Pockets of nostalgia
Originally published on August 13th 2025
As I enjoyed this last week in Thurston County, I kept finding little pockets of nostalgia everywhere I went. I am excited to share all those pockets with you in Harlequin Productions (HQP) season announcement, Entertainment Explosion’s Recruitment and Olympia Lacey Church of God’s Free Community Block Party.
Harlequin Productions
HQP’s annual gala and season announcement brightened my week. Everything from Eden Lane’s jazz performance, to the delicious assortment of charcuterie provided by Bite Me catering, as well as tfun activities kept the audience entertained until the main event: the season announcement.
Actors from previous productions presented each new season item in a way reminiscent of award shows. Producing Artistic Director Aaron Lamb’s explanation of this year’s theme added kindling to my fiery passion for the arts. Here is my understanding of the theme.
We are living through an era of our nation’s history that, regardless of political standing, is shocking and overwhelming, especially as news and information come at us far too quickly. Our post-pandemic world makes it all too easy to just stay at home, to disengage from the community, and avoid tough questions.
HQP, this season, is inviting us to explore moments from our collective past and present, and open our minds to a variety of perspectives gained from diverse experiences. Each title selected for this season is very intentional. You will laugh, you will cry, you might feel scared for a moment, but then at the end of each show, you will feel empowered. I cannot wait to see you in the audience for the following shows:
"Wait Until Dark": Jan. 23 to Feb. 8
"The Foreigner": March 6-29
"Where the Summit Meets the Stars": May 1-17
"Million Dollar Quartet": June 19 to July 19
"Barefoot in the Park": Aug. 21 to Sept. 1
"Our Town": Oct. 2-Nov. 1
"Sanctuary City": Oct. 9-25
Holidays 2026 show is still undecided, but will run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24.
Click here to subscribe to the next season.
Personal note: I have always wanted to see Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Thank you HQP for answering my prayer.
Entertainment Explosion
For 20 years, Entertainment Explosion has been a wonderful group of senior musicians, dancers and entertainers, who perform at various occasions. Entertainment Explosion has begun recruitment again for this year and invites anyone age 50 and up to join their troupe.
Reflecting on their performances at senior residences and assisted living facilities, Meggin Turk described how they “try to keep everything upbeat” for their audiences.
Turk continued, “Even in the Alzheimer’s facilities where people don’t really talk or communicate with others, when you’re singing, you can see them mouth the words and get excited. It is so exciting to know that you are reaching them.”
The positive impact of this group is three fold: Audiences benefit from quality music entertainment, performers benefit from the community gained in creating music together, and organizations that support youths are able to receive the donations this group procures. This year alone, Entertainers Explosion has donated more than $3,000 to HUMI (Help Us Move In) and SOGO (Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia).
Alongside their recruitment, Entertainment Explosion is currently working on starting a scholarship program through the Community Foundation at South Puget Sound Community College. All scholarship monies will go directly to kids in need to help with their musical education.
Interested in joining this troupe? Contact Scott Schoengarth at (360)250-8413. To book Entertainment Explosion, contact Meggin Turk at (360)529-2101.
Free Community Block Party
On Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Olympia Lacey Church of God will be hosting a free (quite expansive) Community Block Party.
Though this event is hosted at a church, the heart of it is community togetherness and taking opportunities to have fun together.
“Our goal is to provide a place for community connection in a welcoming and safe environment for some family friendly fun,” said Pastor Matthew Klaus. “It is our joy to see families connecting and getting to know one another, fostering a sense of belonging.”
There is something for everyone at the event, including:
Giveaways
Inflatables
Insert coin video games
Mr. Twister balloon animals
Haircuts for children
Sensory toolhouse
Games and activities
Lots of yummy food, including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and Italian Soda.
And more!
Events like these remind me of why I love community events and the arts so much — they provide opportunities that remind us of some previous traditions of bygone eras, but also of our humanity and the beauty of being alive.
Click here for event information.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/intheaudience-pockets-of-nostalgia,26058