Merc summer camp openings
A few spots remain for a new session of “The Claw Summer Camp” for kids at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, from July 31-Aug. 5. The first session, Aug. 7-12, is full. The summer camp is for ages 8-14, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. On Fridays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. (Aug. 4, 5, 11 and 12), during the summer camp sessions, free performances of the play “The Claw” — a children’s musical — will be offered at The Merc. Email kira@mercplayhouse.org for a registration form.
Vilden at Trail’s End, Interpretive Center
Former Methow Valley resident and founder of Living Wild School Lynx Vilden will be at Trail’s End Bookstore in Winthrop on Saturday (June 10), from 2-4 p.m. to sign copies of her book, “Return: A Journey Back to Living Wild.”
Vilden will also do a presentation at the Methow Valley Interpretive Center on Sunday (June 11) from 5-6:30 p.m. Learn about Vilden’s journey, which has been “filled with indigenous wisdom, Stone Age hunting skills, and important lessons from nature.”
Both events are free; donations are welcome at the Interpretive Center. For more information, email info@trailsendbookstore.com or call (509) 996-2345; or email TiffanyMVIC@gmail.com.
Funfests coming up
Spring Funfest, billed as a “celebration of love, life and music in the mountains” and “a fundraiser to break down barriers to mountain recreation in the Okanogan and Methow Valley,” will take place over Friday, Saturday and Sunday (June 9-11) at the Twisp River Fun Ranch, according to information on the event’s website.
The event at 688 Twisp River Road will include live music, local artisans, food trucks, camping, micro-golf, hiking and more, according to information at https://ticketstripe.com/springfunfest, where a full lineup of activities is available. Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the website, or $50 at the gate.
On June 16-18, Twisp River Fun Ranch, Loup Loup Ski Bowl and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will stage the Solstice Funfest at Loup Loup. It will also feature live music, food, hiking and biking opportunities, camping and a pancake breakfast to support the Mountain Bike Alliance. Tickets are $50. For a full schedule, and to buy tickets, visit https://ticketstripe.com/solsticefunfest.
Chamber Music Festival
Tickets for the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival are available for four performances on June 15, 17, 22 and 24, at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. There will also be several opportunities to hear music for free, including open rehearsals in the community center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. next Tuesday (June 13), Sun Mountain Lodge and the Mazama Public House on June 14 at 4 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at methowmusicfestival.org, where there will also be details about the performers and program. Ticket prices are $40 per ticket; a discounted season ticket to all four concerts is $150.
Upcoming literary events
• June 21, 6:30 p.m., at Meza restaurant in Winthrop, book readings with David Lukas and Greg Wright. Naturalist Lukas and novelist Wright share selected passages from their published works. With interviews and Q&A to follow.
• June 28, 6 p.m. at Meza restaurant in Winthrop, book readings with Kaki Warner and Subhaga Crystal Bacon. Novelist Warner and poet Bacon share selected passages from their published works. With interviews conducted by host Greg Wright; Q&A to follow.
Live music in the valley
The information below was provided by Methow Music Monthly and other sources. For more information, visit www.methowmusicmonthly.com.
• First Sundays, The Methow Acoustic Musicians Association — an informal gathering of local folk who like to share music and sing together — meets at Twisp Town Park, 3-5 p.m.
• Tuesdays, 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.
• Tuesdays, Roberto Salina sings operatic versions of Latin and popular songs at Methow Valley Ciderhouse, Winthrop, 5 p.m. No cover. Salina also sings at Three Fingered Jack’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. No cover.
• Wednesdays, Zumba with Tani at Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (no class June 14). Free to gym members with drop-in rates available.
• Thursdays, Zumba with Brandi at Methow Valley Community Center, Room 7, 5:30-6:20 p.m. By donation.
• Fridays, open mic jam with Gregg Hardy at Twisp River Tap House, 6:30 p.m.-closing. No cover.
• Fridays (but not June 9), Soleil Kelley, Loren Boley and Isaac Shaw and friends, at Meza restaurant, Winthrop, 6-8 p.m. No cover.
• Friday June 9, The Full Uplift at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop, 6-9 p.m. No cover.
• Saturday, June 10, The Salmon Bay Combo, a Seattle-Methow hybrid jazz group, at Twisp River Tap House, 7 p.m. No cover.
• Saturday, June 10, Tamarack String Quartet at Methow Valley Farmers Market, Twisp, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
• Sunday, June 11, Okanogan singer-songwriter & guitarist Sebastian Gamble at Twisp River Tap House, 6 p.m. No cover.
• Sunday, June 11, Swallowtail and the Kaleidoscope album release concert at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp, 6:30 p.m. $20 or go online for advance discount at swallowtailband.com.
• Wednesday, June 14, Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival rehearsal at Mazama Public House, 4-6 p.m. Free.
