Whidbey artists show works
Whidbey Allied Artists will hold its annual Fine Arts Show and Sale July 15 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St. Enjoy original works by numerous Whidbey Island artists working in various media, including watercolor, oil, collage, sculpture, basketry, photography, mised media, ceramics, stained glass and more. The opening reception will be held July 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Artist members of the WAA will be in attendance during the show and reception to greet you and answer questions. Daily demonstrations are scheduled in different media. Prints donated by WAA artists will be on exhibit and made available for the daily drawing. Free admission. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Race Week
party invites all
In honor of Navy Appreciation Night, NAS Whidbey Island will host the only Race Week Party open to the public on July 24 at Crescent Harbor Adventures on the Seaplane Base. The Marina Boathouse Deck party begins at 7 p.m. and includes a barbecue chicken and ribs dinner, followed by reggae music by Andy O from 9 p.m. to midnight. All are invited.
Tickets are $15, and beverages will be available for purchase. For those without base access, shuttle buses to and from the party will be available from the Oak Harbor Marina/Yacht Club, 1401 Catalina Drive. The buses will run from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Overflow parking for guests with base access will be available near the Navy Exchange and Commissary.
The Tipsy Taxi will be on hand for free and discreet rides home, from Deception Pass to Coupeville, for all authorized patrons, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, call the Chief’s Club at 257-2891.
Former Disney star visits
Former Disney Channel performer Gary Lapow will entertain children of all ages July 21 at 1 p.m. at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St. Gary has been entertaining children and families since 1977. For the past 14 years he has received annual awards from the Association of Songwriters and Composers in recognition for his work with children. Come join Gary for catchy tunes, jumping jokes and more fun “than a bucketful of worms.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Coupeville and Oak Harbor libraries.
Sweet show opens in Oak Harbor
The summer youth production of the junior adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will be performed at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 S.E. Midway Blvd. in Oak Harbor, July 31 to Aug. 10, for a total of eight performances. Tickets are on sale now and cost $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and younger. Show times are 7:30 p.m. for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and 2:30 p.m. for Sunday matinees. Call the box office at 679-2237 for further information, show dates, group discounts and reservations or email at office@whidbeyplayhouse.com. or check the Web site at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
The director is Mary K. Hallen. The musical features the songs from the classic family film, “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” all of your favorite characters and songs, including “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination,” are in this show that overflows with music, comedy and heart.
Theatre Series auditions coming
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will be holding auditions for the new Theatre Series beginning July 22.
Auditions for the Stephen Sondheim masterpiece “Sweeney Todd” will be held July 22 at 7 p.m.
Call-back auditons will be on July 23 and July 24. General auditions for the remaining productions will be on Aug. 20 and 21. The 2008/09 Theatre Series includes: Sweeney Todd, Oct. 2008; Inspecting Carol, Dec. 2008; Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, Feb. 2009; Rabbit Hole, April 2009; and Franklin And Figaro, June 2009. In preparation for the general auditions, Whidbey Island Theatre Festival is offering classes on July 25 and July 26. For more information about audition requirements, to schedule an audition, and the classes offered, visit www.wicaonline.com or call 800-638-7631.
Summer theatre now in progress
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Whidbey Children’s Theater have joined forces to create Whidbey Island’s first summer theatre festival. Whidbey Island Theatre Festival runs through Aug. 16 and provides engaging educational opportunities, thought provoking theatrical experiences, and great entertainment for all to enjoy.
The centerpiece of the inaugural Whidbey Island Theatre Festival is the 2008 Summer Training Program for Youth and Adults. Registration has begun for the adult and youth programs happening in July and August. For more information visit www.WICAonline or call 800-638-7631.
Savor dinner, save flowers
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens will hold it annual Meerkerk Medley on Aug. 2. This fundraising evening will feature delicious dinners in private homes. Organizers need individuals interested in either hosting a dinner or attending as a guest.
Funds raised will provide care and improvements to the gardens, truly a Whidbey Island treasure. Be a part of this enchanted evening of feasting, flowers, friends and fun. Contact Gwen Brass at 360-221-8061 or gwen@whidbey.com.
Get your kilt on
Whidbey Island Celtic Society will hold the 10th annual Whidbey Island Highland Games on Aug. 9 at Greenbank Farms. The main gate opens at 9 a.m. with Opening Ceremonies taking place at noon.
Visitors can enjoy Scottish pipe bands and Celtic entertainment, watch participants compete in traditional highland dancing, heavy athletics and bag piping and wander among the clan tents, vendor and food booths, or quench their thirst at the beer garden.
Cost is $8 adults, $6 seniors, military with ID or kids 5 to 12. Free, kids under 5. No pets. The county transit has a bus stop at the main gate for your convenience. No pets allowed inside event. Call 360-331-5437, or visit www.wihg.org.
United for island entertainment
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and Whidbey Children’s Theater present “An Evening with Dael Orlandersmith” Aug. 16. WICA and WCT have joined forces to create Whidbey Island’s first summer theatre festival. WTF will provide our community and visitors with engaging educational opportunities, thought- provoking theatrical experiences and great entertainment for all to enjoy.
The centerpiece of the inaugural Whidbey Theatre Festival is the 2008 Summer Training Program for Youth and Adults.
The mission of the Training Program is “to provide students with high quality, innovative, participatory theatre arts education and training taught by theatre professionals and teaching artist; to reflect the diversity of the community we serve; and to help our students develop skills and broaden their horizons.” The 2008 Summer Training Program aims to maximize educational opportunities for students, artists, and audiences alike. Call 360-221-8268 or visit www.wicaonline.com.
Celebrate Woodpalooza
The Whibey Island Woodworkers Guild presents the 5th Annual Woodpalooza on Aug. 22 through Sept. 7 at Bayview Corner Cash Store, 5603 S. Bayview Rd. Open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 22 and daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 to Sep. 7. This free exhibition will showcase recent works by 20 guild members. Call Gary A. Leake at 678-1347 or email gary.leake@att.net. When emailing please include “WIWG” in the subject line.
