Little Bird Garden Talks
2nd Saturday of the Month thru September
September 13th
11am-12:30pm
Backyard of Mind Set Apothecary
17917 Vashon Hwy SW

We’re excited to share what’s ahead at Little Bird Gardens It’s a season of growth, learning and gathering—and we’d love for you to be part of it. Join us this summer in the garden with Little Bird and our Summer Garden Talks. FREE for everyone. We will host our talks the 2nd Saturday of the month thru September. See you in the garden!

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Raise the Roof for Vashon HouseHold
Saturday, September 13th
The Station: 17816 Vashon Hwy SW
5pm - 8pm

You don’t want to miss this! If you’re a fan of affordable housing AND love to celebrate, save the date. We’re going to be dining and partying in style at Vashon Household's annual Raise the Roof - and this year we’re going all out to celebrate 35 years of affordable housing on Vashon.

Hosted at The Station (across from Snapdragon), this down-home event uptown will feature a fantastic farm-to-table dinner created by Vashon's own James Beard Award-winning chef Matt Dillon, with premium cocktails and complimentary beer and wine.

We’ll also have the best home-grown music on Vashon with the legendary Chris Anderson and some of your Coop favorites and the epic sounds of Taiko drumming, all hosted by the multi-talented Martha Enson!

But most importantly, we'll be raising funds to support Vashon HouseHold’s critical work providing housing for the low and moderate income individuals and families who make up the fabric of this diverse, creative community.

Tickets are $150 and include salmon or vegetarian dinner, entertainment, cocktails, beer, wine, or NA beverages.

www.vashonhousehold.org/raise-the-roof

Kiki Valera
Vashon Center for the Arts
September 13 at 7:30pm
Doors at 6:30pm
September 13, 2025 | 7:30pm
$40 General | $38 Senior | Youth FREE

Son Cubano is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba, and Grammy-nominated Kiki Valera is one of its foremost exponents. Over the last century, this style of traditional Cuban music has contributed to many other genres of music, including Latin jazz, cha cha cha, mambo, salsa and timba. Kiki Valera is the oldest son of the famous La Familia Valera Miranda septet, a multi-generational traditional music group from Santiago de Cuba. Since the 19th century, La Familia Valera Miranda has played a significant role in Cuban culture by collecting and preserving the deep-rooted traditions of the legendary Sierra Maestra mountain region. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer, he’s best known as one of the world’s greatest players of the Cuban Cuatro, a mid-size guitar with 8 strings grouped in sets of 2. His current project features a talented lineup of musicians and is sure to keep audiences on their feet.

“Extraordinary skills as a soloist and master of his instrument”— All About Jazz

“Some of the 21st century’s most compelling Afri-centric son Cubano you will ever hear, and Kiki Valera is at the heart of everything” – Latin Jazz Net

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Bella Rane & Friends
Open Space for Arts & Community
Saturday, September 13
Doors 6:30 | Show 7:30

Bella Rayne is a 18-year-old, self-taught guitar phenom from Mendocino, CA who is quickly making a name for herself in the music industry. Her love for the Grateful Dead, Southern Rock, 90s Grunge, and even a little Bluegrass, has been distilled into her own fresh approach that’s wowing audiences across the country.

Tickets at openspacevashon.com

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Rebel with a Clause
Monday, September 15th at 6PM
Vashon Theatre
Tickets on sale now
Special one night screening featuring Q&A with filmmakers Brandt Johnson and Ellen Jovin!

One fall day, Ellen Jovin set up a folding table on a Manhattan sidewalk with a homemade sign that said “Grammar Table.” Right away, passersby began excitedly asking questions, telling stories, and filing complaints. What happened next is the stuff of grammar legend. Ellen and her filmmaker husband, Brandt Johnson, took the table on the road, visiting all 50 states as Brandt shot the grammar action. But this story transcends grammar. It’s the story of an epic quest in a divided time to bring us all closer together.

Sponsored by the Vashon Theatre Foundation.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Lane to the Glen, music from County Sligo
Vashon Havurah
15401 Westside Hwy SW
Monday, September 15 at 7:00pm
Doors open at 6:30pm

On Monday, September 15th at 7 p.m. the Vashon Havurah will be hosting the amazing Irish trio Lane to the Glen, a Sligo Traditional Trio comprising Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Daithí Gormley (accordion), Samantha Harvey (piano, dance). Oisín and Daithí are steeped in the music and history of the Sligo area, having previously collaborated on ‘Fiddlers of Sligo Tunebook’, a publication which set transcriptions of the fiddle repertoire of key Sligo exponents alongside historic images and context.

Daithí Gormley is widely regarded as one of the finest button accordion players of his generation. His remarkably accomplished debut album Fiddling without a Bow brought an expressive mix of old and new tunes played with an attention to detail, and he is regarded as a conduit to past masters of Irish traditional music. Oisín Mac Diarmada and Samantha Harvey perform frequently with Téada, a worldwide-touring band founded by Oisín in 2001. Oisín and Samantha previously recorded The Green Branch, a sparkling album of fiddle and piano in 2015, with subsequent teaching and performing engagements in places such as the United States, Italy, France, and Japan. A $25 (cash or check) donation at the door is encouraged, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Reservations are encouraged. Please call or text Jan Strolle at 206-228-0730 or email Jan at 206-228-0730 to reserve a seat.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Folklife Fridays: Wasabi Samba
Open Space for Arts & Community
Friday, September 19th
Doors 6:30pm | Show 7:30pm

Hailing from the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, Wasabi Samba blends rock en español, bossa nova, and Latin rhythms with a modern and jazzy edge. With songs in Spanish, English and Portuguese, they bring diverse influences together to create a uniquely vibrant and dynamic sound.

Tickets at openspacevashon.com

Free admission available thanks to 4Culture!

Attack the Track Skate Jam
BARC Skate Park
Saturday, September 20th
Registration at 11 AM
Time trials at 12 PM

Got Wheels? It's our third annual Attack the Track at BARC! Join us for the Third Annual Attack the Track Skate Event at BARC!

Vashon Island, WA – September 20, 2025 – The Vashon Park District, in partnership with RJ’s Kids and UMO, is thrilled to host the third annual Attack the Track Skate Event at BARC Skate Park, with additional support from Vashon Island Thriftway.

This all-ages celebration of skating and community spirit will feature:

Registration at 11:00 AM

Time Trials starting at 12:00 PM sharp

Prizes for standout competitors

Snacks for all registrants

A thrilling aerial performance by UMO

Participant Guidelines:

Registration required

Helmets mandatory

Minors must have a signed release from a parent or guardian

Non-motorized wheels only

Attack the Track is a family-friendly event for all ages, bringing together skaters, families, and the whole community. It’s free for spectators, and we encourage everyone to come cheer, celebrate, and enjoy the show.

Archaeology Day
Vashon Heritage Museum (10105 SW Bank RD)
September 20, 1-4pm

Bring your artifacts to the museum for identifications by archaeologists from the Burke Museum and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Songwriter Sessions
Featured Artists: Mark Graham & Orville Johnson
Vashon Center for the Arts
In the Katherine White Hall Atrium
Saturday, September 20th
1:00pm-3:00pm

Wry humor, virtuoso harmonica, and soulful country-blues: Orville Johnson and Mark Graham are the Kings of Mongrel Folk. Graham—of Kevin Burke’s Open House—pairs fleet harmonica and woody clarinet with sardonic cult classics like “I Can See Your Aura and It’s Ugly” and “Zen Gospel Singing,” covered by the Austin Lounge Lizards, Bryan Bowers, and the Limelighters. Johnson, a Seattle “player’s player,” adds masterful guitar/dobro and honeyed vocals heard on 200+ recordings. Together they’ve played Newport Folk, SXSW, London’s Festival Hall, Bumbershoot, and NW Folklife.

Taking the Stigma Out of Memory Loss
Christine Jovanovich Memorial Seminar
St. John Vianney Catholic Church
16100 115th Avenue SW
Vashon, WA 98070
Sunday, September 21, 2025
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Learn common types and early warning signs of dementia, practical communication tips and ways to support those living with memory loss, how to keep your brain healthy, simple actions to create a more dementia-friendly world. The session is free. All are welcome.

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Vashon Legislative Community Forum
Wednesday, September 24
Vashon Center for the Arts
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Free and open to all

Legislators from the 34th district will be on island. Bring your questions and let’s talk Vashon! Scheduled to attend are Senator Emily Alvarado, Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, and Representative Brianna Thomas. Moderated by Craig Beles.

The Mostly True Trivia Game
Thursday, September 11th, 2025, 7 PM & 8 PM
Thursday, September 25th, 2025m 7 PM & 8 PM
The Yard (The Hardware Store restaurant's new eatery on the patio.)
17601 Vashon Hwy, Vashon WA 98070
Free to play. Prizes for winners. Happy Hour all game long.

This is not your grandad's trivia game. Besides classic trivia categories, there will be music and videos and music videos! Can you guess the artist and song from just a few notes? Are you up on toys from the 70's or fads from the 2000s? Can you guess the next line in a famous movie scene - the one everyone misquotes! Are you up on Gen Alpha slang? If not, that's so Ohio.There's even a little local history thrown in - like where was Vashon's first jail? Do you know why "Scotty" from Star Trek never gave the Vulcan salute? You will after you play The Mostly True Game! Bring your friends and make a team.(Be sure to have a cool team name!) NERDS REJOICE!!!

Alex Borstein is Thirsty
Vashon Center for the Arts
Friday, Sept 26 | 7:30pm
$47 General | $45 Senior
All proceeds will benefit the Dove Project!

After five seasons as Susie on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, 444 episodes as Lois on Family Guy, a critically acclaimed performance as Dawn on HBO’s Getting On, and Ms. Ungermeyer in The Lizzie McGuire Movie, three-time Emmy winner Alex Borstein brings her latest solo show Thirsty to Vashon Island!

Borstein finds herself sandwiched between two soul sucking kids and two eccentric, aging parents in this hilarious new show about growing up, growing old and staying thirsty.

You can catch her 2023 Critics Choice nominated special, “Corsets & Clown Suits” on Amazon Prime.

Vashon Lowland Games
September 27, 2025

Celebrate Celtic tradition and island spirit at the first-ever Vashon Lowland Games, a festive fundraiser featuring Highland athletics, live music, piping, food and craft vendors, a beer garden, and family-friendly fun.

Held next to Dig Deep, this community-powered event supports the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust and the Claddagh Fund, with proceeds helping launch the full Vashon Highland Games in 2026.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vashon-highland-games-presents-the-lowland-games-fundraiser-2025-tickets-1592496573119?aff=oddtdtcreator

Site: https://www.vashonhighlandgames.com/

Tik Tok: Https://www.tiktok.com/@vashon_highland_games?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

David Armstrong-Broadway Nation Book Release
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, Sept 27 | 2pm
FREE EVENT

Join acclaimed director, producer, and historian David Armstrong for a lively conversation and book signing celebrating the release of his debut book, Broadway Nation — How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical.

Armstrong will be interviewed by composer and dramaturg Albert Evans, with a special performance by award-winning Seattle musical theatre artist Sarah Rudinoff. Attendees will get the inside story behind the creation of Broadway Nation, enjoy an exclusive audience Q&A, and test their Broadway knowledge in a Musical Theater Trivia Contest—with the chance to win a copy of the book!

Broadway Nation offers a sweeping history of America’s signature art form, spotlighting the powerful—yet often overlooked—contributions of immigrant, Jewish, queer, and Black artists who shaped its evolution. Inspired by Armstrong’s popular large lecture course at the University of Washington School of Drama and his hit Broadway Nation podcast, the book celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of legendary figures from George M. Cohan to Stephen Sondheim to Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Released by Methuen Drama/Bloomsbury on July 24, 2025, Broadway Nation is available now via the publisher’s website, Amazon, and booksellers nationwide.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of spirited conversation, unforgettable stories, and untold Broadway history. It’s going to be a night to remember!

Richard Moore Presents:
Two Drink Minimum Comedy Show
The Vashon Theatre
Saturday, September 27th
7:30pm

Richard Moore is at it again, presenting a stellar comedy line up at the Vashon Theatre on Saturday September 27.

Two Drink Minimum Comedy brings to the stage an astounding all female line up ready to dish their victorious secrets all for a good laugh.

This bevy of boisterous comedians will entertain us with their diverse takes on life. The showcase includes: a mischievous pansexual, a mean girl with a hint of blond, an ex-con podcaster mom, an avid sports fan and a curious observer.

Join us for a delightful night of comedy that showcases PNW female comedy talent at its finest.

Pre-purchasing of tickets is recommended and can be found on the theatre’s website or by scanning the QR code from social media posts @twodrinkminimumcomedy

SiSiWiss Open Medicine and Healing Circle
The Heron Room at Vashon Land Trust
Sunday, 9-28-2025
Doors at 1:15pm
Medicine & Healing Circle Vashon Island
Sunday, September 28, 2025 1:30–5:30 PM
The Heron Room, Vashon Land Trust, 10014 SW Bank Rd

Join SiSwinKlae (Laurel Boucher), Wisdom Keeper of SiSiWiss medicine (sacred breath, sacred life), a First Peoples healing tradition of the Pacific Northwest, for an open circle of healing, story, song, drumming, and connection. With over 40 years on this path, she welcomes all to gather in reverence, rhythm, and remembrance.

Bring a drum, rattle, or bell if you have one, a potluck dish if inspired, and an open heart.

Love offerings welcome in the spirit of Ska Lootsa, giving in gratitude and balance.

If your heart says “yes,” this circle is for you.

Artist Panel Discussion (free)
"Ignited by Vashon"
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, Sept 28: 2pm

Four artists share their work, creative process, and the inspirations they found through residency life. Hear why they chose Vashon, what the island sparked in their art, and how residencies fuel artistic growth.

Join participating Ignited by Vashon exhibiting artists Lauren Boilini, Samantha Kasprowicz, Cathy McClure, and Juliet Shen for a lively conversation about their art, their process, and the role residencies play in sustaining creative work. Ignited by Vashon is a showcase of 31 Vashon Artist Residency alumni, featuring more than 40 works across diverse media. This Gallery exhibition highlights the island’s enduring impact on creativity and community.

The panel will highlight each artist’s practice and inspirations, exploring why they chose to do a residency, what drew them to Vashon in particular, and how the island’s landscapes, textures, and community have shaped their work. From discussing their creative motivations to sharing insights into process and discovery, this is a chance to hear directly from the artists about how residency life can spark imagination and deepen artistic vision.

Lauren Boilini, born in Bloomington, Indiana, earned her BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute and MFA at Maryland Institute College of Art. A painter working in installation and public art, she has held residencies worldwide. She teaches at The Evergreen State College and exhibits with J. Rinehart and Museo Galleries.

British-Australian photographic artist Samantha Kasprowicz explores themes of place, identity, and ageism. After a career in graphic design, she developed her practice in photography, with her series Ripe Fruit examining women’s societal invisibility through bananas as motif. Based in Seattle, she studies at the Photographic Center Northwest.

Seattle artist Cathy McClure creates kinetic sculptures, light-filled installations, and paintings. With an MFA from the University of Washington and the Betty Bowen Award, she gained recognition through gallery representation, museum shows, and public art. Her work appears in major collections, with a 2025 solo exhibition at Traver Gallery.

Juliet Shen, New York-born and UK-trained with a Master’s in Typeface Design, has lived in Seattle since 1983. After a career running her design firm and teaching typography, she returned to painting in 2012. Her work has since been exhibited widely, including TAM, BIMA, VCA, MoNA, and Schack Art Center.

This talk is free thanks to support of the Estate of Kathi Jenkins.

See the gallery exhibition "Ignited by Vashon" online: https://bit.ly/VCAVAR2025

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Loudon Wainwright III
Vashon Center for the Arts
Wednesday, October 1st
Doors at 6:30pm
Concert at 7:30pm

Loudon Wainwright III began 2025 with the January release of the new album “Loudon Live in London” which was recorded during a 3-night residency at Nell’s Jazz and Blues club in 2024. Born in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1946, Loudon Wainwright III came to fame when “Dead Skunk” became a Top 20 hit in 1972. He had studied acting at Carnegie-Mellon University but dropped out to partake in the Summer of Love in San Francisco and wrote his first song in 1968 (“Edgar,” about a lobsterman in Rhode Island). Loudon was signed to Atlantic Records by Nesuhi Ertegun, and after that was lured by Clive Davis to Columbia Records, which released “Dead Skunk.” His songs have since been recorded by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, his son Rufus Wainwright, and Mose Allison among others.

$65 General | $63 Senior

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

On Vashon Island, Washington First Fridays are when the artists, galleries, and local merchants put up new art installations and window displays to celebrate the month. Crowds gather to view the art and visit with friends. The town is alive!

Vashon Events is proud to promote this monthly community-building event by gathering information from galleries, artists, and merchants about their First Friday plans. We send out a monthly newsletter to let community members know just what is happening.

Join our newsletter HERE to get a monthly update on First Friday happenings, or if you are already a subscriber, update your profile now.

Special thanks to our First Friday Art Gallery Cruise Promotion Sponsors:

The Madrona Group/John L. Scott Vashon
O Sol Mio
Island Insurance
4Culture
ArtsWA

The mission of Vashon Events is to create, provide, and expand positive life experiences through music and art for all. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of artists and musicians.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Evren Ozel
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, Oct 4 | 7:30pm
$40 General | $38 Senior | Youth FREE

American pianist Evren Ozel has established himself as a musician of “refined restraint” (Third Coast Review), combining fluent virtuosity with probing, thoughtful interpretations. Evren has performed extensively in the United States and abroad and is the recipient of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and 2022 Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant, and is represented by the Concert Artists Guild as an Ambassador Prize Winner of their 2021 Victor Elmaleh Competition.

Since his debut with the Minnesota Orchestra at age 11, Ozel has been a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, and The Orchestra Now at Bard College, with conductors Jahja Ling, Courtney Lewis, and Leon Botstein. In March of 2025, his first album of Mozart Concertos with the ORF Radio Symphony of Vienna and conductor Howard Griffiths will be released on Alpha Classics. 

Evren Ozel is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Shawn Colvin
Vashon Center for the Arts
Monday, October 6 | 7:30pm
Doors at 6:30pm
$105 Premium | $95 General

Over the course of three decades, Shawn Colvin has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller. She is a three-time Grammy-winner: Best Contemporary Folk Recording for her album "Steady On" in 1989, and Record and Song of the Year for her hit "Sunny Came Home," from the platinum-selling album A Few Small Repairs. She has released thirteen superlative albums, is an inductee of the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, recipient of Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award, written a critically acclaimed memoir, and maintained a non-stop national and international touring schedule which will bring her to Vashon Center for the Arts for an special evening of song and stories with this influential woman of American music.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Alejandro Escovedo
Vashon Center for the Arts
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 7:30pm
$55 Premium | $45 General

Legendary Rock Troubadour Alejandro Escovedo Brings Solo Show to Vashon Island!

Beloved singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo—whose boundary-pushing catalog now includes the critically lauded 2024 album Echo Dancing(Alejandro Escovedo)—will deliver an intimate solo concert at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA) on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Born in San Antonio and long based in Austin, Escovedo first galvanized audiences with pioneering punk outfit The Nuns, roots-rock heroes Rank & File, and cult favorites True Believers before embarking on a solo journey Rolling Stone hails as “one of the most compelling in modern music.” His newest collection, Echo Dancing (Yep Roc, 2024), reimagines gems from his songbook, underscoring why NPR dubbed him “a rock-and-roll shaman.”

On this new album, Alejandro Escovedo has taken a road rarely traveled, which is totally in keeping with how he has lived his life in music. Echo Dancing is an experiment in how to use the past to shape the future. By recording completely new and repurposed versions of songs from his past, Escovedo actually gets a chance to rewrite his own history. It’s also an idea that pushes growth into the present, and asks an artist to see themselves anew. “I always feel that a well-written song can withstand a lot of abuse,” Escovedo says. It is an area of creativity that the man has always honored. “Turning a past song inside out leads to discovery of new ideas you might not have understood about the song,” he says. “Even lyrical refurbishing has proven helpful and effective. It’s like interpreting your own work anew. The songs never seem to be complete. They are always evolving.”

Over a four-decade career that has spanned punk’s raw edge, Americana’s storytelling soul, and cinematic chamber-rock, Escovedo has earned rapt praise:

“Musically, Alejandro Escovedo is in his own genre.” — David Fricke, Rolling Stone

“A masterwork from one of the genuine lights in rock music.” — Billboard

“Music with heart, brains, and a burning sense of adventure.” — Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Fall Fix-It Cafe
Saturday Oct 11th
Vashon Eagles Clubhouse
10-2pm

Bring in your broken treasures and our team of experts will fix them and save them from the landfill - All for free! We can fix furniture, jewelry, mend clothes, household appliances, electronics and lamps. You must register at 'VASHONFIXIT.COM' or scan the QR code. Come join us for this great, fun community event.

Balkan Night
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, Oct 11 | 7:30pm
$35 General | $33 Senior | Youth FREE * ticket reservation required- adult must accompany youth 12-

Vashon Center for the Arts presents Balkan Night, a cultural celebration featuring groups from around the Pacific Northwest. This lively evening will showcase the traditional music, folk dances, art, and the food of the Balkan culture, which is found in the many diverse countries of southeastern Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, much of Croatia and Serbia, mainland Greece, Northern Dobruja in Romania, and East Thrace in Turkey.

Featured groups include: Koleda Ritual dancers and singers, Bulgarian Voices of Seattle, Radost Folk Ensemble, Seattle Cheta, Tamburaški Orkestar Kišobran, Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, Gino Yevdjevich, Hadjia Hamzić & Mario Butković. Experience the rich traditions of Balkan culture!

About Vashon Center for the Arts

The 2025–26 Performing Arts Season is a landmark year for Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA), marking our 60th Anniversary as a nonprofit island arts institution. For six decades, VCA has been a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes, connections grow, and the arts touch every corner of the Vashon Island community. As a collaborative and community-based organization, VCA provides a center for the arts on Vashon Island, initiates quality arts experiences for all ages, and creates opportunities for artists to perform and exhibit their work.

Gallery Talk: Martin Koenig w/Benjamin Hunter
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, October 12: 2pm (free)

In this Gallery Talk (free), musician and cultural advocate Benjamin Hunter sits down with cultural documentarian Martin Koenig to discuss his powerful photographic exhibition "Balkan Echoes", on view at Vashon Center for the Arts in October.

Their conversation delves into Koenig’s decades-long work documenting Balkan village life from 1962 to 1987, his contributions to the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife and Smithsonian Folkways recordings, and the stories behind his images of tradition, resilience, and cultural preservation—both in southeastern Europe and among immigrant communities in the U.S.

Benjamin Hunter is the Artistic Director of Folklife in Seattle, a multidisciplinary artist, cultural advocate, and community organizer.

Martin Koenig is a cultural documentarian and co-founder of the New York City's Balkan Arts Center, now Center for Traditional Music and Dance, who developed and co-directed programming at the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife.

This talk is free with support from the Estate of Kathi Jenkins.

Martin's solo exhibition, "Balkan Echoes", in the gallery runs from October 3 to November 2nd.

Museum Talk: Catherine Paine Blaine -
Seattle’s Founding Mother
Vashon Heritage Museum: 10105 Bank Rd SW
Tuesday October 14th, 6pm

Historian Stephanie Stidham Rogers explores the surprising link between Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Conference of 1848, and the Women’s Suffrage Bill presented at the 1854 Washington State Territorial Legislature. Showing how Seattle’s first Suffragist, educator, clothing protestor, and activist Catharine Paine Blaine planted the seeds of the Western feminist movement, and redresses her prior omission as the founder of the University of Washington.

Portland Cello Project
Vashon Center for the Arts
Saturday, October 18 | 7:30pm
Doors at 6:30pm
Oct 18 | 7:30pm
$45 General | $43 Senior
Youth FREE *ticket reservation required
(adult must accompany youth 12-)

The Portland Cello Project was formed in 2006 when a group of 9 cellists came together for a fun one-off gig to perform Western classical music in an informal setting. In the ensuing years, the Portland Cello Project has evolved into a nationally recognized performing, recording, and educational group. 

Under the artistic direction of Douglas Jenkins, the group has built an impressive repertoire, played in every type of venue imaginable—from punk rock clubs to symphony halls—and collaborated with notable PNW cellists like Nancy Ives, Gideon Freudmann, and Diane Chaplin. Jenkins developed a three-part guiding philosophy for the group: 1) Bring the cello places you wouldn’t usually see it, 2) Perform music on the cello you wouldn’t normally associate with the instrument, and 3) Build bridges between different musical communities through collaborations and community outreach.