BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – In October 2022, Washington native Jackson Graham hosted their first show at The Blue Room in Bellingham, Washington, and Repeating Gossip was born.

Now, two years later, the monthly variety show celebrated its second birthday and is bigger than ever. Audiences gather to watch 21-year-old Graham and the Repeating Gossip crew perform sketches, musical numbers, guest interviews and more. Guest stars have included drag artists, local comedians, an Elvis Presley impersonator and even a miniature horse.

Photo by David Cohn

Repeating Gossip is a variety show with a talk-show format, described as a “nickel and dime pony show” on the group’s Instagram profile. Bellingham’s setting is central to Repeating Gossip. Graham is inspired by Late Night with David Letterman, incorporating Letterman’s offbeat humor and setting-specific content into the show.

“I’m a part of the surroundings, and the show is a part of the surroundings, and we lovingly parody Bellingham and dedicate the show to Bellingham,” Graham said.

Each show is uniquely absurd, and audiences never know quite what to expect. Graham described Repeating Gossip as a “fever dream” and a “big, amorphous blob.” Though the show is hard to describe in words, it has been widely successful, attracting diverse crowds and an ever-growing crew of local creatives.

“I wanted to create a show that was very lived-in and specific to Bellingham” – Jackson Graham

Repeating Gossip’s core crew includes co-host Jason Jun, director Troy Schulz, stage manager Kieran Parnell and head writer Nico Wilkerson, though many more contribute. 

“I’m so blessed to have so many people that just love the show and want to work on it,” Graham said. 

Since its conception, Repeating Gossip has attracted a diverse group of “freaks,” including a shaman, chocolatier and retired flight attendant, according to Graham. Many of the show’s contributors started out as friends or fans of the show before eventually getting involved with the show’s production.

Photo by Thalia Coulter

Bellingham has been a lucrative nursery ground for Repeating Gossip, as the city’s size and secluded nature promotes a unique art scene, while still allowing space for niche communities. 

“You find all of these pockets of hyper-specific people,” Graham said. 

Graham has a knack for finding and booking unique guests to appear on the show, bringing their wildest ideas to life. They use their platform to highlight Bellingham’s eccentric side, featuring people from all walks of life. 

Photo by Thalia Coulter

Repeating Gossip has seen widespread success over the past two years but its future is uncertain. Graham, who moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, is nearing graduation, as are many of the show’s contributors. 

It is unclear whether the show will remain in Bellingham or move and morph into something entirely new, but, for now, Repeating Gossip will continue boggling Bellingham’s minds and showcasing Washington’s weirdos.

 

We are Whatcom is a weekly column featuring Whatcom County residents making a positive impact on the community. To submit a Whatcom County resident to be featured, click here.