Exploring what’s stellar.
That’s the motto of Spacecraft, Bainbridge Island’s newest nonprofit performance group which has set up shop in Rolling Bay Hall and will host their debut concert event “Show & Tell” at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
Spacecraft is the final product resulting from the collaborative effort of several island art lovers, known as the Space Cadets within the group.
Cortney Wallaston, Jim Anderson, Ted Dowling, Morgan Terry and Ryan Mathews founded the group with the intention of bringing modern, boundary-pushing performances to Bainbridge, ensuring the vibrant island arts scene stays current with the trends the larger artistic community is currently exploring.
The group also offers the use of their stage for like-minded performers, encouraging new acts to visit Bainbridge.
“This is our first actual event we’ve had,” said Terry, owner of Bainbridge Island Radio and freelance music director, of Saturday’s concert. “It’s kind of like our unveiling fundraiser. We want to show [the audience] a little bit about what kind of shows we’re going to have there.”
Terry said that though Bainbridge is a very arts friendly town, she and the other Space Cadets felt that something was missing from the local scene.
“There is a large arts community on Bainbridge,” she explained. “But it doesn’t quite cover, or represent accurately, everything.”
“There’s a portion of us on the fringy side of things,” Terry said. “We’re aiming to provide a literal stage for edgier performances. In between the shows we’re going to be explaining what our ideas are.”
Saturday’s debut show will feature an eclectic mix of talents including the local student improv troupe, Not Applicable, as well as Seattle-based artist Maiah Manser.
The concert is headlined by the Seattle rock band The Fame Riot, described by one Seattle reporter as being, “influenced by Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Empire of the Sun and more. The Fame Riot puts on a visual and aural sensation of the senses with colorful accessories, crazy hair, damn catchy synth lines and youthful, energetic lyrics.”
The master of ceremonies is local actor and Spacecraft founder, Ted Dowling, who recently starred in the Bainbridge Performing Arts production of “The Kentucky Cycle.”
To learn more about Spacecraft and their mission, and for details about stage usage, visit www.spacecraftpresents.org.
“Let’s bring performance to this space that pushes boundaries and makes you think,” reads the group’s mission statement. “Let’s bring edgy performance to our island and keep your money in your community. And let’s do it so you don’t have to take the late boat home.”
