Salmon, mushrooms and Motown on weekend entertainment menu

Uptown tunes from Motown to modern

The singers of “Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul” are bringing their energetic take on soul and rhythm and blues songs both classic and contemporary to Olympia on Saturday, Nov. 8. The New York-based group, making its Olympia debut at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, is known for its polished performances, impressive vocals and high energy. “It’s such a fun show,” said Jill Barnes, the center’s executive director. “(The performers are) great dancers; they’re great singers.” The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $40-$82.

Salmon & Cider Celebration

Salmon swimming upstream to spawn are as much a part of autumn in South Sound as colorful leaves and growing puddles. Thurston County’s Stream Team, which organizes teams of salmon stewards to guide those who want to see the annual migration, is celebrating the return from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, with hot apple cider, doughnuts and crafts along with time to view the salmon in action. It’s happening at the Welcoming Pavilion at McLane Creek Nature Trail. You’ll need a Discover Pass to park at the trail. A shuttle will be available with advance registration required. If you don’t visit Sunday, there are other opportunities to see the salmon; volunteer stewards will be at the creek on weekends and holidays in November.

Dig deep into mushrooms

Mushrooms are another sign of autumn in the Northwest — and that includes not only chanterelles and other gourmet specimens but also the consciousness-altering variety. The latter type are the focus of “Mushrooms for Planetary Consciousness,” happening Sunday, Nov. 9, in Olympia. The event, featuring local mycologist Paul Stamets and fellow expert Dr. Michael Beug, will explore the history and science of psilocybin mushrooms and analogs. Sponsored by Fungi Perfecti and the Olympia Film Society, the event begins at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, with doors open at 6. Tickets are $18.25-$23.35.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore most often encounters salmon when they’re just off the grill.