Bees, music and parades

Test your trivia knowledge in a Trivia Bee hosted by Whatcom Literacy Council. Music from Western Washington University, Bellingham Festival of Music, Bellingham Music Club and Bellingham Symphony Orchestra will inspire you, Bellingham’s Sonja Lee returns with a new band, and the community is invited to join the beginning of the Spirit of the Waters Totem Pole Journey. Also, hop on your bike for a memorable community bike ride. 

WWU presents new work by John Williams

Capping off a weeklong residency at Western Washington University, acclaimed pianist Gloria Cheng will give the U.S. “preview performance” of Williams’ “Prelude & Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra,” with WWU’s Symphony Orchestra, ahead of its official U.S. premiere in June. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29 at Western’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall. The WSO will be the first American ensemble to perform this music. Ryan Dudenbostel conducts the free concert.

Also on the program is Leonard Bernstein’s searing score to the 1954 film “On the Waterfront,” led by graduate student conductor Johnathon Lyons. The piece anticipates his masterpiece “West Side Story” score, composed three years later. Concluding the program is Elgar’s Enigma “Variations.” Find details at cfpa.wwu.edu/music

Bellingham Music Club

Bellingham Music Club presents a free recital with Western Washington University pianist professor Milica Jelača Jovanović at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 4 at the First Congregational Church, 1401 Cornwall Ave. She has performed in solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including her native Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event is a preview for the BMC’s Night Beat full concert at the same venue at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6. Head to bellinghammusicclub.org for ticket info.