Weekend Preview: going ethnic

The parade of festivals around Tacoma continues this wekend.

Saturday and Sunday offer Ethnic Fest. The annual festival will include several stages and booths that will offer performing arts, visual arts, crafts, dancing, information and foods representing cultures from around the globe. There will be lots and lots of music, particularly family friendly music at this free at Wright Park.

Highlights on my roster of acts to watch include: Tiller’s Folly, an Irish group that is old school and all fun; Varnola, a Brazilian dance and drum group; jazz guitarist Michael Powers and Japanese Kabuki Dance Academy.

For indoor music fun, Tacoma Musical Playhouse is staging “All Shook Up,” a tribute to all things Elvis. This all-Elvis musical was written by Joe DiPietro, the guy who brought the world “ I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”  and “Memphis.”

Non-musical entertainment can be found in nearby Lakewood, where the Lakewood Playhouse will stage “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” and “15-Minute Hamlet.”

As for me, I also have my 20th high school reunion to attend. Go Lancers.