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Can’t get funky or see Pink Martini? Here are some other options this weekend

By Molly Gilmore Contributing writer
Brazilian guitarist Lucas Imbiriba, playing as part of International Guitar Night, combines flamenco and classical influences with Latin American rhythms and the power of rock.
Brazilian guitarist Lucas Imbiriba, playing as part of International Guitar Night, combines flamenco and classical influences with Latin American rhythms and the power of rock. Thereza Maciel Courtesy

Get a taste of funk

Olympia’s third annual funk festival (https://www.olyfunkfest.com/), happening Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, is sold out, but those who didn’t secure tickets ahead of time can still hear some funky music. The three-day festival will offer a few free pop-up events, including a funky dance warmup with Scott Saunders from 4:45-5:15 p.m. Saturday at the Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE, Olympia, and a DJed cocktail hour from 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday at Nineveh Assyrian Restaurant, 113 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Also part of the event are DJ sets Friday and Saturday at Ilk Lodge, 515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, and master classes Sunday at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia.

George Porter Jr., who’s been described as one of the greatest bass players of all time, was the headliner for the first Olympia Funk Festival in 2024.
George Porter Jr., who’s been described as one of the greatest bass players of all time, was the headliner for the first Olympia Funk Festival in 2024. Courtesy of the PARC Foundation

Two nights of international music

Portland’s Pink Martini, beloved for its stylish blend of jazz and pop sung in more than 20 languages, is playing in Olympia on Saturday, Jan. 31, and the show is— as the little orchestra’s many local fans have come to expect — all but sold out. The larger-than-life Storm Large will be the featured singer for the show (https://www.washingtoncenter.org/event/pink-martini-2026-01-31/), at 7:30 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. As of this writing, there were a handful of remaining tickets at $99 each. For those who end up missing out — or those who can’t get enough music from around the world — the center is hosting International Guitar Night on Sunday, Feb. 1. The concert (https://www.washingtoncenter.org/event/international-guitar-night-2-01-2026/) features Brazilian flamenco sensation Lucas Imbiriba, Russian finger-style innovator Alexander Misko and classical guitarist Thu Le from Vietnam, plus Hawaiian ukulele maestro Taimane. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $33-$75.

Brazilian guitarist Lucas Imbiriba, playing as part of International Guitar Night, combines flamenco and classical influences with Latin American rhythms and the power of rock.
Brazilian guitarist Lucas Imbiriba, playing as part of International Guitar Night, combines flamenco and classical influences with Latin American rhythms and the power of rock. Thereza Maciel Courtesy

‘Wait Until Dark’ extended

Harlequin Productions has extended the run of “Wait Until Dark,” staged live in black and white, through Sunday, Feb. 15, so there’s an extra weekend to catch the thriller about a newly blind woman who finds herself facing a home invasion. Harlequin favorite Helen Hunt stars in Jeffrey Hatcher’s update of the Frederick Knott classic. Remaining performances (https://harlequinproductions.org/show/wait-until-dark/) are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7 and 13 and 2 p.m. Feb. 1, 5. 8 and 15 at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia. Tickets are $35-$49; for performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and 7, pay what you choose.

The sadistic Roat (Andy Gordon) targets the newly blind Susan (Helen Harvester) in Harlequin Productions’ film noir-style “Wait Until Dark.”
The sadistic Roat (Andy Gordon) targets the newly blind Susan (Helen Harvester) in Harlequin Productions’ film noir-style “Wait Until Dark.” Shanna Paxton Photography Courtesy

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore can’t get enough of Pink Martini and recently saw the band play with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, including her stepson, harpist Ben Albertson.

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