AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT >>>

I was a virgin. It was my first time ... ever. I had no idea what I'd been missing.  And it all happened in the Church - Church of Great Rain to be specific. I've been converted. I want more. 

Church of Great Rain is a musical variety show held every six weeks on Vashon island. Each 90-minute show features the Church House Band, twisted news and irreverent views by the Holy Roller Radio Players, amazing musical guests and a lively inspiring sermon by the Rev. Hunter Davis. It's A Prairie Home Companion with a Monty Python twist.  The show, or Church, has taken Vashon Island by storm, drawing near capacity crowds at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Last February, 500 or so folks joined me for a Love In The Afternoon-themed Church. The local and diversely talented actors, musicians, writers, and technical crew clearly took pure delight in creating, producing and performing awesome live music and whacky comedy sketches - all inspired by Vashon's, charming unusual populace, the Pacific Northwest and the intrigue of living near a live volcano. The musical guests were Publish The Quest - the hottest band I've heard in ages. Think blues, rock, ska, and world pop mixed up and decolonized. I squirmed and wiggled in my seat to their thumping bass, sassy horns and wicked guitar. Hot!

Apparently, Tacoma's own Vicci Martinez has performed at Church, too.

Tomorrow, another Church show hits the Island promising to propel me into a silly state of mind for April foolishness. I can't wait to hear this month's musical guest Teresa Tudury and her bluesy originals of passion, verve and disarming humor. 

More Laughing? Bring it on! I'm in love now. I can't wait! You should join me, too. – Chiara Wood, Queen of the 253

LINK: Church of Great Rain April Foolishness details