Berries, burlesque and ‘La Bamba’ star lead the options for weekend entertainment
‘La Bamba’ star in Olympia
Lately, the Olympia Film Society has been bringing famous folks to town on the regular. The latest: actor Lou Diamond Phillips, visiting Friday, June 14, to talk about “La Bamba,” the 1987 biopic in which he played rock-and-roll pioneer Ritchie Valens. Valens, born to farmworkers, rose to the top of the charts before his death in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly. Phillips, recently seen in FOX TV’s “Prodigal Son” and Netflix’s “Longmire,” will answer questions after the screening, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $30-$35.
Celebrate shortcake -- and the berries too
Strawberry season has arrived, and with it comes the South Bay Strawberry Festival, a tradition since 1936. The festival, happening Saturday, June 15, offers live music, activities for kids, and vendors selling food, crafts and more. The centerpiece, though, is strawberry shortcake, assembled from Spooner Berry Farms berries and Wagner’s Bakery biscuits. It’s happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the grange, 3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Olympia. The festival is free — but unless you have superhuman willpower, you’ll want to buy a shortcake or three.
Get your pride on
It’s Pride Month, and while you’re waiting for Capitol City Pride, set for June 28-30, there are plenty of opportunities to get festive, dress up and celebrate community. “Azúcar: A Latine Pride Experience,” happening Saturday, June 15, offers two all-Latine burlesque and cabaret shows that will mix glamour and sex appeal with community spirit. The shows, produced by burlesque artist Latina K Turner D’Ho, will feature Northwest burlesque and drag artists of different styles and experience levels, including Olympia’s Papaya Magic Cabaret, Dulce and Vanessa the Witch. The shows — “Suavecito” at 6:30 p.m. and “¡Fiebre!” at 9 — are happening at the Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE, Olympia. Tickets are $30-$35, with sliding-scale admission starting at $5.
Also on tap for Saturday: South Sound Senior Services’ Rainbow Bingo, which invites players to dress up for an evening of games, snacks and drinks. It kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, with games beginning at 7. Tickets are $25, and attendees must be 21 and older.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.
