World music and local storytellers

Published 3:00 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Island Center Hall is abuzz with activity this weekend, with a world music concert on Friday and a day of thanksgiving on Sunday.

The First Friday Concert Series features Ritza, a group of women who perform their own energetic, soulful arrangements of folk music from around the world. The series is sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District.

The Puget Sound-based group plays a variety of instruments, including violin, cello, mandolin and percussion, combined with strong vocals and soaring harmonies.

Members of the group are Mary Boyum on cello and vocals; Beth Jeffrey, vocals; Linda Meo, mandolin, octave mandolin, violin and vocals; Sarah Roark, violin, mandolin and vocals and Stephanie Straight, percussion.

They perform frequently throughout the region, with notable appearances at Day of Music at Benaroya Hall, Shoreline Arts Arts Festival, Kirkland Summerfest and Tacoma Ethnicfest.

Thanksgiving is coming a bit early to Bainbridge Island this year, as the Old Coyote family from Suquamish presents an afternoon of art, music and storytelling Nov. 5 at Island Center Hall.

“Thanksgiving — giving Thanks” runs from 2 to 8 p.m. and features an afternoon art show with the carving work of Steve Old Coyote, shawls and traditional dance outfits by Rita and Jessi Old Coyote and beadwork and dance regalia by Alyssum Old Coyote.

All of the artists will be on hand demonstrating their techniques.

At 6 p.m. James Old Coyote performs Northwest Coastal Native American songs and music, backed by his band, Suquamish Song and Dance.

Steve and Rita Old Coyote will finish out the evening with poetry, songs and stories for all ages.

Ritza performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Admission at the door is $10 adults, $5 ages 6-18.

“Thanksgiving — Giving Thanks” takes place 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 5. Admission at the door is $10 adults, $5 youth.

Island Center Hall is located at 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd., Bainbridge Island.