News / Life / Entertainment

Try This: Enjoy Japan’s culture

By Ashley Swanson, Columbian Features News Coordinator

Published: March 28, 2014, 5:00pm

"Angel" entertains the crowd at a past WHS Japanese Festival with a fusion dance performance. Entertainment this year also includes traditional jazz dance, a tap dancing saxophonist and Taiko drum performers.

The students of Washougal High School’s Japanese program present the eighth annual Washougal Japanese Festival. Visitors can learn about traditional displays of flower arrangements and calligraphy, play children’s games, indulge in Japanese snacks or try out the kimono photo booth. The festival includes performances by the En Taiko drum ensemble, tap-dancing saxophonist Mr. Shoehorn, traditional koto instruments and fusion dancing.

When: Noon to 4:30 p.m. today.

Where: Washougal High School, 1201 39th St., Washougal.

Admission: $3 to $4; $2 for seniors and ages 9 to 18; and free for ages 8 and younger.

Web: www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs.

The festival is one of the many options for getting out and about this weekend.

2. Civil War commemoration

Visitors can explore Clark County Historical Museum’s newest exhibit before its opening reception on April 4. “Shadows of Conflict: Clarke County and the Civil War.” The museum delves into how the Civil War affected the Western frontier through documents, artifacts and images. The exhibit joins the ongoing displays of “Curiosity: Clark County, Real and Imagined” and “Labor: A Working History.”

Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Where: 1511 Main St., Vancouver.

Admission: $4; $3 for seniors and students; $2 for ages 6-18; free for ages 5 and younger.

Telephone: 360-993-5679.

Web: cchmuseum.org

3. Quilts upon quilts

North Clark Historical Museum hosts its ninth annual Quilt Show, with more than 60 quilts on display throughout the museum. The quilt show honors the tradition of quilting, and visitors can vote for their favorite.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: North Clark Historical Museum, 21416 N.E. 399th St., Amboy.

Admission: Donations are encouraged.

Telephone: 360-247-5800

Web: lewisriver.com/amboy/museum

4. Dinner and a show

“When Pigs Fly” is a musical revue that embodies gay life in the 1990s. Costume designer Howard wants to put on his dream show, complete with songs, sketches, dancing and running gags. But Howard must overcome the challenges of keeping all his characters in line. Presented by the Serendipity Players and the Vancouver Eagles Aerie 2158, tonight’s show include dinner, with proceeds benefiting Eagles’ charities and the Diabetes Research Center. The show is recommended for mature audiences.

When: 6 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday.Where: Eagles Lodge, 107 E. Seventh St., Vancouver.

Admission: $30 for dinner and show, “Pay What You Will” on Sunday.

Telephone: 360-834-3588.

Web: serendipityplayers.org

5. A world under water

Noah (Russell Crowe), his wife, Naameh (Jennifer Connelly) and three sons struggle to survive in their isolated surroundings, strengthened by their abiding faith. When Noah begins experiencing visions of an apocalyptic deluge, he and his family begin to prepare for the end of their world. “Noah” is rated PG-13.

Where: Battle Ground Cinema, 1700 S.W. Ninth Ave., Battle Ground; Cinetopia Mill Plain, 11700 S.E. Seventh St.; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall Drive; Regal Cinemas, various, Vancouver.

Cost: Varies by location.

Telephone: Battle Ground Cinema, 360-666-7200; Cinetopia, 360-213-2800; Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23, 360-448-4100; Regal Cinemas, 800-326-3264.

Web: www.battlegroundcinema.com, www.cinetopia.com, www.regmovies.com.

Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly" through April 13 at the Vancouver Eagles Lodge in Vancouver. Photo