Meow Meow
Vashon Center for the Arts
Friday, February 21
7:30pm

Cabaret chanteuse Meow Meow has hypnotized, inspired, and terrified audiences globally with unique creations and sell-out seasons from New York’s Lincoln Center and Berlin’s Bar Jeder Vernunft to London’s West End and the Sydney Opera House. Known by many for her work with Pink Martini, this post-modern diva brings her one-of-a-kind cabaret of outrageous banter and sonorous song to Vashon Island on Friday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Named one of the “Top Performers of the Year” by The New Yorker, the spectacular crowd-surfing artist has been called “sensational” (The Times, UK), a “diva of the highest order” (New York Post), “The Queen of Chanson” (Berliner Zeitung), and “a phenomenon” by the Australian press. Her award-winning works have been curated by David Bowie, Pina Bausch, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and numerous arts festivals worldwide.

Don’t miss this fabulous evening!

Artist Talk: George & NaKeesa Jennings
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, February 23, 2pm (Free)

Join Seattle visual artist George Jennings and his wife and manager, NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings, for an engaging and intimate conversation about their journey in the fine arts, spanning from Washington, D.C., to Washington state. The talk is free of charge.

George will offer insights into his current VCA exhibition, "The Women, The Paper, and The Light," revealing the inspiration, concept, and creative process behind this compelling body of work. Attendees will learn how his early passion for 2D art evolved into a successful career, influenced by his family’s rich artistic heritage.

The conversation also explores the dynamic partnership between George and NaKeesa, highlighting how they have worked together to expand his art practice and reach wider audiences. From managing exhibitions to navigating the art world as a team, they will share valuable lessons on balancing creativity and business.

Looking ahead, George and NaKeesa will discuss their future projects and aspirations, offering a glimpse into their continued commitment to the arts and their role in fostering a vibrant artistic community. This event provides a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about their artistic journey, gain inspiration, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the impact of art and legacy.

George Jennings

George Jennings, a fine art painter, is best known for his portraits of subjects who are not commonly centered in mainstream art with a focus on the diverse beauty of women. His grandfather, the late visual artist, John N. Robinson, was his first art instructor while George later attended and is now an alum of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Initially, he created his paintings using oil and acrylic, then more recently he has transitioned to incorporating modern tools. His canvas is now a screen, and his brush a digital pencil.

NaKeesa Jennings

NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings, an entrepreneur based in Tacoma, WA, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She proudly identifies as an advocate for racial and social justice often using the written word to shed light on the many issues impacting the Black community as well as other marginalized groups. Her company, Nakeesa Marie Enterprises, offers coaching, consulting, proofreading, and support for entrepreneurs and job seekers. A published author, her work appears in various media and literary projects. In 2024, she released guided workbooks promoting gentle self-accountability, which she sees as a form of self-love.

See George's show at VCA, Wed - Sunday 12-5pm. Learn more about George's show: https://bit.ly/GJenningsVCA

Day of Remembrance
Mukai Farm & Garden
Sunday, February 23rd
2pm-4pm

On February 23 from 2:00 to 4:00, Friends of Mukai show the film made by Frank Abe called “Conscience and the Constitution,” which documents the story of 63 Japanese Americans who chose to refuse the draft while at the Heart Mountain concentration camp. It is a story of resistance that can help inform our thinking about how to protect human rights today, as arguments swirl about to deal with America’s immigration “problem.”

There are many who are concerned about profound humanitarian, legal, economic, and social impacts, even if only some of the current proposals to deport immigrants and curtail future immigration come to fruition.

For Japanese Americans and many others, the answer to unconstitutional incarceration and deportation is, “Never again.” The film will be shown at Mukai Farm & Garden at 18017 107th SW, followed by a brief discussion. Please join us!

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Snapdragon Trivia Night
Every Thursday | 6:30 PM
Home Sweet Home at Snapdragon

Gather your friends and test your knowledge at Snapdragon Trivia, hosted by the one and only Michael Whitmore! It’s a fun-filled evening where you can team up, compete, and show off your smarts.

Expect prizes, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs along the way. Join the excitement, connect with your community, and enjoy the warm and inviting vibes of Snapdragon. Don’t miss out on the whole shebang!

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Gaby Moreno
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, March 2
7:30pm

Armed with a warm, soulful sound, Gaby Moreno creates music that offers an intoxicating invitation into her musical world for English and Spanish speakers alike. Since moving to Los Angeles from her native Guatemala, singer-songwriter-producer Gaby Moreno has released 7 albums, earned a Grammy nomination for her albums Alegoría (Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, 2023) and Illusion (Best Latin Pop Album, 2017), and won two Latin Grammy Awards (Best New Artist, 2013 and Best Traditional Tropical Album, 2023). Moreno has shared the international stage with pop music luminaries such as Bono, Andrea Boccelli, Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Punch Brothers, Hugh Laurie, Buena Vista Social Club, Calexico, David Gray, and many more. Through her various projects, Moreno has redefined Americana as the only prominent Latina in the genre today, opening the doors for other marginalized voices and transforming the landscape overall.

Snapdragon Trivia Night
Every Thursday | 6:30 PM
Home Sweet Home at Snapdragon

Gather your friends and test your knowledge at Snapdragon Trivia, hosted by the one and only Michael Whitmore! It’s a fun-filled evening where you can team up, compete, and show off your smarts.

Expect prizes, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs along the way. Join the excitement, connect with your community, and enjoy the warm and inviting vibes of Snapdragon. Don’t miss out on the whole shebang!

On Vashon Island, Washington First Fridays are when the artists, galleries, and local merchants put up new art installations and window displays to celebrate the month. Crowds gather to view the art and visit with friends. The town is alive!

Vashon Events is proud to promote this monthly community-building event by gathering information from galleries, artists, and merchants about their First Friday plans. We send out a monthly newsletter to let community members know just what is happening.

Join our newsletter HERE to get a monthly update on First Friday happenings, or if you are already a subscriber, update your profile now.

Special thanks to our First Friday Art Gallery Cruise Promotion Sponsors:

The Madrona Group/John L. Scott Vashon
Island Insurance
O Sol Mio
4Culture
ArtsWA

The mission of Vashon Events is to create, provide, and expand positive life experiences through music and art for all. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of artists and musicians.

Some'tet
Snapdragon
First Friday, March 7th
7:00pm

We are returning to our old haunts! Some'tet! Snapdragon/Black Cat Cabaret! Seems we do this once a year now, so wander out! Check out some of our new material! That's right, we have some new songs! It'll be fun! And the evening starts off with a solo set from the amazing harpist Monica Schley! Come on out and see what happens!

Best of Seattle Comedy Competition
Vashon Theatre
Saturday, March 8th
7:30pm

Enjoy a night of big laughs with former SICC winner, headliner Dino Archie, host Ariel Ehrlich & opener Timmy Booth.

DINO ARCHIE

"Dino Archie's Choosey Lover is a timeless gem amongst this generation's comedy albums." Comedy Hype

"@Dinoarchie is funny." Arsenio Hall

Dino Archie is a writer and stand up comedian originally from Fresno, CA. Born the second youngest in a house of 8 children, Dino learned comedy as a love language. While his older brothers became D1 athletes, Dino exercised his gift of gab as a used car salesman. He honed his stand-up skills on the West Coast in clubs between Los Angeles, CA and his current residence in Vancouver, ON.

Dino has been featured on Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party and made his network late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He was a New Face at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, the winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition, and won the Best Crowd-Work award at the Just For Laughs Northwest Fest. Kevin Hart's LOL Network. He has toured with NPR’s Snap Judgment: Story Telling With a Beat and you can hear his stories on two podcast episodes.

Dino has released five comedy albums including his first one-hour special Toxic But Safe Released with 800 Pound Gorilla on YouTube. You can find his albums, videos, tour dates, and podcast Night Talk with Dino Archie on his YouTube Channel and at www.dinoarchie.com

Dino the Beloved

ARIEL EHRLICH

Ariel Ehrlich is a former TV show quiz kid turned rodeo doctor turned stand up comedian. Currently a house comic at Club Comedy and Laughs in Seattle, she has performed her clean-but-twisted material at the Seattle International Comedy Competition and NYC’s Comic Strip Live as well as multiple comedy festivals, clubs and sheds on both coasts. She won First Place in the Austin Film Festival Pitch contest (comedy), was a Finalist at the Sessions in Place Comedy Competition, and once won a year’s supply of Pizza Hut.

That’s right. The whole package.

TIMMY BOOTH

Timmy Booth is one of two standup comedians ever born in Stokesdale, North Carolina. He now lives in Seattle where he brought home a Pacific-Northwest-best third place in the 2022 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He's been featured in the New Yorker, on the CBC, and at Dusty Slay's Homegrown Showcase. He says "hi."

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

SERA CAHOONE
VASHON ISLAND COFFEE ROASTERIE
Saturday, MARCH 15
Doors open at 4:30pm.
Show starts at 5pm.
$20 at BrownPaperTickets.com

Debra Heesch Presents Americana singer-songwriter Sera Cahoone, is the daughter of a dynamite salesman who grew up in the Colorado Foothills. She played her first gig on drums in a Denver dive bar's open blues jam at age 12. A young adult, she moved to Seattle where she played drums with the adored indie rock group, Carissa's Weird, and later Band of Horses. She then went on to release four solo acoustic records, two with Sub Pop. In 2019, Cahoone received a Gold Record for her work with Band of Horses.

Cahoone has toured with many artists such as Indigo Girls, Tift Merritt, Gregory Alan Isakov, Kathleen Edwards, Son Volt, Matt Costa, Mason Jennings, Fruit Bats and Band Of Horses. Most recently, Cahoone partnered with SMASH Seattle and Dave Matthews for the Songs of Hope Benefit. In April 2021, she was featured in the book Bring Music Home. This book celebrates venues like Stubbys, Babys All Right, and The Fillmore with artists Alice Cooper, Dehd, Native Sun, The Black Angels and many more.

In addition to her work on drums and as a singer-songwriter, Cahoone has produced her own records as well as Margo Cilker and Dean Johnson's.

Cahoone has earned great praise from KEXP, NPR series Tiny Desk Concert, First Listen and Songs We Love. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including the Seattle Times, UPROXX, ELLE and KEXP, and The Stranger.

Circus of Second Chances
Open Space for Arts & Community
Saturday, March 15
Doors 6PM | Show 7PM

An Acrobatic Conundrum Production, Circus of Second Chances takes the audience on a relentless quest for longing, belonging, and wonder with three veteran acrobats who let their imaginations run wild to fulfill secret longings.

Fluent in the language of circus, Acrobatic Conundrum’s principal performers melt the fourth wall to reveal their flaws and journeys to redemption. The audience plays a vital part in The Circus of Second Chances, in which ropes are dancescapes, trapezes are windows to the soul, and spinning hoops are portals to infinite possibility.

Knute Berger Live: The Mystery of the Pickled Orca and Other Strange Tales of the Salish Sea
Vashon Theatre
Tuesday March 18th, 6pm.
$10 Students, Seniors, Members
$15 General Admission

"The Mystery of the Pickled Orca and Other Strange tales of the Salish Sea." The stories cover examples of castaways, sea monsters, our greatest maritime celebrity and more. So much of our region is defined by the Salish Sea and surrounding waters. Knute will also talk about reporting these stories and give some hints about on-topic episodes to come. And of course, there will be a Q&A.

Knute Berger is Editor-at-Large for Cascade PBS, writer and host of the Emmy-winning Mossback’s Northwest series on local history, now readying its 11th season. He is co-host of the Mossback podcast series. Cascade PBS members also receive his weekly email newsletter, the Mossback Den. He is the author of three books, Space Needle, the Spirit of Seattle, the essay collection Pugetopolis, and the eBook, Roots of Tomorrow: Tales of Early Seattle Urbanism, available on Amazon. He was once named the Space Needle’s “writer in residence.” His family is into its 5th generation living in the shadow of the Space Needle. He lives with his wife Carol Poole in Seattle’s Madison Park.

A Special Evening With Colette Jones
Snapdragon
Friday, March 21st
Doors at 6:30. Show at 7:00 PM
All ages. Bar with ID.
$10.00 Suggested Donation.

Join us for an evening of cosmic Americana. Featuring special guests and brand new songs!

A lifelong daydreamer, Colette Jones grew up enveloped in songs and stories. Her musical journey has taken her from playing power chords in a punk band to Travis Picking folk songs and singing old country ballads. She found her footing in Americana music, through which she could combine her interests in storytelling and performance. Since then she's had the pleasure of collaborating with many wonderful musicians on a variety of projects, as well as foraying into the world of musical theater.

During a transformative tenure in Nashville, Colette polished up her catalog of original songs, and with the help of some of Music City's finest, etched them into two full-length studio albums. Her debut, Deluge, intertwines classic country and Americana sounds, while infused with an ethereal and bluegrass drive. The tracks unfold as tales of love and loss, addiction, heartache, and an overarching theme of “searching for a way home,” as Colette sings in the opening lines of the first track, "Unfound." The album skillfully walks the line between blues-rock on tracks like "Secret Life," and a rebellious “outlaw country” spirit as showcased on tracks such as "Fever Dream" and "Train Song." The follow up, TBA, builds on these themes, with honky-tonk and cosmic country influences. The first track, “How’s That Workin’ For Ya Now” is available to stream on Bandcamp.

Colette is a passionate conduit of roots music, Americana, classic country, and all that in between. She has studied ethnomusicology and folklife both academically and as a hobbyist, and through her research and love of this music, strives to bring authenticity and honesty to the stories she sings, honoring the diverse ancestors and history of country music as it is brought into a new era.

https://www.colettejonesmusic.com/

Lúnasa
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 22,
7:30pm

Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honour of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing the band as an “Irish music dream team”. From the start, the band’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional music and energized audiences the world over. Critical acclaim followed, The Irish Echo describing the band as the “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet”; MOJO magazine named the band “the new gods of Irish music,” adding that “nobody since the Bothies has wielded such a thrilling rhythmic underlay.” Billboard raved that “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.”

Formed in 1997, Lúnasa was dubbed by Folk Roots magazine as an “Irish music dream team.” The band’s unique sound has energized audiences the world over and Billboard raves “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.”

Asiya Korepanova
Vashon Center for the Arts
Friday, March 28 • 7:30pm

We are thrilled to welcome back pianist, transcriber, composer, visual artist, and poet, Asiya Korepanova to the Kay White Hall. South Florida Classical Review calls her a "tremendously gifted pianist...with blazing technique." The Palm Beach ArtsPaper raves, "Korepanova is above all, a poetic pianist!" And the Boston Musical Intelligencer swoons, "I was swept away to place of magic and mystery!"

Program includes:

Asiya Korepanova: ‘Letters to Porter’ (a kaleidoscope of ten miniatures)

Beethoven: ‘Rage over the lost penny’

Schumann ‘Carnaval’

Rachmaninoff: ‘Lilacs’

Amy Beach-Asiya Korepanova: ‘Extase’

Mussorgsky: ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’

PETE DROGE featuring Elaine Summers
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 29
7:30pm

Don't miss this intimate concert of classic favorites and new songs from acclaimed Singer-Songwriter Pete Droge and his partner in music and life, Elaine Summers. In addition to old fan favorites, Singer-Songwriter Pete Droge and his partner Elaine Summers will premier songs from Pete’s forthcoming album Fade Away Blue. The record was produced by Grammy-winner Paul Bryan and will be released on Puzzle Tree Records later this year. Tickets will sell fast—get your tickets today so you don’t miss this special night with two of the Pacific Northwest’s true musical treasures.

Art Historian Rebecca Albiani on:
FRIDA KAHLO
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, March 30, 2025 • 2pm

In honor of Women’s History Month, we will explore the work of Frida Kahlo, who has become an internationally known feminist icon. Kahlo took up painting after a devastating streetcar accident and wed Diego Rivera a few years later. She adopted a flamboyant persona, slugging tequila and taking lovers of both sexes, and used art as a way of combating her physical and emotional pain.

On Vashon Island, Washington First Fridays are when the artists, galleries, and local merchants put up new art installations and window displays to celebrate the month. Crowds gather to view the art and visit with friends. The town is alive!

Vashon Events is proud to promote this monthly community-building event by gathering information from galleries, artists, and merchants about their First Friday plans. We send out a monthly newsletter to let community members know just what is happening.

Join our newsletter HERE to get a monthly update on First Friday happenings, or if you are already a subscriber, update your profile now.

Special thanks to our First Friday Art Gallery Cruise Promotion Sponsors:

The Madrona Group/John L. Scott Vashon
Island Insurance
O Sol Mio
4Culture
ArtsWA

The mission of Vashon Events is to create, provide, and expand positive life experiences through music and art for all. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of artists and musicians.