The Week Ahead
April 1, 2024
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In this mix of events happening across Bainbridge Island, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the serene setting of Bloedel Reserve's "Mindfulness Meditation" sessions to the uproarious laughter of "Groucho" at Bainbridge Performing Arts, and the vibrant creativity of "The After Party: Day Soul Exquisite" at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, each event offers a unique experience worth exploring.
At Bloedel Reserve, take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature during the "Mindfulness Meditation" sessions. Led by experienced instructors, these sessions provide an opportunity to slow down, quiet your mind, and reconnect with the present moment. Through guided meditation and gentle movement, you'll cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony, all within the breathtaking surroundings of Bloedel Reserve's gardens.
For a night of laughter and entertainment, head over to Bainbridge Performing Arts for "Groucho," a one-man show that brings the legendary comedian Groucho Marx back to life. With actor Frank Ferrante channeling Groucho's quick wit and comedic genius, prepare for an evening filled with classic one-liners, hilarious anecdotes, and spontaneous improvisation. Ferrante's uncanny portrayal is sure to leave you in stitches and reminiscing about the golden age of comedy.
Finally, at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, immerse yourself in the dynamic and collaborative atmosphere of "The After Party: Day Soul Exquisite." This event invites artists and art enthusiasts of all ages to come together for an evening of creativity and community. Join in the "Day Soul Exquisite," a collective art project where participants contribute their unique artistic vision to a larger canvas. With live music, dance performances, and interactive experiences throughout the museum, "The After Party" is a celebration of art, expression, and connection.
With a diverse range of events happening across the island, Bainbridge offers something for every taste and interest. Whether you're seeking tranquility, laughter, or creative inspiration, these events invite you to explore, engage, and connect with the vibrant cultural scene of Bainbridge Island. So gather your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and enjoyment in this enchanting island community.
Featured Events:
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Mindfulness Meditation & Poetry
At Bloedel Reserve, tranquility and serenity await with their Mindfulness Meditation sessions, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This event offers participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the restorative practice of mindfulness meditation, set amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of the reserve's gardens. Led by experienced meditation guides, these sessions are designed to help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness, inner calm, and mental clarity. Participants are invited to explore various meditation techniques, including focused breathing, body scan, and loving-kindness meditation, each aimed at fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding environment. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions offer a welcoming space for self-discovery and personal growth. Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bloedel Reserve, attendees can let go of stress and tension, allowing themselves to fully relax and recharge. With each breath, they can tune into the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world, finding solace in the stillness of the garden. As they practice mindfulness, participants may notice a sense of inner peace and renewal washing over them, providing a moment of respite from the demands of modern life. With its emphasis on presence and awareness, mindfulness meditation offers a pathway to greater clarity, resilience, and well-being, empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges with grace and ease. As the session draws to a close, participants are encouraged to carry the benefits of their practice into their daily lives, cultivating mindfulness in every moment and savoring the beauty of the present. Whether seeking relaxation, stress relief, or spiritual nourishment, Bloedel Reserve's Mindfulness Meditation sessions offer a sanctuary for the soul, inviting participants to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace amidst the tranquil splendor of nature.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Wednesday, April 3, 3-3:30pm
Bloedel Reserve 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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Frank Ferrante's "An Evening with Groucho"
At Bainbridge Performing Arts, laughter takes center stage with "Groucho," a delightful comedy that pays homage to the legendary entertainer Groucho Marx. This event promises an evening of uproarious entertainment, filled with witty one-liners, clever wordplay, and classic vaudevillian humor. Audiences will be transported back in time to the golden age of comedy as they follow Groucho Marx on a hilarious journey through his iconic career, from his vaudeville roots to his legendary tenure as the wisecracking host of "You Bet Your Life." With his trademark cigar, bushy eyebrows, and quick wit, actor Frank Ferrante embodies the spirit of Groucho, capturing the irreverent charm and larger-than-life persona that made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. From zany antics to spontaneous ad-libs, Ferrante's portrayal brings Groucho Marx's indelible comedic genius to life in vivid detail, earning rave reviews and standing ovations from audiences across the country. Joined by a talented ensemble cast, Ferrante delivers a tour de force performance that celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the greatest comedians of all time. With its infectious energy and timeless humor, "Groucho" is sure to leave audiences of all ages laughing out loud and tapping their toes to the infectious rhythms of classic vaudeville tunes. So grab your tickets, bring your sense of humor, and get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment at Bainbridge Performing Arts.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Thursday, April 4, 7:30pm
Bainbridge Performing Arts 200 Madison Ave N. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Know Before You Go:
Dubbed "nothing short of masterful" by the Chicago Tribune, award-winning actor Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed stage portrayal of legendary comedian in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Marx foil Margaret Dumont. A show perfect for all ages!
ABOUT FRANK
FRANK FERRANTE (Actor/Writer) is the recipient of New York's Theatre World Award for 'Outstanding Debut,' a New York Outer Critics Circle nomination, London's Laurence Olivier Award nomination for 'Comedy Performance of the Year,' Washington D.C.'s Helen Hayes nomination and two Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. He was picked a 'top ten' theater performance by the Wall Street Journal in 2017 and in 2019 the Chicago Tribune picked him as a 'top ten' stage performance for his role in cirque's Teatro ZinZanni. His New York, London and PBS performances in the title role in Groucho: A Life in Revue received not only acclaim from critics and audiences but from the Marx family.
Ferrante was discovered by Groucho Marx's son playwright Arthur Marx as a 22 year old drama student at USC performing An Evening With Groucho for a 1985 senior project. Arthur subsequently cast Frank to portray Groucho Marx for the heralded 1986-87 production of Arthur's Groucho: A Life in Revue that played Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre for 254 performances. Ferrante, who was 23 at the time, portrayed legendary Groucho from age 15 to 85. Morrie Ryskind who co-wrote the Marx Brothers classic films Animal Crackers and A Night at the Opera and attended Ferrante's USC show said, "Frank is the only actor aside from Groucho who delivered my lines as they were intended."
Ferrante is one of the busiest touring performers in theater today with over 3,000 performances as 'Groucho' internationally in over 500 cities for over 35 years. He is considered a 'new vaudevillian' having performed in the variety world as the comic host 'Caesar' in Teatro ZinZanni since 2001 for over 1,500 performances from San Francisco to Seattle to Amsterdam. He has performed lead roles in many of the country's most prominent regional theaters including Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage, Goodspeed Opera House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Boston's Huntington Theatre, New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse and Atlanta's Alliance. Onstage, he has co-starred with Tony Award winners Faith Prince (Guys & Dolls), Liliane Montevecchi (Nine) and Kristin Chenoweth who received her Actor's Equity card in a production of Animal Crackers in which Ferrante headlined.
In 1996, Frank starred Off-Broadway in the 'Groucho' role in the Marx musical The Cocoanuts written by George S. Kaufman who Ferrante portrayed in his one-man show By George - which he also wrote. Ferrante directed and developed the premiere of Jon Maran's Old Wicked Songs at Philadelphia's historic Walnut Street Theatre in 1995. The piece about a Holocaust survivor subsequently played New York and then London starring Bob Hoskins and became a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama.
At the Walnut Street Theatre, Ferrante is the in-house director of many of their stage comedies including critically acclaimed revivals of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound, Laughter on the 23rd Floor (1997 & 2017 in which Ferrante also starred), The Sunshine Boys and Lost in Yonkers which was a co-production with Miami's Coconut Grove Playhouse and a 'critic's choice.' In 2017, Ferrante directed and performed the lead role Pseudolus in the Stephen Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and his performance was picked by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top ten in the country receiving kudos from Sondheim himself. In 2019, Ferrante starred in and directed Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors in the lauded Walnut Street Theatre production collaborating with playwright Ludwig on the production.
Frank has performed before millions of audience members including some talented friends. Sean Penn said to Ferrante, "You are a giantly talented guy with one foot in yesterday and one foot in today and you make it all your own." Hal Holbrook of Mark Twain Tonight referred to him as "an original." After a Ferrante performance of improvisation, Robin Williams told him, "You killed." Bill Irwin told Ferrante, "I'm a fan." Carol Channing called him, "Woooonderful!" and Kaye Ballard described him as "a great star."
On television, Ferrante appeared as a talking mime in the Emmy Award-winning Childrens Hospital and provided voice-work on SpongeBob Square Pants and Garfield. Ferrante has been featured on The Today Show, BBC Radio and TV and the nationally televised PBS version of his stage show Groucho: A Life in Revue produced by Ferrante. He has appeared on the covers of American Theatre Magazine, Plays International, London Visitor Guide and Bay Area Theatre. In 1986 while performing 'Groucho' in New York, he was drawn by the legendary illustrator Al Hirschfeld and the caricature appeared in The New York Times. In 2004, Ferrante was an answer on TV's Jeopardy in the Off-Broadway category: "He took his performance as Groucho to New York in 1986." The answer: "Who is Frank Ferrante?"
Frank Ferrante is the owner of Groucho Marx Productions, Inc. which represents the name and likeness of the iconic performer. The film version of his stage show re-titled Frank Ferrante's GROUCHO premiered on public television in spring, 2022. In October, 2021, Frank received a ‘star’ in Palm Springs, California on the Walk of Stars.
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The After Party: Day Soul Exquisite
At the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, an enchanting experience awaits you at "The After Party: Day Soul Exquisite" event. Here, you're invited to immerse yourself in an evening of creativity, connection, and celebration of the human spirit. As you step into the museum's vibrant space, you're greeted by the lively hum of conversation and the soft strains of soulful music drifting through the air. It's a gathering unlike any other, where art comes to life and souls are nourished.
At the heart of the event is a collective art project known as the "Day Soul Exquisite." Led by local artists and facilitators, this collaborative endeavor invites you to tap into your creativity and contribute to a larger artistic vision. Each participant is given a canvas and art supplies, along with the freedom to express themselves in whatever way feels authentic. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, there are no rules or expectations – only the joy of creation and the shared experience of artistic expression.
As you pick up your brush and let your imagination take flight, you become part of something greater than yourself – a tapestry of color, texture, and emotion woven together by the collective energy of the group. With each stroke of paint, you add your unique perspective to the evolving masterpiece, creating a visual symphony that reflects the diversity and beauty of the human experience.
But "The After Party" isn't just about art – it's also a celebration of community and connection. Throughout the evening, you'll have the opportunity to mingle with fellow participants, sharing stories, laughter, and inspiration. As you bond over a shared love of creativity and expression, you'll forge new friendships and deepen existing connections, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to the collaborative art project, "The After Party" features a variety of interactive experiences and performances designed to delight the senses and nourish the soul. From live music and dance performances to poetry readings and storytelling sessions, there's something for everyone to enjoy. As you move through the museum's galleries, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of artistic expression, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience.
As the evening draws to a close, you'll leave "The After Party" feeling inspired, invigorated, and deeply connected to the creative spirit that resides within us all. Whether you're an artist, a lover of art, or simply someone looking to experience something new and exciting, this event promises an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, connection, and celebration. So come join us at "The After Party" and let your soul soar amidst the beauty of art and community.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Friday, April 5, 8pm
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Know Before You Go:
Get your groove on with Day Soul Exquisite, a six-piece group from Seattle, WA fronted by singer Francesca Eluhu. The QTBIPOC-led band is a mix of neo-soul, psychedelic R&B, and jazz. Drawing inspiration from the London jazz scene and Afro-Caribbean influences, Day Soul Exquisite’s music brings raucous energy, sweet queer love songs, and defiant responses to oppression.
The unique band is completed by multi-instrumentalists Zora Seboulisa (bass/guitar), Josh Pehrson (drums), Lillian Minke Tahar (keys), Thomas Arndt (percussion) and Xiomara Mills (saxophones).
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Looking Ahead:
Apr 9: What is Open Mic Science?
Apr 14: Bhama Roget is: Mother Nature
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