March 16, 2026
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing two pieces in my JOLT Column including:
A review of the captivating and “Transform”-ing Olympia Symphony Orchestra Concert that took place last Sunday March 15th.
A sneak peak into the Carpenter’s House “Sunday Best” Intimidate Brunch & Art Auction Experience.
This week, I will also be writing a reflective piece on “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz” held at the Washington Center last Sunday March 15th.
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Personal Reflections
Last weekend was the fulfillment of long awaited Christmas presents.
On Sunday, my sister Faith and I enjoyed what I called “An Intellectual’s Day” which comprised of the Olympia Symphony Concert, dinner at Valentina’s, and “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz” at the Washington Center. I was inspired to call it “An Intellectual’s Day” as sort of a nod to the T.V. Series, Frasier. Frasier and his brother Niles remind me in some small ways of my sister and I, and it felt fun to enjoy an evening I imagine these brothers would craft for themselves had they had the opportunity.
Occasions like these are so much fun, not just because I get to enjoy my sister (and best friend’s) company, but because we get to take a moment to allow ourselves to feel fancy and sophisticated.
We were originally also supposed to attend a Candlelight Music of Bridgerton Concert in Seattle on Friday (my sister’s gift to me), but the weather had other plans for us. Safety matters more than a concert everyday, but what could have been a sad occasion turned into a golden opportunity to enjoy time together in another way. We enjoyed a nice home cooked dinner and watched Zootopia 2 with my mom.
The Arts were enjoyed both out in the community and at home, and they added an extra layer of excitement and joy in spending time with my sister. All the experiences were equally wonderful, but the greatest gift is undistracted time with her.
I invite you dear readers to pause and make plans to spend time with your family and friends. Spontaneity has it’s charms, but the upside of a little planning gives everyone the gift of anticipation. You can even plan for spontaneity — just block a date on the calendar and plan as you go. It doesn’t matter how it looks, just make it happen.
Time, attention, and enjoyment of the arts are the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and others.
Last week “In the Audience” at the JOLT News
Both articles within my column reviewed two performances that both touched on deeper and distinct topics within the core of our humanity. Just as Mary Poppins recommends “a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down,” both of these shows offered many moments of comic relief that audiences cherished.
Reviews of Harlequin Production’s “The Foreigner” and Olympia Little Theatre’s “Exit Laughing” can be found on my website. Click the button below to find these reviews and more.