Jazz all over
You’ll find jazz at both ends of the valley this weekend. The second Winter Jazz at The Merc performance will be on Saturday (Feb. 22), showcasing a large ensemble of local talent. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Admission at the door is $5 to $15. For more information call 996-3418.
Wayne Horvitz and Joe Casalini play jazz at the Mazama Country Inn in free performances on Friday (Feb. 21) and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Call 996‑2681 for reservations.
Winter Film Fest on March 1
The fourth annual Methow Winter Film Fest will screen on March 1 at the Mazama Community Club, featuring locally made movies that include dramatic shorts, adventure and environmental films, plus selected full-length films from elsewhere. Cost is $5 and the event begins at 6 p.m.
“Our primary goal is to highlight, encourage and develop Methow-based films and filmmakers,” according to the event’s website. “Our secondary goal is to promote culture and arts in the Methow Valley by showcasing films created by independent filmmakers within and outside of Washington state.”
For more information, call (509) 699-0568 or visit www.methowfilms.org.
Act it out
Feeling improvisational? Learn about improvisation at a workshop on March 1 at the Twisp Valley Grange, from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bill Layman and Susan Evans of Playback Theater will conduct the workshop. Players of all ages are welcome. There will be informal musical accompaniment. Black clothing is preferred. Donations to cover costs are appreciated. To reserve a spot or for more information, call 997-6010 or (509) 662-1058.
Gettin’ wiggy with it
TwispWorks wants you to wig out at the Cirque du Toupee Wig Party and dance on March 15 from 7 – 11 p.m. The event will benefit community programs at TwispWorks. Music will be provided by local bands Shakedonia and Wild Mountain Nation. Food and drinks will be available; the event is for those 21 or older. A $5 donation is suggested. For information, call 997-3300 or email info@twispworks.org.
Keyboard Confections back for more
Cascadia’s Keyboard Confections, a combination of delectable piano playing and gourmet desserts, returns on March 1 at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp.
The concert, a scholarship fundraiser, features a showcase of the best local piano talent, as well as regional professional pianists. This year Cascadia will host award-winning Spokane pianist Kendall Feeney and her duet partner Rachelle Ventura.
Local pianists for the opening set include Linda Mendro, Michael Brady, Richard Volckmann, Alice Glandon, and Bill and Diana Hottell.
The concert begins at 7p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 996-3418.
Feeney will offer a workshop at 10 a.m. on March 1 in the Pipestone Room at the Community Center. All levels of pianists are welcome. Entry fee is $20 for performers or $10 for auditors. Call 996-3418 to sign up.
Seven Year Itch opens March 21
The Methow Valley Theater’s production of The Seven Year Itch will open March 21 at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp and will run two weekends through March 29. The George Axelrod comedy is best known for its 1956 film adaptation starring Tom Newell and Marilyn Monroe.
The local production is directed by Shelley Block and Jody Love, and the cast features Kira Cramer, Rob Brooks, Jessica Diaz-DeCosta, Amanda Johnson, Shelley Louise Block, Erin Bosco, Don Mendro, Nick Bosco, Bob Hoffman, Kirsten Ostlie, Leah Knowles, Nadine Van Hees and Ethan Cramer. Sound and music direction is by Greg Hardy and Nick Bosco.
Tickets are $15, or $25 for the first row. They can be purchased at Methow Valley Chiropractic Clinic and the Methow Valley Community Center. Play times are 7:30 p.m. for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows, and 2 p.m. for the March 23 matinee.
For more information, call 996-4749.
