It’s the Freshest and Tastiest (and Rockinest) thing to do on a Saturday – and this week, an all-female band called Sister Wives will rock the Des Moines Farmers Market, which runs from 10am -- 2pm at the South Marina Park.

Fresh This Week include a variety of apples, perfect for a summertime apple pie.

Or try new recipes like Norman potato salad with apples or thyme-roasted apples and onions.

And while you’re planning that apple pie, you can also enjoy the musical sounds of Sister Wives, who describe themselves as:

Ranging from soulful blues to fiery rock to all-out dance band, the Sister Wives defy the conventional norms typically set for all-women bands with the range and depth of their musical energy and virtuosity.

The Sister Wives display a multitude of musical attitudes in a style that is part Stevie Ray Vaughn, a little Sippie Wallace, and a little Allman Brothers.

Their live shows persuade even the most skeptical that “Girls Rock!”

Here’s video proof of how Sister Wives can get people dancin’:

Speaking of videos, here’s a time lapse one we shot at last Saturday’s market – see if you can spot yourself, or someone you know, or maybe a bank robber:

Oh, and be sure to drop by The Waterland Blog booth for a live demo on how we “blog.”

The Rotary Club of Des Moines wants to remind our Readers that you can save $5 per ticket for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival (coming up Saturday, Sept. 25th from Noon – 7pm) if you order online now.

Here’s more info from the Rotary website:

100% of the net proceeds will support Rotary’s “Music4Life” program, aimed at expanding music to youth in our local schools.

Enjoy  a day filled with local blues from Dudley Taft, Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies, the Cold Shot Band, the Stacy Jones Band and Rod Cook together with a variety of fine brews from 10-15 local breweries.

To complement your blues and brews, we will be barbecuing Bratwurst and B&E Market’s famous Tri Tip for your dining enjoyment.

The Festival will be located on the shores of Puget Sound at the Des Moines Beach Park. This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine, you must be 21 or older to attend and no pets will be allowed inside the event.

There will be plenty of free parking in the Des Moines Marina.

While you are in town, you might want to visit the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and enjoy the Poverty Bay Arts Festival.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the gate.

Here’s the musical lineup:

• 12:00 -- 12:45 PM - Cold Shot Band
• 1:15 -- 2:15 PM -- Stacy Jones Band
• 2:45 -- 3:30 PM -- Rod Cook
• 4:00 -- 5:00 PM -- Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies
• 5:30 -- 7:00 PM -- Dudley Taft

Music4Life is a program to benefit elementary (fourth and fifth grade students) in Highline Public Schools.  The program is a collaboration between Highline Public Schools, the Rotary Club of Des Moines and many individuals and businesses, partnering to expand music education for all children in the Highline School District.

Music means different things to different people.  To children, learning to play a musical instrument is a meaningful activity -- it’s fun and it builds relationships that can last a life time.  To youth, music opens up the world -- its history and its many cultures -- and provides opportunities for teamwork and meaningful forms of self-expression.  Educators know that music benefits students academically, especially in mathematics, science, history and world languages.  Our community understands that music education helps a person lead a richer, fuller, more meaningful life -- and an arts-rich community is a more desirable place to live.

Music4Life is intended to give every student in the Highline Public Schools access to instruments in good working conditions so they can participate in instrumental and vocal music programs.  Initially, Music4Life will acquire 500 musical instruments and supplies to ensure that 50 percent of Highline Public Schools 4th and 5th grade students can participate in instrumental music.  In the years to come, Music4Life may expand to include a broader range of ages and grade levels, as well as additional music education programs.

To purchase tickets, save a few bucks and learn more, click here.

Tickets can also be purchased at CorkyCellars99 Bottles (206) 824-9462, (253) 838-2558 or Des Moines Drug (206) 878-2345, and through Rotary Club of Des Moines.

To whet your musical whistle, here’s a video of the Stacy Jones Band doing “Angel from Montgomery”:

It almost sounds like a “Saturday Night Live” sketch – cast the legendary, self-aware King of kitschy over-acting William Shatner as Host. Add as Guests convicted child rapist Mary Kay Letourneau and her one-time victim-turned-husband Vili Fualaau, who both live in Des Moines.

Stir.

Oh, and be sure to hit the Record button, ‘cuz this could be interesting, to say the least.

The result? An interview on a new show on the Biography channel called “Aftermath” that borders on surrealism.

To wit – at one point, Letourneau reveals to Shatner that she had no idea that having a “relationship” with an underage boy was illegal, let alone a felony.

There’s another priceless (ok, it’s kinda gross) moment where Letourneau talks about their “first kiss” (at the time she was in her 30s, and he was what? A 12-year old 6th grader?): – listen to her soundbites here:

Letourneau did her time of course, spending seven years in prison for child rape. She and Fualaau married in 2005, and they currently live in Des Moines with their two children.

Oh, and they can sometimes be seen hanging out at the All Star Sports Bar, where Vili often guests as a DJ.

Here’s the episode in its entirety (don’t say we didn’t warn you…):

The “Pink Party for the Cure” is a fundraiser benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, and will be held this Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm at Des Moines’ All-Star Sports Bar.

There will be a bike run starting at Sound Harley in Marysville, leaving at 2pm and ending at the All-Star, along with numerous other fun events, all aimed at helping cure breast cancer.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Pink Party for the Cure 2010 Fundraiser.

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 8th from 3pm – 8pm.

WHERE: All-Star Sports Bar, located at 22303 Marine View Drive South; (206) 212-6740.

INFO: In addition to the motorcycle run, the event will include:

• There will be a “Breast in Show” contest, entry is $20, open to all bikes.
• Hot dogs will be served by the Dog House.
• Pool and dart tournaments!
• The signature “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Drinking for the Cure Martini!”
• Raffles for lots of great prizes and a 50/50 Cash raffle!
• Lots of fun – Come one, come all!!!

HOSTED BY: Pink Pedi Cures – Stacey Rivera, Lisa Reamy Malpass, Christa McCutchen, and by Justin Edwards and the crew at the All-Star Sports Bar.

BTB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events. Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

Happy Thursday! Thanks to all of you who came out last Sunday for our Waterbrook Wine Dinner! It was great! The winemaker was handing out prizes after testing the diners on their wine knowledge! Don’t forget, the Normandy Park Hoop Fest will be taking place in our parking lot here at Archery Bistro this Saturday! We will be offering various lunch items and ice cold beers!!! Come down and check it out! Starting in August (dates to be determined) we will be doing “Hot August Nights.” Our parking lot will be transformed into a classic car show, with music, food, and drinks! Stay tuned for more info. Geez there is a lot going on down here! Sundays we have been selling food at the Music In the Park concert series at Mar Vista Park. We will be there this weekend selling some of our signature items!! Bring cash!! We have many events lined up for the month of August so we won’t be doing an August wine dinner. However, we have an award winning winery, Dutch John’s from Wenatchee, slated for September. It is sure to be a delicious evening! Stay tuned for the menu! Until next time!!! – Chef Brandon

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The First Annual Normandy Park Hoop Fest, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will be held on Saturday, July 31st at Normandy Park Towne Center.

The event is sponsored by the City of Normandy Park Police Department with generous support from Normandy Park Athletic, Desert Sun, Wayne’s Service Center, Archery Bistro (NPB Advertiser), QFC, Allied Waste and Puget Sound Energy.

The tournament will include up to 16 teams with trophies awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams.

In addition to locals slam dunking over each other, there will also be food and a beer garden.

Registration for Normandy Park Hoop Fest can be completed online at: www.normandyparkwa.gov. To download the registration form, click here (PDF file).

Normandy Park Hoop Fest will serve as the kick-off event for “National Night Out,” which is Tuesday, August 3rd.

For more information contact Mary at (206) 248-8256.

Here are the rules:

1. Each team must register at least three players on or before the date of the tournament. Maximum roster size is four players per team. No additions, deletions and/or changes may be made after a team’s first game has started.
2. Teams using players not officially registered or using falsified information on rosters will be automatically disqualified from the event. Team captains are responsible and will be held accountable for all information.
3. The format of the tournament will be determined once all teams have entered. The tournament director reserves the right to change the format based on external events (i.e., inclement weather).
4. The court monitor will be the official timekeeper/scorekeeper and will be responsible for mediating all disputes. He/she has the right to overturn a call on the court if there is a justified reason to do so. The court monitor’s interpretation of the rules is final. In the event the court monitor cannot solve a dispute, a coin flip will be made to determine the outcome of the dispute.
5. Physically or verbally threatening or abusing a court monitor is cause for immediate disqualification.
6. Players and/or teams may be removed from the game at the discretion of the court monitor for abusive behavior, flagrant fouls or rough play. Unruly fans may also be removed from the area.
7. Teams must be at their court at the scheduled time. A five?minute forfeit time will be strictly enforced.
8. Each team must start and finish the game with at least two players.
9. A coin flip at the start of the game will determine first possession.
10. Successful shots taken from inside the 3?point line will be worth 1 point, while baskets made from outside the line are worth 2 points. Both feet must be clearly behind the line (when the shot is attempted) for the shot to count as two points.
11. All games are played to 21 points (win by 1) or 20 minutes (running clock), whichever comes first. The tournament director reserves the right to change the number of points and/or time limit due to external events.
12. If the game is tied after the 20 minutes have elapsed, then the game will be completed with a sudden death playoff. A coin flip will determine possession.
13. Player substitutions will be permitted on any deadball situation.
14. The player who is fouled is responsible for calling the foul. The foul must be called immediately in a clear and loud manner and all action must stop. If the player is fouled while shooting and makes the basket, the basket counts (the foul is ignored) and the opposing team takes possession. Otherwise, the team that was fouled retains possession and the ball is checked in as usual.
15. If a defensive player calls a foul on himself, the offensive team may continue to play even if the defense stops. If the offensive team chooses to stop play when a defensive player calls a foul, then action stops and the ball is checked in as usual.
16. On the 6th team foul, the player fouled will be awarded the option of shooting a free throw or retaining the possession of the ball, checking it in as usual. If the player elects to shoot a free throw, all other players must stand at least three feet behind the shooter. Regardless if the free throw is made or not, the opposing team takes possession.
17. If the court monitor rules that a foul was flagrant or meant to cause harm, the player fouled will shoot one free throw and that team will keep possession of the ball. The player called with a flagrant foul will get one warning. Any further flagrant fouls will result in immediate ejection from the game.
18. Any player(s) involved in fighting or continued misconduct will be disqualified from the tournament and will not be allowed to participate in future tournaments.
19. An unwritten 30?second shot clock is in effect at all times and may be enforced by the court monitor at his/her discretion. Once the court monitor has announced that the shot clock is in effect, each team has 30 seconds to get a shot off. The shot must make contact with the rim of the basket for the shot clock to be restarted. A defensive foul also resets the shot clock.
20. There is an imaginary 3?second lane near/under the basket. There is no camping in this lane. “Camping” violations are at the discretion of the court monitor. The court monitor will give a warning. Subsequent infractions will result in loss of possession.
21. Jump balls always go to the defense. They do not go to the team that yells “first”.
22. If a ball goes out of bounds and players and the court monitor cannot decide who gets possession of the ball, then a coin flip will decide possession.
23. The top of the backboard is out of bounds. The sides and bottom of the backboard are in bounds.
24. Shots that hit nothing (i.e., airballs) which are rebounded by the shooter without anybody else touching the ball is considered traveling and results in a turnover.
25. Timeouts – one 30?second timeout per team per game is permitted.
26. The court monitor has the right to make a ruling on any issues that are not covered within these rules.

Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens will be hosting their annual “Ice Cream Social and Plant Sale” on Sunday, Aug. 15th, with special guest Ciscoe Morris and FREE ice cream to the first 300 guests.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Ice Cream Social & Plant Sale with Ciscoe Morris.

WHEN: Sunday, August 15, 2010, 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

WHERE: Highline/SeaTac Botanical Gardens, located at 13735 24th Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98168.

INFO: From a flier (download PDF here):

Join us in the garden on Sunday, August 15th for our 4th annual Ice Cream Social.

This year’s Celebrity Guest will again be Ciscoe Morris, who hosts “Gardening with Ciscoe” on KIRO 97.3 FM radio and KING 5/NWCN television, and is the author of the best-selling garden tome, “Ask Ciscoe”, as well as a weekly column in the Seattle Times.

Ciscoe’s topic will be “Create a Hummingbird Haven in a Pot or Garden ”

The fun starts at 1:00 p.m., with Ciscoe taking center stage in the Celebration Rose Garden at around 2:30 p.m.

Local nurseries & designers will plant 10 gorgeous pots. Register to vote for your favorite container & get a chance to take it home for free. Door prizes & free ice cream to the first 300 guests!

More information: www.highlinegarden.org or 206-391-4003.

Other featured events include:

• Silent Auction
  Bid on a variety of great items including two Aw Pots personally planted by Ciscoe, a room at SeaTac’s Radisson Hotel, a sightseeing flight around Seattle with pilot Warren Hendrickson, an original oil painting by Kathy Wyckoff, garden art, garden tools, a complete bird-gardening kit, and more!
• “Humm-dingers!!!”
  Local nurseries and designers will again plant up 10 gorgeous pots donated by Aw Pottery. This year’s theme is plants that attract hummingbirds. Just show up and register to vote for your favorite container and get a chance to take it home for FREE!!! HGBF members get two extra chances to win! Memberships will be on sale the day of the event.

Participating designers and nurseries include Clinton Bamboo Growers, Design of the Times, Dogwood Design, Minter’s Earlington Greenhouse and Nursery, Furney’s, West Seattle Nursery, Herr Backyard Garden Center, and Branches Garden Center.

• Free Aw Pottery Pot to first 40 new members!
  Be one of the first forty people to join the Highline Botanical Garden Foundation during the event and receive a gorgeous, frost-proof Aw Pottery pot! (NOTE: IF YOU PLAN ON ENTERING THE CONTEST, BRING A VEHICLE LARGE ENOUGH TO TAKE HOME YOUR WINNINGS! THE PLANTED POTS ARE BETWEEN 24″ AND 36″ TALL AND MAY WEIGH AS MUCH AS 75 POUNDS!)
• Door Prizes Galore!!!
  Register to win two free passes to the 2010 NW Flower and Garden Show, a “Cascadia” compost bin from the City of SeaTac, and gift packages from Benson’s Best Bites, Hey Paison, The Tin Room Bar and Grill, 909 Coffee and Wine, Vino Bello, Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, and Elliot Bay Brewpub.
• Free Ice Cream to the first 300 guests!
  Please join us in the garden for an afternoon of the very best in gardening “edu-tainment”, ice cream, and of course, brussels sprouts!

For directions to the garden, click here.

Mt. Rainier High School is holding a 30-year reunion cruise this Saturday, July 24th, and there’s still room for all you 1980 grads to poof up your hair (or whatever you have left of it), squeeze into those trendy tight jeans (ugh) and get on board to see your old pals.

The 3-hour tour (this is your cue to start whistling the theme from “Gilligan’s Island”) will leave from the Des Moines Marina on an Argosy Ship at 8:30pm.

There will be a No-Host Bar and “light eats” and classmates are encouraged to bring spouses, partners or friends.

Cost is $80 per person, and boarding begins at 7pm.

To register online, click here.

For more info, check out the reunion’s website: http://mtrainierhighschoolclassof80.com

Here’s the poster:

Local youth will be performing in The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe” this Friday (July 23) at 7pm and Saturday (July 24) at 3pm at the Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th.

The cast of children from the Des Moines area have been perfecting their acting skills all week with help from talented actors from this established, traveling troupe.

This is an adventure story about a boy who runs off to sea only to find himself all alone and under fire before making it back home.

Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12.

Children 2 and under are free.

For more information: (206) 870-6527 or email: recreation@desmoineswa.gov.

Hi there loyal Des Moinesians (that can’t be right, can it?). Leonard the goldfish here, with INCREDIBLE BREAKING NEWS!

I’m not usually one to type shout, but seriously, this is B-I-G big. After three long years of bugging the heck out of the Seattle Aquarium, they’re finally giving me a chance to get my own exhibit. I just have to prove that people (i.e. you) actually want me there. So I need to get 30,000 votes and I’m in. You can vote and find out more about my plight at VoteLeonardIn.com. Or follow me on my Facebook page.

Hopefully someday soon you’ll be able to follow me at the actual Seattle Aquarium, along with the otters, wolf eels, and moon jellies.

So please, Des Moinesites (ok, that sounds better), help me prove to the Aquarium folks I’m not too common to get my own exhibit.

Remember, a vote for me is a vote for goldfish everywhere.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seend by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The brand new “Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival” is coming to Des Moines Beach Park on Saturday, Sept. 25th, and the Des Moines Rotary Club is putting a call out for Sponsors.

This Rotary Club fundraiser event will benefit a new program called “Music4Youth,” aimed at helping local youth gain musical knowledge.

There are four main sponsorship levels:

$5,000: Symphony (“Your sponsorship will allow us to purchase 4 – trombones, 4 – clarinets, 4 – violins and 4 – trumpets”); sponsorship benefits include:

• Prominently listed with name and logo on all rack cards and posters
• Name and logo prominently featured in all paid advertisements
• Company name mentioned in all event correspondence
• Company logo on informational event banners
• Premier banner privileges at event
• Twenty admissions to the festival
• Access to VIP tent

$1,000: Orchestra (“Your sponsorship will allow us to purchase 2 – flutes, 1 – drum and 1 – violin”); sponsorship benefits include:

• Listed on all rack cards and posters
• Name listed in all paid advertising
• Company name mentioned in all event correspondence
• Banner privileges at event
• Ten admissions to the festival
• Access to VIP tent

$500 Band (“Your sponsorship will allow us to purchase 1- drum and 1- trumpet”); sponsorship benefits include:

• Listed on all rack cards and posters
• Name listed in selected paid advertising
• Banner privileges at event
• Six admissions to the festival

$250 Instrument (“Your sponsorship will allow us to purchase 1 – violin”); sponsorship benefits include:

• Listed on Club/Event website
• Banner privileges at event
• Two admissions to the festival

The Rotary Club of Des Moines will donate 100% of the net proceeds from the Festival, and its other fundraisers, back into the community. Club member contributions, volunteer and financial, cover all of the club’s administration expenses.

To become a sponsor, food or beer vendor, click here (PDF file) for necessary documents, or simply call one of the following Rotarians:

• Ric Jacobson: (206) 824-9462
• Dan Johnson: (206) 878-1380
• Lisa Meinecke: (206) 870-8555

Des Moines’ newest arts event is the Poverty Bay Arts Festival, which will happen Saturday, Setp. 25th from 10am – 4pm around the Marina District, and the festival committee has issued an official Call For Entries for Artists and their Artwork.

Sponsored by the Des Moines Arts Commission and the Associated Students of Highline Community College, the one-day arts festival will be held throughout the downtown Des Moines Marina District. It will showcase the incredible pool of local talent and feature the works of professional, college, secondary school and elementary school artists. Art will be displayed at various businesses and special venues.

Also scheduled are street performances and a Poetry Slam.

Anyone interested in participating should visit the festival website at www.povertybayartsfestival.com for more details and download the Call for Entries application (direct link here, PDF file).

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 23rd.

For further information, contact Cora Morrison at desmoinesflorist@gmail.com or Vickie Bergquist at Vickie@vickieinsurance.com.

It just wouldn’t be the Fourth without fireworks! Due to a very generous donation from WLB Advertiser Powell Homes, you and your friends and family will enjoy a spectacular 20-minute firework display over the historic Des Moines waterfront set to begin at 10:15pm on – you guessed it – the 4th of July.

Western Display Fireworks Company will provide a first-class show launching hundreds of mortars from the Marina Pier. The 2009 event drew well over 5,000 to the marina parking lot, with many more spectators watching form the Beach and Overlook parks, residences or other vantage points around town.

And it’s not too late to show your community spirit by donating to the fireworks fund. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Des Moines will be on hand to collect your donations. A $1 per person donation is requested at marina entry points and throughout the park to help support the event. Gates will open at 7:30pm.

Bring your family, picnic dinner, lawn chairs or blankets and sit back and enjoy the fireworks show. Please do not bring personal fireworks, alcohol, portable BBQs, pets or vehicles inside gated areas at Des Moines Marina north parking lot or Beach Park.

At 5pm sharp, the Beach Park and Marina’s north parking will be open to pedestrians only. Cliff Avenue South between 5th Ave. S. and the waterfront will be closed to all vehicles. After that time, all vehicles will be required to access the marina using S. 227th Street. For information regarding handicapped parking, please call Des Moines Marina at (206) 824-5700.

Please play it safe, expect traffic delays, obey traffic laws and watch for pedestrians when exiting the event.

Due to the tough economic times, the 2010 event will not include entertainment, vendors or other family activities.

Powell Homes is the oldest home-builder in the Seattle area. Started by Cecil Powell 101 years ago, the family building tradition has continued through five generations. The Powells have a long tradition of giving back to their communities. Much of their support goes unmentioned and unnoticed by design. But as other sponsors pulled out of the 2010 Fireworks over Des Moines show, Brooks Powell stepped up to fund this event for the citizens of Des Moines. Powell would also like to thank the Des Moines Marina Association for their generous gift of $1,000.

Going forward, the success of this and future Fireworks Over Des Moines events will depend on community and business donations as well as volunteer support. Soliciting corporate sponsors will start for 2011’s Fireworks over Des Moines immediately after this year’s show. It is Powell’s hope to have 15-20 corporate sponsors in place for next year.

And it’s not to late to show your community support. Please make a tax-deductible donation in any amount to:

Des Moines Legacy Foundation-Fireworks Over Des Moines Fund
c/o 1000 S. 220th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198

Or call (206) 870-6547 for more information. If you’d like to volunteer call Sam at Powell Homes at (206) 824-8001.

WHAT: Powell Homes Fireworks Over Des Moines!

WHEN: Sunday, July 4th, 10:15 p.m.

WHERE: Des Moines Marina.

INFO: Presented by Powell Homes and Rotary Club of Des Moines.

VIDEO: Here are a couple of videos from previous years’ displays:

The play “Love Letters,” by A. R. Gurney, will be performed at Des Moines historic Landmark on the Sound this Thursday, June 24thfrom 7pm – 9:30pm.

Presented by Southwest Seattle Business and Professional Women, tickets are $20.00, and buying in advanced is recommend as seating is limited.

Beverages and Desserts will be served during intermission.

This is “A delightful two character play which chronicles the Life Long Relationship between a man and a woman soley through their correspondence.”

Landmark on the Sound Event Center 23660 Marine View Dr SDes Moines, WA 98198

Contact: Vickie Bergquist 206.878.4050.

Just a few miles north of Des Moines, Burien’s annual Wild Strawberry Festival runs all weekend, with tons of FREE entertainment, music, arts, food, performance art, and much more.

The fest runs until 6pm today (Saturday June 19), and 10am – 5pm Sunday (June 20) at the Burien Town Square, on SW 152nd and 5th SW (map/directions here).

Be sure to come find our sister site The B-Town Blog near the intersection of SW 151st and 5th SW, where they’ll be “blogging live” all weekend.

Here are some of the weekend’s highlights:

Saturday, June 19:

• Anunnaki Project Trapeze Performances
• Stiltwalker Ellarella
• NW Parkour
• B-TOWN Bike Fair
• Elliott Bay Brewery Activities

Sunday, June 20:

• Abyssinian Dancers
• Manuela Horn—The Yodeling Wonder
• 5K Run/Walk— 150th & 4th SW
• Car Show
• Elliott Bay Brewery Activities

Here’s a map of the site:

To download and print your own copy of the event brochure, which includes a schedule, sponsors, site map and more – just click here for a PDF version, then hit the “Print” button.

Enjoy the smooth sweet sounds of J. D. Hobson performing “Traditional Blues and Americana” music from 10am – 2pm at this Saturday’s Des Moines Farmers Market.

J.D. is an award winning local artist who competed nationally in Memphis this year at the International Blues Challenge.  He will be performing from 10am-2pm on the market stage.

As many of you know, the market expanded this year to include the north side lot. If you haven’t been down yet, you may be surprised to see how much it has grown. Berry crops are magnificent this year. Vendors have a great selection grown right here in Washington! Make sure to get your fresh produce for the week from your local farmers.

There are many other vendors for you at this year’s market including beef, fish, baked goods, prepared foods and handmade crafts.  Enjoy lunch and conversations with friends.

To whet your musical appetite for JD, here’s a video of him:

The Des Moines Arts Commission released the schedule for this year’s Beach Park Jazz & Blues Free Summer Concert Series, with some returning bands as well as new ones, and including a wide range of styles, from “new grass jam” to “fiddle fed roots rock” to World Beat music.

These free shows are hosted on Wednesday evenings, from July 21 – Aug 11 on the steps of Founders Lodge in Beach Park (22030 Cliff Ave South).

Stop by the waterfront park as the weather warms up for free summer concerts by great bands. Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy the music, but remember, alcohol consumption is not allowed in public parks!

Here’s the info from the commission’s website:

Beach Park Jazz & Blues free Summer Concert Series
Hosted Wednesday evenings July 21 – Aug 11 on the steps of Founders Lodge in Beach Park/22030 Cliff Ave S., Des Moines, 98198.  Stop by the waterfront park as the weather warms up for free summer concerts by great bands.  The four-part series features rock, jazz, blues and cultural performances beginning at 7pm.  Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy the music!

Note:  Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public parks in the City of Des Moines

DATE	BAND	GENRE	LINK TO BAND
July 21st	Deadwood Revival	New Grass Jam Band	www.deadwoodrevival.com
July 28th	Lucas Cates Band	Pop/Rock	www.lucascates.com
Aug 4th	Handful of Luvin’	Fiddle fed Roots Rock	www.handfulofluvin.com
Aug 11th	The African All Stars	World Beat Music	www.myspace.com/africanallstars

To give you a taste of what these shows are like, here’s a Sound Slideshow by Nicholas Johnson from last year’s “Handful of Luvin’” performance (make sure your speakers are turned on):

More info at the Arts Commission’s website here.

You can also become a “Fan” on Facebook here.

The fifth annual Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market kicks off its 2010 season on Saturday, June 5th, and is ready to provide customers with the freshest produce and flowers and unique handcrafted items through October 30th.

Like last year, the market will run from 10am-2pm on Saturdays, with fun activities for the entire family, including opening day entertainment by the “Salt Water Saints.”

You can watch The Waterland Blog’s “Countdown Clock” to the right as the big day approaches, especially if you’re a behind-the-scenes worker who wants to see how (gulp) close it is to starting!

In addition to opening day ceremonies, the market this year will be honoring long time Kiwanis, Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market and Community Volunteer Vera Harper with a bench dedication in the flag plaza at South Marina Park, next to the market.  Vera will be missed by all who knew her.

According to the good folks who run the market:

Local farmer’s crops have been growing all spring and the first harvests are just around the corner. The market board of directors and staff has been busy over the winter.

We have obtained our own 501C4 federal charitable status and are partnering with many organizations including the City of Des Moines, Des Moines Rotary Club and Des Moines Legacy Foundation.

We wish thank our many sponsors including:

• Des Moines Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Kaplan
• Sunnie View Inc
• Brothers Carpet Cleaning & More
• Highline College Foundation
• Judson Park Retirement
• Print Place
• Snure Law Offices
• Vitality Chiropractic
• The Waterland Blog
• Auntie Irene’s
• Balloon Wizards/Babycakes NW
• Char Schulz, State Farm
• Des Moines Drug & Hallmark
• Down & Out Demolition
• Eagle Fitness
• Edward Jones, Mike Wilcox
• Marcus Whitman Presbyterian Church
• Russell & Associates
• Salon Michelle
• United Methodist Church,
• Precision Builders
• Zenith Holland
• Patrice Thorell

Our market would not be possible without their support, make sure to support them!

Many vendors are returning including:

• Polish food
• Thai food
• Honey
• Goat cheese
• Alvarez Organic
• Cha New Life Garden
• Collins Family Orchards
• Sidhu Berries

New vendors appearing throughout the season include:

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Pork
• Smoked salmon
• Ice cream
• Baked goods
• Unique crafts

Mark your calendars with these special market dates:

• June 5th-Opening Day
• July 24th-Local Business Showcase
• July 31st- Elder Care & Safety
• August 14th-Health & Fitness
• September 11th-Kids Day
• September 25th-Local Business Showcase
• October 30th-Chili Cook-Off

Entertainment for many of the market days will be:

• Salt Water Saints, 1st Saturday of the month, June-September
• Charlie Spring, 2nd Saturday of the month, June-October
• JD Hobson 3rd Saturday of the month, June-September

Be sure to look for The Waterland Blog’s booth at the market, because we’ll be “blogging live” most days – we look forward to seeing you there!

If yo’re interested in performing at the market or having a booth at the Local Business Showcase days, please email market@dmfm.org.

There will be a traditional Irish house concert featuring fiddler Aurora Burd, flutist Leo MacNamara, and Colm MacCárthaigh on May 21st at 8pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Trad Irish House Concert featuring, Aurora Burd, silver medalist fiddler of the 2009 All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Ireland. She will be joined  by Leo MacNamara, flute player of the All-Star Clare Ceili Band along with Colm MacCárthaigh, a multi instrumentalist from Dublin.

WHEN: May 21st 8pm.

WHERE: Its limited seating at this small intimate venue at 208th Street and 3rd Ave South in Des Moines, so Advanced Tickets are required.

TICKETS: To purchase tickets ($15/adults, $5/youth) call (253) 854 7513 or email mjhoiland1@yahoo.com.

INFO: For more info click here.

Here’s a video of the trio in action:

Irish music is at its best in acoustic house concerts!

The Highline Historical Society’s annual Highline Garden Tour fundraiser has been expanded to include five private gardens as well as the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, and will be held on Saturday, June 12th.

Garden Tour participants will enjoy outstanding gardens, artist displays, musical performances, two separate plant sales, Master Gardener advice and coupon specials throughout the day.

There also will be a screening of the Ken Slusher documentary about the piece-by-piece transfer of the lovely Seike Garden out of the path of SeaTac Airport expansion to its new home at the Botanical Gardens.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s fundraising Highline Garden Tour.

WHEN: Saturday, June 12th, from 10am – 5pm.

TICKETS: Advance tickets are $12.00 for parties of 4 or more, and $15.00 for individual tickets.

Day of sale tickets will be $18.00.

Tickets may be purchased at Burien Bark and Herr Backyard Garden Center or from the Society by telephone at 206-241-5786.

INFO: To join the Highline Historical Society (we’re members), click here.

The Society thanks business sponsors John L. Scott Real Estate agent Susan Plecko, Burien Bark, Herr Backyard Garden Center, The Bean, and Sal’s Deli for their generous support of the Garden Tour.

Des Moines Yacht Club’s annual “South Sound Opening” is coming Saturday, May 8th, with a formal opening at 2pm, including a flag raising, introductions, and a “Rules of the Road” presentation by the Coast Guard.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines Yacht Club’s “South Sound Opening”

WHEN: Saturday, May 8th beginning at 2pm

WHERE: Des Moines Yacht Club, located at 22737 Marine View Drive South.

INFO: From a flier:

Dinner and Dancing begins at 6pm, with a social hour (BYOB, mixers provided), 7pm catered dinner by Caveman, and 8pm – Midnight, dancing to the music of Legacy.

Cost is $20 per person, and children under 12 are free (limit one per guardian).

Reservations are requested to hikepat@aol.com, or call Margaret at 206-878-4441.

The public is welcome.

More information available at the Des Moines Yacth Club website. You can also “Like” them of Facebook here.

Des Moines 8th annual Sports Night is coming Saturday, May 15th, from 6pm – 11pm at the Des Moines Field House, with casino games, auctions, prizes, a buffet and beer and wine.

Legendary KOMO Sports Director Bruce King will emcee, and auctioneer Larry Snyder Jr. will keep you as entertained as a 9th inning, bases loaded full count with Griffey at bat!

All proceeds will benefit youth scholarships in the Greater Des Moines Community, and is sponsored by the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Rotary Club of Des Moines, Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Parks District and Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services.

Tickets are available at the Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street, or via phone at 206-870-6527.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines 8th annual Sports Night

WHEN: Saturday, May 15th from 6pm – 11pm

WHERE: Des Moines Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street

COST: $50 per person / $375 per table. Tickets are available at the Field House, located at 1000 South 220th Street, or via phone at 206-870-6527.

INFO: From an email:

Join Des Moines Legacy Foundation, Rotary Club of Des Moines, Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Parks District and Des Moines Parks, Recreation and Senior Services as they volunteer a night for kids and community at the 8th annual Des Moines Legacy Foundation Sports Night Auction, benefiting the Youth Scholarship fund for Des Moines youth recreation opportunities.

Purchase your tickets today to join emcee Bruce King and community volunteers for Casino games of chance, a fully catered barbecue meal and beer provided by the Ram Restaurant and Brewery, and auction – all to give kids a chance to play.

Our 2010 Live and Silent Auction items will feature unique items to bid on, including one-of-a-kind University of Washington football mementos; a Marcus Trufant autographed football and the legendary wheelbarrow full of assorted beers.

Join us on May 15th for a night of fun and chance – and give kids a chance!

For more information:  206-870-6527

SPONSORS: There are several ways to show your support:

• Sports Night Sponsor – Give a gift of money
• Donate Auction Items (Goods or Services) – Both Live and Silent auction valued at $50. Or more
• Donate a Raffle or Door Prize – Valued at $25. Or less

Any level of support is greatly appreciated!

More info at their Facebook page, or here.

Here’s the poster:

Highline Community College International Students and Local Seniors at WLB Advertiser Wesley Homes are sponsoring Culture Fest, on Thursday, May 20th.

It’ll be held from 6pm – 8pm at the Wesley Homes Des Moines Terrace auditorium, located at 816 South 216th Street.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Culture Fest, sponsored by Highline Community College International Students and Wesley Homes.

WHEN: Thursday, May 20th from 6pm – 8pm.

WHERE: Wesley Homes Des Moines Terrace auditorium, located at 816 South 216th Street.

TICKETS: Tickets are $8, and admission will include:

• International foods samplings
• Entertainment from around the world
• Culture booths from many countries
• Free shuttle from Des Moines Activity Center

INFO: Visitors are encouraged to “surprise us by wearing the costume of your heritage” but that’s not a requirement.

The Des Moines Activity Center is a sponsor, and all proceeds from this event benefit senior programs and services for the Des Moines and Normandy Park communities.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (206) 878-1642.

The Highline Medical Center Foundation will be hosting its second annual “Hats On for Highline” fundraiser at Emerald Downs in Auburn beginning at 11:30am on Saturday, May 1st.

This Derby Day fundraiser will include horseracing and simulcast of the Kentucky Derby from the VIP trackside tent, including a buffet, auction, the requisite hat contest along with raffle prizes.

“A great day to spend with friends and something I wouldn’t miss,” said Carrie Rasmussen, who attended the event last year. “It’s a perfect Trifecta – hats, horses and fun!”

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Medical Center Foundation’s “Hats On For Highline” Derby Day Fundraiser.

WHEN: Saturday, May 1st from 11:30am on.

WHERE: Emerald Downs in Auburn

TICKETS: Tickets are $50 per person and advanced reservations are required. Reservation deadline is April 23rd so don’t wait! For more information and tickets, contact the Foundation at 206-901-8500 or visit www.highlinemedicalcenter.org/support-highline.

INFO: Proceeds support the Highline Medical Center’s Cancer Center and other patient care programs.

Highline Medical Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money for patient care services, the latest medical equipment, community outreach and staff continuing education at Highline Medical Center. Funds raised benefit programs, patients and services throughout South King County.

For more information, check out their website here.