As we emerge from The Big Dark (thank goodness), we have our eye on several bright happenings that are bringing about happiness.

• Tomorrow (Thursday) one of our favorite venues—The Showbox—hosts The Ballroom Thieves and Caamp, an Ohioan trio with “high hopes and no reservations.” We first heard Caamp’s mesmerizing tunes under the magical canopy of Pickathon this past summer. The Ballroom Thieves, featuring Calin “Callie” Peters (vocals, cello), Martin Earley (guitar, vocals) and Devin Mauch (percussion, vocals), share “immense melodies and hypnotic hooks from personal stories on their 2018 EP, Paper Crown (Nettwerk Records).”

• On November 2, MOHAI opens its new exhibit “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation,” and we can’t wait to check it out. Here’s the summary: “From the builders of some of America’s earliest railroads and farms, to civil rights pioneers, to digital technology entrepreneurs, Indian Americans have long been an inextricable part of American life. ‘Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation’ explores that rich heritage and the diverse contributions of Indian immigrants and their descendants in the United States and the Pacific Northwest.”

• On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, active, retired and veteran U.S. military personnel and their spouses receive free admission to Woodland Park Zoo. (In addition, up to six family members with valid ID receive $4 off admission on Veterans Day.) Check out the zoo’s calendar for other upcoming events and seasonal happenings!