May 01 Friday
The Kulshan Chorus presents “We Tell Each Other Stories” on Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. in Bellingham, Washington. Directed by Dustin Willetts, this unique and inspiring concert features the professional storytelling of Eva Abram (Rainwater Storytelling) and Harvest Moon (Quinault Basket Maker & Storyteller), interwoven with the music of the Kulshan Chorus.
“Storytelling has been at the center of human society since we first learned to communicate,” says Willetts. “It is a fundamental tool for not only sharing information but for creating connections and fostering empathy. It is a true honor to bring our stories and songs to you this evening and to share with you the gifts of Eva Abram and Harvest Moon. These two talented word-weavers will inspire you with their tales, while Kulshan Chorus offers a soundtrack that prepares your heart to receive something wonderful and new. Come and sit by the fire and hear a story. Put aside the noise of the outside world and let us once again fan the flames of wonder.”
General admission tickets are available for $25 at https://www.ticketstripe.com/we-tell-stories. An ASL interpreter will be present at the May 2 performance. For more information, e-mail info@kulshanchorus.org or visit www.kulshanchorus.org.
Seattle Modern Orchestra celebrates "The Guests Go In to Supper" (1986), a seminal work featuring text scores and ideas from luminaries of the late 20th-century American Avant-Garde: John Cage, Laurie Anderson, Yoko Ono, Charles Amirkhanian, and Robert Ashley. The two-night interactive and multi-media program takes place at the newly-renovated Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center. Each composer included in the original collection is featured through score exploration, video, or performance, and the focal work of this anniversary celebration is Cage’s "Mushrooms et variationes".
On night one, the ensemble presents the long-form poem (featuring curator Sarah Kolat) with new dance by James Kirby Rogers alongside Cage’s "Music For ____". This fusion leans into indeterminacy, choice, and chance, while honoring the historical importance of Cage and Cunningham’s partnership and Seattle’s role in bringing the two visionary artists together.
Come back for night two on May 2nd: a gala dinner with guest performers, special films, and an invitation to celebrate SMO’s “sweet sixteen” with an Avant-Garde art prom in the irreverent spirit of this groundbreaking text.
Feel the energy and joy of Cuban music. Clave Gringa's guest at North City Bistro is the amazing Jessica Lurie (flute and tenor sax). Together with trumpeter Mike Mines, percussionist Willie Garza, bassist Andy Zadrozny, and bandleader pianist Ann Reynolds, this group will put a smile on your face and a wiggle in your butt. $25 tickets at northcitybistro.com
May 02 Saturday
California Transit Authority (CTA) is the powerhouse brainchild of legendary drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Danny Seraphine, co-founder of the iconic band Chicago. As the original backbone of Chicago’s rhythm section, Danny spent 23 years shaping the band’s signature sound—anchoring its rise to stardom and helping lead its celebrated comeback in the ’80s. After parting ways with Chicago in 1990, Danny returned to the spotlight in 2007 to answer a call from fans hungry for the explosive, horn-driven sound that once captivated Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra will be presenting its 2026 Music Festival this year from April 5 to May 8. There will be many great artists performing throughout Tacoma and Puyallup and most of the performances and workshops will be free to attend. See the complete lineup here.
KNKX hosts two performances on Friday, April 24 in our Tacoma studios on Broadway:
4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. - The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra with visiting French Artists6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. - Brazilian jazz with pianist Cassio Vianna
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 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.
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.
Celebrate the renewal of spring with the Hilltop Artists Spring Glass Sale!
Discover glass creations, from exquisite accessories to elegant vases and sculptures, all handcrafted by our young artists. Shop the outstanding Alumni Artists Market, featuring original artwork from generations of Hilltop Artists alumni.
Plus, see how the art is made—you’ll have a front row seat to watch the creative process in our Studio classroom. The Hot Shop will be buzzing with collaboration between students, instructors, and alumni.
Free timed tickets are required for Sale entry until 11:30 AM. A small selection of timed tickets for each shopping window are available in person beginning at 9 AM on May 2nd.
