Join American Sign Language (ASL) students from three Kent high schools – Kent-Meridian, Kentridge and Kentwood – as they interpret, choreograph and perform at this year’s “Feel the Music” event.
This year’s event is scheduled for May 31-June 1 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7/adults and $4/students with ASB and can be purchased at the event. Doors open at 6 p.m. Performances begin at 7 p.m.
The City of Kent is celebrating National Youth Arts Month by hosting Kent Kids’ Arts Day on Sat., Mar. 2 at Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The day long festival will feature 14 hands-on art projects lead by professional artists. Geared toward children ages 4 to 12, the projects include Print Making, Recycled Robots, Sumi Painting, face painting, Wall of Words and more. In addition, Grammy award winner Bill Harley will perform at 3 p.m. in the Crystal Mountain Hall.
Admission is $10 per child and includes all of the art-projects. Parents accompanying their children and kids under the age of 2 will not have to pay an admission fee. For an additional $5, children can attend Harley’s Performance. Concessions by Pull My Ear Concessions and Sturgis Sweets Kettle Korn will also be available. Visit the city’s website for more information.
Folks at the City of Kent and local volunteers are busy planning another fun You We Me, an interactive evening of free family fun. This year’s event will be held at ShoWare Center on Fri., Mar. 1 and will feature a variety of activities for kids of all ages. In addition to collecting food for the Kent Food Bank, event highlights include:
Kent Food Bank will be on hand to accept donations of nonperishable food items. The event is organized by a cross-section of community groups, the Kent School District, Kent Parks, local youth groups, sports teams, scouts, churches, local businesses and service clubs. Come join the fun!
The Kentridge High School dance team, the Chatelaines, is participating in “Kick It Up,” a dance and drill competition next Sat., Feb. 9 at Kentridge High School, 12430 SE 208th St., Kent. The competition begins at 1 p.m.
Booster Club parents Joy Theisen and Carol Jackson said that 28 teams with more than 670 dancers, including Kentridge High School, have signed up to compete in the event. The girls are coached by head coaches Ashley Naset and Staci Mattson and assistant coaches Tami Printz and Joelle Fleming. The competition will help the Chatelaines raise money to pay for other competitions, uniforms and other dance team-related needs. Cheer on our local dancers.
Pictured at right: Kentridge HS Senior Talia Carchedi, daughter of Joe and Alison Carchedi
Skating fans, get ready! 2012 Skate America is coming to Kent this weekend, Fri., Oct. 19 – Sun., Oct. 21, bringing world class figure skaters to ShoWare Center. Among the skaters are U.S. ladies champion Ashley Wagner who visited Kent for a media tour in September, Armin Mahbanoozadeh, a bronze medalist at 2010 Skate America, and Team USA members Douglas Razzano and Jeremy Abbott. For a complete list of competitors, visit Skate America online. 2012 Skate America is the opening event for the 2012 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.
The schedule for the three-day event includes:
Thurs., Oct. 18
Official Practice, 11 a.m.
Fri., Oct. 19
Practice, 11 a.m.
Pairs Short, Men’s Short, 7 p.m. (Sess. 1)
Sat., Oct. 20
Practice, 9 a.m.
Ladies Short, Short Dance, 12:30 p.m. (Sess. 2)
Men’s Free, Pairs Free, 7 p.m. (Sess. 3)
Sun., Oct. 21
Practice, 7:30 a.m.
Free Dance, Ladies Free, 11:45 am (Sess. 4)
Skating Spectacular, 6 p.m. (Sess. 5)
NBC will broadcast live coverage of the event from 4 to 6 p.m. EST on Sun., Oct. 21. The event will also be broadcast in Canada, Japan, Russia and the European Union, among others. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit 2012SkateAmerica.com.
Hosted by the Kent Parks Foundation and Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Local celebrities will gather in the Lindbloom Center at Green River Community College this Sat., Oct. 20 to dance their hearts out in the second annual Dancing with the Stars Kent. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to support parks programs including buying new computers for the Big Blue Bus, resistance trainer bike stands for Adaptive Recreation classes, lifeguard supplies for Lake Meridian, supporting Green Kent Partnership and drop-in soccer fields at West Fenwick Park.
Celebrity dancers include:
- State Representative Tina Orwall
- Senator Joe Fain
- Matt Schweitzer, Direction of Operations, Cal’s Classic American
- Kent Councilmember Elizabeth Albertson
- Barbara Smith, Executive Director of the Kent Downtown Partnership
- Patrick Briggs, Executive Assistant to Mayor Suzette Cooke
- Sharona Chandra, Chair of the Kent Arts Commission
- Commander Tracey Church
- Firefighter Ryan Dudley
- David Hobbs, Parks Program Coordinator
- Kent Councilmember Deb Ranniger (winner of last year’s Philanthropic Trophy)
Barbara Smith, pictured above, said, “I feel so honored to be asked to dance; one, because Arthur Murray dancers at Federal Way are fabulous instructions, and because we are raising money for programs to help kids through the Kent Parks Foundation. It’s just a win-win.”
Tickets are available online at KentParksFoundation.org. General admission tickets are available for $30 and VIP Dinner tickets are $100.
Barry Manilow performs at the Amway Center in Orlando, FL on January 20, 2011. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel)
KENT, Wash., Sept. 19, 2012 — Singer/songwriter Barry Manilow is planning a visit to Kent on Jan. 11 to perform live at PANDORA Unforgettable Moments of Love on Ice, an evening of romantic skating performances at the ShoWare Center. This event marks the second year in a row that Unforgettable Moments of Love on Ice has come to ShoWare.
In addition to Barry Manilow, the show will feature Olympic, world and national medalists Nancy Kerrigan, Elvis Stojko, Kimmie Meissner and Ben Agosto. Hosted by skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Michael Weiss, the show will be televised by NBC on January 27, 2013.
Mayor Suzette Cooke says, “On behalf of the residents of Kent, I’m excited that PANDORA Unforgettable Moments of Love On Ice is coming back for a second time, and I’m thrilled to welcome one of the world’s most beloved performers, Barry Manilow, to our wonderful city!”
Tickets will range from $49.50 to $69.50, along with premium packages and “on ice” seating. Tickets go on sale Fri., Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. at the ShoWare Center box office, ShoWare Center online and by calling 253-856-6999.
KENT, Wash., Sept. 18, 2012 — With the energy and enthusiasm of a girl, 21-year-old skater Ashley Wagner graced the ice at ShoWare Center in Kent this morning. Despite the early hour, the fresh-faced, pony-tailed young woman gracefully greeted her guests with a beautiful smile and took to the ice when many of us had not even had our morning coffee.
Wagner was in town this morning to do media appearances to promote 2012 Skate America, an international skating event that kicks off the 13-event Grand Prix skating series in Kent next month. Wagner met with KING5 Reporter Christie Johnson, effortlessly displaying her skating prowess on the ice with spins and turns. Accompanying Wagner were Courtney Campbell, 14, from Cascade Valley Ice skate club and three members of the Seattle Thunderbirds, Mitch Elliott, Tyler Alos and Seth Swenson, who have their home opener against the Portland Winterhawks in Kent this Saturday at ShoWare. Following the appearance at ShoWare, Wagner was headed to Seattle to appear on New Day Northwest, KOMO TV, KOMO radio and WARM radio.
Born in Germany, Wagner is the daughter of a military family, moving around the United States as a child. She began skating in Alaska at the age of 5, practicing and training to become the skating champion she is today. With many “wins” under her tiny belt, Wagner has experienced defeat however. She explained to Johnson, “Success is a lot sweeter because you know what it’s like to fail.”
Ashley Wagner
Courtney Campbell, Christine Johnson, Mitchell Elliott, Tyler Alos, Seth Swenson and Ashley Wagner
Photos by Jeff Heiss
Savor the Season — SeptemberFest is coming to Kent Station Thurs., Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Reds Wine Bar and other Kent Station restaurants, the festival will include wine, beer, live music, Click 98.9′s Party Crew and more, all to support Children’s Therapy Center, a local nonproft. Held in the south parking lot, admission to the family-friendly event is free. To participate in the Reds Wine and Beer Garden, however, guests must be 21 or older and show a valid ID. For more info., visit Kent Station online or call marketing manager Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.
The first 25 guests will receive an additional $10 in food and drink tickets.
The first 100 guests will receive a free wine tasting, courtesy of Reds Wine Bar (must be 21 and have valid ID).
If you haven’t already heard, Kent has been chosen as the site for 2012 Skate America, an international skating competition to be held at ShoWare Center Oct. 19-21.
The city is expecting as many as 15,000 skating fans, athletes and trainers during the weekend. The event will be broadcast nationally on NBC with additional coverage in Canada, Japan, Korea, Russia and other countries.
Leading up to the event, volunteers 18 and up are needed. If you’d like to help the week of the event, complete the online application. Show the international skating community Kent hospitality by signing up today!
Want tickets for the event? They’re on sale now –> 2012 Skate America Ticket Sales
Legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is coming to Kent this fall. The band returns with a fiery slice of Southern style guitar rock heaven in Last of a Dyin’ Breed, their newest studio release on Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records due out Aug. 21. This is the kind of record guaranteed to feed the needs of the multi-generational Skynyrd Nation, and continue the renewed vigor the band exhibited with its last album, 2009′s God & Guns.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 @ 7:00PM
Ticket Prices:
$59.50, $49.50, $39.50
Tickets are on sale now.
The Circus Celebration of the Century is coming to ShoWare Center in downtown Kent Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will wow crowds of all ages. Tickets range in price from $20 – $80, with special kids’ performances priced at just $10 each. Visit ShoWare Center online for show dates, times and tickets.
Summer is typically time for the residents of Kent to get outside and enjoy the best outdoor events of the year. Whether you enjoy musical performances or activities, these festivals 
throughout the Puget Sound will be sure to keep you busy this summer.
Kent Cornucopia Days
Held this year from July 10th to the 15th in downtown Kent, the annual city festival will feature dragon boat races, a 5k fun run/walk, an inline skate and skateboard tournament, parade, and many other activities. Check out the Kent Cornucopia site for the full schedule.
Seattle Chamber Music Summer FestivalThe Seattle Chamber Music Society provides free outdoor concerts throughout the month of July in Seattle parks. Concerts include performances of Antonín Dvorák’s Sextet for Strings in A Major and Piotr Tchaikovksy’s Souvenir de Florence for String Sextet, Op. 70. There are also numerous paid performances at Benaroya Hall including music by Mozart and Beethoven.
Renton River Days
Kent’s neighbor to the north is hosting its 27th annual Renton River Days from July 27th-29th at Liberty Park. Festivities include the Quilt Show, inflatables and activities for kids, the Renton Annual Art Show, the Rubber Ducky Derby, Nibble of Renton, and stage performances. A parade will take place on July 28th at 10 am in downtown Renton.
Covington Days
Covington’s annual summer festival will be held between July 20-22 at Cedar Heights Middle School. The full event calendar includes an art show, Reptile Man, kids activities and carnival, musical performances, and a street parade.
Additional festivals this summer include:
Seattle International Beerfest - July 6-8, 2012 at Seattle Center
Dragonfest 2012 - July 14-15, 2012 at Hing Hay Park
Bite of Seattle - July 20-22, 2012 at Seattle Center
Tacoma Freedom Fair - June 29-July 4, Ruston Way Waterfront
Seafair - June-July 2012 at various locations
Charles Sipe writes for Signature Pointe apartments located off West Meeker Street near downtown Kent.
Contributed by Mark Hendrickson of the City of Kent
Fun family activities, including old-fashioned games, face painting, bubble bounces, and interactive computer activities, begin at noon and run through 5 p.m. A variety of food booths offer kettle corn, espresso, burgers, curly fries and more. Non-motorized boat races and the annual Lake Meridian Boat Parade take place on the water throughout the day.
On Friday, June 22 at 9 pm ShoWare Center will present the 30th Anniversary Tour of New Edition featuring all six original members. This incredible two-hour performance by the entire crew of New Edition will include hits like “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” and “If It Isn’t Love,” and many more.
Ticket prices: $150 – Meet and Greet; $125, $85*, $75, $55, $45. *Club Access $85 seats include access to the Club Lounge with full bar. Not available to floor seating. Purchase New Edition tickets at ShoWare Center, 625 West James Street, Kent, Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. Don’t miss this performance!
Updated June 10, 2012, 4:42 p.m. PST
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s “So You Think KENT Has Talent” competition. The event raised $600 for Kent Youth & Family Services. The winners are:
Overall winners
1st Overall NFI Enterprise winner ($1,000) – Cameron Sterling (vocal)
2nd Overall Intimate Pilates winner ($500) – Nathan Jacobsen (vocal/piano)
3rd Overall Baldwin Chiropractic winner ($250) – Andrey Chebotarev (Saxophone)
Divisional winners
Youth division Lance Timmerman Cosmetic Dentistry winner ($100) – Cameron Sterling (vocal)
Teen division Nigel Cooper Photography winner ($100) – Bhangra Royalty (bollywood dance)
Adult division Lemon Drop Skin Care and Massage winner ($100) – Nathan Jacobsen (vocal/piano)
Audience Favorite’ winner sponsored by Baldwin Chiropractic ($50) – David Hall & Cody Moody (vocal/guitar)
Updated May 29, 2012, 7:59 a.m. PST
On May 12, Allegro Performing Arts Academy served as the host for the preliminary qualification round of the second annual So You Think Kent Has Talent competition. More than 50 individuals and groups performed, hoping to win a spot in the final competition set for June 2. Judges for the preliminaries were Suzanne Smith (Arts Commissioner), Jamie Perry (Kent City Council), and Andrea Keikkala (Kent Chamber of Commerce). The winners (in alphabetical order) by category are:
Youth Division
Teddy Gutterud (piano)
Maria Victoria Kovalsky (vocal)
Jillian Marcotte (vocal)
Alexia Samuels (vocal)
Cameron Sterling (vocal)
*Honorable Mention – Czarina Ignama
Teen Division
Bollywood Royalty (dance)
Connor Gormley (dance)
David Hall/Cody Moody (vocal/guitar)
Theresa Soto (vocal/piano)
The Voice of Reason (band)
*Honorable Mention – Benjamin Phanivong
Adult Division
James Bacher (vocal)
Andrey Chebotarev (saxophone)
Carolyne Igama (vocal)
Nathan Jacobsen (vocal/piano)
Esther O’Farrell (vocal)
*Honorable Mention – Verna Benson
The final competition will be held at the Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 2 starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each, or you can reserve your tickets by calling 253-813-9630. All proceeds benefit Kent Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit serving youth and families in South King County. The judges for the final competition will be Mayor Suzette Cooke, Dana Ralph (Kent City Council), Bill Boyce (Kent City Council), Dave Hobbs and more.
Winning performers will also particulate in the Kent International Festival (June 16), Kent’s Fourth of July Splash (July 4), Kent Cornucopia Days (July 14) and the Kent Cornucopia Parade (July 15).
Prizes include:
$1,000 NFI Enterprise Grand Prize
$500 Overall 2nd place – Intimate Pilates
$250 Overall 3rd place – Baldwin Chiropractic
$100 Youth 1st place – Lance Timmerman DMD Dental Excellence
$100 Teen 1st place – Nigel Cooper Photography
$100 Adult 1st place – Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage
$50 Audience Pick Winner – Baldwin Chiropractic
Theater & Advertising Sponsor – Allegro Performing Arts Academy
Award Sponsor – West Coast Awards and Athletic
For more updates, visit So You Think Kent Has Talent on Facebook.
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