Press Release: CHRCH is back to Keep Vashon Weird

VASHON ISLAND, WA – April 14th, 2024 – Austin, TX was the first to “keep [itself] weird.” Portland, OR ran with the slogan. Thanks to a “Keep Vashon Weird” sticker campaign of mysterious origins, many residents identify Vashon as one of those places that is, or perhaps at least was, particularly peculiar. That theme will inspire Vashon’s creative luminaries on April 14 as the island’s beloved CHRCH returns for two performances at Open Space for Arts & Community, irREVerently exploring the phrase: Keep Vashon Weird.

CHRCH is a cherished Vashon Island institution known for its cheeky humor, unique perspective on Island Life, and talented ensemble of performers. With a history of bringing laughter and entertainment to the Vashon community, the non-denominational, non-religious, nonsensical CHRCH is back to spread joy and celebrate the vibrant spirit of the island.

"The CHRCH cast is unparalleled in talent" says creative director David Godsey. "Those Holy Roller Radio Players are funny,  irrepressibly irreverent, and happy to get very very weird". Godsey promises the show will once again twist, spin and fold fresh news from the heart of Vashon life into an entertaining and moving performance. The show will also feature the return of the new CHRCH House Band. And if rumors are to be believed, there's going to be a preacher in the house to rock the very soul of the Rock.

“Keep Vashon Weird” isn’t without controversy. It begs existential questions analyzed in this very publication. We are weird, right? Were we ever? What if Vashon’s weirdness is taken for granted, the shadow of an impression imperceptibly compressed by time? Weird used to mean unearthly. Close encounters with orcas and aliens, the supreme majesty of Tahoma over one shoulder and the Olympics over the other, the quiet of lichen minutes from a bustling metro area all certainly make the case for our quixotic unearthliness. Of course the root of weird, or wyrd, is synonymous with fate. For those who found Vashon through childhood or over the years from a few thousand miles, who couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, who wouldn’t live anywhere else, the rich community gathering on April 14th will be brought together by sharing the lucky fate of Island life. Maybe we are weird after all.

Meet the Holy Roller Radio Players:

- Lyn McManus

- Jon Whalen

- Jeanne Dougherty

- Janet McAlpin

- Jim Farrell

- Brian Palermo

- Mik Kuhlman

- Lou Mangione

- David Godsey

Meet the Band:

Band Leader: Kevin Nortness

Band Members:

- Michael Owcharuk on keys

- Kate Olson on winds

- Troy Lund on percussion

Special Guests & Musical Artists:

- Lou Mangione

- Steffon Moody

The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes:

Head Writers:

- Brian Palermo

- David Godsey

Writers:

- Jim Ferrel

- Brian Palermo

- Richard Rogers

- Mik Kuhlman

- Jon Whalen

- David Godsey

From the REV:  “Yeah, Vashon’s pretty weird, and I mean that in a good way! Sure gives us lots to talk about at CHRCH! And I don’t think anybody is gonna hold back, so we’re putting seat belts on the pews!”

And those pews are filling up fast, so make sure to secure your tickets today! CHRCH is offering two performances on April 14th: one at 4PM and a second at 7PM. Doors open one hour before each show at Open Space for Arts & Community (18870 103rd Ave SW, Vashon, WA 98070). General admission tickets are $30, VIP tables are $75 (two ticket minimum), and youth 18 and under are free. Pay What You Can tickets will be available at the door unless the show is sold out. 

Don't miss out on this unforgettable afternoon and evening of entertainment and community spirit. Get your tickets now before they're gone at  https://www.openspacevashon.com/events/