Gesa Power House Theatre

LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends
2016-10-29 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gesa Power House Theatre, 111 North 6th Avenue, Walla Walla, WA, 99362, United States
LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends will perform at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Most people know about singer-songwriter LeRoy Bell from his 2011 appearance as one of the top performers on Season 1 of “The X Factor”, but long before televised competitions, LeRoy Bell had already achieved success as a musician. In the ’70s he wrote hit tunes for other artists including “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” for Elton John, which went to the Top 10 in the general charts and #1 the Adult/Contemporary chart and in the fall of 1979, earned Elton a Grammy Nomination for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. LeRoy’s own band, Bell and James, also reached the top of the pop charts with their 1979 hit, “Living it Up Friday Night.”
Although LeRoy Bell’s recording career stalled for a couple of decades, partly due to a poor choice in switching record labels, at the age of 60 his career was reignited when he appeared on the inaugural season of “The X Factor” in the United States. He stood out on the show for his talent and maturity, and finished 8th overall when he was eliminated in the fifth live show.

Competing on the television show challenged LeRoy Bell to develop a better stage presence and gave him a new found confidence as a performer. It also reminded him how important music is to him. “I enjoy live performing more than I ever have before,” says Bell, “I realize that I’m very lucky to do music and make a living at it. I can’t imagine trying to do anything else.”
One of South Africa’s biggest pop stars, Zahara, discovered Bell through “The X Factor” and invited him and Terry to come to South Africa and perform and record a “Live” CD/DVD that shipped double Platinum was nominated for a South African Grammy.
LeRoy Bell is a passionate Soul/R&B singer, a powerful blues/rocker, and equally at home as an acoustic folk/soul singer, capable of captivating an audience with intimate performances. He currently records and performs at the head of LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends with bassist Terry Morgan, keyboardist Daniel Walker, and drummer Bill Ray.
Reserved seating tickets ($32-28) will go on sale to our Members on Friday, September 23, to our e-mail subscribers on Monday, September 26, and to the public on Friday, September 30. RSVP on Facebook
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Everything 80s Halloween Dance Party
2016-10-28 20:00 - 22:30
Wine club members of Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard and Waterbrook Winery, it’s time to break out the acid wash jeans, side ponytails and everything neon for our totally awesome 1980s Halloween party!
Show us your best Maverick or defend the galaxy as Princess Leah, and hit the dance floor as the DJ rocks the Casbah all night long. Totally tubular snacks and a rad photo booth will send you back to the future – be there, or be square!
Upstairs in the Electric Lounge. $10 admission (Not a member? Purchase a ticket and receive wine club benefits for a day – including discounts on wine, shipping, and event tickets.)
For questions or to RSVP please contact Emily at Tastingroom@brownefamilyvineyards.com.

4th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival
2016-10-22 - 2016-10-23
Shakespeare Walla Walla presents the Fourth Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival at Gesa Power House Theatre Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23. This free, family-friendly event is a collaboration between many local businesses and community partners, and is inspired by the Hispanic “Day of the Dead” holiday where people throughout Latin America gather to celebrate the lives of departed friends and family.
The festival begins on Saturday with a downtown procession and a concert at the Power House, and continues all day on Sunday with the popular “Steamroller Print Project” by the Whitman College Art Department and a variety of free activities, from face-painting, to live music, dance, and theater.
The street in front of Gesa Power House Theatre will be closed to accommodate the festival on both days (6th Avenue from Rose to Sumach). Admission to the Fourth Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival and all activities are free and open to the public. Food vendors will be setup nearby.
More information will be made available at www.shakespearewallawalla.org.

FREE! Little Watts Children's Series: Aaron Nigel Smith
2016-10-12 18:30 - 19:30
Aaron Nigel Smith will perform a free reggae-inspired concert for families at Gesa Power House Theatre on Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Aaron Nigel Smith‘s simple mission is to connect and empower children, families and communities through music. In 2002, he founded FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, an arts program which is now the program of choice to over 100 early education centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, NewYork and Boston. His fun, inspired, and lively show is guaranteed to get the audience off their feet.
In 2005, Aaron’s debut CD release, Let’s Pretend, won the NAPPA & IParenting Media Awards. His 2010 CD, “Everyone Loves to Dance”, received a Parents’ Choice Award and recognition in People Magazine. In 2009 he collaborated with Ziggy Marley on a Bob Marley record for kids, “B is for Bob”. Aaron Nigel Smith joined the cast of PBS Kids show, Between the Lions in 2008.
Aaron and his wife of 15 years Diedre, formed the non-profit One World Chorus with the goal of building bridges internationally through choral singing. There are currently over 500 children involved in the music outreach programs in Portland, Los Angeles, New York, Kenya & Jamaica. In 2012 One World Chorus released a debut CD, Welcome to the Village, to critical acclaim. People Magazine and USA today recognized the project as one of the best children’s releases of the year and the CD received a Parents’ Choice Award!
In a partnership with the City of Lake Oswego, The Lake Oswego Library and Northwestern Mutual, Aaron launched the Rox in Sox Children’s Music & Book Festival three years ago. This day-long event features some of the nation’s leading talent from the worlds of family music and literature.
Your FREE tickets can be reserved online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.

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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series of Family Entertainment is presented by:
Walla Walla Valley Honda & Gesa Credit Union

Dancing with the W2 Stars
2016-10-08 19:00 - 21:00
Walla Walla celebrities take to the stage at Gesa Power House Theatre on October 8 at 7:00 p.m. for the first ever “Dancing with the W2 Stars” – a fundraising event for Valley Residential Services. Local participants will be paired with professional dancers and have a week of rehearsals to learn a ballroom dance routine before the live performance and a judging panel.
Valley Residential Services has enlisted participation from a fantastic lineup of local “celebrities”.
W2 Stars Dancers:

Katie Christianson, Dean of Students – Willow Public School
Amy Figgins, Leonetti Cellar
Terra Luthi, General Manager of Courtyard Marriott Walla Walla
Andrae Bopp, Owner of Andrae’s Kitchen
Lawson Knight, Co-founder of Intermountain Impact Investments
Nabiel Shawa, Walla Walla City Manager

W2 Stars Judges:

Janet Byerley, Jazzercise
Zachary Fraser, President of Walla Walla Sweets Baseball
Roger Esparza, Williams Team Homes

In addition to seeing the Walla Walla Stars dance, the professionals teaching the stars will perform excerpts from their award-winning showcase “Ballroom Fever”. Audiences can expect to see breath-taking lifts, hundreds of costumes, theatrical story lines, and a variety of ballroom dance styles, from the sexy Cuban Salsa to the energetic American Swing to the elegant Viennese Waltz.
The professional dance ensemble are members of the United States National Formation Championship company in both Latin American and Standard ballroom dancing, and their company tours internationally, with more than 100 performances each year.
Valley Residential Services provides personalized support in safe, comfortable, home environments for developmentally disabled individuals, residences for veterans with rehabilitation opportunities, and family assistance services.

$40 – reserved seating only
$65 – reserved seating ticket + admission to the After Party Dance Party with the performers (includes one beverage and appetizers)

Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
Please thank our sponsors for supporting this event!

Adam Trent - Magician
2016-09-30 19:00 - 21:00
Broadway entertainer Adam Trent will bring his modern brand of “magic show” to Gesa Power House Theatre on Friday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m.
“I’ve always thought that Magic should be entertaining first and tricky second,” says Adam Trent. “I don’t want people to remember just the ‘tricks’, but also the laughs and the memories that were made.”
Trent began performing for friends and family at a young age, and was performing on the streets of L.A. by age 14. Still a teenager, he became the youngest and only magician to ever win back to back medals in the P.C.A.M. Pro Magic Challenge – one of the most prestigious magic competitions in the world. Since then Trent has performed all over the world as a professional magician, and was recently one of seven magicians to perform in the Broadway show “The Illusionists” where he was billed as “The Futurist”. He’s made several TV appearances including on The Today Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Travel Channel, and Disney Channel.

Tickets for Adam Trent will go on sale to our members on Thursday, July 14, to our e-mail subscribers on Friday, July 22, and to the public on Friday, July 29.
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Sharron Matthews
2016-09-22 19:00 - 21:00
Sharron Matthews will perform a comedy show at Gesa Power House Theatre on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.

With a “voice that could stop traffic” (Hamilton Spectator), Sharron Matthews serves up her signature irreverent wit with solid gold mash-ups by artists such as Lady Gaga, Guns ‘N Roses, The Eagles, Beyonce, Queen and more in a comedic tour-de-force performance. Aptly described as the love child of Jack Black and Bette Midler, Sharron delivers jaw-dropping vocals, hilarious pop-culture punches and hit-melody mash-ups in a one-of-a-kind cabaret experience that defies age and gender barriers.
Musical comedienne Sharron Matthews has been playing to sold-out audiences and 5-star reviews across Canada, South Africa, London, in New York City where she was named the “#1 Cabaret in New York City in 2010” by Nite Life Exchange, and in Edinburgh where she was voted “Best of the Fest”. In Toronto Matthews was named “Best Cabaret Performer” in 2009 by NOW Magazine. She has appeared in hit movies like Mean Girls, Cinderella Man and Hairpray and on stage in Les Miserables, Showboat, Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz for which she was nominated for a Dora Award. Sharron recently stared in two seasons of Global’s hit TV show, Canada Sings!, which was nominated for a prestigious Reel Screen Award.
Sharron has become a much sought-after Host, MC and featured performer at corporate events, working for leading companies such as Tim Horton’s, Virgin Mobile UK, Arthur Murray, Make-A-Wish, Mary Kay, Nortel, Canadian Stage, Dancemakers, Toronto Firefighters, Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, Contact, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. In 2009, Sharron hosted the Dora Awards at the Elgin Theatre.
Reserved seating tickets for Sharron Matthews are $25 and go on sale to our members on Wednesday, July 6, to our e-mail subscribers on Wednesday, July 13, and to the public on Friday, July 22.
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Pink Floyd
2016-09-17 19:00 - 21:00
The Seattle Rock Orchestra will perform the music of Pink Floyd in a concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Seattle Rock Orchestra pays tribute to psychedelic rock pioneers Pink Floyd with a retrospective that spans from their debut album The Piper At the Gates of Dawn to their best-selling double album The Wall, including a complete performance of The Dark Side of the Moon and several of their orchestral and instrumental suites. Featuring the songs ‘Money,’ Comfortably Numb,’ ‘Another Brick In The Wall,’ ‘Fearless’ and many more.
This concert will also featured soloists Zach Davidson (of Vendetta Red) and Annie Jantzer (of Bucket of Honey, Happy Orchestra, and the Annie J Band).
Reserved seating tickets ($44-$38) for Seattle Rock Orchestra will go on sale to our members on Tuesday, June 28, to our e-mail subscribers on Tuesday, July 5, and to the public on Wednesday, July 14.

Seattle Rock Orchestra’s Mission:
Seattle Rock Orchestra is dedicated to creating performances that are spectacular, fun, educational, and of exceptional quality. Seattle Rock Orchestra celebrates and perpetuates the orchestral tradition while exploring the rich history of rock and pop music; presents new works by emerging artists; engages in collaborations across genres and artistic disciplines; and offers exciting educational programs for youth.
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Walla Walla Rocky Horror Live!
2016-09-09 - 2016-09-10
“GIVE YOURSELF OVER TO ABSOLUTE PLEASURE”
Richard O’Brien’s, The Rocky Horror Show, comes to The Gesa Power House Theatre Sept. 9-10 in a live theatrical production by New York City Director/Producer, and Walla Walla native, Tyson Kaup.
Dress up! Call out! Bring props! This live version of the popular movie will have you dancing and singing along to Rocky Horror Picture Show classics: “Science Fiction Double Feature”, “Damn it Janet”, “Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite”, “Hot Patootie”, and more.
Featuring local actors: Chanel Finnie, Isaiah Stodola, Rande Moss, Daniel Rose, Diana Milton, Reyn Hodgson, Alex Leeper, Topher Murphy, Richele Heilbrun Loney, Gabriela Salazar, Sara Beko, Kassidy Haluska, Katrina M. James, and Romey Drabek.
**We ask that you savor your toast and franks in the comfort of your own home (no food allowed in the theater), and respect the safety of the actors by not throwing props.
**This production features adult content and is not recommended for patrons under the age of 18.
“A socko wacko weirdo rock concert.” – WNBC TV
“A musical that deals with mutating identity and time warps becomes one of the most mutated, time warped phenomena in show business.”- The New York Times
“Campy trash.”- Time
“If you love the Sound of Music, you will probably hate it.” – ABC-TV
One of the “10 most influential postwar British plays” – Guardian UK
TICKETS
There will be four performances over two nights. Reserved seating tickets ($35-$20) are available online or through the box office (509-529-6500).
Friday, Sept. 9 – 7:00PM
Friday, Sept. 9 – 10:00PM *RAWW NIGHT*
Saturday, Sept. 10 – 7:00PM
Saturday, Sept. 10 – 10:00PM (with VIP After Party in the Electric Lounge)
Upgrade any ticket to any show by $10 for entry to the After Party on Sept. 10.
ABOUT RAWW NIGHT
Hypoxik Productions is partnering with the newly-formed Rainbow Alliance of Walla Walla (RAWW) to raise money for the families of Orlando shooting victims. RAWW Founder Jimmy Michael-Vaughan will make a guest appearance as host and narrator during the Friday, September 9, 10:00 p.m. performance and 5% of ticket sales from that performance will be donated to the Orlando cause.
ABOUT THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
One dark and stormy night, newly engaged couple, Brad Majors, and Janet Weiss, set out to begin their journey toward matrimonial bliss when a sudden blowout forces them down a path of domination, illumination, and sensual debauchery that ultimately leaves them searching for more than just help with a flat tire.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his band of merry misfits take you on a strange journey of love, lust, and the quest for ultimate satisfaction in this updated version of the 1975 broadway musical that inspired the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. A parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through early 1970s, this hilariously dark and foreboding musical invites you to leave your inhibitions at the door, and revel in the strange and absurd.
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Hypoxik Productions is a theatrical production company helmed by Director/Producer Tyson Kaup that promises to present cutting edge work that is “anything but boring”. The company aims to build professional creative connections between Walla Walla, Seattle, and New York, bring together local and regional talent, and establish Walla Walla as a launch pad for cutting edge professional theater.

David Luning Band in Concert
2016-07-15 19:00 - 20:30
Singer/songwriter David Luning and his band will perform a concert of Americana rock music at Gesa Power House Theatre at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15.
Hailing from Northern California, David Luning is part of a new generation of indie musicians whose genre blurs the lines of Americana, Alt Country, Folk and Blues. With insights beyond his years, David’s poignant songwriting and warm, rich timbre voice captivates audiences and draws them into an Americana world both familiar and new.
David plays guitar, piano, harmonica, and accordion with three amazing musicians: Linden Reed, Dave Sampson, and Ben Dubin; collectively called the David Luning Band.
David Luning’s songs include surprising insights into love and car troubles, tales of ramblin’ and homesick desperation, and foot stompin’ sing-alongs. People often comment that his lyrics remind them of a young John Prine or Bob Dylan, and Luning’s original music and lyrics continue to win songwriting competitions and his fan base of loyal listeners is expanding quickly!

“Staunch originality, no one’s doing what you do…”
-Keith Urban, American Idol
“…I’ve heard the future of Americana music and it’s David Luning.”
– Johnny Bazanno, KRCB 91 FM
David Luning’s music has appeared in films and documentaries and on a recent episode of NBC’s “Grimm”.
Reserved seating tickets ($28-$24) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

FREE Concert - Army Bands
2016-07-02 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a free concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on July 2, 2016 at 6:00PM, with performances by two ensembles from the 133rd Army Band: The General’s 7 Dixieland Band and the Brass Patriots.
The 133rd Army Band is a diverse group of soldier-musicians, members of the band range in age from their late teens to mid-fifties and represent a wide cross section of our community. They are everyday members of our community that volunteer to put on the uniform one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year. Many soldiers in the band dedicate more hours of their time in uniform increasing morale within our forces and strengthening relations within our communities.
The General’s 7 Dixieland Band (G7) is a detachment of the 133rd Washington Army National Guard Band stationed at Camp Murray, WA. Since 2008 the G7 has been entertaining audiences throughout Washington State with their high energy, patriotic, personable, and engaging performances. From old Dixie standards to swinging arrangements of your favorite military marches the music of the G7 offers a sweet taste of New Orleans groove with a hint of Red, White, and Blue.
Patriot Brass is an 18-member ensemble that performs formal, ceremonial music as well as entertaining and energetic street brass band style. They have performed throughout the great State of Washington for civic events, public schools, universities and military functions. You will hear Olympic fanfares, heroic works, hymns, groove music and instrumental arrangements of popular music from this outstanding ensemble.
Free admission at the door (seating is limited). The theater lobby will open at 5:00PM and food trucks will be on site so you can grab a bite to eat before the concert.

# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Witty Fools Improv Theater Performance
2016-06-26 19:00 - 20:30
Participants in a week-long “Witty Fools” Improv Theater Camp will try-out their newly-honed comedic skills in a performance on Sunday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre. General admission tickets ($10-$6) will be available at the door.
Summer Camp Programs:
Shakespeare Walla Walla and the Walla Walla Community College Foundation will present four summer camp programs teaching students of all ages through various forms of theater.
The “Witty Fools” Improv Camp runs June 20 to June 26. Younger participants (age 14-18) meet 9AM-12PM; participants age 19 and up meet at 6:30PM. Enrollment is $150. Shawn Franklin from Jet City Improv in Seattle will teach this camp for the second year in a row.
“Shakespeare Players” will introduce kids (9-13) to the language, plot, stories, and themes in Shakespeare’s plays through live performance and narrative. Students will develop imagination skills, public speaking, and basic acting skills through performing a modernized version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The camp meets 9AM-12PM, July 5-17, with a performance on Sunday, July 17. Enrollment is $100.
“Shakespeare Intensive” takes performance skills to the next level (for ages 14 to adult), and includes in-depth actor training, highlighting vocal, physical, and acting techniques. In a final public showcase, students will perform key scenes from the Bard’s most beloved plays, on Sunday, July 17. Enrollment is $50.
At “Stage Fight Camp”, students learn both sword fight techniques and unarmed combat. Students progress to choreographing original fights and rehearsing scenes with dialogue and action. The camp runs July 11-17, and meets 1-4PM. The week ends in a public demonstration on Sunday, July 17. Enrollment is $150.
“Musical Theater Camp” will focus on all aspects of musical theater including vocal technique, auditioning, performance, dance instruction and choreography. Students ages 9-13 will meet 9AM-12PM; Students age 14 and up will meet at 6:30PM. The camp runs July 19 – August 7 and ends in public cabaret showcases August 6 & 7. Enrollment is $75.

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival - Series 4 - Shostakovich, Schumann and Dvorak
2016-06-25 19:30 - 21:30
The 2016 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival comes to a close with a program any Hollywood producer would admire.

Shostakovich, String Quartet in A flat, Op. 118
Schumann, Violin Sonata in A minor, Op. 105
Dvorak, Piano Quartet in E flat, Op. 87
What makes a good blockbuster? Worthy protagonists, an implacable villain, equal measures of suspense, uncertainty and volatility, and, eventually, a happy ending. WWCMF brings these plot devices together in a program of music by Shostakovich, Schumann and Dvorak.

Our protagonists are Dmitri Shostakovich, a lonely artist in Soviet Era Russia; Robert Schumann, a passionate but unstable romantic; and Antonin Dvorak, a folk hero who gave a voice to the Czech people. The villains are the Soviet machine and crises of identity in the face of overwhelming odds. The music is in turns scenic, terrifying, resolute and, ultimately, heroically triumphant. When the final credits roll, you will already be able to taste the sequel…

2017: The 10-year Anniversary of WWCMF… This time, it’s personal!

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Philip Payton, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Sally Singer, cello; and Wei-Han Wu, piano.

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Philip Payton, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello; and Wei-Han Wu, piano.

Saturday, June 25, 2016
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm

About the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival:
Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Timothy Christie, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (WWCMF) is a non-profit organization committed to making chamber music accessible to all. In addition to tickets events, WWCMF presents extensive free children’s programming, targeted outreach events, and daily free open rehearsals throughout the Walla Walla community. Visit www.wwcmf.org for complete Festival details.

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival - Series 3 - Mozart, Copland, Mackey and Poulenc
2016-06-18 19:30 - 21:30
The 2016 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Series 3 concert is a veritable potpourri of great music. What makes a good potpourri? I think a combination of something sweet, something exotic, something familiar, and something savory balanced in perfect proportion.
Here’s an example, brought to you by the parfumerie of WWCMF.

Sweet: Poulenc, Sextet for piano and winds, Op. 100
Exotic: Mackey, Indigenous Instruments for piano, violin, cello, flute and clarinet (1989)
Familiar: Mozart, String Quartet in E flat, K. 428
Savory: Copland, Quiet City for trumpet, english horn and strings (1941)

Smells good to me!

Artists: Sarah Brady, flute; Rodger Burnett, horn; Timothy Christie, viola; Christina Dahl, piano; Billy Ray Hunter, trumpet; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Philip Payton, violin; Paul Rafanelli, bassoon; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello; and Dan Williams, oboe/english horn.

Saturday, June 18, 2016
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
About the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival:
Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Timothy Christie, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (WWCMF) is a non-profit organization committed to making chamber music accessible to all. In addition to tickets events, WWCMF presents extensive free children’s programming, targeted outreach events, and daily free open rehearsals throughout the Walla Walla community. Visit www.wwcmf.org for complete Festival details.

Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wines 2016: Kick-off Event
2016-06-17 08:30 - 10:00
Join us as we officially kick off the Celebrate Walla Walla Valley Wine weekend with two Master Sommeliers, who will give energizing and informative talks on Cabernet Sauvignon. Master Sommelier Thomas Burke oversees all business for the prestigious first growth Château Margaux in the United States, promoting the wines to passionate professionals and collectors. Doug Frost is an American Master of Wine and Master Sommelier as well as an author and wine consultant based in Kansas City, Missouri. Frost is one of four individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993.
Coffee and pastries will be served.
Complimentary shuttle service available from the Marcus Whitman Hotel & The Courtyard Marriott beginning at 8:00 a.m. The event begins at 8:30 a.m.
Complimentary tickets are required (sign up here).
Sponsored by Pacific Power

Little Watts: "Vladimir Goes for Gold!"
2016-06-15 18:30 - 19:30
A young athlete takes you on an Olympic adventure! Meet Vladimir Cashewninski: Champion Badminton player, and sole athlete from the tiny People’s Republic of Insurgistan, as he prepares to compete at the Olympic Games. The night before his big day, he has an enthralling dream that takes him to Ancient Olympia, where he meets the Olympic Herald and teams up with the audience to explore the first Olympic Games.
This play by Traveling Lantern Theatre (2014 A Christmas Carol) is suitable for children of all ages!
Reserved seating tickets ($10 Adults, $7 Youth) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
# # #
Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series of Family Entertainment is presented by:
Walla Walla Valley Honda & Gesa Credit Union

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival - Series 2 - Strauss, Baermann and Mendelssohn
2016-06-11 19:30 - 21:30
For the second performance on the 2016 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Series, the piano goes silent. In its place are intimate works for strings, clarinet and voice.
The six “Brentano” songs of Richard Strauss, Op. 68, represent a return from the opera house to the concert stage. Each song expresses an aspect of Strauss’ undying love for his wife, Pauline, who was a soprano. Tonight’s vocalist, Jennifer Goltz, has supplied a lovingly arranged setting of three of the six songs for soprano and string quartet.

Next up is the Adagio for clarinet and strings by Heinrich Baermann, a tender expression of affection in which the clarinet sings like the human voice.

The program concludes with the bracing and affecting String Quartet in F minor, Op. 80 by Felix Mendelssohn. If the first half of the program concentrates on love, the second half explores loss. In this case, Mendelssohn, inconsolable at the loss of his beloved sister, Fanny, expresses his grief through music. No lament, this quartet shakes its fists at God, and the result is a virtuosic masterpiece you won’t want to miss.

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Jennifer Goltz, soprano; Andrew Jennings, violin; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; and Sally Singer Tuttle, cello.

Saturday, June 11, 2016
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
About the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival:
Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Timothy Christie, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (WWCMF) is a non-profit organization committed to making chamber music accessible to all. In addition to tickets events, WWCMF presents extensive free children’s programming, targeted outreach events, and daily free open rehearsals throughout the Walla Walla community. Visit www.wwcmf.org for complete Festival details.

Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival - Series 1 - Berners, Reich and Brahms
2016-06-07 19:30 - 21:30
The 2016 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Series gets underway with the first performance at the Gesa Power House Theatre. As is our tradition, we begin with the World Premiere of a work commissioned for the occasion, a set of duos for two violins by composer, John Berners. Each piece is a miniature paying homage to the collections of violin duos by Béla Bartók and Luciano Berio respectively.
Next, we encounter an American masterpiece of minimalism by Steve Reich, Different Trains for string quartet and tape. Words become melodies that weave together in sometimes hypnotic repetitions. However, the repetitions change subtly, and Reich creates an emotional documentary of heartbreakingly different journeys by train during the 1940’s in America and Europe.
To bring the performance to a close, WWCMF is delighted to welcome back the Volta Piano Trio for the Brahms Piano Trio in B, Op. 8. Nowhere is the Romanticism of Brahms as optimistic or unbridled as in this early masterpiece. Though Brahms revisited the work later in life to correct the “mistakes” of his 21 year-old self, the youthful exuberance of the work’s origin shines through all the same.
Artists: John Berners, Composer; Jennifer Caine, violin; Timothy Christie, violin/viola; Oksana Ezhokina, piano; Andrew Jennings, violin; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello; and Volta Piano Trio.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
7:30pm to 9:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
About the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival:
Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Timothy Christie, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival (WWCMF) is a non-profit organization committed to making chamber music accessible to all. In addition to tickets events, WWCMF presents extensive free children’s programming, targeted outreach events, and daily free open rehearsals throughout the Walla Walla community. Visit www.wwcmf.org for complete Festival details.

Gail Pettis & Pearl Django
2016-05-27 19:00 - 21:00
Earshot Magazine’s 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year Gail Pettis joins forces with Pearl Django – one of America’s most respected and busiest Hot Club style groups – for an evening of jazz at Gesa Power House Theatre.

Gail Pettis grew up singing “church music” in Gary, Indiana, but it wasn’t until she moved to Seattle in 1996 that she began to pursue a second career in music. She closed her orthodontic practice in 2006 and released her first solo album in 2007. Her rich, warm vocal and understated phrasing was described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.
Gail Pettis values the freedom of personal expression she finds in music. “For me, emotion is the currency of jazz,” she says. “Over the years, I have learned that wearing your heart on your sleeve is not always the best approach to every life situation, but within the context of music, vulnerability always feels right.”
With a performance history spanning more than two decades, Pearl Django is regarded as one of America’s finest gypsy jazz bands. The band’s focus is incorporating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with American swing music.
Pearl Django’s extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. Their music reaches out across the divides of taste to a wide variety of audiences. The band’s fervent followers include Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli fans, guitar enthusiasts, lovers of string music — including bluegrass devotees who relish nimble, clean, intricate picking — world music fans drawn to French and Gypsy accents, jazz buffs, and aficionados of the new swing music.
Pearl Django has played at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine and has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities. They have released 11 albums to date.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Jet City Improv Comedy
2016-05-21 19:00 - 21:00
Jet City Improv comedians will riff on the old “B” movie genre at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, May 21, at 7PM.
Seattle’s Jet City Improv will have you laughing at old films with on-the-spot dialogue, sound effects, and music, along with audience suggestions and corny script situations. Think Mystery Science Theater 3000 or Rifftrax improvised in front of a live audience.
The movies selected for “Twisted Flicks” are never worse than PG, so you won’t see anything on the big screen more inappropriate than a buxom babe or some bad makeup on a fake alien wound. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

WWU Steel Band Concert with Liam Teague
2016-05-15 19:00 - 20:30
The WWU Steel Band reprises their annual concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. Joining the band in concert is soloist and “Paganini of the Steelpan” Liam Teague.
Teague currently serves as Head of Steelpan Studies at Northern Illinois University. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Teague has traveled the world performing with many diverse ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra, Dartmouth Wing Ensemble, and Panama National Symphony. He is a strong advocate for original steelpan compositions, has served as musical arranger at Panorama, the most prestigious steelband competition in the world, and has recorded eight albums.
The WWU Steel Band formed in 2002 and is directed by Brandon Beck. The group tours throughout the US and has also toured to the island of Bermuda. In previous years, they have performed with world-class steel pan artists such as Victor Provost, Gary Gibson, and Tom Miller.
“We are excited to perform with astounding steel pan performer Liam Teague,” says Beck. “He will not only perform solos at the concert, but he does us the honor of playing with us on several pieces.”
Proceeds from the concert go to support the WWU Steel Band through recruiting, touring, and purchasing instruments.

4 for the 1: Christian Music Festival
2016-05-14 18:30 - 20:30
This is a charity event intended to showcase local Christian talent and provide the community with an evening of uplifting, inspirational and fun entertainment while contributing to local charities!
All musical acts will be performing for a local charity. The audience will be give score cards to track performances and vote for their favorite act by donating with cash or by check to their designated charity. If donating by check, please make your check out to the charity, not the performers. 100% of your donations will go to the charity. If requested, receipts will be mailed out.
Tickets ($10) are available at www.4forthe1.com.
Featuring:

Paul Hodgins (Walla Walla)
Charity: Valley Chapel 4-H Club
Steve and Caroline Moore (Pomeroy)
Charity: Jubilee Leadership Academy
Never Give Up (Dayton)
Charity: Columbia County Community Network
Faith Street and Grace (Walla Walla)
Charity: Christian Aid Center

Northwest Community Gospel Choir
2016-04-30 19:00 - 20:30
The Northwest Community Gospel Choir is a gifted, multicultural group of all ages and includes singers and musicians from the Gospel Music Workshop of America, churches, and various other music ministries in Portland and surrounding cities. The group has performed an annual Gospel Christmas concert with the Oregon Symphony since 1999.
The choir gathers each fall, under the leadership of its music director, Gary Hemenway, to prepare for its December concerts with the Oregon Symphony and conductor Charles Floyd. As they share their gifts each holiday season, chorus members remain dedicated to the perpetuation of gospel music and bringing energy and joy to every song. After a dozen years, the chorus stands as a living example of how people of all races, religions, and backgrounds can come together.
Tickets ($35 Reserved Seating) will be available to the public on March 17.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Thrive Ecology Launch Event
2016-04-14 17:30 - 19:30
RSVP for this free event!
Come celebrate with Thrive Ecology and discover how you can THRIVE, not just survive in mind, body and life.
Walla Walla couple Brian and Carrie Spradlin are launching a new wellness company Thrive Ecology. Hear their story, and discover the revolutionary Adaptive Resistance eXercise (ARX) technology they are bringing to Walla Walla Valley that will change the way you think about wellness, exercise, and
strength training.
On Thursday, April 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. come to Gesa Power House Theatre to connect, support, and join our community of personal wellness! Giveaway door prizes and a chance to register for a free Personal ARX Training Session will be available. Special promotional offers will be available at this event only!

RSVP is appreciated, but not required: thriveecologylaunch.eventbrite.com

Sugaray Rayford in Concert - WW Guitar Festival
2016-04-08 19:00 - 21:00
The 5th Annual Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival, in conjunction with Feast Walla Walla, is a multi-venue Blues & Roots music, food, and wine celebration weekend in Beautiful Downtown Walla Walla! This year’s dates are April 8, 9, & 10, 2016.
Gesa Power House Theatre welcomes Sugaray Rayford to open the Festival on Friday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. This international sensation is one of the most sought-after stars in Blues today. When Sugaray belts out a song, you not only hear it, you feel it.
Sugaray’s dynamic voice is as large as the man and with his old-school vocal style, echoes of Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass can be heard. At 6’5” he is a big man, but he moves with grace and energy. His fluid dance steps will remind you of the legendary James Brown.
The excitement in the room is palpable as this superb vocalist and entertainer and his band take the stage. Rayford’s band is filled with elite members, each with a long list of credits and accomplishments.
“Gino Matteo on guitar is worth the price of admission on his own. With Sugaray & the rest of his stellar band it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever had to pleasure of attending.” ~ Robin Barrett
Sugaray is nominated for four 2016 Blues Music Awards; Best Contemporary Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues Male Artist, Best Song, and The B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year Award.
Artists performing at this year’s Festival include:

SUGARAY RAYFORD
RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS
THE 44s
ROBIN BARRETT & COYOTE KINGS w/TIPH DAMES
BEN HUNTER & JOE SEAMONS
AYRON JONES & THE WAY
BIG MONTI & RAE GORDON
RANDY OXFORD’S ALL-STAR SLAM
CHARLIE BUTTS & THE FILTER TIPS
THE STACY JONES BAND
BILLY STOOPS & THE DIRT ANGELS
THE SARA BROWN BAND
THE WASTELAND KINGS
TREVALYAN BLUE
VAUGHN JENSEN
TUCK FOSTER
SHANKS PONY
PAPPA FRITA & THE HOT MUSTARD
GARY WINSTON & THE REAL DEAL
THE BARN DWELLERS
IGUANA HAT
WINSTON/HEMENWAY
RAE GORDON

Click here for the 2016 WWFGF MUSIC SCHEDULE
Venues include Gesa Power House Theatre, Sapolil Cellars, The Marcus Whitman, The Elks, The VFW, The Eagles, and the Large Tent, with more artists and venues to be added.
Five local motels are offering discounted rates, ranging from luxury ($150 per night) to budget ($60 per night), for WWGF patrons.
A variety of ticket packages are available from the Sugaray concert only ($30) to a full-festival pass ($105). Tickets are available at wallawallaguitarfestival.com.
Feast Walla Walla and Walla Walla Guitar festival have teamed up for the weekend. Go to www.downtownwallawalla.com for all the details.

Wanderlust Circus Cabaret
2016-04-06 19:00 - 20:30
Leave the kids at home for an evening of circus entertainers, live music and more, at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. This show is suggested for 18 and older.
Wanderlust Circus is the premiere (animal-free) circus operation in Portland, OR. Helmed by Noah Mickens and Nick “The Creature” Harbar, Wanderlust Circus draws from a roster of performers, designers and technicians from some of the greatest shows on earth.
Starring:
TEAM RAD – acrobats
TERA ZARRA – singing strongwoman
INDIGO SKY – hooper and aerialist
JOSIAH AKOYA – cyr wheel
MISTER CREATURE – chief contraptionist
and WILLIAM BATTY HIMSELF
Part circus, part Bohemian vaudeville, part ribald humor.
Reserved seating tickets ($30) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Wanderlust Circus Family Night
2016-04-05 18:30 - 19:30
Bring the whole family to enjoy an evening of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, live orchestra and more, at the Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Wanderlust Circus is Portland’s largest collective of performers who join together to put on breathtaking shows involving an ever-evolving group of entertainers, from aerialists to stilt walkers and everything in between.
Reserved seating tickets ($10 Adults, $7 Youth) will be available to the public on March 3.
The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series is presented by Walla Walla Valley Honda and Gesa Credit Union.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Little Watts Children’s Series of Family Entertainment is presented by:
Walla Walla Valley Honda & Gesa Credit Union

Madeleine Peyroux
2016-03-29 19:00
Madeleine Peyroux will perform at Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Madeleine Peyroux is a jazz singer, songwriter, and guitarist, noted for her vocal style, which has often been compared to that of Billie Holiday.
American-born and of French descent, she got her start as a teenager performing with street musicians in Paris, where she was living with her mother at the time. In her early twenties, she was discovered by an American producer and released her first album Dreamland in 1996.
Peyroux has opened for Sarah McLachlan, collaborated with k.d. lang, and was awarded Best International Jazz Artist at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards. Her songs have appeared in national television ad for Dockers and Old Navy, during the closing credits of an episode of HBO’s Deadwood, and on the soundtracks to films, such as Last Holiday and Diplomacy.
Watch an 2014 interview featured on CBS Sunday Morning.
Reserved seating tickets ($43) went on on sale to the general public on February 15 and quickly sold out. (Ms. Peyroux will donate $1 for every ticket purchased to YWCA Walla Walla.) If you would like to be a the Wait List for tickets, contact the box office at 509-529-6500.
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Want to receive early notice and access to ticket sales? Become a Gesa Power House Theatre Member (highest priority) or sign up for our e-mail list!

The 2016 Gesa Power House Theatre Season is presented by:
Waterbrook Winery, Browne Family Vineyards, Canoe Ridge Vineyard
Additional support provided by:
KVEWTV
Courtyard Marriott, Inland Cellular, Pacific Power, Wingman Birdz & Brewz
Baker Boyer

Easter Service: "Life Outside the Tomb"
2016-03-27 10:00 - 12:00
Mission Church presents “Life Outside the Tomb” – an Easter program at Gesa Power House Theatre on Sunday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m.
Childcare provided through age 4. Kids 5 and up are invited to join the grown-ups in the service. Don’t worry, super fun & awesome activity packets will be provided.
For more information visit www.missionchurchww.org.

3rd Annual Tutus & Tapas
2016-03-26 18:00 - 21:00
“An Invitation to the Ballet” is the theme for this year’s annual Tutus & Tapas gala evening – a fundraiser for Danza Classica Ballet Foundation.
Festivities begin at 6:00PM with tasty tapas and regional small bites, local wines, and music by Ed Dixon, WW symphony cellist. Guests can peruse the silent auction table, wine wall, and “Take a Chance Tutus!” Then at 7:00PM returning emcee Thomas Beebe will introduce exciting live auction items between seven ballet pieces performed by the Danza Classica Ballet Company. The dances will showcase classical and modern ballet technique with original choreography by Idalee Hutson-Fish. Auction items include wines from Cayuse Vineyards and Leonetti Cellars, a winery dinner for 6 at Amavi Cellars, “Tutus & Tools” (four dads for 4 hours of labor for a Saturday project), and a canvas print of the Tarzan Dan photograph used for the event poster.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for students and are available through Gesa Power House Theatre and from Ballet Company members. All proceeds benefit the Danza Classica Ballet Foundation whose mission it is to foster and advance the art of ballet in the WW Valley.
*join the Facebook event*
For more information, contact Cheryl Heller at 509-526-9720.
Photo Credit: Tarzan Dan TDFoto.ca

Also on Saturday, March 26, at Gesa Power House Theatre:

BALLET IMMERSION CLASSES (for children ages 4-7)
2:30-3:30PM – Magical Ballerinas is intended for students ages 4 & 5 and will focus on fun ballet stretches and basic ballet technique with a fairy tale theme.
3:30-4:30PM – Ballet Classica is intended for students ages 6 & 7 and will focus on more complex ballet technique with a traditional ballet theme.
Tuition is $25 per child and all participants will take home a complimentary tutu or cape. Proceeds benefit Danza Classica Ballet Foundation. Call 509-525-0815 to reserve your space!
