Community Calendar

Supported by KNKX. Nearly sixty-five years after he moved to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica, his hometown, Grammy-nominated legendary pianist Monty Alexander is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. A perennial favorite at Jazz Festivals and venues worldwide and at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he has performed and headlined concerts 23 times since 1976, his spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition, as Alexander accurately states, “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.” In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae—and gives the hardcore-jazz-obsessed much to dig into while also communicating the message to the squarest “civilian.” Documented on more than 75 recordings and cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing), the Jamaican government designated Alexander Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000.

In 2022 the Jamaican government conferred on Monty Alexander the national honor of the Order of Jamaica for "Sterling Contributions to the Promotions of Jamaican Music and the Jazz Genre Interpretations Globally".

Ohhh those summer nights! From its earliest performance in a Chicago nightclub through its record-breaking Broadway run and hit feature film, Grease has remained one of the world’s most popular musicals. Featuring the many hit songs that became the soundtrack of a generation, like “Greased Lightnin’,” “Alone at the Drive-in Movie,” and “It’s Raining on Prom Night,” this 1950s pop culture satire is filled to the brim with grit, glam, and youthful exuberance.

In roles made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive their sizzling summer fling as the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies of Rydell High’s senior class navigate the peer pressures and social politics of high school in the 1950s. Directed and choreographed by Lisa Shriver (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), this production of Grease promises nonstop, nostalgic, hydromatic fun. So throw on a poodle skirt, dust off that leather jacket, and rediscover the show that’s been winning hearts for generations!

Welcomed by KNKX. Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, John Lewis, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List:” for the Wall Street Journal.

His dynamic genre-spanning music has brought him to 21 countries on three continents – and still growing – performing in some of the world’s most illustrious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, New York’s Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, and the world’s oldest indoor concert hall, Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy.

Pasquale Grasso - It was the kind of endorsement most rising guitarists can only dream of, and then some. In his interview for Vintage Guitar magazine’s February 2016 cover story, Pat Metheny was asked to name some younger musicians who’d impressed him. “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life is floating around now, Pasquale Grasso,” said the jazz-guitar icon and NEA Jazz Master. “This guy is doing something so amazingly musical and so difficult. “Mostly what I hear now are guitar players who sound a little bit like me mixed with a little bit of [John Scofield] and a little bit of [Bill Frisell],” he continued. “What’s interesting about Pasquale is that he doesn’t sound anything like that at all. In a way, it is a little bit of a throwback, because his model—which is an incredible model to have—is Bud Powell. He has somehow captured the essence of that language from piano onto guitar in a way that almost nobody has ever addressed. He’s the most significant new guy I’ve heard in many, many years.”

On a relentless quest for wonder, three veteran acrobats let their imaginations run wild to fulfill secret longings. Fluent in the language of circus, Acrobatic Conundrum’s principal performers melt the fourth wall to reveal their flaws and journeys to redemption. The audience plays a vital part in The Circus of Second Chances, in which ropes are dancescapes, trapezes are windows to the soul, and spinning hoops are portals to infinite possibility. In our homes we are out at sea, on our living room couch we find ourselves on an epic odyssey; so much rests upon the fate of a dozen lemons. Leveraging their long running friendships with each other, Emma Curtiss, Melissa Knowles, and Terry Crane put all their talents and quirky craftiness into this dada circus romp. They climb, cavort, invert, revert, and subvert in this capricious acrobatic piece as they ask, “What does your heart wish for?”

Appropriate for all ages. 90 minutes, no intermission.
Featuring rope acrobatics, Cyr wheel, handbalancing, slack rope, live baking, and clown.
Performers: Emma Curtiss, Melissa Knowles, and Terry Crane. Music written and performed by Kamila Nasr.

Director: Terry Crane
Sound and Scenic Design: Max Sarkowsky
Lighting Design: Bryce Bartl-Geller
Costume Design: Elizabeth Klob

Studio Theater at 12th Ave Arts 1620 12th Avenue, Seattle, Washington, 98122
https://ticketstripe.com/secondchances26

Friday, May 29, 8pm
Saturday, May 30, 8pm
Sunday, May 31, 6pm
Thursday, June 4, 8pm
Friday, June 5, 8pm
Saturday, June 6, 8pm
Sunday, June 7, 6pm
Monday, June 8, 8pm
Wednesday, June 10, 8pm
Thursday, June 11, 8pm
Friday, June 12, 8pm
Saturday, June 13, 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, June 14, 2pm

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society invites you to explore the history of building the State History Museum. 30 Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum is a special exhibition that uncovers the vision, effort, and community spirit that brought this iconic Tacoma landmark to life.

Discover the bold ideas and architectural ingenuity that shaped the museum’s distinctive look. From early sketches to final blueprints, see how the building’s design reflects both innovation and reverence for Washington’s past. Go behind the scenes of the museum’s construction. Through photographs and artifacts from the building process, witness how a dream took shape—brick by brick, beam by beam.

Staff Picks: 30 Objects for 30 Years

In a special feature area, museum staff share their favorite objects from the collection—each one a personal reflection on the power of history to inspire, surprise, and connect us.

Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.

Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.

This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.

Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.

This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:
We are of the land and waters
With knowledge comes responsibility
Sovereignty protects people, lands, and waters

These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.

Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.

LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.

OPEN ADULT BALLET CLASS

Have you always dreamed of dancing ballet?
Now’s your chance to step into the studio and move with grace, strength, and joy.

This class is also for you if you are returning after years away from ballet or any other forms of dance.

Saturdays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (T.U.P.A.C.)
1105 Martin Luther King, Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405

A Class Designed for You:
- No experience needed—just a curious spirit
- Go at your own pace in a supportive, judgment-free space
- Build flexibility, confidence, and connection with your body

Wear what feels comfortable.
Come ready to move with intention and joy.

Whether it’s your first plié or your hundredth pirouette, this is your time to shine.

Questions? Call us at 253-327-1873

Let’s dance together at T.U.P.A.C.—where every adult belongs at the barre.

✨The magic is coming to historic downtown Tacoma, WA✨

Join us for Northwest Metaphysical Market (NWMM) — a high-vibe, community-powered market bringing together creators, healers, readers, makers, and small businesses from across the Pacific Northwest.

This is not just a market. This is a gathering. A celebration. A space where magic, creativity, and community meet.

🔮✨WHAT TO EXPECT✨🔮

🕯️ Crystals, candles, art & handmade goods
🔮 Tarot, astrology & intuitive readings
🌿 Healers, wellness & holistic services
💆 Estheticians & massage therapists
🍴 Food vendors & food trucks
💃 Live belly dancing
🛍️ An eclectic mix of unique small businesses

Whether you’re deeply spiritual, casually curious, or just love supporting local creatives — we'd love to meet you!

🌈✨OUR VIBE✨🌈

🌙 Inclusive & welcoming
🌙 Community-first
🌙 Small-business powered
🌙 Come-as-you-are energy

Bring your friends. Bring your curiosity. Bring your magic.

🔗✨STAY CONNECTED✨🔗

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nwmetaphysicalmarket
🌐 Website: https://www.nwmetaphysicalmarket.com

💌 QUESTIONS?

📧 nwmetaphysicalmarket@gmail.com

✨We can’t wait to see you!✨