‘The West’: A new West Seattle posse gets ready to ride

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

We could carry the Wild Western metaphor to extremes when writing about a particular West Seattle event tonight … starting with Brent Amaker in his trademark hat, which of course he sported while making an impromptu speech to the gathering of West Seattle movers-and-shakers who filled the loft at Mission tonight. But … we’ll try not to be too unbridled.

“We are ‘The West’,” Amaker proclaimed — a West Seattle social/networking/activism alliance that’s taken shape over the past few weeks, with a mostly word-of-mouth network drawing interested parties to The West’s first major mixer tonight.

Founders of The West – Amaker, Lora Swift of Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) and Swift Media Solutions, and Lane Bueche of Motherlode – are confident the posse/coalition/group/network can do big things for a good cause – and to further maximize West Seattle’s community-coolness factor.

In the early going, they’re expecting to plot an event that’ll do something for charity. Something involving art, and/or music, particularly relevant since, as everybody around the room introduced her/himself, there were more than a few self-identified musicians and artists, as well as entrepreneurs whose businesses support art and music – proprietors from Skylark Café and Club, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), West 5, Shadowland, host venue Mission, The Workshop, Harbor Properties, and others (we couldn’t hear all the introductions from our spot in the corner). Many have already been involved in West Seattle-wide coolness-for-causes (think West Seattle for Japan, Lowman Brau, West Seattle Outdoor Movies, just a small sample).

Whatever happens, “It’s gonna be f***in’ cool,” promised Amaker, as loud whoops of approval erupted.

We had to gallop into the night shortly thereafter, while the revelry and strategizing continued behind Mission’s facade:

If you’re interested in connecting with “The West,” best place to do that, we’re told, is by “liking” its Facebook page – but be ready for a wild ride.

3 Replies to "'The West': A new West Seattle posse gets ready to ride"

  • Guy November 8, 2011 (12:17 am)

    Nice!!!

  • Dave O'Leary November 8, 2011 (2:30 pm)

    There were indeed a more than a few self-identified artists and such. I hadn’t realized you guys were there or I would have said hello. Nice article though. Hope to catch you next time.

    Dave

  • Heartland November 8, 2011 (7:23 pm)

    It was definitely an impressive turnout of local business that care about the Arts. I look forward to creating a more urban feel in WS. There are many talented artist that live on the West Side. As we grow away from a cottage community and into a bigger extension of Seattle, it’s important to go about it in an artistic manner. Cheers!

    Owner of the Heartland Cafe and Benbow Room.

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