Gilbert, Sullivan operetta opens Skagit Opera season
Skagit Opera launches its 2007-08 season staging Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore’’ Oct.12 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon. The operetta is presented at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14. Tickets are $20, $34, $39 and $45, and can be purchased by calling (866) 624-6897, at http://www.mcintyrehall.org or visiting the ticket office between noon and 6 p.m. The season continues with Seattle Opera Young Artists performing works by Donizetti and Bernstein at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, tickets $28; “Amahl and the Night Visitors’’ at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23, tickets $20-$45; and “La Boheme’’ Feb. 8-17, $25-$54.
Artists, games at Bellingham comic book convention
Internationally-known and local comic book creators, a HeroClix tournament and a screening of filmmaker Ray Harryhausen’s “The Pit and the Pendulum’’ are among the highlights of what is billed as Bellingham’s first comic book convention from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Majestic. Among the comic book creators are Mike Grell (“DC Comics’’), Brandon Jerwa (“G.I. Joe,’’ “Battlestar Galactica’’), Tom Peyer (“Star Wars’’), and Rantz (“Jason and the Argonauts’’), as well as local comic book artists Michael Gange (“ZED’’), Carnell (Fangoria magazine) and Darren G. Davis (“10th Muse,’’ “Legend of Isis’’). Local retailers include Cosmic Comics and A Comic Place. Events include the WizKids hosting the HeroClix tournament, a costume contest sponsored by the “Superman’’ homepage, a raffle, and free stuff at the door from Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Sony Entertainment and Diamond Distributors. Information: http://www.bluewaterprod.com.
Musical revue celebrates Broadway musicals
Sparkling musical moments from “Les Miserables,’’ “Cats,’’ “Jesus Christ Superstar’’ and “The Phantom of the Opera’’ are among the highlights of the musical revue “100 Years of Broadway,’’ staged at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham. Tickets are $20, $50 and $55, and can be purchased at (360) 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com. Backed by a New York City-based band, the revue showcases the talents of five Broadway performers: Carter Calvert (“Grizabella,’’ “Cats’’), Rob Evan (the title role in “Jekyll and Hyde’’), Rita Harvey (Christine in “Phantom of the Opera’’), Ray McLeod (“Wreck’’ “Wonderful Town’’) and Danny Zolli (Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar’’). The cast is subject to change.
Mount Vernon snowboard legend soars in documentary
Mount Vernon native Craig Kelly was known as the “Godfather of Freeriding,’’ and won seven world snowboard championship titles before dying in an avalanche near Revelstoke, British Columbia in January 2003. His rise in snowboarding circles, and dedication to sharing his experiences in the mountains — including Mount Baker — are documented in the film “Let it Ride,’’ screened at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Mount Baker Theatre in downtown Bellingham. Admission is $10. The interviews span more than 25 years, and the stunning action scenes are backed by tunes by Pearl Jam, Metallica, K-Os, Johnny Cash, The Doors and others.
Three Bellingham sites showcase recycled art exhibit
Local artists who work with reused, salvaged and found materials showcase their works at the sixth annual REArt: Recycled Art Exhibition during October at three Bellingham sites. The exhibition kicks off with works by professional and semi-professional artists Oct. 5 at the Allied Arts Gallery, 1418 Cornwall St. The RE Store, 2309 Meridian St., hosts a reception featuring the works of kids in preschool through high school from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 6. Viking Gallery 507 at Western Washington University features works by regional higher education students with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 11. The shows are on display through Oct. 27.
Village Books events spotlight banned books
Along with its regular display of banned books, Village Books in Bellingham celebrates “Banned Books Week’’ (Sept. 29-Oct. 6) with two events. Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free [removed]ABFFE) and author of the recent release “From the Palmer Raids to the Patriot Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America,’’ is the featured guest for the taping of “The Chuckanut Radio Hour’’ at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at the Northwood Hall, 3241 Northwest Ave. The $50 admission includes a light dinner buffet, the taping of the show and a copy of Finan’s book, with proceeds going to the ABFFE. Local poets read from the new book “Poems from Guantanamo: The Detainees Speak’’ at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at the book store. The anthology offers insights into the torments and fading hopes of 17 Yemeni prisoners. Admission is free.
‘Fibers and Beyond’ exhibit presented by Whatcom Weavers Guild
The Whatcom Weavers Guild presents its annual “Fibers & Beyond’’ show and sale from 6-9 p.m. Friday Oct. 19, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Hampton Inn’s Fox Hall, 3985 Bennet Drive, Bellingham. Admission is free. More than 50 participants display a year’s worth of handmade items, all available for purchase. The items include woven scarves, rugs, purses, baskets, blankets, and knitted socks, has, sweaters and other works. Information: http://www.whatcomweaversguild.org or Julie Barnes at (360) 380-9203.
