Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Wednesday update from The Hamster Wheel.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Or, hit reply to send me photos via email. 📧

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are Celtic music powerhouses, bringing virtuosic fiddling, driving rhythms, and onstage chemistry back to the stage together for the first time since their marriage in 2000. Between them, they’ve earned multiple JUNO Awards, Gold Albums, and East Coast Music Awards, along with international acclaim as solo artists and collaborators.

Having sold out more than 1,000 shows across North America and worked with artists from Yo-Yo Ma to The Chieftains, MacMaster and Leahy are two of the most dynamic and compelling performers in Celtic music today.

Bellingham-based Happy Tails Happy Homes posted a plea this week for donations and foster homes to support eleven puppies currently in their care. Mama Rainy, a homeless dog taken in by the rescue, required an emergency C-section when her puppies became stuck during delivery. Eleven puppies survived, but several were born very small and two are currently facing serious health complications.

In just eight weeks, the litter has already accumulated nearly $10,000 in medical expenses, including lab work, medications, injections, and plasma transfusions. But Jeez Louise… just look at that adorable cuddle-puddle. 👆🥰 Visit the Happy Tails Happy Homes website to make donations or contact them about fostering or adoption.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Noisy Waters Mural Festival, which returns to the Bellingham Waterfront August 14–16. Artists are invited to apply for a chance to be one of eight finalists selected to paint live during the three-day event. Applications are due by April 16 at 5 pm, with finalists notified by April 30.

Selected artists receive a $1,000 stipend and will paint 8-by-8 foot murals live during the three-day festival. The finished panels are later auctioned to support the event and help keep it free to the public. Winning artists will also receive commissions to paint larger “prize wall” murals in Bellingham the following year.

LOCAL READS

Error left Samish tribe forgotten for decades. They rebuilt from ‘ground zero’
By Sophia Gates · Cascadia Daily News
The Samish Indian Nation spent decades fighting for federal recognition after a 1969 clerical error left the Samish off the federal list of recognized tribes, cutting it off from funding and legal standing. Sophia reports that since recognition was restored in 1996, the tribe has rebuilt its government, grown to more than 2,000 members, and regained land across Skagit and San Juan counties. Read more →

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

The quiet architect of Bellingham hockey
By Chayton Engelson · Klipsun Magazine
Long before hockey gained a foothold in Bellingham, educator and former Red Wings signee John Utendale helped organize youth leagues, build a local rink, and support the junior team that became the Bellingham Blazers. Chayton details how his coaching, teaching, and mentorship shaped generations of players and students in the region. Read more →

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday
Stream Team: Help Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) maintain older sites that need love. Meet at NSEA’s campus by 8 am and your group leader will shuttle everyone to the site. You can expect to be back to NSEA at 12 pm. Register

Saturday
Native Plant Nursery: Help the city prepare its native plant nursery for another year of restoration projects. Volunteers will pot bare-root plants and tidy the Parks Native Plant Nursery. Register
Smith Creek: Plant native trees and shrubs with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association along Smith Creek, a tributary of the Nooksack River. Register

Sunday
Whatcom Humane Society’s Division St. Shelter: Join Whatcom Million Trees Project in planting native trees in the dog-walking field to provide shade and support the nearby wetland. Register

BSAC North
The Golden Players Theatre Troupe (variety show) | Thurs

The Blue Room
Comedy night with Henry Sir (comedy) | Thurs

iDiOM Theatre
The Roommate (theater) | Thurs-Sat

New Prospect Theatre
Seasons and Celebrations (cabaret) | Sat, Sun

BAAY Theatre
The Wizard Of Oz (theater) | Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Dance Fusion - BSAC - Sat 10:30 am
Contra - Fairhaven Library - Sat 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 6:30 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Belly Dance - Karate Church - Sun 1 pm

Joe and Kelly perform at Stones Throw Brewery tonight, March 11 from 6 to 8 pm. The husband and wife duo play a mix of classic 1970s soft rock and yacht rock favorites, drawing on years of experience performing around Washington.

Oliver Groenewald brings his NewNet ensemble to the Odd Fellows Temple Room tomorrow, March 12 at 8 pm, joined by an opening performance from a WWU jazz group. Groenewald, a trumpeter and composer who studied arranging at Western Washington University and later taught jazz in Germany, formed NewNet as a mid sized jazz ensemble featuring leading Northwest players.

Magoo brings a progressive bluegrass sound to the Wild Buffalo tomorrow, March 12 at 8 pm. The Denver quartet combines traditional bluegrass instrumentation with modern arrangements and improvisation. Members include dobro player Dylan Flynn, guitarist Erik Hill, mandolinist Courtlyn Bills, and bassist Denton Turner.

Blessing Chimanga brings his Light & Hope album release tour to New Prospect Theatre tonight, March 11 from 7 to 9 pm. The Zimbabwean musician is known for high-energy performances blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences.

Open Jam, The Blue Room – A 7 pm signup and 8 pm start for this open jam session welcoming musicians and listeners. The Blue Room provides several instruments including drums, piano, and guitar. Free to attend.

Trivia Night, Cheba Hut – A weekly trivia gathering from 7 to 8:30 pm with team play, prizes, and casual competition. Free and open to all ages.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

Whatcom READS: Book Discussion with Javier Zamora, Pioneer Pavilion Community Center – A 7 to 8:30 pm community event featuring the author of Solito: A Memoir, followed by audience questions and a book signing. Free with registration.

King of the Pier Dart Tournament, Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar – A 6:30 pm darts competition with a $5 buy in and cash prizes offered throughout the evening.

Thursday Music & Trivia →

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