Submitted by Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Pink Martini returns Jan 31 with Storm Large as the lead singer! We are also excited to bring two unique film experiences to Olympia in January – “Stop Making Sense” hosted by Jerry Harrison and “Dirty Dancing in Concert!” We will continue our partnership with Indigenous Performance Productions with “Stories from the Warrior Society,” which they will develop and stage for the first time.
Our two Black Box series are back in January with “Comedy Underground” and “Black Box Jazz.” These popular series are returning with some exciting changes. We have reworked our seating options based on audience feedback. This year you can choose from low tables or high tables. There will also be a small section of seats with no tables. We recommend that patrons who prefer the low tables buy early as that section does fill up quickly. Black Box Jazz and Comedy Underground series run in January, February, April and May this year.
January 8 at 7:30 p.m.: “Comedy Underground” featuring Dylan Jenkins. One night. Three comedians. Countless laughs. Join us for a whirlwind of hilarity featuring three distinct comedic styles that will take you from everyday absurdities to unexpected revelations. Whether you love observational humor, storytelling, or lightning-quick wit, this show delivers. Ages 18+.
Our Jan show features a 2024 finalist of the Seattle International Comedy Competition – Dylan Jenkins! Based in Portland, Dylan tours throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a regular at Helium Comedy Club. Phil Burton will be opening for Dylan and Jaci Terjeson will host the event.
January 9 at 8 p.m. “Black Box Jazz: Randy Halberstadt.” A pianist, arranger, composer, lyricist, and author, Randy has enjoyed an international performing career. In addition to leading his own groups, Randy is the pianist for the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. His recordings include “Inner Voice” (1991), “Clockwork” (1995), “Parallel Tracks” (2004), “Flash Point” (2010), and “Open Heart” (2018). Randy’s book, “Metaphors For The Musician.” (2002) has become one of the most highly acclaimed texts in jazz education. His composition “When Springtime Turns To Fall” appears in “The All-Jazz Real Book” (both books published by Sher Music Co. in 2002). Randy taught for 41 years at Seattle’s prestigious Cornish College of the Arts.
January 16 at 7:30 p.m.: “Stop Making Sense.” A Film by Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads. Recently restored in 4K, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time. Starring band members David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth (along with their incredible touring musicians), the live performance was shot at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater and features Talking Heads’ most memorable songs. The live event will feature a public screening of the re-release hosted by co-star Jerry Harrison who will deliver introductory remarks, post-screening comments and an audience Q&A.
January 24 at 7 p.m.: “Stories from the Warrior Society.” Honoring the Path. Carrying the Fire. This live storytelling event explores the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the voices of Indigenous veterans and active-duty military across three generations.
This is a community event rooted in the practice of oral tradition. Stories will be shared in the spirit of Indigenous storytelling—creating space to gather, witness, and honor those who protect, serve, and care for our people. The evening includes storytelling alongside contemporary and archival images and music.
January 26 at 7:30 p.m.: “Dirty Dancing in Concert.” Join us for this classic film’s first live film-to-concert experience. Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film like never before on a full-size cinema screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. With a soundtrack that marked a generation, Dirty Dancing in Concert promises to bring a thrilling new and unique experience to the 80s classic. Directly following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party that will surely take you back to the time of your life as you sing and dance along to your favorite Dirty Dancing songs. Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and experience one of the most memorable movies of the past 35 years – now live!
January 31 at 7:30 p.m.: Pink Martini. Pink Martini returns to our stage, this time with Storm Large as the lead singer. Drawing musical inspiration from around the world, the self-described “little orchestra,” Pink Martini performs cosmopolitan musical covers spanning from jazz to classical to retro pop in over 25 languages! Experience the live show “JazzTimes” describes as “baroque and zany” and Britain’s The Guardian hails as “an international phenomenon…mixing glamour and [sophistication].”
To purchase tickets, visit the Washington Center for Performing Arts website.
In the Gallery
Trans – Form
Artist: Ryker Black
Showing: Jan 8, 2026 – March 1, 2026
Artist Reception: Jan 28 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (free to the public) “Using layered materials, imagery drawn from nature, the body, and human-made structures, I investigate how we shape ourselves and the environment,” Ryker Black. Our three-floor gallery is open to the public for viewing by appointment (Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.), or to ticketed patrons one hour prior to an event. To schedule an appointment, or to fill out a gallery application, please contact us here.
Season Subscriptions (5 or more shows) are now on sale! Subscribers get the best deal on their tickets as well as getting pre-sale access to future events, and an invitation to our annual season preview event!
A full list of 25-26 season events is available here.
Subscription Details can be found here.
The Washington Center offers military, low-income family (LIFT), and student rush discounts. More information can be found here.
Box Office Information
- Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- For ticketing questions or more information about upcoming events please visit the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website or call the Box Office at 360.753.8586.
- Details on current COVID protocols can be found here.
Read about more upcoming shows at the Washington Center for Performing Arts here.
Read more Thurston County news here.
