‘Lifespan of a Fact’ at Merc
The Readers Theater production of “The Lifespan of a Fact” will open on Friday, April 14, at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp and will continue through the following weekend.
“The Lifespan of a Fact” is a stage adaption of a nonfiction book of the same title co-written by John D’Agata and Jim Fingal, which followed the real-life fact-checking process for a magazine-length narrative essay.
In the play — written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell — D’Agata and Fingal are portrayed by actors. Their battle over the fact-checking process, which centers around the line between truth and fiction, is moderated by magazine editor Emily Penrose. The Broadway production starred Daniel Radcliffe, Cherry Jones and Bobby Cannavale.
The Readers Theater production is directed by Don Nelson. Performances are April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to all shows is by donation. For more information, visit http://www.mercplayhouse.org.
Feel the buzz at Confluence
“Don’t Kill the Buzz: A Celebration of Insects” will be the next exhibit in the main gallery at The Confluence: Art in Twisp, opening April 22 and continuing through June 3. There will be an opening day reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m.
According to curator Penelope Varn, “‘Don’t Kill the Buzz’ aims to impart a fresh appreciation for insects, a group of sentient beings who comprise over 90% of animal life on this planet and play indispensable roles in every ecosystem on this vibrant blue orb. We hope that viewers of this show will leave the gallery with a passion for our tiny stewards of the natural world, holding them in newfound reverence for their inherent value and unorthodox beauty.”
For information, call (509) 997-2787 or email info@confluencegallery.org.
‘Mamma Mia!
The Liberty Bell Drama Company will present the musical “Mamma Mia!” at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp on May 12, May 18, May 19 and May 20 at 7 p.m., and May 21 at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. There will be tickets available for reservation at http://mercplayhouse.org; check that website for then the online sales begin. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for students. Limited tickets will be available at the door.
Methow Valley School District students and staff as well as families of the cast and crew can obtain free tickets at the door but will have to pay the ticket price to reserve in advance.
R&B Festival
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, scheduled for July 21-23 at the Blues Ranch west of Winthrop.
This year’s lineup is scheduled to include Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, North Mississippi Allstars, Ruthie Foster, Marc Broussard, Judith Hill, Eddie 9V, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Jackie Venson, Veronica Lewis, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Yates McKendree, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Tevis Hodge Jr. and the Methow Juke Joint Allstars, a collaboration to musicians.
There will also be local food and craft booths, and on-site camping.
New this year: the Friday night kick-off show will be on the Main Stage with Too Slim & the Taildraggers and Jackie Venson, concluding with an All-Star show in the Big Top Beer Garden featuring Eddie 9V and the Methow Juke Joint Allstars.
Visit https://winthropbluesfestival.com for complete information.
Live music in the valley
The information below was provided by Methow Music Monthly (MethowMusicMonthly@gmail.com) and other sources.
• First Sundays, The Methow Acoustic Musicians Association — an informal gathering of local folk who like to share music and sing together — meets at The Cove 2, Twisp, 3-5 p.m.
• Tuesdays (April 11 and 25), Monday, April 17, Mazama Ukulele Group at Winthrop library community space, 4-6 p.m., newcomers welcome. Email geraldebell@yahoo.com for more information.
• Wednesdays, line dancing and more with Debbie Bair at Twisp River Tap House, 6-8:30 p.m. $10.
• Wednesdays, Zumba 101 with Tani at Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free to gym members; drop-in rates available. For information, email tanierickson@comcast.net.
• Thursdays, Zumba with Brandi at Methow Valley Community Center gym, 5:30-6:20 p.m. By donation. April through June, 50% of all donations will go to Friends of the Pool.
• Every other Friday (April 14, 28), Ecstatic Dance at Methow Valley Community Center, Wellspring Room, $10.
• Fridays, open mic jam with Gregg Hardy at Twisp River Tap House, 6:30 p.m.-closing. No cover.
• Fridays, Soleil Kelley, Loren Boley and Isaac Shaw and friends, at Meza restaurant, Winthrop, 6-8 p.m. No cover.
• Friday, April 7, open mic with host Ken Bevis at Old Schoolhouse Brewery Winthrop, 6-9 p.m. No cover.
• Saturday, April 8, Portland based singer/songwriter/storyteller Shane Brown, at Meza restaurant, Twisp, 6-8 p.m. No cover.
• Saturday April 8, The New Family Dog featuring some of the valley’s best-known musicians, at Twisp River Tap House, dinner jazz set at 6:30 p.m., dance set at 9 p.m. No cover.
• Sunday April 9, Easter brunch with classical guitar by Terry Hunt at Twisp River Tap House, 11:30 a.m.
• Thursday April 13, open mic hosted by Stephen Kish at OSB Taproom, Twisp, 5-8 p.m. No cover.
Chamber Music Festival
Tickets for the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival in June are available at methowmusicfestival.org.
