Skagit Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor: Megan Chenovick and Marcus Shelton will sing the lead roles in Skagit Opera’s fully staged performances of Gaetano Donizetti’s epic Scottish romance, Lucia di Lammermoor, at 7:30pm Friday and 2pm Sunday at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Tickets are $15-$59. http://www.mcintyrehall.org or www.skagitopera.org 7:30pm
FAIRHAVEN RIDE: Meet up with folks from Fairhaven Bike & Ski for a weekly race-pace ride at 8am at the Fairhaven Village Green. 733-4433 or http://www.fairhavenbike.com 8:00am
Birch Bay Marathon: The 45th annual Birch Bay International Marathon and Half-Marathon begins at 8am at Blaine’s Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helwig Rd. This certified race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. If you’re not taking part, come cheer on participants. http://www.birchbaymarathon.com 8:00am
Rabbit Ride: Join members of the Mt. Baker Bike Club for the weekly “Rabbit Ride” starting at 8:30am at Fairhaven Bike & Ski, 1108 11th St. The 32-mile route sees riders heading down Chuckanut and back via Lake Samish. 733-4433 or http://www.mtbakerbikeclub.org 8:30am
Fragrance Lake Run: As part of the Bellingham Trail Running Series, sign up for the “Fragrance Lake 10K/20K” starting at 10am at Larrabee State Park, 245 Chuckanut Dr. You will need a Discover Pass to park in the park. Entry to the race is $35-$55. http://www.bellinghamtrail.com 10:00am
Pacific Northwest Rain Festival: Precipitation-themed poetry reading, a best home-decorated umbrellas contest, a raingear fashion contest and more will be part of the 12th annual Pacific Northwest Rain Festival happening from 11:30am-12:30pm at the Fairhaven Village Green. Entry is free and open to all ages. http://www.fairhaven.com 11:30am
California Impressionism Farewell: If you haven’t yet seen “California Impressionism: Selections from the Irvine Museum” at the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building (250 Flora St.), you should know today from 12-5pm is your last chance to do so. http://www.whatcommuseum.org 12:00pm
Zephyr Recorder Consort: Hear music spanning five centuries—including works by Hassler, Holborne, Dowland, and Bach—when the Zephyr Recorder Consort performs at 3pm at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Entry is $5-$15. http://www.theamadeusproject.org 3:00pm
On the Wild Side with Chris Morgan: Conservation ecologist and TV host and narrator Chris Morgan brings his "On the Wild Side" presentation to town at 3pm at Bellingham's Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Attendees will be privy to an array of epic, never-before-seen footage from around the world, and hear a variety of stories from the field. Tickets are $10-$35. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 3:30pm
J.A. Jance: Bestselling author J.A. Jance reads from her latest Ali Reynolds mystery, Deadly Stakes, at 4pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. Come early, as Jance’s readings fill up fast. Entry is free. http://www.villagebooks.com 4:00pm
Speakeasy 10: Poems presented in nontraditional ways will be part of tonight’s “SpeakEasy 10: Out of the Box” gathering at 7pm at the Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornall Ave. What you will see will be explorations in coupling poetry with sound, song, multiple readers, art and movement. Multiple authors and performers will take part. Entry is by donation. http://www.boyntonpoetrycontest.wordpress.com 7:00pm
Dynamo: Discover a new way to spend your Sundays when “Dynamo” shows at 8pm at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. The performances feature 12 improvisers vying for the Dynamo title through a series of games and elimination rounds. Entry is $2. 733-8855 or http://www.theupfront.com 8:00pm
Monday, February 18, 2013 (2 events)
Winter Camping Basics: Find out how to stay warm, what gear to bring, what to expect when setting up camp and more at a free “Winter Camping Basics” clinic at 6pm at REI, 400 36th St. Register in advance. 647-8955 or http://www.rei.com 6:00pm
Rock & Gem Club Meeting: All are welcome at the Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club’s monthly meeting at 7pm at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave. Featured will be a show-and-tell of dinosaur bones. http://www.mtbakerrockclub.org 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 (9 events)
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre opens Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, starting this week with 7:30pm showings Tues.-Thurs. at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Sign Language Classes: The Hearing, Speech, and Deafness Center offers American Sign Language classes as a free service to the community from 12-1pm on the first three Tuesdays of each month in Bellingham. Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 255-7166 or 647-0910 12:00pm
Guterson Gathering:Snow Falling on Cedars author David Guterson will join Whatcom Reads for a discussion of his novel from 1-3pm at the Bellingham Public Library (210 Central Ave.), and from 7-8:30pm at Lynden’s Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St. Both events are free and open to all. http://www.whatcomreads.org 1:00pm
Jonestown Survivor Talk: Laura Kohl, a survivor of Jonestown, will share her experiences in an open question-and-answer session at 4pm at Western Washington University’s Miller Hall, 152. The event is free and open to the public. 650-3031 4:00pm
Noemi Ban Talk: Bellingham resident and Holocaust survivor Noemi Ban will share her story at 6pm at WWU’s Arntzen Hall, room 100. Entry is free, but her presentations fill up fast, so register in advance. 650-4529 or http://www.wce.wwu.edu 6:00pm
Brewers Night: Join brewers from Chuckanut Brewery, Kulshan Brewery, and Boundary Bay Brewery for a Brewer’s Night gathering from 6-8pm at Elizabeth Station, 1400 W. Holly St. You’ll be able to talk to the “chefs” and sample a variety of IPAs made in Bellingham. Prizes will be available. 733-8982 6:00pm
Stuff-It Class: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and volunteer at a “Stuff It” class starting at 6:30pm at Blanchard Community Club. Jill from the Skagit Valley Food Co-op will lead the course, which will include stuffed sweet peppers with sausage and cheese, bruschetta-stuffed mushrooms and more. Entry is $10; please pre-register. http://www.skagitfoodcoop.com 6:30pm
Chandeleur: French chef Anne Dubert leads a “Chandeleur: Crepes, Candles, and the Coming Spring” course from 6:30-8:30pm in Mount Vernon at Gretchen’s Kitchen, 509 S. First St. Diners can try their hand at flipping a crepe and choose from a variety of fillings to concoct their own masterpiece. Entry is $40. http://www.gretchenskitchen.com 6:30pm
Soups and Sides Class: Karina Davidson leads a “Winter Soups and Sides” course from 6:30-9pm at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $39. 383-3200 6:30pm
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 (13 events)
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre opens Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, starting this week with 7:30pm showings Tues.-Thurs. at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Northwest Flower & Garden Show: The 25th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show takes place from 9am-8pm Wed.-Sat., and 9am-6pm Sunday, at Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center. “The Silver Screen Takes Root: Gardens Go Hollywood” will be the theme of this year’s show. Ticket prices vary. http://www.gardenshow.com 9:00am
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, with 7:30pm showings Wed.-Fri., 3pm Sun., and 7:30pm Tues.-Thurs. (Feb. 26-28) at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
GROUP RIDE: The Mt. Baker Bike Club hosts a Group Ride starting every Wednesday at 6pm at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave. Be prepared to ride for 30 miles at a race/training pace, and regroup at the brewery following the excursion. http://www.mtbakerbikeclub.org 6:00pm
Evening Epic Run: A weekly “Evening Epic Run” begins at 6pm at Fairhaven Runners, 1209 11th St. The strenuous runs are 1.5-2 hours in length on hilly terrain with experienced trail runners. Entry is free. http://www.fairhavenrunners.com 6:00pm
Italy, Italy, Italy!: Mataio Gillis leads an “Italy, Italy, Italy!” cooking class at 6:30pm at Ciao Thyme, 207 Unity St. In this demo class, Gillis will share his Italian favorites. Entry is $48. http://www.ciaothyme.com 6:30pm
Natural Fermentation: Registered dietician Sonja Max helms a “Natural Fermentation” class from 6:30-8:30pm at the Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $29. 383-3200 6:30pm
Bicycle Travel Slideshow: John Schick shares images and stories from his 3,000-plus-mile summer bicycle adventure at a “Bellingham to Boston” bicycle travel slideshow at 7pm at Whatcom Middle School, 810 Halleck St. Entry is free. http://www.everybodybike.com 7:00pm
Intro to Improv: Learn more about improvisation at a free “Awaken the Spontaneity Within!” introductory workshop from 7-9pm at Improv Playworks, 302 W. Illinois St. Please register in advance. 756-0756 or http://www.improvplayworks.com 7:00pm
Scottish Country Dance Social: Join the Scottish Country Dance Club from 7-9:30pm every Wednesday for a public dance at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Beginners and intermediate dancers are welcome, and no partner or experience is needed. Drop-in fees are $8, but those who are showing up for the first time will gain free entry. http://www.bellinghamscd.org 7:00pm
Whatcom Reads with David Guterson: Award-winning author David Guterson will join the Whatcom Reads lineup to talk about Snow Falling on Cedars from 7:30-9pm at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Auditorium. Entry is free. http://www.whatcomreads.org 7:30pm
Heavy Metal: The low brass ensemble known as Heavy Metal will be giving a concert of transcriptions and original pieces for euphonium and tuba at 8pm at WWU’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. Admission is free. 734-2604 8:00pm
Thursday, February 21, 2013 (15 events)
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre opens Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, starting this week with 7:30pm showings Tues.-Thurs. at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Northwest Flower & Garden Show: The 25th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show takes place from 9am-8pm Wed.-Sat., and 9am-6pm Sunday, at Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center. “The Silver Screen Takes Root: Gardens Go Hollywood” will be the theme of this year’s show. Ticket prices vary. http://www.gardenshow.com 9:00am
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, with 7:30pm showings Wed.-Fri., 3pm Sun., and 7:30pm Tues.-Thurs. (Feb. 26-28) at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival: The 13th annual Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival takes place Feb. 21 through March 2. The event features 10 days of 20 powerful, inspirational and educational films focusing on human rights issues. Venues include Bellingham High School, Pickford Film Center, Northwest Indian college, Fairhaven College Auditorium, and more. All events are free. http://www.bhrff.webs.com 12:00am
Chicano Art Talk: “Chicano/a Art in Context” will be the focus of a brown bag presentation with WWU professor Lysa Rivera at 12:30pm at Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St. The even is part of the “Chicanitas” exhibit currently on display at the Lightcatcher Building. Suggested donation is $3. http://www.whatcommuseum.org 12:30pm
Art and Craft of Writing: “The Art & Craft of Writing” will be the focus of a discussion with Snow Falling on Cedars author David Guterson from 4-6pm at Western Washington University’s Miller Hall, room 138. Entry is free and open to the public. http://www.whatcomreads.org 4:00pm
Steve Rudy: Listen to Steve Rudy play jazz favorites from 5:30-7:30pm at the Piano Bar at Lynden’s Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St. Entry is free. http://www.jansenartcenter.org 5:30pm
International Night: Dance, music, martial arts demos, food and more will be part of an International Night gathering from 6-9:30pm at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Student Center. Admission is free if you bring a potluck item, $5 otherwise. 383-3244 6:00pm
Eve and Adam Authors: Join Village Books, the Whatcom County Public Library System, and WWU for an evening discussion with young adult authors Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. The Eve and Adam authors will be chatting and answering questions about their books and writing. http://www.villagebooks.com 7:00pm
Travelogue: Learn more about a mountain search for hidden treasure through prehistoric ruins in the American Southwest at a “Thrill of the Chase” Travelogue from 7-9pm at Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St. Suggested donation is $3. http://www.whatcommuseum.org 7:00pm
Folk Dance Party: Learn Balkan, Israeli, Romani and Greek dancing with the Fourth Corner Folk Dancers from 7-10pm every Thursday at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Suggested donation is $5 (first-time visitors and students are free). 380-0456 7:00pm
Fitness Forum: Chiropractor Chris Lockwood leads a free Fitness Forum focused on “Happy Hammies” at 7:15pm at Fairhaven Runners, 1209 11th St. Find out about the functioning of the hamstring muscle during walking and running (it is different than many people think). http://www.fairhavenrunners.com 7:15pm
Fourth Corner Folk Dancers: Learn Balkan folk dances with the Fourth Corner Folk Dancers from 7:15-10:15pm every Thursday at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. All ages are welcome, and no partner is necessary. Suggested donation is $5; first-time visitors and students are free. 380-0456 7:15pm
Dinner Theater: Enjoy a four-course meal while trying to solve a deadly case when A Rotten Demise shows at 7:30pm Thursday and 6:30pm Sunday at Mount Vernon’s 1st Street Cabaret, 612 S. First St. (the new iteration of the RiverBelle Dinner Theatre). Tickets to see the interactive, bootlegging comedy are $45 with dinner or $30 with dessert and beverage. The show continues through March 24, and additional entertainment happens through the week. http://www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com 7:30pm
GOOD, BAD, UGLY: Watch “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” at 8pm every Thursday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, stick around for “The Project.” Entry is $7 for the early show, $4 for the late one. 733-8855 or http://www.theupfront.com 8:00pm
Friday, February 22, 2013 (14 events)
Cabaret: Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its fifth season of “Cabaret” performances at 8pm Friday and Saturday at the school’s Performing Arts Center, Room 16. “Cabaret” showcases collaborative efforts that span multiple arts forms—such as dance, theater, song, poetry, and improvisation. Tickets are $5. 650-6146 or http://www.tickets.wwu.edu 8:00pm
Northwest Flower & Garden Show: The 25th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show takes place from 9am-8pm Wed.-Sat., and 9am-6pm Sunday, at Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center. “The Silver Screen Takes Root: Gardens Go Hollywood” will be the theme of this year’s show. Ticket prices vary. http://www.gardenshow.com 9:00am
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, with 7:30pm showings Wed.-Fri., 3pm Sun., and 7:30pm Tues.-Thurs. (Feb. 26-28) at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival: The 13th annual Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival takes place Feb. 21 through March 2. The event features 10 days of 20 powerful, inspirational and educational films focusing on human rights issues. Venues include Bellingham High School, Pickford Film Center, Northwest Indian college, Fairhaven College Auditorium, and more. All events are free. http://www.bhrff.webs.com 12:00am
Late Night Catechism: Get in on the Sister act when the perennially popular Late Night Catechism shows at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. The show features the aforementioned “Sister” schooling audiences on a variety of topics. Tickets are $25. http://www.mcintyrehall.org 7:30pm
12 Minutes Max: Dance, theater, music, performance art and film will be among the creative disciplines being featured at Bellingham’s first “12 Minutes Max!” performance at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. The informal showcase of the arts community features artists will 12 minutes or less to try out new material and works in progress. Tickets are $12-$15. 734-2776 or http://www.firehouseperformingartscenter.com 7:30pm
The Wizard of Oz: Hang out with Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man and a variety of other memorable characters at showings of The Wizard of Oz at 7pm Fri.-Sat. and 3pm Sunday at Lynden High School’s Judson Auditorium, 516 Main St. Tickets are $6-$8 and additional performances happen Feb. 28-March 2. 354-4401 7:00pm
Farm to Table Trade Meeting: Local farmers, fishers, food producers and regional buyers—as well as those interested in sourcing local ingredients and selling their food products—can sign up for the NW Washington Farm to Table Trade Meeting taking place from 9am-3pm at St. Luke’s Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway. Attendees can expect a day of connections, education and networking. Entry is $25 and includes a light lunch and snacks. http://www.sustainbableconnections.org 9:00am
Wild Things: Kids, adults and adventurers can join Wild Whatcom Walks for “Wild Things” excursions (formerly called “Nature Babies”) from 9:30-11am every Friday in February on the Interurban Trail. Entry is by donation. http://www.wildwhatcom.org 9:30am
Thyme for Brunch: Fried chicken served over bacon and thyme cornmeal waffles will be on the menu at a “Now is the Thyme for Brunch” gathering from 12-1:30pm in Mount Vernon’s at Gretchen’s Kitchen, 509 S. First St. Entry is $20. http://www.gretchenskitchen.com 12:00pm
VIGIL FOR PEACE: Join the longest-running Peace Vigil in the country—48 years and counting—from 4-5pm every Friday afternoon at the corners of Cornwall Avenue and Magnolia Street. http://www.whatcompjc.org 4:00pm
Chuckanut Radio Hour: Philip Lapsley, author of Exploding the Phone: The Untold Story of the Teenagers and Outlaws who Hacked Ma Bell, will be the featured author at this month’s Chuckanut Radio Hour at 7pm at the Leopold Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave. There’ll also be poetry by Kevin Murphy, an episode of “The Bellingham Bean,” music by Holly Swanson and a reading by Weekly essayist Alan Rhodes. Tickets are $5. http://www.villagebooks.com 7:00pm
Nighttime Run: “This Little Light of Mine,” a nighttime 5K trail run, begins at 7:30pm at the Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center, 1185 Roy Rd. Head lamps are required. Entry is $20. http://www.camplutherwood.org 7:30pm
Space Trek: Show up for the final weekend of the “galactically awesome” improvised adventure show, “Space Trek,” at 8pm and 10pm Friday and Saturday at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. Tickets are $8-$10. 733-8855 or http://www.theupfront.com 8:00pm
Saturday, February 23, 2013 (33 events)
Cabaret: Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents its fifth season of “Cabaret” performances at 8pm Friday and Saturday at the school’s Performing Arts Center, Room 16. “Cabaret” showcases collaborative efforts that span multiple arts forms—such as dance, theater, song, poetry, and improvisation. Tickets are $5. 650-6146 or http://www.tickets.wwu.edu 8:00pm
Northwest Flower & Garden Show: The 25th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show takes place from 9am-8pm Wed.-Sat., and 9am-6pm Sunday, at Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center. “The Silver Screen Takes Root: Gardens Go Hollywood” will be the theme of this year’s show. Ticket prices vary. http://www.gardenshow.com 9:00am
Company: Get a “sophisticated look at modern relationships” when MBT’s Winter Repertory Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s landmark play, Company, with 7:30pm showings Wed.-Fri., 3pm Sun., and 7:30pm Tues.-Thurs. (Feb. 26-28) at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $10-$20 and additional performances of what’s been called the “first modern musical” happen through March 17. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 7:30pm
Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival: The 13th annual Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival takes place Feb. 21 through March 2. The event features 10 days of 20 powerful, inspirational and educational films focusing on human rights issues. Venues include Bellingham High School, Pickford Film Center, Northwest Indian college, Fairhaven College Auditorium, and more. All events are free. http://www.bhrff.webs.com 12:00am
Late Night Catechism: Get in on the Sister act when the perennially popular Late Night Catechism shows at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. The show features the aforementioned “Sister” schooling audiences on a variety of topics. Tickets are $25. http://www.mcintyrehall.org 7:30pm
12 Minutes Max: Dance, theater, music, performance art and film will be among the creative disciplines being featured at Bellingham’s first “12 Minutes Max!” performance at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. The informal showcase of the arts community features artists will 12 minutes or less to try out new material and works in progress. Tickets are $12-$15. 734-2776 or http://www.firehouseperformingartscenter.com 7:30pm
The Wizard of Oz: Hang out with Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man and a variety of other memorable characters at showings of The Wizard of Oz at 7pm Fri.-Sat. and 3pm Sunday at Lynden High School’s Judson Auditorium, 516 Main St. Tickets are $6-$8 and additional performances happen Feb. 28-March 2. 354-4401 7:00pm
Fairhaven Walking Club: Whether you’re looking to improve or compete, all are welcome at the weekly Fairhaven Walking Club led by Cindy Paffumi starting at 8am at various locations in Fairhaven. Walk routes and meeting places change from week to week. All paces are welcome. 676-4955 or 319-3350 8:00am
Pancake Breakfast: A monthly fundraising Community Pancake Breakfast (with strawberries!) takes place from 8-10:30am at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. Entry is $3 for kids and $5 for adults. 354-4501 8:00am
Hotcakes for Heroes: Hotcakes, sausage, eggs and juice will be on the menu at a “Hotcakes for Heroes” breakfast from 8-11am at Bellingham Elks Lodge #194, 710 Samish Way. Entry is $6; kids under 5 get in free. 224-5015 8:00am
Children’s Literature Conference: The 10th annual Children’s Literature Conference takes place from 8am-3:30pm at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. In addition to presentations by Brian Pinkney, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Katherine Applegate, and Michael Grant, there’ll be book sales and autographing, a Q & A panel, and more. Entry is $99. http://www.wwuclc.com 8:00am
Women in Agriculture Conference: “Growing Your Successful Farm Business” will be the theme for the Women in Agriculture Conference happening in 21 locations throughout Washington State today. In Bellingham, the conference begins at 8am at Bellewood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian Dr. Entry is $20-$35. (509) 745-8531 or http://www.womeninag.wsu.edu 8:00am
Smelt Derby Festival: The 48th annual Smelt Derby Festival takes place from 8:30am-2pm throughout La Conner. There’ll be a Smelt Run, Kids Dash, pancake breakfast, fishing for smelt, fish painting and other crafts, and much more. Prices vary. http://www.laconnerrotary.org or www.skagitsymphony.com 8:30am
Deming Book Club: Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder will be the focus of the Deming Book Club meeting from 10am-12pm at the Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy. All are welcome. 592-2422 10:00am
Community Meal: The bimonthly Community Meal takes place from 10am-12pm at the United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St. Entry is free and open to all. 384-1422 10:00am
Veggie Gardening Class: Learn more about “Basic Veggie Gardening in Whatcom County” at a workshop at 10am at Bakerview Nursery, 945 E. Bakerview Rd. At 2pm, show up for “Seed Starting Basis.” Register in advance for the free seminars. http://www.bakerviewnursery.com 10:00am
Fruit Growing Classes: Show up for a “Growing Apples and Pears” workshop at 10:30am at Everson’s Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Rd. At 1:30pm, the focus will be “Growing Stone Fruits: Cherries, Peaches, & Plums.” Both classes are free, and no registration is required. http://www.cloudmountainfarmcenter.org 10:30am
Fun with Frogs: Join the Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Project to gather information essential to amphibian conservation at a free one-day training from 10:30am-3:30pm at REI, 400 36th St. (includes field work). Entry is free, but registration is required. 319-6988 or http://www.whatfrogs.org 10:30am
Brewers Open House: As part of the Washington Beer Commission’s annual Open House happening from 12-5pm throughout the state, visit Boundary Bay Brewery (1107 Railroad Ave.), Chuckanut Brewery, (601 W. Holly St.), and Kulshan Brewery (2238 James St.). Barrel tastings, seasonal releases, tours and more will be part of the fun. http://www.washingtonbeer.com/open-house 12:00pm
Master Carver Demo: Master Lummi carver Charles Miller demonstrates his artistic craft from 1-3pm at the Lummi Gateway Center, 4920 Rural Ave. The event is free and open to the public. http://www.lummigatewaycenter.com 1:00pm
Mostly Metal Reception: A “Meet the Artist” reception featuring Steven Bochinski’s “Mostly Metal” large-format photography printed on aluminum happens from 2-5pm at Bellingham’s Vartanyan Estate Winery, 1628 Huntley Rd. His works will be on display through April. http://www.vewinery.com 2:00pm
Weather History Talk: Local historian Rod Perry leads a “Be Weather-Wise” presentation at 3pm at Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. Attendees will get a brief history of the Weather Service and the Cooperative Observer Program, as well as explore current and historical weather data from WSU, climate prediction models from NOAA, the virtual Weather Café by Rufus and much more. Entry is free. 966-5100 3:00pm
Spirit of Our Grandmothers Reception: A reception for “In the Spirit of Our Grandmothers: Contemporary Art of the NW Coast and Ancestral Tradition” happens from 3-5pm at La Conner’s Gallery Cygnus, 109 Commercial St. The exhibit features work by John Goodwin, Macah, and Peter Dunthorne from the Upper Skagit. It will be on display through March 24. http://www.gallerycygnus.com 3:00pm
VB Mixed Bag: Seattle-based author Tara Conklin reads from her new work of fiction, The House Girl, at 4pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. At 7pm, Carla Soheim shares ideas and tips from Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals. http://www.villagebooks.com 4:00pm
Line Dancing Classes: Western Line Dancing classes are offered at 6pm (beginners) and 7pm (intermediates) every Friday night at Lynden’s Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Rd. No experience or partner is needed. Cost is $5 per class. 354-4325 6:00pm
Masked Ball and Auction: The College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Washington University will host its 4th annual Masked Ball and Auction starting at 6pm at Bellingham’s Hotel Bellwether. Tickets are $75 and include dinner and a variety of performances from alumnus of the school. 650-2829 or http://www.wwu.edu 6:00pm
Victorian Secrets: Proper and less-than-proper poetry readings, an artifact scavenger hut, narratives from the Good Time Girls and more will be part of “Victorian Secrets: After Dark Merriment” from 7-10pm at Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St. Victorian duds are encouraged, but not required. Entry is $5-$8. A no-host bar will also be available. http://www.whatcommuseum.com 7:00pm
Contra Dance: Bellingham’s Brad n’ Steve Band will provide live music at tonight’s Contra Dance from 7-10:30pm at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Seattle’s Suzanne Girardot will do the calling. Entry is $6-$10. http://www.bellinghamcountrydance.org 7:00pm
Boating Center Fundraiser: A silent auction, music and dancing with the Walrus, a potluck appetizer feast and more will be part of the Community Boating Center’s Benefit and Dance from 7-11pm at Melody Hall, 4071 Home Rd. Ticket are $20 and include one drink ticket. http://www.boatingcenter.org 7:00pm
Wood’N'Flutes: The Seattle-based virtuosic recorder trio Wood’N’Flutes performs at 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2117 Walnut St. Music spanning 900 years—from medieval to modern times—will be on the lineup. Tickets will be $15-$25 at the door. 985-9916 7:30pm
Aaron Neville: Louisiana Music Hall of Fame recipient Aaron Neville brings his celebrated soul and R & B sounds to Bellingham for an 8pm show at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets to see the chart-topping pianist and singer are $20-$59. 734-6080 or http://www.mountbakertheatre.com 8:00pm
