Weekend in Olympia filled with virtuoso musicians and a benefit drag show
Orchestra hosts celebrated cellist
Seattle cellist and social-media sensation Nathan Chan will be back in Olympia on Saturday, Feb. 8. Chan, whose popular videos have been viewed more than 35 million times, will join the Olympia Symphony Orchestra for Friedrich Gulda’s 1989 Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra, influenced by jazz, folk and 18th-century music. Olympia Symphony Orchestra music director Alexandra Arrieche describes Gulda as “a wonderful and crazy, really ahead-of-his-time composer.” She chose to pair the contemporary concerto with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, Eroica. “Beethoven was also rebellious,” she said in a promo video. “He was ahead of his time.” Also on the program: some surprise fanfares to celebrate the Super Bowl, happening the next day. “Beethoven vs. Gulda” is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $15.53-$84.75.
From Lincoln Center to Olympia
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s “Spanish Journey” will be on stage Saturday, Feb. 8, at SPSCC’s Olympia campus. The concert, presented by Emerald City Music, features Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux and violinist Kristin Lee, Emerald City’s artistic director. Also performing the program of late 19th- and early 20th-century compositions and songs will be soprano Vanessa Becerra, cellist Clive Greensmith and pianist Soyeon Kate Lee. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Minnaert Center for the Arts, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Tickets are $39-$49 general admission, $10 for students.
Drag shows benefit Stonewall Youth
Stonewall Youth’s “Cherubs and Charms” drag shows, happening Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, celebrate Valentine’s Day while raising money for the nonprofit, which works to support and empower LGBTQ+ youth. The family-friendly events, with a different lineup of youth and adult performers each evening, also offer snacks, a photo booth and more. Performances are from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE. Admission is by donation, with $15-$25 suggested; youths will be admitted free. Advance tickets are $20 each, and the first 50 buyers for each show will get a goodie bag.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.