Out and About: Choose a concert or celebrate VCR Day

Tempted by Motown?

The Temptations, the iconic group behind such massive hits as “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” are playing Thursday, June 9, in Olympia. Founder Otis Williams, the only surviving original member, is still performing at age 80. A few tickets are still available for the show that was originally announced before the pandemic. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. Tickets are $39-$99. Audience members are encouraged to wear masks at center events.

A medley of local music

The young musicians of Olympia’s nonprofit Bridge Music Project are once again performing with a famed artist. This time around, it’s Abstract Rude, aka Aaron Pointer, who’ll join Bridge alums on stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Percival Landing Park, 217 Thurston Ave. NW, Olympia. Also on the bill for the free show are King Khazm, Mamastrosity and GALxSEE.

Among the other local talents making music this week:

• Organist Doug Cleveland, an Olympia native, will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 114 20th St. SE, Olympia. You can stream the recital from home, too. Donations of $20 per person ($10 for students and seniors) are encouraged.

• Lincoln Community Band (formerly known as the Lincoln Parent Band), will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at West Central Park, 1919 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia. The concert is free, and singing and playing along is encouraged.

Analog entertainment

June 7 is National VCR Day, and Olympia’s Strong Knotz, aka Jake Gallo, makes a practice of celebrating. “I love movies,” said Knotz, host of the podcast “Video Psychosis.” “I’m passionate about any kind of physical media, especially in the age of streaming culture, but VHS has a certain mysterious charm to it.” Those who are at least 21 are welcome to join Knotz at the Oly VHS Festival, happening at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Cryptatropa Bar, 421 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. The event will feature more than four hours of video screenings available only on VHS. Among the old-school entertainment: the 1990 mockumentary “The Clown Tape,” and “Hawk Jones,” a 1986 action comedy with an all-kid cast. The event also will offer a tape swap, tape sales and drink specials.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.