Live music in Bellingham, WA

Fall JAM brings a Contact Improvisation weekend to Bellingham, weaving together classes, scores, labs, live music, and abundant open jamming. It is hosted by Carmen and Rajendra Serber, with a special workshop led by Rachael Lincoln and Aaron Swartzman. Additional facilitation comes from Heather Cunningham, Soleil Chappelle, and Rajendra, with music by Serge Gubelman, Aaron Finbloom, and surprise guests. The gathering emphasizes a welcoming, safe-enough container while inviting the experimental spirit of a radical community process. There are no drop-ins for individual sessions. Participants can choose a daytime workshop with Rachael and Aaron that also includes the evening session, the jam-focused weekend from the first evening through the final day, or a combined option that covers both the workshop and the full weekend. After registration and payment, access is provided to a self-serve spreadsheet for rides and housing inquiries. Capacity is limited and the event often sells out. Across the weekend, the flow begins with the workshop, then continues into an evening open space, a welcome mixer, and a jam with music by Serge. The next day features a long CDP practice with Soleil, a welcome activity, a Contact Improvisation class with Rajendra that leads into a jam, more jam time, and a focused evening jam. The final day includes a morning session, Liberation Collaboration with Heather, a Fall Harvest Score and Jam with Carmen accompanied by music from Aaron, a closing round and cleanup, followed by an optional farewell potluck dinner at Carmen and Rajendra’s home.

Mount Baker Theatre hosts a candlelit rock experience as The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight brings its 2026 tour to Bellingham. This 90-minute concert features a 14-piece ensemble of classical musicians reimagining rock and metal favorites in an atmospheric setting, blending elegant orchestral textures with the intensity of amplified sound. Expect music associated with Metallica, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Rage Against the Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, System of a Down, Guns N’ Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more. The Rock Orchestra is a rotating collective of classical performers that includes leading instrumentalists and vocalists. Audiences have responded enthusiastically, with a customer rating of 4.7 out of 5. Note that the production is not affiliated with the original artists or composers named, and all trademarks belong to their respective owners.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight returns to the United States with a new production after captivating more than 700,000 people around the world. This 90 minute performance reimagines iconic rock and metal anthems with an eerie, elegant energy, all illuminated by candles. A 14 piece ensemble of classical players weaves delicate, enchanting lines with surging distortion to create a striking meeting of classical finesse and metal power. As a rotating collective, the group features world class instrumentalists and vocalists. Expect renditions of music by Metallica, AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Aerosmith, The Cranberries, and more.

At The Shakedown, the bill brings together Casa Sueño and Stereo Donkey. Casa Sueño unites guitarist Mike Baggetta (mssv, Psychic Temple), drummer John Herndon (Tortoise, Isotope 217), and bassist Mike Watt (Minutemen, Stooges). Their name references the minimalist work of La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela and the duo’s long-running drone installation in New York City, a shared touchpoint for the band. The music spans free-form improvisation, persistent grooves, and psychedelic song forms. The trio has recorded its first 7-inch, House Of Dreams, for Nomad Eel Records. Stereo Donkey features Hiro Yamamoto of Soundgarden. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 the day of show.