Gesa Power House Theatre presents Okaidja Afroso in concert on Friday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Okaidja is an Afropop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His unique artistic vision has led him to combine his native rhythms with unforeseen pairings of musical flavors. His sound is a spicy fusion of Ghanaian music with diverse cross-cultural influences. Although most of Okaidja's hypnotic arrangements are sung in his native language, the meaning shines through. His calling and life purpose is to bring us all together so that we can laugh and grieve and dance and forge forward together, in community.

Okaidja tells the stories of his people and follows their journey throughout the disparate lands where they were scattered. Okaidja brings together the deep understanding of his own musical transitions and the inspiration of Africa throughout Latin America. The music Okaidja creates is the music of the human experience. It is joyous, tragic, and uplifting. It embodies the vast perfect/imperfect human story. His soulful vocals and exultant dance movements connect with the audience in the most profound way.

Okaidja was born into a family of musicians and storytellers in the village of Kokrobite on the west coast of Ghana. He began his career as a dancer with the celebrated Ghana Dance Ensemble. As he toured internationally, Okaidja expanded his artistic reach, becoming a master multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and arranger.

Reserved seating tickets ($30-$25 Adults; $20 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Event Exclusive: Actor and winemaker Kyle MacLachlan will be in the lobby before the show talking about his Pursued By Bear wines - which we will be pouring!

In their 2017-2018 finale concert, The Walla Walla Choral Society - following two sold-out shows conducted by new Artistic Director Gary Hemenway - presents a "Light, Life & Home" concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Monday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m.

This concert presents a collection of songs that are rooted in musical and lyrical motifs that speak of endearing and foundational parts of our lives. “Light, Life & Home” will feature the poignant photography of local photographer Mark Van Donge. The Choral Society will be joined by The Crimson & Black Choir from McLaughlin High School in Milton-Freewater, under the direction of Melissa Cunnington. This last performance for the season is a true celebration of the many reasons we are grateful to live in the Walla Walla Valley!

Reserved seating tickets ($17 adults; $12 youth 17 and under) are available online or by calling the Gesa Power House Theatre box office at 509-529-6500. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

The Walla Walla Choral Society, a non-profit volunteer organization, promotes and performs accessible quality choral music for the Walla Walla Valley and collaborates with other artistic groups, enriching the community’s cultural life.

The Seattle Rock Orchestra (SRO) returns to Gesa Power House Theatre with a concert titled "Beatles: Number Ones" on Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Taking inspiration from the popular Beatles compilation album “1,” SRO celebrates the band's broad swath of No. 1 hits that reigned on both the U.K. and U.S.charts, along with their charming B-Side companions (many of which are hits in their own right). Featuring the songs "Can't Buy Me Love," "Eight Days A Week," "Yesterday," Penny Lane," "Hey Jude," "Something," "Let It Be," and many more.

Seattle Rock Orchestra doesn't hide behind a rock band ... it is the rock band! SRO utilizes strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and rotating cast of exciting guest vocalists to deliver tribute shows unlike any other. Each SRO show juxtaposes a dynamic plethora of possibilities: the infectious energy of a dance party with a classy night out at the symphony; searing rock solos with intimate orchestral moments of staggering beauty; fan favorite sing-alongs with lesser known 'deep cuts,' all combining to create a fun yet profoundly moving night out that honors the featured artist's lasting legacy.

SRO was founded in 2008 by bassist and composer Scott Teske. In the years since, SRO has racked up an impressive resume that includes collaborations with the likes of Elvis Costello, Macklemore, DeVotchKa, Jeremy Enigk, Damien Jurado, D.R.A.M, Jesse Sykes, Rosie Thomas, Allen Stone, Jason Webley, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and members of Big Star, The Posies, R.E.M., Harvey Danger, The Long Winters, Vendetta Red, Nada Surf & Pearl Jam), on stages across Washington State, including Seattle's Paramount, Moore & Neptune Theatres, Sasquatch Music Festival, Summer Meltdown Festival, and Timber Outdoor Music Festival.

Reserved seating tickets ($50-$40) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Local singer, songwriter, and producer Carson Schmidt will be live in concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature performances from his recent studio albums: "Watching Heaven Burn," "Identity," "Blindside," and more.

The concert will also feature guest vocalist Riley Hardy and guest cellist Sophie Naden-Johns.

Reserved seating tickets ($15 Adults; $10 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. 

Kick off Pride Month in Walla Walla with a party at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 7:00 p.m. The fun begins with the screening of the new film "Saturday Church", followed by a drag show hosted by Chardonnay and a few of her friends, and finally a dance party with music by DJ Lotek.

"Saturday Church" is a musical film written and directed by Damon Cardasis. It tells the story of 14-year-old Ulysses, who finds himself simultaneously coping with the loss of his father and adjusting to his new responsibilities as man of the house alongside his mother, younger brother, and conservative aunt. While growing into his new role, the shy and effeminate Ulysses is also dealing with questions about his gender identity. He finds an escape by creating a world of fantasy for himself, filled with glimpses of beauty, dance and music. Ulysses’ journey takes a turn when he encounters a vibrant transgender community, who take him to “Saturday Church,’ a program for LGBTQ youth. For weeks Ulysses manages to keep his two worlds apart; appeasing his Aunt’s desire to see him involved in her Church, while spending time with his new friends, finding out who he truly is and discovering his passion for the NYC ball scene and voguing. When maintaining a double life grows more difficult, Ulysses must find the courage to reveal what he has learned about himself while his fantasies begin to merge with his reality.

"Saturday Church" received numerous awards at film festivals and was released in January. It has a runtime of about 90 minutes.

The fun continues with a 60-minute drag show hosted by Chardonnay and a few of her Walla Walla friends (Anita Mann, Toxic, Savarrah P. Glam). Chardonnay is a sassy drag queen with a big heart filled with love and laughs. She got her start here in Walla Walla in 2014 and is now the drag mother of the "Haus of Tannins." Chardonnay is a frequent performer around the Pacific Northwest and in Walla Walla.

The party continues with dancing to fun music by DJ Lotek. One low ticket price covers admission for the entire evening. All entertainment will be appropriate for ages 14 and up. The event ends at approximately 11:00 p.m.

General admission tickets ($15) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer, wine, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Gesa Power House Theatre presents the new documentary film RBG on Friday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

At the age of 85, US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. But without a definitive biography, the unique personal journey of her rise to the nation's highest court has been largely unknown, even to some of her biggest fans – until now. RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg's exceptional life and career. 

Beer, wine, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. 

This film has a runtime of 97 minutes. From Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films.

Reserved seating tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Adult tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Student tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Gesa Power House Theatre presents Magician Kevin Allen on Saturday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Magician Kevin Allen caught the magic bug at age eight, was performing publicly at age 14, and now works full time as a magician, comedian, and entertainer. Kevin's act is family-friendly, but this show is geared towards the adults in the audience. He also appears as "Presto the Magician" with a shorter, kid-friendly show on Sunday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m.

"A real treat"
-East Portland News

Reserved seating tickets ($25) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Each June, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival presents over 30 events around the Walla Walla Valley. The first Festival Series Concert will take place at Gesa Power House Theatre on Tuesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight we feature a World Premiere by composer Texu Kim, plus music of Beethoven and Clara Schumann with the Volta Piano Trio.

To kick off the 2018 Festival Series, WWCMF welcomes longtime friends, the Volta Piano Trio to perform the masterpiece by composer and pianist Clara Schumann, the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 17. It is often said that Clara Schumann took a backseat to her more famous husband, Robert. However, this is incorrect on two counts. First, Clara was known as a virtuoso pianist of the highest order throughout Europe, her fame exceeding that of her hubby during her 60-plus-year performing career. Second, you can’t take a backseat when you are the one driving the bus!

Also on the program is the world premiere of a duo for violin and cello by the composer Texu Kim and the Quartet in D Major, Op. 18, No. 3 by Beethoven. It is a concert of firsts…

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

General Admission: $20; Family Ticket: $45 (admits two adults and up to four children); Student Ticket: $8 (under 22 with valid student ID). For more information and tickets, visit www.wwcmf.org.

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.

Gesa Power House Theatre presents the new documentary film RBG on Friday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

At the age of 85, US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. But without a definitive biography, the unique personal journey of her rise to the nation's highest court has been largely unknown, even to some of her biggest fans – until now. RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg's exceptional life and career. 

Beer, wine, popcorn, and snacks will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. 

This film has a runtime of 97 minutes. From Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films.

Reserved seating tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Adult tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Student tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Each June, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival presents over 30 events around the Walla Walla Valley. The second Festival Series Concert will take place at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight we feature music of Robert Schumann, György Kurtág, Josh Burrel and Andrew Norman.

Our second Festival Series performance invites the clarinet to the fore with works old and new. Robert Schumann, ever given to flights of fantasy, composed his Märchenerzählungen, Op.132 near the end of his compositional life. Loosely translated as “Fairy Tales,” this work for piano, viola and clarinet does not tell any specific fairy tale but rather evokes certain tropes such as sparkling elven mischief, regal pomp and the lyricism of loneliness. György Kurtág provides modernist counterpoint to Schumann’s foray into the magical with his Hommage à Robert Schumann for the same instrumentation. Also on the program are works by 21st-century composers Josh Burrel and Andrew Norman. Burrel, in his Andooni for clarinet quintet, mourns the Armenian genocide of 1915-1923 and Norman, in his Gran Turismo for eight violins, imagines an Italian baroque ensemble revving its engines at the speed of an F1 race car. Though each piece inhabits its own unique sphere, each work shares an essential component of storytelling that looks both to the past and the future.

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

General Admission: $20; Family Ticket: $45 (admits two adults and up to four children); Student Ticket: $8 (under 22 with valid student ID). For more information and tickets, visit www.wwcmf.org.

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.

Gesa Power House Theatre presents a screening of the new documentary film McKellen: Playing the Part on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.

★★★★ “An intimate, enthralling look at the life of a legend.”
– Time Out

Constructed from 14-hours of interviews, McKellen: Playing the Part uncovers the remarkable story of actor Sir Ian McKellen. From his upbringing living through the Second World War, working through repertory and West End theater becoming a pioneering stage star, coming out and being a leader in the campaign for equality, to his mainstream film breakouts as Magneto and Gandalf. His work and influence transcends generations, celebrated here in this fully authorized insight.

McKellen: Playing the Part features unprecedented access to private photo albums, a wealth of never-before-seen archive material, including diaries written when he was 12, and exclusive behind the scenes of theater shows and films, alongside his personal thoughts on a life long lived.

This film has a runtime of 96 minutes. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer, wine, and popcorn will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Reserved seating tickets ($15 Adults; $10 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. 

Each June, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival presents over 30 events around the Walla Walla Valley. The third Festival Series Concert will take place at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight we feature music by Amy Beach, Joan Tower, Marion Bauer and Gustav Mahler.

Gustav Mahler is known as the composer of ten-ish unwieldy Symphonies, numerous song cycles, and as one of the most polarizing musical figures of the late 19th century. Noticeably absent from his compositional output are any substantive chamber works. There is one exception, however, that of a single movement for piano quartet in A minor. We pair Mahler’s single movement with music by three American composers, Amy Beach, Marion Bauer and Joan Tower.

Originally hailing from Walla Walla (woo-hoo!), Marion Bauer made her mark in New York City as a composer, author and professor, influencing such luminaries as Aaron Copland and Milton Babbitt. She was also the first in a long line of Americans to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Her three-movement Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 22, is required listening for any self-respecting music-loving resident or visitor to the Walla Walla Valley.

Rounding out the program are two works for flute and string quartet, the Theme and Variations, Op. 80, by Amy Beach and Rising, by Joan Tower (2009).

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

General Admission: $20; Family Ticket: $45 (admits two adults and up to four children); Student Ticket: $8 (under 22 with valid student ID). For more information and tickets, visit www.wwcmf.org.

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.

Each June, the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival presents over 30 events around the Walla Walla Valley. The fourth Festival Series Concert will take place at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight we feature Clara Schumann’s Three Romances for violin and piano, the Popper Requiem in F Sharp minor, Op. 66 for 3 cellos and the Brahms B Flat Sextet, Op. 18.

Festival Series IV brings the 2018 Season to a close with works by Clara Schumann, David Popper and Johannes Brahms. The Popper Requiem in F Sharp minor, Op. 66, is not a vocal work. However, it capitalizes on the vocal qualities of three cellos in perfect harmony. Balancing the valedictory gravitas of the Popper are the Three Romances of Clara Schumann and the B Flat Sextet, Op. 18 of Johannes Brahms. If the Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115, represents Autumn, then surely the B Flat Sextet represents Spring. Additional work, TBD. Celebrate the conclusion of the 2018 season in grand melodic style.

Doors open at 6:30 PM.

General Admission: $20; Family Ticket: $45 (admits two adults and up to four children); Student Ticket: $8 (under 22 with valid student ID). For more information and tickets, visit www.wwcmf.org.

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.

Following its successful launch in 2017, the Walla Walla Movie Crush returns to the Gesa Power House Theatre July 6-8, 2018 for the second annual celebration of the best of American short cinema.

This year’s festival will screen 129 films (click here for the complete lineup), including 15 World Premieres, over the course of 3 days, plus will include a new art film installation and a revamped Awards Ceremony on Sunday night.

Short films will be shown in one-hour, themed blocks:

Friday, July 6 - 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 7 - noon-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 8 - noon-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Content advisory: all content is unrated and may not be suitable for younger viewers.

The Walla Walla Movie Crush receives support from The City of Walla Walla, Washington FilmWorks, and Gesa Power House Theatre. Proceeds from the Walla Walla Movie Crush benefit The Red Badge Project.

Tickets to the 2nd Annual Walla Walla Movie Crush are available at: www.wallawallamoviecrush.com.

Gesa Power House Theatre presents Good Co - an electro swing band - in concert on Friday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Six-piece band Good Co is the United States' first live Electro Swing Band. Electro Swing combines the era of illicit booze, jitterbugging flappers, and underground speakeasies with the funky beats and the electric sound of today's dance music - pounding dance beats and gypsy jazz guitar riffs. Samples from the past are turned on their heads along with a live horn section creating the best sounding dance party this side of the 1920s. At Good Co performances, beatboxing harmonica jams, onstage dance parties, and crowd sing-alongs may spontaneously break out.

Reserved seating tickets (Adults $35-$30; $20 Students) are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. For group ticket sales, please call 509-876-1662. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and may be taken into the theater.

Walla Walla Valley Disability Network presents a screening of the recent documentary film "I'll Push You" on Saturday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre. The stars of the film, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, will be in attendance.

"I’ll Push You" is a feature-length documentary about the struggles during a 35-day, 500-mile wheelchair journey across mountains, deserts, hills, and valleys and features perspectives from family and friends of Justin and Patrick.

Kate & The Crocodiles will perform a concert at Gesa Power House Theatre on Saturday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit The Health Center.  Kate & The Crocodiles are a Portland-based quartet who perform stunning indie rock originals and covers, early jazz and jazz standards, reinventions of ‘70s and ’80s rock as ballads,…

There is only one classic Batman and his name is Adam West. Growing up on a wheat ranch just outside of town, Adam West was always proud of his beginnings in Walla Walla. Come celebrate the legacy of our hometown hero with a FREE screening of the critically-acclaimed documentary "Starring Adam West" at 6:30 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre. This free film screening is part of the 2nd Annual Adam West Day celebration.

At age 19, Kevin Hines attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Seventeen years later, he still struggles with many of the same symptoms that led him to attempt to take his life, but he is on a mission to use his story to help others stay alive. Kevin has also been one of the key catalysts in helping end a nearly 80-year long fight to construct suicide prevention net on the iconic San Francisco bridge. In this documentary film, Kevin takes a journey to better understand the ripple effects his suicide attempt had on his family, friends, and the first responders who helped save him.

Every Brilliant Thing is a one-actor play, adapted by playwright Duncan McMillan from his own short story “Sleeve Notes”. British comedian Jonny Donahue, who originated the role, shares in the writing credit. The play’s title refers to a list – of everything wonderful in the world – that the narrator writes in response to his mother attempting suicide. He starts the list at age seven with items like "ice cream" and "staying up past your bedtime," and as the narrator grows older, the list grows longer. Kevin Loomer reprises this role which he performed on the Gesa Power House Theatre stage last September.

About 40 years ago, a mysterious acoustic guitarist appeared from nowhere, conquered the music industry, and vanished without a trace… until now. Master storyteller Chase Padgett becomes a manager, a mother, a mentor, and the guitar prodigy himself as each one tells their side of the rise, demise, and resurrection of the best damn guitar player you’ve never heard of: the Nashville Hurricane.

During the course of this one man masterpiece the audience learns about Henry Waltrip (the Nashville Hurricane) from his humble trailer park beginnings with his mother, Brenda, to crazy gigs on the road with his blues-playing mentor, Tyrone. The stories and songs unfold into hilarious rants on love and music, a riveting tale involving the dark side of show biz, and blazing guitar work leading up to the finale: a one-man acoustic rendition of "Devil Went Down to Georgia."

Every Brilliant Thing is a one-actor play, adapted by playwright Duncan McMillan from his own short story “Sleeve Notes”. British comedian Jonny Donahue, who originated the role, shares in the writing credit. The play’s title refers to a list – of everything wonderful in the world – that the narrator writes in response to his mother attempting suicide. He starts the list at age seven with items like "ice cream" and "staying up past your bedtime," and as the narrator grows older, the list grows longer. Kevin Loomer reprises this role which he performed on the Gesa Power House Theatre stage last September.

"Love, Gilda" opens a unique window into the honest and whimsical world of beloved performer Gilda Radner, whose greatest role was sharing her story. Working with the Radner estate, D’Apolito unearthed a collection of diaries and personal audio and videotapes documenting her childhood, her comedy career, her relationships and ultimately, her struggles with cancer. These never-before-seen-or-heard footage and journal entries form the narrative spine of the documentary, allowing Gilda to tell her own story – through laughter and sometimes tears.

Since its formation in Portland in 2006, Pigs on the Wing has steadily developed a reputation for delivering a high quality, high energy take on Pink Floyd's music. All of the members of the band are seasoned veterans of the original rock scene and balance a decidedly un-tribute like attitude towards the music with a deep understanding of the precision and importance of Pink Floyd in many fans' lives. The result is a sound and experience both refreshing in delivery and yet true to the original – something the band believes sets it apart from other Pink Floyd tributes.

This time around – expect two full sets of Pink Floyd music – the first a loosely chronological retrospective of Pink Floyd's work before becoming a household name; and the second a full performance of what many would argue is among rock music's finest works from cover to cover, "The Dark Side of the Moon."