Things you won’t be seeing in this week’s On magazine include a story about the national tour of “Dreamgirls” opening on New Year’s Eve at the Capitol Theatre and a section for 10 Days Out briefs.
The former was supposed to happen, but rehearsal schedules and holiday deadlines conspired to keep me from getting an interview with any cast members. The latter omission is the result of an accelerated holiday deadline and a bit of miscommunication. Fortunately, I have this blog to help correct that. And I even folded a bit on “Dreamgirls” into the 10 Days Out briefs. You can read all of them below (keeping in mind that the 10 days in question start Thursday).
Friday, Dec. 28 * The Yakima Sports Center, for years the go-to venue for local musicians as well as regional buzz bands, stopped hosting live music almost entirely earlier this year. But things are changing under new ownership, and live music returned to the Sports Center stage this month. Now, it’s a three-band metal bill headlined by local rockers Chokeout. Another Yakima Band, Desert Valley Stranglehold joins them, as do The Ancients from Ellensburg. The free show starts at 9 p.m. For information visit www.facebook.com/getcentered or www.reverbnation.com/chokeout or call 509-453-4647.
* Tyrannosaurus Grace, the Ellensburg rock band with the singer who looks and sounds like Debbie Harry (which I mean as a compliment, a big one), play pretty frequently around Central Washington. And the thing about that is, it’s easy to take them for granted. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they moved on to Seattle or Portland or somewhere bigger in the next couple of years; they’re certainly good enough. So appreciate these guys now, starting with their 9:30 p.m. show at The Brick Saloon, 100 W. Pennsylvania Ave. in Roslyn. It’s a bit of a hike from down here in Yakima, so maybe stay the night and catch On magazine favorites Brent Amaker and the Rodeo at The Brick the next night. Both shows are free. For information visit www.reverbnation.com/tyrannosaurusgrace or www.bricksaloon.com or call 509-649-2643.
Monday, Dec. 31
* Dreamgirls, the Broadway musical inspired by classic Motown girl groups and adapted into a hit 2006 film, sounds like a fine way to close out 2012 or ring in 2013 (depending on whether you see it Monday or Tuesday). The show, a standard making-it-in-showbiz narrative, is buoyed by songs such as “I am Changing” and “One Night Only.” And this production, which is billed as glitzy and high-tech, includes lighting design by Tony winner Ken Billington. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets, $16 to $71, are available at www.capitoltheatre.org or 509-853-2787.
* So maybe you’re just getting started as a painter. Or maybe you’ve got a basement full of canvasses you’ve never gotten up the nerve to do anything with. You may have a place in Allied Arts of Yakima’s “Emerging Artists Exhibition” opening Jan. 12. The deadline to submit your work is Monday. And it doesn’t have to be painting, either; it can be sculpture, photography, collage, fiber, whatever. Submission fees are $15 or $10 for Allied Arts members. For information visit www.alliedartsyakima.org or call 509-966-0930.
* Worlds collide on New Year’s Eve as the best musical act to come out of Ellensburg the past few years, Star Anna (now of Seattle), shares a bill with my current favorite Ellensburg band, Tyrannosaurus Grace. As if that weren’t enough, The Ancients and Kyle Bain will also play. That’s four first-rate performances for $10. That means you ought to have plenty of money left for buying beer. It’s a New Year’s miracle. The show is at Pounders, 317 N. Main St. in Ellensburg. The show starts at 7 p.m. For information visit www.staranna.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/302142.
* If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with dance, the Harman Center is the place to be. USA Dance of Yakima will host “Some Enchanted Evening” from 8:30 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. It’s pretty much a prom for people who aren’t in high school. There will be a DJ and a photographer as well as a free coffee and dessert. There will also be a no-host bar with beer, wine and liquor – so it may be even better than the prom, actually. Admission is $15. For information visit USA Dance Yakima on Facebook.
Friday, Jan. 4
* Comedians Susan Jones and Bahiyyih Mudd both do that whole big, brassy lady thing, so it’s natural that they’d team up and share a bill. And they’re also both angry moms, so it’s fitting that the show is called “Angry Moms of Comedy.” Jones, the Tacoma-bred headliner, has been doing standup for two decades throughout the Northwest and beyond. Mudd, a Yakima native, got her start at the dearly departed Carmen’s Comedy Club in Selah. They’ll be at The Pastime Bar, 125 E. Naches Ave in Selah, at 7 p.m. And if you miss them, they’ll be back at the same time Jan. 5. For information visit www.wannarollafatty.com or www.selahpastime.com or call 509-697-8303.
• Pat Muir can be reached at 509-577-7693 or pmuir@yakimaherald.com.