Dance
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Frolic at the Fairy Festival
Posted By Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on Sat, Jun 3, 2023 at 6:00 AM
Flitter through the glitter and land at the Arcata Plaza on Sunday, June 4 from noon to 10 p.m. for the Fairy Festival (free). Sprites of all ages can wind around a May pole, hear stories, dance to live music and DJ sets, delight at the fire show and aerial and dance performances. There’ll be art installations, juggling, magic, bubbles, food, drink (bring a cup!) and vendors. We’re not sure what a gnome dome is, but you’ll find one among the lounges and the Humboldt LARP boffer ring. Wear your best wings for the costume contest (there’s a Star Wars crossover option, too, in honor of the Forest Moon Festival) and the dragon-led procession. (Sorry, no dogs, just dragons.)
Friday, May 26, 2023
Crowned Royal
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Fri, May 26, 2023 at 12:11 PM
Who you rutin’ for? It’s time to crown the next Kinetic Rutabaga Queen, the royalty that reigns over the Kinetic Grand Championship Race, and you decide who’ll wear the crown at the Rutabaga Ball, happening Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. at Synapsis ($15). It’s an evening of outrageous fun with food, music and a three-round pageant (representing the three days of the race) that determines who will be the new Rutabaga Queen. Competition is fierce and bribery is blatant (and encouraged). Show up and support your queens!
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Miss Indian World Tori McConnell's Song of Gratitude
Posted By Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on Sun, May 7, 2023 at 6:58 PM
On April 29, 23-year-old Tori McConnell of the Yurok Tribe and Karuk heritage, won the beaded crown of Miss Indian World 2023 at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born and raised in Eureka, McConnell studied neurobiology at University of California at Davis before switching to a Native American studies major and going to work for the Yurok Tribe. Not since Brooke Grant from Hoopa Valley Tribe took the crown in 2009 has someone from our neck of the redwoods held the title, and McConnell is the first ever winner from the Yurok Tribe.
“First and foremost,” McConnell says she wants to thank “my parents, my tribe and my amazing community.”
As Miss Indian World, McConnell, who has previously worked in the tribe’s food sovereignty division and now works with artist Julian Lang in its master apprentice language acquisition program run by the Advocates for Indigenous Californian Language Survival, may travel around the country and overseas to connect with other Indigenous communities. “I will serve as a cultural goodwill ambassador for all of Indian Country and Indigenous community worldwide,” she says. Her goodwill and spirit of cooperation already won her the additional title of Miss Congeniality. “That the majority of my fellow sisters voted for me that really touched my heart.”
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Photos: Dragging Through Time at CR
Posted By Jennifer Fumiko Cahill on Thu, May 4, 2023 at 4:48 PM
After concerns over safety canceled Lost Coast Pride's family-friendly drag fundraiser, the nonprofit switched up plans to put on an adults-only show at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre. The original family-friendly show finally took place at College of the Redwoods Saturday, April 29, before a packed audience of children of all ages. (See the slideshow by Journal staff writer Ollie Hancock below for highlights.)
Out front, where CR President Keith Flamer was awaiting the show and the arrival of his grandchildren, there were food trucks, vendors and information tables, with a campus security vehicle and staff at the entrance to the lot.
"We're in a bubble," promised performer and emcee Tucker Noir, dressed as an elf princess with a purple gown and pointed ears. In fairy godmother tones punctuated by giggles, she assured the audience the anti-drag noise was outside the bubble of the auditorium. Noir thanked CR for offering the space and for helping make the event educational. "Some of you right here in this room might not feel good about drag," she said. "And I want to say I'm glad you're here and I love you. ... We just want kids to be safe and happy."
Out front, where CR President Keith Flamer was awaiting the show and the arrival of his grandchildren, there were food trucks, vendors and information tables, with a campus security vehicle and staff at the entrance to the lot.
"We're in a bubble," promised performer and emcee Tucker Noir, dressed as an elf princess with a purple gown and pointed ears. In fairy godmother tones punctuated by giggles, she assured the audience the anti-drag noise was outside the bubble of the auditorium. Noir thanked CR for offering the space and for helping make the event educational. "Some of you right here in this room might not feel good about drag," she said. "And I want to say I'm glad you're here and I love you. ... We just want kids to be safe and happy."
Year of the Rabbit Celebration this Saturday
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Thu, May 4, 2023 at 6:00 AM
While you’re out enjoying Arts Alive this weekend, be sure to hop over to the Eureka Chinatown Lunar New Year of the Rabbit Celebration, Saturday, May 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Clarke Plaza (free). The celebration is a street festival with performances by Lion Dancers, Humboldt Taiko drumming and more. And on Sunday, May 7, enjoy Chinese and Japanese dishes and a silent auction at A Monument-al Luncheon & Auction at Bayfront Restaurant from noon to 3 p.m. ($100). Funds raised from this savory soiree will help build the Eureka Chinatown Monument at First and E streets. Find out more about these two events at hapihumboldt.org.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Dance Visions at Cal Poly Humboldt
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Thu, Apr 13, 2023 at 6:00 AM
The Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Dance, Music and Theatre's annual spring dance concert Dance Visions, takes the stage on Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Duzer Theatre ($10, $5 child, free for CPH students w/ID). Get ready for a dazzling array of dancers performing a multitude of dance styles from ballet to Middle Eastern. Don’t miss this showcase of movement that includes jazz, contemporary, hip hop and tap, too.
Thursday, April 6, 2023
CA Indian Big Time & Social Gathering at Cal Poly Humboldt
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Thu, Apr 6, 2023 at 6:00 AM
The CA Indian Big Time & Social Gathering, happening Saturday, April 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the West Gym at Cal Poly Humboldt is a free event where the public has a rare opportunity to see aspects of the diverse and rich cultures of California's first peoples. At the event, Indigenous people gather to share and perform songs, games, arts and crafts. Find out more information at itepp.humboldt.edu/california-indian-big-time-social-gathering.
Friday, March 31, 2023
Croatian Weekend with John Morovich
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Fri, Mar 31, 2023 at 6:00 AM
The Humboldt Folk Dancers invite the public to a Croatian Weekend with John Morovich, an instructor and performer from Seattle, who will be teaching traditional music and dance workshops for everyone, at all levels, with and without dance partners. The weekend’s event kicks off with a Welcome Potluck and Introduction at 6 p.m. at Mad River Grange on Friday, March 31, followed by Singing and Instrumental Workshops on Saturday, April 1, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Synapsis ($10-$15 sliding, no one turned away) and an evening Singalong and Dance Party with Morovich, Chubritza and the Humboldt Bay Balkan meet-up group starting at 7 p.m. at Synapsis ($15-$25 sliding scale, none turned away). On Sunday, April 2, join Morovich at Redwood Raks for a Croatian Dance Class from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ($10-$15 sliding, no one turned away). For more on this special event, call (707) 496-6734 or visit humboldtfolkdancers.org/schedule.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Dance to the Latin Peppers Tonight
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Sat, Feb 25, 2023 at 6:33 AM
Shake, shake, shake, Señora! The Arcata Playhouse presents another night of high energy dance music for your weekend pleasure — this time courtesy of the Latin Peppers on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. ($15). Enjoy drinks from the bar then get moving on the dance floor as the Peppers heat things up with salsa and Latin dance music with an Afro-Cuban feel. Don’t forget there’s also fresh baked cookies and popcorn to replenish your energy the whole night through.
Friday, February 17, 2023
Music Tonight: Friday, Feb. 17
Posted By Collin Yeo on Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 4:00 AM
Whomp Productions is celebrating its 13th anniversary at the Arcata Theatre Lounge tonight at 9 p.m. ($20, $15 advance). Time flies, as we all know, but it is wild to consider that Humboldt’s premier EDM bump machine has been putting on shows since the first Obama Administration, and while Whomp Wednesdays are no longer extant at the Jam, you can still enjoy some electro talent tonight, including Saule, kLL sMTH, Concentrate and Treemeista.
