Music of Britain, all about bees, family bike ride and other happenings this week

The Olympia Symphony brings the music of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams to the stage in its “The Lowland & Highlands” concert. Williams’ musical works include folk songs and regional tunes from all over the British Isles that collect and catalog hymns, folk tunes, sea shanties and native ditties. Guest artist will be Ellen Cockerham, a native of Portland. The 7 p.m. performance is Sunday at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $25-$55, plus a $3 service fee; washington center.org or call 360-753-8586.

Bringing together voice, harmonies and vocal instrumentation, the Pacific Northwest Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival comes to the stage at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. The event showcases some of the region’s best a cappella groups starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with winning groups advancing to the national finals. Tickets are $10-$26, plus $3 service fee, and are available at 360-753-8586 and washingtoncenter.org.

Exploring a girl coming of age in 1960s South Carolina, the one-woman adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd’s novel, “The Secret Lives of Bees,” will come to the stage in a 7:30 p.m. performance Friday (March 11). Actor Lily Balsen brings to life a young girl searching for the truth about her mother. The evening will have a pre- and post-show interactive discussion exploring themes of American civil rights and perseverance. Tickets are $14-$27, plus a $3 service fee; 360-753-8586 or washingtoncenter.org.

Celebrating the honey bee, fertility and the rebirth of spring at the Waking of the Queen Festival, a family-friendly event Saturday. With a honey-inspired potluck and fun activities for the kids, including a honey hunt, plus music and Blessing of the Hives ceremony, the day starting at 3 p.m. is a great way to honor the great pollinator. Come in bee-, nature- or fairy-inspired costumes and join in the fun at Fertile Ground Community Center and Guesthouse, 311 Ninth Ave. SE, Olympia. A $5-$10 donation is requested. For information, see tinyurl.com/hcegvqp.

St. John’s Concert Series kicks off with Eric Banks and the Esoterics in a 3 p.m. concert Sunday. They will perform “RUMI: Within Each Timeless Droplet” choral music. The family-friendly event will be at the Episcopal church, 19th Avenue Southeast and Capitol Way Southeast, Olympia. An artist reception will follow the performance. Free child care is available. Donations accepted; 360-352-8527.

Olympia Timberland Regional Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia, is hosting the 2016 tour of “Sister Spit.” The seven performance artists in the group bring a critical, humorous eye to issues of feminism, race, size, identity, technology, gender and sexuality to the stage. See them at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The program is recommended for adults and is free. For information, call 360-352-0595.

Bring the family and join in the Kidical Mass Bike Ride from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. The easy-paced ride is geared for families and a fun time. Prizes and snacks provided. Meet at Pioneer Elementary School, 1655 Carlyon Ave. SE, Olympia. For information, call 360-705-5855.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 12:36 AM with the headline "Music of Britain, all about bees, family bike ride and other happenings this week."