Submitted by: Madyson Ellars, MBT Staff Writer
Growing up in the somewhat-small city of Bellingham, I always had an incredibly wild imagination that would take me far outside of Whatcom County. Between the covers of a book, I could escape to fantasy worlds and distant countries, full of unusual words and languages. I could get lost in music, listening to melodies reminiscent of people and cultures foreign to me. The set of a movie or stage of a play became a landscape for me to traverse. Now, I relish the ability to embrace these flights of fancy with several exciting events at the Mount Baker Theatre, bound to take anyone’s imagination exploring!

For lovers of martial arts films or anyone looking for a taste of the exotic, travel to China with the help of the Shaolin Warriors. In this fully choreographed theatrical production, kung fu masters bring remarkable skill, stunning movement, and death-defying martial arts prowess to the stage. These warriors have trained from a very young age in mental and physical disciplines to perfect the art of hand-to-hand and weapons combat, which allows them to perform feats once thought only possible in the movies. Check out these incredible performers at the Mount Baker Theatre on February 3rd.
Zip to Zimbabwe with another MBT act in February—the thrilling story of Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters! This performance, especially geared towards children from kindergarten to 5th grade, explores the cultural norms that stretch across humanity, ultimately telling us stories about ourselves. Combining authentic African drumming, powerful choreography and thrilling original music, the splendor of Zimbabwe and the African continent comes to life on stage! Mufaro’s two daughters of different dispositions take a journey that tests their courage, kindness, and strength of spirit. This special event will take place February 17th.

Next, take a hop “over the pond” to England with One Night of Queen, performed by Gary Mullen and the Works. This spectacular live concert event recreates the look, sound, pomp, and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time, playing such venues as London’s Wembly Stadium. Hailed as the world’s premier Queen tribute, Gary Mullen’s pitch-perfect imitation of icon Freddie Mercury has won rave reviews throughout 13 years of touring the globe. But forget the passports and maps—you don’t have to travel any farther than the Mount Baker Theatre to experience this thrilling performance, February 18th.
And speaking of the United Kingdom, experience the dazzling Emerald Isle with the Irish Rovers and We Banjo 3! Fueled by passion, talent, history, and song, the musical legacy of the Irish Rovers continues to lead the way for many of today’s folk and Celtic musicians. After nearly 50 years of charming and entertaining audiences around the world with their exciting stage shows and traditional approach to Irish music, the Rovers’ Long Goodbye Tour sees them singing a proper farewell to all those they have entertained through the decades. Joining this veteran troupe are some of the most celebrated young musicians in Ireland today. We Banjo 3 delivers a groundbreaking mixture of Irish music and old-time American and bluegrass influences to create one of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years. This exhilarating blend of old and new Irish classics will hit the stage here in Bellingham on February 26th.

And finally, travel the entire globe in a single night with four stellar strummers! At International Guitar Night, audiences can experience North America’s premier touring guitar festival, featuring a special evening of solos, duets, and quartets. Tour founder Brian Gore invites a cast of luminaries to highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. MBT welcomes the following young guitar masters to our stage: Italy’s innovative contemporary guitarist Luca Stricagnoli; brilliant young Brazilian composer/performer Chrystian Dozza, India’s ground-breaking slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya, and the word-famous Lulo Reinhart! Don’t miss out—book your globe-trotting trip at the Mount Baker Theatre for February 24th.
Can’t wait to tour the globe but want a taste of exploration? The Mount Baker Theatre offers tours! Travel through time and discover the story of one of Bellingham’s not-so-hidden gems by contacting the theatre at 360-733-5793.