NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, Sept. 25.
PORT TOWNSEND — The Toolshed Trio and Soundlab Singers will dish out the country blues, ragtime and rootsy rock tonight and Saturday night at two snug venues. These are the last couple of shows before the Toolshed crew — including George Rezendes, Dave Meis, Tomoki Sage and David Conklin — takes a break until next spring.
First comes the gig today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pourhouse, 2231 Washington St. For details, phone the venue at 360-379-5586.
Then it’s on to the Uptown Pub & Grill for a Port Townsend Film Festival after-bash from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For information about this one, contact the Uptown, 1016 Lawrence St., at 360-385-1530.
‘Stars’ align
PORT ANGELES — Wanted: ballroom dancers to sashay across the stage in the opening number for “Dancing with the Port Angeles Stars,” the Oct. 3 show coming to the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center.
Community members who dance are invited to the lessons and rehearsals to start at 7 p.m. this Monday, Sept. 28 at Studio Bob, upstairs at 118½ E. Front St.
In these sessions during the week, the visiting Utah Ballroom Dance Company will teach participants the routine for the opening dance. A dress rehearsal is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, before the big show that evening.
This is the second annual “Dancing with the Port Angeles Stars” event hosted by the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts. It’s a contest and a performance much like television’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and it brings together eight prominent local figures, a panel of judges — and a voting audience.
Last year the opening number was the theme from “Footloose,” and “it was a hoot,” said foundation staffer Carol Pope.
This year’s “Port Angeles Stars” contestants, all competing for the mirror-ball trophy, are Betsy Wharton, Josh Rancourt, D Bellamente, Marc Jackson, Joyce Mininger, Alison Crumb, Tom Baermann and Todd Ortloff.
Partnered with professionals from Utah Ballroom Dance, they will take the stage at the high school Performing Arts Center, 304 E. Park Ave., at 6 p.m. Oct. 3.
After the show, everyone is invited to the Elks Naval Lodge, 131 E. First St., for the after-party and auction to benefit the Juan de Fuca Foundation.
For lots more information, phone the foundation office at 360-457-5411, email Pope at carolpope@jffa.org or visit JFFA.org.
Swan song
PORT ANGELES — Charlie Ferris, the singer whose repertoire ranges from “Runaround Sue” and “Mack the Knife” to “Oh Pretty Woman,” will give his last performance at the Bushwhacker Restaurant at 6 p.m. this Monday, Sept. 28. There’s no cover charge for dinner or bar patrons.
Ferris has been doing one-man shows at the Bushwhacker, 1527 E. First St., for six years now. The restaurant, open for four decades, will close its doors next Wednesday, Sept. 30, as owner Bob Grattan retires.
“I am doing one final show there to say thank you to my fans,” Ferris said. “I want this to be a great send-off,” with about 40 tunes in two and a half hours.
The set list is likely to feature “New York, New York,” “Nights in White Satin” and “Louie, Louie,” he predicted.
Ferris estimates this will be his 65th performance at the Bushwhacker — one among many venues between Port Angeles and Palm Springs, Calif., where he’s offered what he calls “musical therapy.”
Before Ferris goes south to the California desert this winter, he’ll do a few more gigs including the Halloween party at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center, 328 E. Seventh St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
For more details, phone the center at 360-457-7004. To reach Ferris, phone 360-460-4298.
Art party for all
PORT ANGELES — Drink and Draw, an evening of art-making at Studio Bob’s Loom lounge, 118½ E. Front St., is open to all ages every Thursday with art supplies, live clothed models and camaraderie provided.
There’s no admission charge, and doors open at 7 p.m.; then the drawing and painting go until 9:30 p.m.
If artists become thirsty, they can choose from the soft drinks and other beverages available for purchase from The Loom.
To find out more about this weekly event, visit the Drink and Draw at the Loom page on Facebook.
