Robert Sarazin Blake and Mike Grigoni are making plans to play every Monday in January at the soon-to-open Redlight Wine Bar and Coffee Roasters, (formerly the The Ridge Wine Bar, down the street from Pepper Sisters at 1017 N. State Street). There'll be two shows each night, at 7:30 and 10 p.m., with a $7 cover. A special guest will open up the show each week, says Blake, and here's the lineup:
Jan. 2: I Love You Avalanche.
Jan. 9: The Driftwood Singers.
Jan.16: Tim Mechling.
Jan. 23: Sarah Goodin.
Jan. 30: C.R. Avery.
The January Concert Series celebrates the 10th anniversary of Blake and Grigoni's first recording together, "A Crowd of Drunken Lovers," an album that featured Blake's well-loved narratives and lots of musical improvisation. Grigoni and Blake followed the release with a tour around the country and collaborated on four more albums.
The venue's grand opening is on New Year's Eve, with Falling Upstairs and Casus Belli playing at 10 p.m., with a $5 cover. Watch for the art opening on Jan. 6 during the monthly Downtown Art Walk, with tunes by the Daffodils and others. Coming soon, says Michelle Schutte, who's currently booking bands for the place, is Lucas Hicks, Sunshine and Bowlcut. For details, go to redlightwineandcoffee.com or see Redlight's page on Facebook.
SUBMIT YOUR VOTE FOR WHAT'S UP! MUSIC AWARDS
It's a month away, but don't forget to support local music by attending (or at least voting for) the annual What's Up! Music Awards.
The awards party is Jan. 28 at the Wild Buffalo, and on the ballot are such categories as Best Axes of Folk, Best Twilight Zone Soundtrack and Best Highway Americana, with musicians like The Gallus Brothers, Polecat and Yogoman Burning Band. Vote at whatsup-magazine.com. Get your ballot in by Jan. 27.
WWU HOSTS WINTER ARTS CLASSES FOR KIDS
Debbie Gibbons, youth programs manager at Western Washington University, wants to let parents know about the Western Arts Preparatory Academy, a youth enrichment program that offers classes in dance, theater and music. Winter session begins in early January, and Gibbons says, with the exception of the Suzuki violin classes, classes are a long way from being full. The two theater offerings are new and Gibbons is concerned that if there's not sufficient enrollment, they'd have to be canceled. Academy programs focus on providing life-enhancing skills and broadening the perspectives of youth in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.
Not only do students learn specific skills in the arts, but they develop social and educational experience that transfers to other areas of life including confidence, awareness, discipline, communication and organizational skills. Classes will take place on campus, in Fairhaven and in north Bellingham.
Pre-ballet, ballet, and creative dance is open to children ages 2 through 12. All levels of dance students will build a succession of skills toward the goals of dance technique, performance quality and, most of all, the joy of expression. Walking toddlers, along with mothers and caregivers, can develop foundations for coordination and cultivate a familiarity with the arts in "Mommy and Me" dance classes.
Youth theater is offering two programs this winter. Saturday Youth Theatre: Superheroes Unlimited - An Acting Class and Play is for youth grades 3-5. Participants will experience a play from auditions to a performance and have a major role in the production. Sunday Youth Theatre: Kick Off! Improvisation 101 is for grades 5-8. Youth will explore the basics of the creative, exciting and often hilarious art of improvisation.
Winter classes begin Jan. 7. For details, visit wwu.edu/wapa or call 360-650-3308.
VAUDEVILLINGHAM PERFORMS JAN. 15 AT DEPOT MARKET SQUARE
Vaudevillingham performed at the Cirque Lab in the Sunnyland neighborhood for the very last time on Dec. 15. But the performers will not cease presenting their dance, aerial, comedy, magic, juggling, burlesque and other acts. On Jan. 15, they'll be presenting their shows at 8 and 10 p.m. at Depot Market Square, home of the Bellingham Farmers Market, on Railroad Avenue and Maple Street.
If you've not seen them, you're in for a treat: Each show is unique, and the loosely knit company is comprised of all-volunteer, local and out-of-towners, novice and veteran performers, from raw to polished. The 10 p.m. shows are frequently more adult-oriented. Suggested donation for the shows is from $5 to $10. All the money raised goes back into the guild to help continue its mission to assist and support the circus arts community of Whatcom County. The performers also offer a variety of workshops for kids and teens in juggling, mime, clowning, aerial arts and more. For more information, go to bellinghamcircusguild.com.
