Fun things to do in Thurston County this week

Olympia Little Theater is opening the play “Red” by John Logan, which highlights the question of art and commercialism in a story about Russian-American abstract artist Mark Rothko. The production has won multiple Tony Awards since it opened in 2009. Opening night at OLT was Thursday and the play will continue through Sept. 30 at the theater, 1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia. Showtimes are 7:25 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 1:55 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $9-$15 and available by phone or online; 360-786-9484, olympialittletheatre.org

Olympia artist Mimi Williams creates her linoleum cut block printing right here and is inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Come out to meet her and see her newest exhibit, “Mimi Williams: Impressions of the Left Coast,” at the Washington Center for Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. The opening reception is at 6 p.m. Friday, and the exhibit will be on display through Nov. 8. The gallery is open to the public by appointment noon-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or to ticketed patrons during performances.

The Olympia Peace Choir is hosting its annual Community Peace Walk around Capitol Lake this weekend. Join in the walk that starts at 3 p.m. Saturday and lend your voice to songs that promote peace and fellowship. The event is free to eveyone. Meet at Heritage Park, 330 Fifth Ave. SW, starting at 2:30 p.m., and be sure to dress for the weather and wear your best walking shoes. To learn more, go to tinyurl.com/y6usu9gk

The Olympia Film Society is hosting the premiere of the Olympia Film Collective’s feature music documentary “20 AC,” which examines how South Puget Sound music has evolved since the rise of Nirvana. It includes interviews and live performances and culminates in a Nirvana Tribute Concert that includes new music from the South Sound. The screening at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, will be followed by a Q&A with producer Russell Brooks and editor Boojie Waldron. Tickets are $10, $7 for OFS members. Go to olympiafilmsociety.org to get yours.

Come out to meet Bob Sundstrom and Trina Bayard, lead writer and science adviser for the popular public radio feature “BirdNote.” The newly released book by the same name features 100 best stories from the radio program along with illustrations. They will be at Browsers Bookshop, 107 Capitol Way N., Olympia, from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is free.

Michael Jerome Browne is a three-time Canadian Folk Music Award Winner, and a Maple Blues Award Winner. He’ll perform for the first time at Traditions Café, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia, at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students and those with low income. Call 360-705-2819 for more information.

If technology has you scratching your head sometimes, then make plans to be at the Lacey Timberland Library for its TechExpo Lacey this weekend. Designed for adults, it will be an evening exploring technology, experimenting with STEM toys such as robotics, trying coding and get an introduction to 3D printing. Sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library, the free event is 6-9 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 360-491-3860.

Dennis Hastings is a staple in the Northwest jazz and blues world. He’s performed with Bobby McFerrin, John Lee Hooker, The Marcels and James Harmon and many others. He will bring his vocal jazz stylings to Rhythm & Rye, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia, for an 8 p.m. show on Monday. Tickets are a suggested donation of $5-$25. To learn more about Hastings, go to dennishastings.com/index.html

This story was originally published September 21, 2018 at 7:16 AM.