Women’s Adventure Film Tour
7 p.m. Thursday, March 5
American Alpine Institute, 4041 Home Road, Suite A
It’s that time of year again: The ninth annual Women’s Adventure Film Tour is screening at the American Alpine Institute. This “adrenaline-fueled showcase” depicts “awesome women achieving their personally adventurous goals” — because, as each of these short films highlights, everyone interprets the word “adventure” differently.
Storylines in this year’s festival range from a woman’s attempt to break the world record for longest run in a polar region, to a Canadian mountain guide embracing her identity as a trans woman despite struggles with complex PTSD. Per the event description, “Being adventurous doesn’t always mean being the fastest, going the highest, or doing the most extreme things. Adventure for most of us is stepping outside our comfort zone and climbing our own Everest.” Info: bellingham.org.
‘Message and Medium’ opening
6–9 p.m. Friday, March 6
Allied Arts Gallery, 1213 Cornwall Ave.
Salvadoran poet Javier Zamora writes about immigration and moved to the U.S. with his family at the age of 9. (Photo courtesy of Gerardo del Valle)
March’s First Friday event coincides with a number of exhibition openings, but I’m most looking forward to “Message and Medium” at Allied Arts. This free-to-attend show includes works inspired by “ Solito: A Memoir” by Javier Zamora, aka this year’s Whatcom Reads pick. Per Allied Arts’ website, audiences can expect an “extraordinary exploration of message, art, and craft that inspires artists and viewers alike.”
At its core, “Message and Medium” explores and celebrates the importance of language. Artists including Akiko Victorson, Katherine Potzler and Prentiss Cole incorporate disciplines like “calligraphy psychology, eastern philosophy, journal making”; check Allied Arts’ website for a full list of participating creatives. The show will remain on view through March 28. Info: alliedarts.org.
‘Wind in the Willows’
1 p.m. Sunday, March 8
McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
Despite its publication more than 100 years ago, “Wind in the Willows” has never gone out of print. The iconic children’s book is set in a nostalgic, pastoral version of England and follows Mole, Rat, Badger and Mr. Toad — the latter of whom becomes a little too obsessed with newfangled motorcars. Adventures, lessons and laughs ensue.
Some might remember “Wind in the Willows” for its various film adaptations. But on March 8, actor Noel Gaulin is bringing his one-man adaptation to the McIntyre Hall stage. His version of “Wind in the Willows” recounts the “trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it’s too late.”
Gaulin’s storytelling is enhanced by rich, 180-degree projected illustrations, as well as music and soundscapes. It’s obviously kid-friendly, but grown-ups who grew up with Mole, Rat and friends should also appreciate this new take on an old favorite. Info: purchase.mcintyrehall.org.
‘How to Successfully Start with Seeds and Grow Flowers, Herbs and Vegetables in the PNW’
7 p.m. Thursday, March 5
Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St.
Moist, extremely fertile soil is the obvious upside to Pacific Northwestern gardening. The downside is that our climate can be finicky — especially for those of us who aren’t used to darkness and near-constant rain.
If you’re looking for some help with spring planting — whether you’re new to the PNW or to gardening entirely — Ada Snyder can help. The master gardener and Skagit Valley native has a wealth of tips and tricks for growing flowers, vegetables and herbs specific to our local biome. She’s also a leading expert on organic seed farming, with a focus on “regionally adapted seed breeding for organic systems,” per her bio.
Snyder has a talk on March 5 at the Whatcom Museum, and all are invited to attend. Topics covered range from soil prep to “timing for seeding, transplanting and varieties that work in our area,” per the event description. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for Whatcom Horticultural Society Members. Info: whatcomhortsociety.org.
Chris Jones, left, and Cecilee Romano, right, wig out during a performance of “50 Shades of Velvet: An Improvised Romance Novel” at The Upfront Theatre. The improv theater’s month-long competition, March Madness, begins March 6. (Photo by Seth Thomson)
March Madness
7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in March
The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
Wondering why on earth I’d include an event like March Madness in an A&E column? Simple: I’m not talking about basketball. Rather, I’m referring to the Upfront Theatre’s own version of March Madness — in which “Bellingham’s funniest, most competitive, and die-hard improvisors [compete] in a nail-biting, bracket-style improv competition all month long.”
Shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout March, and feature teams competing in varying comedic styles. Each team’s fate is determined by the audience: Ticketholders can vote on which improvisers advance to the next round. In the Upfront’s words, “Only one team can end up on top” — and it’s up to you to decide the winner. Info: theupfront.com.
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For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
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