Kent-area community calendar | June 15

Events

Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, June 3-Sept. 23, Town Square Plaza, 2nd Avenue and Smith Street, Kent. Fresh produce, food, entertainment. Kent Lions community service project. For more information, visit kentfarmersmarket.com.

Juneteenth Celebration and Festival: 10 a.m.-dusk, June 17, Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th St., Kent. Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) presents family-friendly, community-wide, cultural celebration commemorates African-American freedom. Free to the public. Lineup of speakers, lunch provided by KBAC, games for children, a community dance and vendors showcasing their services and products. Nationally known Seattle jazz guitarist Michael Powers returns to anchor the concert in the park. For those who would like to support KBAC in its ongoing efforts, donations can be made to the organization’s GoFundMe account. gofundme.com/sum6bs. To learn more, visit kentblackactioncommission.org or Facebook.

Candidates forum for Kent mayoral race: 6-7:30 p.m. June 28, First Christian Church, 11717 SE 240th St. Sponsored by local residents. Kent attorney Pat Hanis will lead the panel. Pastor Bob Brooks, of First Christian Church, will host.

Benefits

Horizon PTA’s Carnival and Silent Auction: 5-8 p.m. June 16, 27641 144th Ave. SE, Kent. Rides, train, pirate ship and obstacle course. Proceeds benefit Horizon Elementary PTA. No entry cost. Two tickets for rides/games are $1. horizonhawkspta.org.

Ladies Night Out: 5-8 p.m. June 22, Kent Station, courtyard by Christopher & Banks, 438 Ramsay Way, No. 105. Proceeds support Kent Youth and Family Services. Evening includes a women’s fashion show from Chico’s, Christopher & Banks and J.Jill, fine wines, light bites and prizes. Tickets: $30, $40 VIP and available at kentstation.com/ladies-night-out. For more information, email cboyd@kentstation.com or call 253-856-2301.

Always Bet on GEM Casino Night: 7-11 p.m. June 23, IBEW Local 46, 19802 62nd Ave. S., Kent. The Evening includes wine tasting, prizes, wag bags, a silent auction, entertainment, games and food. Donations will help Glover Empower Mentoring expand the reach of its Summer Leadership Academy, which will be free to all participants, and build other mentorship programming. GEM, a community-based nonprofit organization, offers mentoring to young adults throughout Kent and South King County. Tickets: $20 advance, $30 at the door and available at brownpapertickets.com. For more details or for information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact GEM at 601-454-6004 or 206-805-9990, or gempowermentoring@gmail.com.

Health

Bloodworks Northwest drives: 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 21, Centerpoint Corporate Park, Mount Adams Room, 20809 72nd Ave. S; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. June 21, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St.; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21, city of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 23, Blue Origin, 21218 76th Ave. S; 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m. June 27, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. July 10, St. James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. July 13, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St.; 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. July 19, Classic Accessories, 22640 68th Ave. S. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit bloodworksnw.org.

BEPC Conscious Wellness Expo: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Speakers, readers, healers, vendors, jewelry, books, gems, stones and hourly door prizes. Free admission. bepcweb.org/expo.html

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. Cost: $32 to join and $8 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Alzheimer’s Association: Meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information Susan Dailey at 206-471-2351, or www.alzwa.org.

Clubs

Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington: Program meetings from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month, September-May, Covington Library, 164th and Kent-Kangley Road. Lunch provided, suggested donation $10. No reservation needed. RSVP at sikentcovington@soroptimist.net. For more information, contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

Autism Social Skills Group: 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Washington, a nonprofit organization, brings social group opportunities for teens with autism to Kent. Looking for teens with autism as well as peer mentor volunteers. To volunteer, register or to learn more, visit www.featwa.org.

Rotary Club of Kent: Join the local Rotary Club of Kent every Tuesday for its weekly meeting and luncheon at various locations. For more information go to: www.kentrotary.com

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, Kent Commons, Interurban Room, 525 Fourth Ave N. Are you interested in practicing and improving your public speaking skills? Boosting your self-confidence? Making yourself heard in that weekly meeting at work? Come practice your oratory skills with a friendly and informative group of people. With members ranging from beginners to experts, Kent Evening Toastmasters welcomes people of all skill levels. For more information, visit www.kenteveningtoastmasters.net.

Autism Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, Kent Covenant Church, main conference room, 12010 SE 240th St. Share resources and encouragement. Childcare available with 72-hour advance reservations by calling Fabiana Steele at 253-631-0222, ext. 325. For more information, visit www.kentcov.org.

NAMI Support Groups: 6:30-8 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. Friends and family support group for family members and friends who are affected by mental illness. Free. For more information, call 253-854-6264 (NAMI) or email namiskc@qwestoffice.net, or visit www.nami.org.

Network

The Kent Chapter of Business Network, Int’l (BNI): 7 a.m., every Wednesday, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Chapter is growing. Do you want excellent, personal, word of mouth referrals for your business? Then come join us. For information about BNI Northwest or how to join a chapter call 425-391-6830, or 800-286-0508, or visit bninw.com.

Kent Chamber of Commerce Luncheons: 11:30 a.m., first Wednesday of the month, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Open networking. Bring your business cards for the card exchange and prizes. Cost: $20 chamber members pre-paid; $25 members day of the event; $30 non-members. For registration and more information, visit kentchamber.com.

Libraries

Kent Public Library: 212 2nd Avenue N., Kent. 253-859-3330. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. June 29. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Social Time with balls, blocks and bubbles takes place right after Story Time.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish only), June 16, 23 and 30. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English, and the facilitator is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Family Story Time: 10:30 a.m. June 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Summer Reading Program kickoff: Noon, June 24. Town Square Plaza. Enjoy a special concert, featuring Elspeth Savani and Jeff “Bongo” Busch. Ponte el Ritmo is a participatory call-and-response percussion event for all ages. Listen, sing, play and move to the rhythms of Brazil and Cuba. Then get an introduction to the world-wide sensation Zumba, taught by instructor Marriam Midamba. Feel free to wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes, and bring a water bottle.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. June 30. “Moana”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Rated PG; 113 minutes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Library.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. June 28. Middle and high school ages. Hang out, study, play video games, listen to your music, learn how to use library apps to get free books, music or videos … you decide.

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Through June 15. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Kent Youth – Let’s Talk About It: 3:30 p.m. June 21. Middle and high school ages.Snack, do a craft, organize to change the world or just come by for a chat. We are forming a Youth Council and would like to hear your ideas.

ADULTS

YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families: 10 a.m. June 22. Support Services provides rapid rehousing for homeless veterans.

RISE (Resources to Initiate Successful Employment): 2 p.m. June 22. RISE (through DSHS) offers assistance in obtaining employment by providing services such as comprehensive case management, job experience, and employment and training assistance.

Historical Medieval Martial Arts: 2 p.m. June 18. Travel back in time to the middle ages with Knights of Veritas, and discover how personal combat really worked amongst the warrior elite! Featuring faithful replica swords and armor, authentic medieval artifacts, and more.

Congressman Adam Smith – Constituent Services Community Outreach: 10 a.m. June 20. Staff members will be available to answer questions about federal agencies.

Hello 4Culture: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 20. 4Culture, King County’s cultural funding agency, will be holding office hours at the Kent Library every third Tuesday of the month.

Computer Classes: Registration required except for One-on-One Help. • Internet Level 1, 7-9 p.m. June 15; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7-9 p.m. June 22; • Microsoft Excel Level 2, 7-9 p.m. June 29. One-on-One Computer Help, 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6777. Order at tickets.showarecenter.com. Events include:

Maxwell: 8 p.m. June 20. R&B singer performs with special guests Common and Ledisi. Tickets: $56, $66, $76 and $96.

Logic presents Everybody’s Tour: 8 p.m. July 13. With guests Joey Bada$$ and Big Lenbo. Logic – the 27-year-old rapper born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II – burst onto the music scene through a series of mixtapes that led to a significant, rabid underground fan base. His tapes have garnered millions of downloads and streams, jumpstarting a worldwide tour all before signing a record deal with Def Jam Recordings in 2014. Tickets: $49.50

Throwback Sizzling Jam: 8 p.m. July 14. Tony! Toni! Toné!, Dru Hill, Silk, Total & H-Town. Top artists from the ’90s get jammin’. Tickets: $49-$125

Legends Football League: 7 p.m. July 15, Seattle Mist vs. Austin Acoustic. Tickets: $15-$65.

Outry Tour: 7 p.m. Aug. 12. Featuring: Jesus Culture, Lauren Daigle, Behtel Music, Local Sound, speaker Chad Veach, plus special guests Martin Smith. Tickets: $15.95 – $64.95

TAKE-OUT TUESDAYS

Noon-1 p.m., July 11-Aug. 15, Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way. Presented by Kent Station

Knut Bell: July 11. Based in Washington state, Knut Bell and The Blue Collars perform originals and country classics. You’ve heard them live on KEXP and the Bob River’s Show.

WEDNESDAY PICNIC PERFORMANCES

Noon-1 p.m. July 12-Aug. 16, Town Square Park, 2nd Avenue and Harrison Street. Presented by City of Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services

Tickle Tune Typhoon: July 12. Dancing vegetables, larger-than-life robots and award-winning music. This Northwest favorite delivers positive messages and educational topics cleverly disguised as silly fun. Co-sponsored by the Kent Library

WEDNESDAYS FAMILY DATE NIGHT

6- 8 p.m., July 12-Aug. 16, Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way. Presented by Kent Station

Aaron Crawford: July 12. This Americana/country/rock artist draws inspiration from nearly every genre, and writes and performs music that speaks to each listener. Aaron has a love of performing that translates into high energy shows with a unique Northwest vibe.

THURSDAYS AT THE LAKE

7-8:30 p.m., July 13-Aug. 17, Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd Street, Kent. Presented by City of Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services

Mo Kenney: July 13. This Canadian singer-songwriter’s alternately playful and cynical lyrics are conveyed through her sultry alto voice and entrenched in intricate guitar work.

ELSEWHERE

“Jack & The Giant”: 7 p.m. June 23, 24, 30; 2 p.m. June 24, July 1. Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Company’s musical retelling of a classic fairy tale. Stage version of “Jack & The Beanstalk” was written especially for the theatre company by music director Bob Hubley, and puts a spin on the original story that breathes fresh life into timeless characters for a new generation. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 at the door. For more information and summer camp details, call 253-833-9111, ext, 2400, or visit heavierthanair.com.

10th annual Music and Art Showcase: 4:30-8 p.m. June 29, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Jazz pianist Richard Dean plays from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and from 6:15 to 7 p.m. A 1950s and 60s Rock ‘n Roll Revue by Wally and The Beaves kicks off the first of two outdoor concerts from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. with a second performance at 7 p.m. Free dessert, compliments of Stafford Suites, will be served. Evening also includes discounted dinners by Mitzels American Kitchen Mobile Food Truck, vendor informational booths, door prizes compliments of local contributors and free exhibitions and demonstrations by Kent Valley Artists. Free admission. Families of all ages are welcome to attend. Call 253-856-5150 for more information.

Live music, Tuesday night dances: 7:30 p.m., Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 listeners and dancers, cash at the door, open to all ages. Program schedule: • Kings of Swing Big Band, first Tuesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Farrington Court served during break at 8:30 p.m. • Randy Litch Ballroom, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments provided by The Weatherly Inn and Farrington Court, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. • Andy Burnett Rock ‘n Roll, third and fifth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments provided by Stafford Suites and Judson Park, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

No Experience Necessary Square Dance: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Kent Meridian Grange, 15422 SE 272, Kent. Featuring Wayne Easton, caller. Learn basic square dance moves from experienced dancers. Watch experienced square dancers perform mainstream moves. Drop in or call. Casual attire. No charge. 206 935-0856, wagonwheelsquaredanceclub@facebook.com.

Music

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley. MVYSO boasts a playing group for every level, from beginning strings to string ensemble. For more information, call 425-358-1640 or visit mvyso.org.

Rainier Youth Choirs: RYC has four leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 2 through 14). Call 253-315-3125 to schedule an audition. For more information, visit rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Galleries, studios

Centennial Center Gallery: 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Closed weekends and holidays. For more information, call 253-856-5050 or visit artscommission@kentwa.gov.

Third Thursday Art Walk: 4-7 p.m., Rusty Raven Studio, 212 First Ave. S., Kent. Designed around the idea of creating a rich and diverse artistic experience in downtown Kent. Free kids art activity every month. Have your map initialed by the artist at each stop and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from a participating businesses. One entry per person and must go to every stop to qualify. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit facebook.com/events/1530632470566958/

Museums

Greater Kent Historical Society: 855 E. Smith St., historic Bereiter House, Kent. Hours: noon-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, and by appointment. Admission: suggested $2 donation; no tickets are required for entrance. Parking is available behind the house off East Temperance Street. GKHS is a nonprofit organization that promotes the discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the greater Kent area. For more information,visit gkhs.org.