Writers Read event
The Olympic Peninsula Authors return to the Blue Whole Gallery for their monthly Writers Read event on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 2-3 p.m., offering an afternoon of storytelling and reflection.
The theme, “Dealing with the Doldrums,” invites writers to explore what motivates them during the quiet, gray stretch of mid-winter, from handling seasonal blues to moving from hibernation toward celebration.
The event is free and the public is welcome.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com or come to the gallery at 129 W. Washington St. in Sequim.
Event postponed
Bob Boekelheide’s presentation “Waterbirds of Straits and Sounds,” scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Solana Clubhouse in Sequim, has been postponed until the fall, according to organizers.
Bird presentation
Ken Wiersema and Ben Hannah will present “Bird Nests & Breeding Season Beginnings” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road in Sequim.
The event is hosted by the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society. There is a suggested donation of $5.
With spring just over the horizon, this program will focus on bird nesting behaviors that are signs of the start of a new breeding season. The talk will highlight how pair-bonding is integral to nesting behaviors as well as how various species differ in selecting building sites, constructing nests, and performing parenting duties.
Additionally, the program will include a “how-to” for birdwatchers of every age and skill level — encouraging everyone to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 13-16, sponsored by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The presentation will introduce the eBird application for cell phones and computers — a tool essential for reporting bird sightings to fellow birdwatchers and to the North American bird data science networks.
Fat Ferdie, OTA partner on Sunday sets
Fat Ferdie and the Stolen Sweets will take the stage in the Gathering Room at Olympic Theatre Arts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1 to play jazz and pop standards. Having recently played at the sold-out New Year’s Eve party at OTA, the band is inaugurating a series of shows at 4 p.m. on Sundays to present the upbeat sounds of the Great American Songbook and more.
Band organizer and saxophonist Andy Geiger (Fat Ferdie) has made music his main priority since moving to the Olympic Peninsula in 2006. The group also features trumpet artist Ed Donahue, who played in the Stardust Big Band and many other groups; vocalist Jessie Lee, who sings with the Olympic Express Big Band and is often seen in trio and quartet settings on the Olympic Peninsula; Al Harris on piano, known for his work with the Port Angeles Symphony, as well as playing and mentoring many singers and instrumentalists; and first-call talents bassist Ted Enderle and drummer Tom Svornich.
The playlist for Feb. 1 will include songs by Rodgers and Hart, Tadd Dameron, Hank Mobley, Burton Lane and others, in a variety of tempos and styles inviting people to dance to swing, ballad and Latin grooves.
The Gathering Room features tables for four, and beverages and snacks are available. Tickets are $20 per person, with proceeds evenly split to support the band and Olympic Theatre Arts. Three more Sunday afternoon shows are planned for May 3, June 21, and Oct. 4.
Book-making demo
Looking for an unusual Valentine’s Day gift? Get inspired through a free book-making demonstration at Blue Whole Gallery.
Marilyn Hiestand, a Blue Whole Gallery artist and retired teacher, will demonstrate how to make an accordion style book from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the gallery, located at 129 W. Washington St.
The first 10 people in attendance will have the opportunity to make their own book using various papers, fabrics, ribbons and stickers.
For more information go to bluewholegallery.com or call (360) 681-6033.
Photo courtesy Blue Whole Gallery The first 10 people at Blue Whole Gallery’s free book-making demonstration on Saturday, Feb.14 – Valentine’s Day – will have an opportunity to make their own book.
Photo courtesy Ferdinand Geiger Fat Ferdie and the Stolen Sweets are partnering with Olympic Theatre Arts in Sequim to offer several Sunday performances.
