Five for Fighting concert headlines a wide array of weekend entertainment in Olympia

Five (for Fighting) plus 4 equals 5

The Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling Five for Fighting is playing Wednesday, April 17, in Olympia. Now for the math: Five for Fighting is actually one person — singer-songwriter-pianist John Ondrasik, known for such soft-rock hits as “100 Years” and “Superman.” Ondrasik’s name is not easy to pronounce (and The Olympian’s online searches didn’t turn up a pronunciation), so his record label insisted he choose a band name for his solo work. He was annoyed by this request, so the story goes, but chose Five for Fighting because he likes hockey. (And perhaps also because he wanted to annoy the label right back.) The twist here is that his Olympia show is with a string quartet, so there will be five musicians on stage. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $35-$72.

Flights of fancy

It’s not every day that you can see someone fly — even with the help of nearly invisible wires. This weekend, though, you can. Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Peter Pan” will offer the beloved characters of J.M. Barrie’s story — and also the villainous Captain Hook — with original choreography and flying effects created by ZFX, a professional flying company. The ballet is on stage at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14. For children 3 and older, the company is also offering Tinkerbell’s Pixie Party, a preshow soiree with crafts, snacks and stories. Tickets are $20-$35 for the ballet and an extra $16 for the party. Also out of the ordinary and semi-magical: Olympia Family Theater’s Tales Told in 10. The one-act play festival will present a half-dozen family-friendly plays — created from start to stage in 24 hours — at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are available on a sliding scale.

Boldly go to bingo

Bingo, these days, isn’t just for senior citizens. South Sound Senior Services has added themes, a full bar and a snack bar to its bingo nights, making them popular with adults of all ages. (In other words, you do have to be 21 to attend.) The offering on Saturday, April 13, is Trekkie Bingo, and costumes are definitely encouraged. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center, 6757 Pacific Ave. SE, with bingo calling blastoff at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $25 cash at the door. The events fill up quickly, so don’t delay if you want to explore new worlds of gaming.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.