Theater of the Absurd meets Swedish pop sensation ABBA: Be prepared to laugh as murder, mayhem, and infinite innuendo ensue in 27 Short Plays About Being Murdered in a Hotel by ABBA, opening May10 at Rolling Bay Hall.

Written by William Razavi and staged by The Lesser Known Players, ABBA is filled with sly cinematic references, offbeat humor, and just a trace of existential angst. In it a zany cast of characters, including a mad scientist, a motivational speaker, an itinerant citrus salesman, an illusionist, two British blue-bloods and a young samurai warrior meet their fates in an alchemy of the absurd that combines philosophy, literature, weaponry, and music into a whole new level of thought-provoking fun. Featuring a suitably dark, ABBA-inspired original score by Seattle composer Jon Brenner.

Join Host Justin Wayne Lynn as he chats with the ABBA cast and crew in search of answers to questions like “is this a true story?” and “what DOES happen when a Swede finds a Katana?”

27 Short Plays About Being Murdered in a Hotel by ABBA opens at  Rolling Bay Hall May 10th and runs through the 19th with shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30, Sunday matinees at 2:30, and a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday, May 9. The playwright will be on hand to answer questions after the show May 10, 11 and 12. For tickets and information visit http://www.lesserknownplayers.org/.

Credits: BCB host and audio tech: Justin Lynn; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker.

Fans of the Finnriver Cider Garden in Chimacum will be thrilled to hear their fabulous ciders are now available at the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market. Listen here to learn more about their organic farming and fermenting activities.

In this podcast Molly Fallon, one of the Cider Garden managers, talks about their array of seasonal ciders and fruit wines and the several experiences one can have at the Cidery, from tasting to tours to exceptional culinary delights.

Molly also discusses the beautiful art work by local artists for their labels.  Stop by the Farmers Market to sample their ciders every Saturday, or you can visit their farm and cidery. Located in Chimacum, Washington, the farm is open 12 - 9 pm daily.  Check out their website at www.finnriver.com.

Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio editor: Chris Walker; publisher; Diane Walker.

Join us as the City of Bainbridge and BCB kick off a regular podcast series to share information about what’s happening at City Hall. In this first episode, City Manager Morgan Smith and Public Works Director Barry Loveless discuss the new police station and various transportation projects.

In March, the City Council approved the purchase of the Harrison Medical Center building to co-locate our police station and municipal court. Listen here to learn why this was a priority, how the project will be financed, and some of the lessons learned through the process.

We also learn more about the construction project at the ferry dock, the new roundabouts planned by the state for 305, and the city’s new sustainable transportation initiative, being considered in response to last year's failed Safe Mobility Levy.

These podcasts are intended to help us as a community be informed and involved in city activities. If you would like to submit a question or topic for a future podcast, please email the city’s Communication Coordinator, Kristen Drew, at: kdrew@bainbridgewa.gov.

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker.

Due to an unusually dry March, there have already been over 50 wildfires in Western Washington; several in Kitsap County. So how do we here on Bainbridge Island protect our homes and neighborhoods?

As we move into the dry season, wildfires become an increasing concern. Listen here as Fire Chief Hank Teran and Fire Marshal Jared Moravec tell us how we can help protect against wildfires.

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department has put a number of measures in place to encourage wildfire prevention, legislation, mitigation and education. Learn more by listening here, and be sure to visit BIFD.org to learn more about FireSafe, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and what you can do as an individual to help keep your property safe.

In this interview Denise Dumouchel, Executive Director of BARN, shares her love of BARN, of volunteers, and of poetry with BCB host Bob Ross.

Reflecting on her first year in her new role, Denise discusses her passionate commitment to the concept of volunteerism and shares her observations about how important it is to BARN and to the broader Bainbridge Island Community.

Listen through to the end to hear a delightfully Seussian poem called Gratitude that she wrote and recently shared with BARN members and visitors at an event honoring volunteers.

Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker.

A Greek island, a mother, a daughter, a wedding, three possible dads, and the music of ABBA: Mamma Mia opens May 3 at Bainbridge Performing Arts -- don't miss the fun!

In this podcast, BCB host and BPA veteran Justin Lynn talks with Mamma Mia stars Hannah Knap-Jenkins, who plays daughter Sophie, and Wayne Purves, Matt Eldridge, and Timothy Glynn, who play her three possible dads.

Listen here and learn about their characters, their director, their sets and costumes and what to expect from BPA's new production of this iconic show.

Performances run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 3-19 with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Thursday evening May 2. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30; Sunday matinees start at 3, and First Saturday $5 Teen Tickets are available for Saturday evening, May 4. Purchase your tickets online at BainbridgePerformingArts.org.

What can a neuropsychologist/stand-up comedian teach us about substance abuse prevention, and how ARE Bainbridge Island teens dealing with stress? Learn more Thursday evening, 7pm at the BHS Commons, and Saturday from 1-3:30 at the BHS Library.

A Better High: Supporting Teens in Reducing Their Stress (and Ours)

Join Matt Bellace, PhD - acclaimed author, neuropsychologist and stand-up comedian - as he uses research and humor to discuss brain science-based approach to substance abuse prevention. Learn how to support young people in both words and actions - through effective communication about sensitive issues and natural highs - to help them make healthy choices. Gain a better understanding of the teen brain and learn how to foster self-control and resilience. Recommended for parents, educators and teens. 

This event, sponsored by Raising Resilience, is a part of the sixth community Summit for Youth, presented in partnership with The Alliance for Youth and made possible by BISD, BCF, BYS, Helpline House and OCFA. 

Register at raisingresilience.org. Tickets are $15 or "pay what you can." 

Summit for Youth: We're Better Together 

The Alliance for Youth invites the community for an afternoon of interactive workshops and discussions facilitated by Clay Roberts, Ph.D. Join us for a genuine chance to listen to our youth, foster new connections and make plans for positive culture change on Bainbridge Island, featuring Power Planning and Teens-Talk Community Conversation with youth, young leaders and caring adults.

This free event is made possible by The Alliance for Youth, BISD, BCF, BYS, Helpline House, OCFA and Raising Resilience. Registration required (space limited). Recommended for teens (14 and up), parents, educators and interested community members. 

Register at: alliance4youth.org

If you have historical documents pertaining to the history of Bainbridge Island, the Bainbridge Island History Museum can digitize them for you. Come to Digitization Days, May 18 and 19 at the Bainbridge Island Library.

In this podcast BIHM Executive Director Brianna Kosowitz shares with us about the Museum's upcoming Digitization Days at the library.

The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum (BIHM) has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a community digitization project to preserve the community’s history while expanding the museum’s collection. Now BIHM needs your help to preserve and build the island’s history by sharing your family histories, artifacts, and documents their Digitization Days weekend event.

Museum staff and volunteers will be on hand to capture brief oral histories about your documents and artifacts and scan them on site so they can be added to the Museum’s permanent collection. You’ll go home with the originals and digital copies on a thumb drive as well! 

The Museum is particularly interested in documents that inform the timber, maritime and agricultural history of Bainbridge Island, but will accept other types of materials as well; limit four items per person.

So don't miss Digitization Days, Saturday, May 18th 10AM-5PM & Sunday, May 19th 1-5PM. Questions? Please call the museum (206-842-2773)

Credits: BCB Host: John Fossett; BCB audio tech: Sandy Schubach; editor and publisher: Diane Walker.

If you're a big fan of mushrooms, you need to visit the new Patchwork Gardens booth at the Bainbridge Farmers Market.  Listen here to learn more about Russell Lawson and the many varieties of mushroom he sells at the market.

Whether you're in the mood for a giant oyster, king or shaggy mane mushroom, the Bainbridge Farmers Market is the place to be on Saturdays from 9 am - 1.  Listen here as Russell Lawson, proprietor of Patchwork Gardens, tells us what it takes to bring these and other fresh delights to the Market each weekend.  

A new vendor at the Market, Russell discusses his move into growing mushrooms, what motivated this change in farming for him, and how science and technology have played key roles in his success.

Credits: BCB host: Bob Ross; audio editor: Chris Walker; publisher; Diane Walker.

First presented with oil, brushes and canvas at the age of 10, artist Joan Clark has returned to painting after a long hiatus with charming results. Her paintings of people and animals open at the library on Friday, May 3.

Mainly self-taught, Joan’s influenced by the great Dutch Masters, Rembrandt & Vermeer to name a few. She loves Leonardo da Vinci and likes to paint from photos -- often images she finds in National Geographic Magazine.

But it was a photo of her granddaughter that got her back in the studio. At first it was hard, she didn’t think she was going to be able to do it. However, with perseverance, something she encourages other artists to do in tough spots, she realized she still had the skills, and she’s never looked back.

Joan’s show opens at the library as part of the community’s First Fridays Art Walk on Friday, May 3rd from 5:30-7 pm, and will be on display at the library for the month of May.

Credits: BCB Host: John Fossett; BCB audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker

What does it mean for Bainbridge Island to reach 100% clean energy by 2040? What work is being performed in practice and in policy to help us reach this lofty goal? Find out April 20!

In this podcast, host Jo Jenkins visits with engineer Randal Samstag, architect Jason Wilkinson, and city council member Joe Deets to preview the upcoming Climate and Energy Forum on April 20, at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church from 10am to noon. We discuss the complexities of power generation and electricity use and how these topics relate to the island’s resiliency and local economy. With a slightly longer 2 hour format, the April forum aims to generate and examine local solutions through community engagement.

The April Forum features each of our guests, who will expand on this discussion by introducing innovative approaches to electricity generation, alternative clean sources of energy and how green buildings play a big part in an integrated solution. The Forum’s subject matter experts will present updates on the activities of the city’s climate change advisory committee and the city’s design policy improvements incorporating ideas from the Living Building Challenge.

For more information on the Climate and Energy Forum, visit: www.bainbridgeislandforum.org.

Credits: BCB host Jo Jenkins;audio tech: Bob Ross; audio editor: Chris Walker; publisher: Diane Walker.

Can a political divide be crossed? John Ellis and Joel Underwood will play two arms negotiators in InD theatre's production of Lee Blessing's A Walk in the Woods. 7 pm at BIMA on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, April 18 - 28.

Set during the Cold War, the show examines the growing relationship of two patriots on opposing sides. This lighthearted drama tackles the question that still troubles us today: can we develop understanding despite our differing opinions?

Listen here as BCB host Justin Lynn talks with John and Joel about the show's real life inspirations, about working with director Ken Michaels, and how this 31-year-old piece still has relevance today.

This show will also play at Freehold in Seattle May 2-5. To reserve your free tickets for either venue, or to learn more about this surprisingly humorous play, visit indtheatre.org.

Credits: BCB host and audio tech: Justin Lynn; audio editor and publisher Diane Walker.

Worried about saving for the future? Come to the Financial Education Lecture Series sponsored by the Bainbridge Community Foundation and learn some proven success strategies.

Whether you're a young investor just getting started, close to retirement or somewhere in between, Paul Merriman believes there are plenty of proven strategies for wealth creation and retirement planning.

Merriman, a longtime islander and author of numerous books on investment and financial management, will lead a Spring Financial Education Lecture Series, presented by Bainbridge Community Foundation. The seminars, developed to make individual financial and donor education resources readily available to all islanders, will be held three consecutive Thursday evenings at the library.

The April 11 session is entitled Retirement 101. On April 18th, Two Funds for Life will highlight how to successfully launch a lifetime of thoughtful investing and financial health. And on April 25th a panel of professional advisors will share Tricks and Traps of Estate Planning.

The lectures are free of charge, but reservations are requested at the BCF website, www.bainbridgecf.org.  All seminars start at 7 pm at the Bainbridge Public Library.