July Fourth Orcas Island schedule of events

Magic of Matthew Laslo

Matthew Laslo will welcome back audiences for his annual Fourth of July celebration performances, July 1, 2 and 3 at the Sea View Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Laslo is a 21-year-old, an award-winning magician and Orcas Island’s own young celebrity who has had much success in his career so far. Audiences of all ages have been thrilled by Matthew’s show which is always high-energy entertainment with lots of laughs and audience participation. Come see what new tricks he has up his sleeve for this year. Joining him are his talented assistants, Raelyn Kaplan and Kellen Comrie. Proof of vaccine is no longer required but masks are required at all timed except when eating and drinking. Tickets are a family-friendly $18 and available online at http://www.matthewlaslo.com.

Chamber of Commerce parade

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce invites you to join in its annual Community Parade in Eastsound on Saturday, July 2 at noon. The theme this year is Honoring Island Families.

“The past few years have been a time for island resilience, for both families and businesses. We honor all island families — new residents and those who have left historic imprints on Orcas Island,” said chamber director Lance Evans.

The Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are the Linnes family, best known as the owners of Island Market. Jacob Linnes summed up his family’s history this way: “The Orcas Island community is built on the foundation long time island families and the small businesses that have weathered the test of time. Our family dates to the late 1800s when the Templin family arrived on Orcas to start a general store on Madrona Point. Five generations later we are still here because of our community making shopping locally a priority. Our family has changed over the years like our stores but our commitment to the betterment of our island has remained constant for the last 125 years. We are grateful to be your family of grocers.”

Ken and Karen Speck return to announce the parade and there will be a smaller contingent of the Orcas Island Community Band joining the activities. The Band has been on hiatus since COVID began but has worked hard to prepare music for this year’s celebration.

Salmon BBQ and pancake breakfast

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is holding its annual pancake breakfast at station 21 on Saturday, July 2 from 7 – 11 am.

Join the Orcas Island Lions Club for its 45th annual salmon BBQ on July 2 from 4-7 p.m. Members will be serving smoked salmon, BBQ chicken, baked potatoes, rolls, and cole slaw. Take-out available. Adults are $18, Children $12. Proceeds support local community service projects and scholarships. Tickets available at Kay’s in Eastsound or at the door.

Martin Lund’s One World – 20th Anniversary

Martin Lund, one of the most diverse musicians in the universe, celebrates One World’s 20th Anniversary with a FREE live concert on the Village Green on Saturday, July 2 starting at 6 p.m. as part of the Summer Concert Series presented by Orcas Center, OrcaSong Farm, Country Corner and San Juan County.

Martin Lund lives and breathes music in many different colors and cultures. He has played with some of the great blues artists of our time and worked in the studios of LA as a composer, arranger and musician with artists like Mel Torme to Isaac Hayes. His eclectic background has allowed him to move freely through any style of music from classical to rock and from jazz to Broadway. He is equally adept at clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano.

Joining Martin on stage for One World is a great line up with a can-do rhythm section along with horns: The Turtleback Brass, (Dimitri Stankevich, Don Breazeal, Steve Alboucq, Oliver Groenewald, Joe Boucher), Oliver Groenewald Quintet (Oliver Groenewald, Michael Glynn (Bass), Jay Thomas (Reeds), Jon Hansen (Keyboard), Stefan Schatz (drums)), fiddler Joel Gamble, and featuring one of the meanest, baddest Soul Man west of Detroit City, Pete Kirkland!

Orcas Center’s Summer Concert Series is made possible with donations from local businesses such as Monkey Puzzle and Pawki’s. More information and full concert lineup can be found at www.OrcasCenter.org.

Honorary Mayor of Eastsound to be announced July 2

What an exciting Mayor’s Race this year,

The finish line is almost near.

Things are really heating up

With a cat, an Orca, and four sweet pups.

Paws, claws, and fins abreast,

Round the corner, the final stretch!

It’s not too late to cast a vote,

Who will win? Who gets to gloat?

It’s for a good cause, did you know?

Support our children to learn and grow.

$1 = 1 vote. So, place a bid.

We’re banking on you to help island kids!

And have you heard?

About Mayor Ricky’s Royal Razzle Dazzle?!

For every 5 votes,

You’ve entered a raffle.

It still could be anyone’s race.

Come on folks, let’s pick up the pace!

In the end, only one can win.

Will it be scruff, or will it be fin?

It all comes down

To whom will accumulate

The most votes to become

The WINNING CANDIDATE!

Thank you to the following local businesses for donating raffle prizes: Mijitas, Orcas Island Winery, Voyager, Matia, Orcas Island Leather Goods, Monti, Gil Beccera at FTF, Island Thyme, Wild Island, Restore Massage, Sweet Craft Bakeshop and Lower Tavern. The 14th Annual Honorary Mayor’s Race voting ends on Saturday, July at noon. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter! Vote at: mayorofeastsound.org. Thank you for your support and good luck to all the candidates!

Live Music from Youssoupha Sidibe and Drumspyder

Get ready for a special double bill of music full of rhythm that is sure to get your feet moving! Youssoupha Sidibe and Drumspyder will be playing on the Village Green this Sunday, July 3 starting at 6 p.m. as part of the Summer Concert Series presented by Orcas Center, OrcaSong Farm, Country Corner, and San Juan County.

Youssoupha Sidibe is a Grammy™ nominated, Senegalese West African Kora (African Harp) player. Throw out all your ideas of what a harpist is, Youssoupha breaks out of traditional Kora styles many hundreds of years old, to create a new style that has never been heard before, blending aspects of Reggae and western music.

Drumspyder, (Scott Sterling) weaves rhythm, melody, and line, exploring the Heathen and Celtic old ways in vital contemporary expressions. An expert percussionist specializing in tamborines and framedrums, he weaves together intricate hand percussion and bass-heavy production into finely sculpted grooves, equally inspirational to the dancefloor and the on-stage performer. Drawing inspiration from the Folk, Medieval, and Renaissance music of the British Islands, his music is a unique alchemy of musical traditions, energetic tribal rhythms, and pagan atmosphere.

Orcas Center’s Summer Concert Series on the Village Green is FREE thanks to donations from local businesses. More information and full concert lineup can be found at www.OrcasCenter.org.

Pig Roast at the American Legion

The pig roast is on Sunday, July 3 starting at 5 p.m. Dinner is $25. Everyone is welcome as it is a membership drive. Dinner includes roast pork, applesauce, baked beans, French bread, salad choices and watermelon.

Yacht Club fun for all

Ever wanted to be part of a yacht club? One that is filled with friendly folks who share a love for boating and being on the water? If so, maybe the OIYC is for you!

The Orcas Island Yacht Club https://oiyc.org/, is celebrating its 66th year since its founding in 1956. The activities of the club include social events, club cruises to neighboring islands, a competitive adult sail racing program and community service activities such as our youth sailing program, Sail Orcas, http://sailorcas.org/

If you would like to learn more about our club, we invite you to join us at our July 4 Barbecue and Open House at our picnic shelter clubhouse, 876 Deer Harbor Road in West Sound.

The luncheon will begin at noon, with a fabulous menu of delicious meatball subs with melted mozzarella and parmesan, pulled pork sliders with coleslaw and corn on the cob. There will also be a vegetarian option of a roasted red pepper with mozzarella, arugula and pesto sandwich. Tickets will be $20 per plate. If you would like to attend, email membership@oiyc.org to order your tickets. We will need to know by June 29 how many folks will be coming — but, as always, we will have a few extra tickets available at the door for late-comers.

Deer Harbor laser show

Deer Harbor will not be able to have its annual 3rd of July Fireworks Show this year.

“Luckily COVID is slowing down though, and we’re going full 80s instead,” say organizers.

Bring your mullet and hottest cut-off jeans to celebrate America’s favorite holiday. Live music with the Dust Bunnys until dusk. Dance on the beach. Laser light show starts at dusk (but rock songs are included free of charge).