 or from any member. Deb Crocker of “One More Thing” in Coupeville will be the fashion show MC. For further information, call luncheon chairman Clare Christiansen at 678-0229.
Glass artists exhibit in Langley
Accomplished glass artists Meredith MacLeod and Janis Miltenberger present their work together in a show entitled “Feathered Friends” opening at MUSEO in Langley on Saturday, Aug. 2.
More than 20 years have passed since the two artists met and became fast friends while assisting at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, the largest educational center in the world for artists working in glass.
“We are close friends and have a compatible aesthetic sense,” Miltenberger said.
Miltenberger will show both functional and decorative lamp-worked candle holders, pairs of floral goblets, some sculptural pedestal pieces and some glass wall art.
MacLeod’s work features patterns of birds, plant-life and geometric designs that, like Miltenberger’s work, manage to combine the feel of retro design with her own modern sensibilities.
Both artists are looking forward to the show at the beloved gallery; MacLeod for its familiarity and Miltenberger for the excellent surprises that such intimate galleries reveal.
“Imagine being a visitor to the island and running across such a neat gallery,” Miltenberger said.
“I love being a part of MUSEO,” MacLeod added.
“It gives me a sense of community, and I am proud to be considered a working artist among the great talent we have on this island.”
The show runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 31. An artists’ reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. MUSEO is at 215 First St. in Langley. Call 221-7737.
