NOLS to host Celtic harps concerts in PA, Sequim

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) presents “Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments and Wondrous Stories,” two concerts featuring Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter, later this month.

The free, hour-long performances are scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

Lynne and Frankfurter play original compositions and traditional instrumental tunes from Sweden and Ireland on Celtic harps, the rare Swedish nyckelharpa, Ukrainian bandura, cittern and more. The musicians also share tales from their adventures as modern day troubadours.

Additionally, a limited number of participants can take part in the free workshop, “Hands-on-Harps” with Lisa Lynne, offered at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Port Angeles Library and at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Olympic Theatre Arts Center. Individuals ages 12 and older can experience playing Celtic harps over the course of an hour, with no musical experience necessary.

Advance registration is required. Sign up online at nols.org/harp or by contacting a NOLS branch.

OTA sets season unveiling

Check out what Olympic Theatre Arts has in store for 2024 when theatre leaders host the OTA Season Unveiling at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 414 N. Sequim Ave.

At this free event, watch short snippets of the upcoming shows and learn about season tickets and memberships. See how to get involved in the community’s volunteer-driven theatre.

The newly-formed OTA singers group will make their debut, and an after party featuring live music and champagne “sets the mood to purchase season tickets and renew memberships,” OTA representatives said.

Learn more to olympictheatrearts.org.

Authors set gallery reading

Join the Olympic Peninsula Authors (OPA) for poetry readings from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St.

The Writers Read event will feature five adult students of a series of poetry workshops mentored by John Victor Anderson, a teacher at Peninsula College. Each will read several works from the class and have all spoken at the Blue Whole Gallery previously.

“Each poet has viewpoints on using workshop lessons in their poems. Sound stuffy? It’s anything but that,” event organizers said in a press release.

The Blue Whole Gallery gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday,and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day poetry reading set

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) hosts the third-annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Poetry Reading in celebration of poetry created and performed by Native poets.

Gather in person at ʔaʔkʷustəŋáw̕txʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse on the Port Angeles campus from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, or watch the livestream on Zoom (visit nols.org/IPD or contact the library for Zoom information).

The event begins with a reading by Arianne True, the 2023-2025 Washington State Poet Laureate.

A member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations, True is a queer poet and teaching artist. She has received fellowships and residencies from Jack Straw, the Hugo House, Artist Trust and the Seattle Repertory Theater, and is an alum of Hedgebrook and of the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Following the reading, there will be an open mic for Indigenous community members to share their poetry. A sign-up sheet will be available at the event and participation by Native poets of all experience levels is encouraged.

At the request of a key event participant, attendees are asked to avoid using strong fragrances.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a national holiday that honors the Indigenous peoples of what is now known as North America. First celebrated in 1992 on the second Monday in October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was officially proclaimed a national holiday in 2021.

This program is generously supported by Peninsula College, ArtsWA, Humanities Washington, and the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. For more information about library programs and services, visit nols.org, email to discover@nols.org or follow North Olympic Library System on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo courtesy of North Olympic Library System Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter offer two concerts, one in Port Angeles on Oct. 10 and another in Sequim on Oct. 11, titled “Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments and Wondrous Stories.”