The Fab Four are coming to Orcas.
Okay, so it’s not the original musicians from Liverpool, but the spirit of John, Paul, George, and Ringo will be in the air as Orcas Center hosts a special fundraising event called “Imagine.”
On Saturday, July 18, the community will enjoy gourmet dining, dancing, auction bidding and the music of the Beatles, all with a backdrop reminiscent of the 1960s.
“Event Co-Chair Jim Youngren named the event ‘Imagine’ and it has been a series of ‘imagines’ ever since,” Nanae Fralick, director of the event, said. “I imagined a summer fundraiser where our guests feel special from the very beginning, where they will be served a delectable sit-down meal – a feast for the eyes as well as the palate – and where they will share a fun time with friends and new acquaintances, evoking positive memories of the 60’s, Beatles and flower power while, at the same time, making a meaningful contribution to Orcas Center.”
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception featuring appetizers prepared by Mary Russell of Orcas Village Store. Food and drink will be served by costumed bartenders and servers dressed as characters from Beatles songs such as “Rita Meter Maid,” “Mean Mr. Mustard,” “Nowhere Man,” and “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.”
At 6 p.m., guests will enjoy a four-course dinner created by Juliana Capedeville, famous for her innovative cooking style. Geddes Martin of the Inn at Ship Bay, who served as menu consultant, and Trisha Loop contributed recipes for the dinner; both voice confidence that the meal will be an unforgettable treat.
Following dinner, a brief auction will offer 13 “experiences,” including a stay in the Beatles Suite at Seattle’s Edgewater hotel, a day sail on a Concordia yawl, getaways to luxurious vacation destinations, and a variety of dining and entertainment options at some of the island’s most spectacular homes. Bidding will be orchestrated by Jeff Randall, one of Seattle’s best known charity auctioneers.
What makes the Imagine Auction unique is that winning bidders may assist more than one favorite charity with their bid. They may choose to direct up to 50 percent of the bid amount to a charity other than Orcas Center.
Imagine co-chair Kathy Youngren explained the reason for this twist on the charity auction.
“This is a difficult year for many island nonprofits,” she said. “We wanted to do something that spreads the auction proceeds beyond Orcas Center.”
Abbey Road LIVE! is the featured musical element of the party, following dinner and the auction. The band brings an authentic sound to the Beatles’ body of songs. While not impersonators of the Beatles, this group entertains fans of all ages, providing a nostalgic experience to those who experienced the Fab Four in the 60Õs and an entertaining live performance to those who have grown up with the Beatles’ songs as classics of an era they didn’t know.
All net proceeds from the Imagine event (excluding any auction money that goes to other non-profits) will benefit Orcas Center’s programming, which includes theatre, dance and music performances by both visiting and local artists; visual art exhibitions; classes and workshops; dance and theatre instruction in the Orcas public schools; and operating the Orcas Center facility for countless other community activities.
Tickets to the Imagine fundraiser are $150 per person, of which $100 may be considered a tax-deductible contribution to Orcas Center. To purchase tickets, visit www.orcascenter.org, call 376-2281 ext. 1 or visit the Orcas Center box office during the hours of noon to 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday.
Abbey Road LIVE! to perform again
A second performance by Abbey Road LIVE! will be hosted at Orcas Center on Sunday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Abbey Road LIVE! hails from the musical hotbed of Athens, GA from which the B-52s, Indigo Girls and REM sprang. Abbey Road LIVE! brings an authentic Beatles sound.
Tickets are $24, $16 (Orcas Center members) and $10 (students). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.orcascenter.org, call 376-2281 ext. 1 or visit the Orcas Center box office during the hours of noon 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday.
