Chow down on chowder, soak up stories or feel the beat from Brazil this weekend
Winning storytellers face off
StoryOly’s monthly story slams draw crowds with true personal stories told by anyone brave enough to volunteer (and lucky enough to be chosen at random when there are more volunteers than there is time). Each September, the slam goes big with its annual Grand Slam, featuring the tellers who’ve won the monthly contests over the past year. In other words, these are storytellers who know how to hold an audience’s attention. The Grand Slam, hosted by storytelling pro Elizabeth Lord, will also feature jazz by Vendredi’s Bag. It’s happening Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. The event — which includes adult content and is suggested for ages 14 and older — begins at 7 p.m., with doors open at 6. Tickets are $23.25 in advance or at the door, with no one turned away for lack of funds. A portion of proceeds benefits the Community Action Council.
Choro combo celebrates second album
Olympia’s Choro Tomorrow, which specializes in the Brazilian improvisational music from which it takes its name, is often heard around town and beyond. The band is playing a special show Saturday, Sept. 20, in celebration of the release of its second album, “Amigos Eternos.” Though choro dates to the 19th century, “Amigos” is made up of mostly newer tunes including originals composed for the band. “Our mixing engineer, John Croarkin, wrote ‘Lisa’s Theme,’ ”clarinetist Lisa Seifert wrote in the liner notes. “We joke that it’s about me getting lost while walking around a music festival we attended together in Jericocoara, Brazil.” The album focuses on “songs about friendships, beloved places, shared moments and stories,” according to the notes. The concert is at 7 p.m. at New Traditions Fair Trade, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Tickets are $25, $15 for students and those with low incomes. For tickets and table reservations, call 360-705-2819.
Chowder challenge
There’ll be chowder aplenty at the 2025 South Sound Clam Chowder Challenge, set for Saturday, Sept. 20. Restaurants, casinos and the Olympia Seafood Co. will be cooking up the chowders at the event, a fundraiser for Lacey Hawks Prairie Rotary. There’s a people’s choice award as well as one bestowed by a panel of judges, so attendees will get tastes of the chowders along with appetizers, grilled cheese sandwiches, bratwursts and cookies. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey, with VIP ticketholders allowed in at 4 p.m. so they can dive into the chowder early. Tickets are $25-$35; children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
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 2 p.m. Fridays.