Arts Briefs | October 17 edition | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Learn from Steffon Moody and Ray Pfortner, and catch dazzling concerts at VCA.

Authoritarianism Rising

In part three of a five-part speaker series, Dr. Larry Hubbell will examine the complex and pressing issue of authoritarianism in the United States. The talk, “The Apostles,” will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Each talk in Hubbell’s series explores different aspects of authoritarianism. Find out more and get tickets at openspacevashon.com.

Steffon Moody art talk

Vashon Center for the Arts presents Steffon Moody, “Learning to Paint Under Pressure While Growing Up Backstage,” at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. In this free talk, Moody will unpack his experience as a scenic artist at The Muny Opera in St. Louis from the ages of 16-24, with a crew of artists who shaped his approach to art and life.

Steffon’s solo show, “Iconic Vashon,” is currently showing in the gallery and includes 30+ oil paintings of iconic Vashon locations and buildings, in addition to his 28’ mural “Cravens.”

Photography classes

The Vashon Library will host island photographer Ray Pfortner for a three-part series of photography classes this fall.

The classes run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 and Nov. 2 and 16. They are open to all skill levels and anyone age 13 or older. Registration is not required.

The classes are at no cost, but you should bring your own camera. Any digital camera works — including phone cameras. Participants will have an opportunity to share their art at an exhibit at the Vashon Library beginning Friday, Dec. 6. The show will stay up in the library for viewing for one week.

Participants will learn elements of basic photographic composition to create compelling photographs. Session one explores the principles of composition, and applying them for an assignment that will be shared in sessions two and three for feedback.

Chamber Orchestra

Vashon Maury Chamber Orchestra presents its fall concert, “Baroque Spooktacular,” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Soloist and guest artist Mike Woolf will play the Sammartini Recorder concerto in F Major, and VMCO musicians will perform Woolf’s new composition “Bright and Stormy Night.”

Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Multi-guitarist Luca Stricagnoli

With music videos exceeding 100 million views, Luca Stricagnoli is an acoustic guitarist with a truly unique style — experimenting with the musical form by, for instance, using up to five guitars in the same piece. His latest invention, a custom triple-neck guitar, has been used in performances featured in magazines, and Luca has played in more than 20 countries and in front of audiences of up to 12,000 people. He’ll play at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at Vashon Center for The Arts.

Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Nobuntu

Nobuntu, the female a cappella quartet from Zimbabwe, has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel. The ensemble’s vocal concerts are augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements. Nobuntu performs at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4 at VCA.

Find out more and get tickets at vashoncenterforthearts.org.

Pete Droge at Triple Door

Islander and alt-rock music icon Pete Droge, joined by his longtime partner in life and music, Elaine Summers, will play a show at The Triple Door, in downtown Seattle, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. The concert is a Debra Heesch Production.

The show is all but certain to sell out, so get tickets soon at tripledoor.com.

Steffon Moody paints for an audience in Burton. (Ed Holmes photo)