Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Happenings | Tracing the history of Northwest rock ‘n’ roll

Posted on October 15th, 2024 By:

Bands like The Kingsmen, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Wailers, Heart and Nirvana wrote the history of Northwest rock ‘n’ roll. But many other bands and musicians contributed to the legend.

Music historian Peter Blecha will talk about how all those bands link to earlier greats like Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17,  at Harbor History Museum. Blecha is director of the Northwest Music Archives and a founding curator at  Seattle’s MoPop.

He’ll also discuss his newest book, “Stomp and Shout: R&B and the Origins of Northwest Rock and Roll.” To reserve space, email [email protected]. The museum is located at 4121 Harborview Dr.

Tales at the BoatShop

Kids ages 2 to 6 will enjoy the “Critter Costumes” theme at this month’s Tales at the BoatShop starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. “Tales” takes place in the brick house next door to the BoatShop, 3805 Harborview Dr. Free, but kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-Halloween fun

Harbor History Museum’s Fall Family Night is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, with spooky stories, games, crafts, cocoa and cookies. Recommended for ages 12 and under. Tickets are $10 per child or $5 for museum members. RSVP to [email protected].

Job fair

The Gig Harbor branch of Tacoma Community College will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Representatives from more than a dozen local and regional employers will attend, including Advanced Health Care, Kitsap County, Pierce County Library System, West Sound Workforce, the Transportation Security Administration, Peninsula School District, Federal Bureau of Prisons and many others. Salaries range from $17 per hour to $110,000 annually. Some jobs are for remote or hybrid positions. Bring your resume. Free and open to all. TCC is located at 3993 Hunt St.

Meet local authors

The Gig Harbor branch of the Pierce County Library hosts six authors, who will discuss their books and writing process, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Participating authors include:

  • Tom Vandermolen – adult science fiction, horror and short story
  • Randall Platt – youth/teen historical fiction
  • Becca Boston – nonfiction
  • Andy Vargo – nonfiction, motivation, self-help
  • Jennifer Nielson – adult science fiction, fantasy
  • Jessica Payne – adult mystery

Reservations are not required for the free event. The library is located at 4424 Point Fosdick Road.

Live music

Cheaper than Therapy plays at Kimball Coffeehouse on Friday, Oct. 18. Doors open at 7; music starts at 8 p.m. Free and family friendly.

At the movies

Wednesday’s Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown is “The Lost Boys.” Showtimes are 12:50 and 6 p.m. Sunday’s Flashback movie is “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.” Showtimes are noon and 6 p.m. Flashback tickets cost just $5.

The Galaxy presents a VIP screening of “Americans With no Address,” a documentary about the complex issue of homelessness in the U.S., at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. Ticket sales go toward providing relief beds for homeless individuals. Reserve tickets here.

The Galaxy presents the Met’s production of “Grounded,” a powerful new opera by two-time Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The story is based on librettist George Brant’s play and wrestles with the ethical quandaries and psychological toll of 21st-century warfare. Mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo portrays Jess, a hot-shot fighter pilot whose unplanned pregnancy takes her out of the cockpit and lands her in Las Vegas, operating a Reaper drone halfway around the world.

Civic engagement

  • Gig Harbor City Councilmember Jeni Woock hosts Jeni Listens at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Cutter’s Point coffeeshop in Olympic Village shopping center.
  • The Gig Harbor City Council meets for a study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Civic Center on Grandview Street. Tentative discussion topics include changes to the lease agreement with the YMCA for Phase 1A of the Sports Complex, a possible acquisition of a conservation property, and updates from City Administrator Katrina Knutson.
  • Mayor Tracy Markley hosts Coffee with the Mayor at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at Cutter’s Point Coffeeshop in Uptown (near the Galaxy Theatres).