May 01 Friday
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.”
May 02 Saturday
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.
We are protesting project 2025. TacomaRama marching band will join us for the next 4 years. We will meet each month on the Saturday closest to the 18th each month. Always 10am, always Reconciliation park. Feel loved and supported.
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 watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty 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.
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 PMTacoma 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.
Mozart Requiem and Golijov Oceanawith Auburn Symphony Orchestra
We join Auburn Symphony Orchestra and conductor Wesley Schulz to perform two masterworks: Mozart’s Requiem and Osvaldo Golijov’s hypnotic Oceana. Oceana sets the poetry of Pablo Neruda to music that melds J.S. Bach with South American Rhythms. With chorus, chamber orchestra, guitars, harp, and a Brazilian jazz vocalist, Golijov invokes the ocean with stunning effect. Mozart’s Requiem is a timeless journey from darkness toward light and resolution.
Together, these works will take you on a profound exploration of the unknown.
MOZART REQUIEM SOLOISTSTess Altiveros, sopranoSarah Larsen, mezzoKatherine Goforth, tenorZachary Lenox, bass
GOLIJOV OCEANA SOLOISTSAlicia Olatuja, jazz vocalistMichael Partington and Michael Nicolella, guitars
In person: Saturday, May 2, 2026 ‐ 7:30pmSeattle First Baptist Church - Harvard & Seneca, Seattlepre-concert conversation at 7pm
Additional performance will take place Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center; tickets available through Auburn Symphony Orchestra.
May 03 Sunday