West Seattle, Washington
06 Friday
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
For years, they’ve rocked out – and this year, they’re spaced out. With an all-new space theme, and other overhauls, the animatronic extravaganza Skeleton Theatre 2012 is almost ready to go, for performances Wednesday (Halloween) night and Thursday (November 1st) night on the lawn at the southwest corner of 36th and Hanford, rain or shine.
WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams visited last night as the crew got ready for the seventh year of Halloween-time shows:
(Michael Wellborn, working on audio setup)
Our behind-the-scenes preview continues, ahead:Read More
We’ve noticed his handle in WSB comments now and then … but didn’t realie till today that Metal Jesus is a West Seattle-based video personality/producer with a much-subscribed YouTube channel, “dedicated to all things retro video games and music,” that’s drawn 1.6 million-plus views. MJ’s real name is Jason and his channel Metal Jesus Rocks releases a new original video every week – above, today’s edition is a retrospective on the ’90s Seattle music scene – the sleepers as well as the superstars.
Jason, er, Metal Jesus describes himself as “a long-haired West Seattle rocker dude who used to work in the video game industry back in the 90′s at Sierra On-Line (Bellevue publisher of PC classics like Quest for Glory, King’s Quest, Leisure Suit Larry and much more),” later becoming “the editor of a professional video-game-review website, and (dabbling) in audio & video production.” You can join his channel’s 13,000+ subscribers (or just browse through the archives) here.
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Kelli Corrado, who teaches guitar, voice, and songwriting. Here’s what she’d like you to know: Her band Kelli’s Starlight Wishes released an album on Aphonia Recordings, a Pacific Northwest label. She says this experience is why people come to her for music lessons: “Again and again, my clients tell me that they seek me out because I am a working and active musician who has been successful as a songwriter and performer. The reason families stay with me is not only do I teach music theory and aural skills but also encourage the students to be creative and find their own original voice.”
Kelli says of her approach to teaching: “What makes me unique from other teachers is that I create a specific lesson plan for each student based on achieving two goals- a creative one and a technique-based one. I believe that art and music knows no age. Everyone is creative, everyone has a voice. I have taught 4-year-olds and I have taught 50-year-olds. I have a student right now whom I have taught for four years. She is getting ready to record her first EP of original songs. When I met her, she had never played the guitar, let alone sing or write a song. Also, I am told I have a special knack for working with young people. I think that’s because I make sure kids learn, but I also make sure they have fun while they learn. That’s why I am a longtime member of the Rock Camp faculty and am often asked to run workshops for young people throughout the Seattle region.”
In addition to touring and recording, Kelli teaches at the Rock School/ArtsCorps at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Musika (a nationwide teaching association), and at Ballard Music Academy. In the summer, she teaches at various camps; this past summer, she was the artist in residence at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island. More information about Kelli is on her website at kellicorrado.blogspot.com, and you can contact her by e-mail: kellifrancescorrado@gmail.com. Also see her coupon on the WSB Coupons page.
We thank music instructor Kelli Corrado for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Two months ago, we heard from West Seattle filmmaker Jamie Burton Chamberlin as his film with Duff McKagan’s Loaded, “The Taking,” neared completion. Tonight, its first episode has debuted online- see the 8-minute clip above. As explained in the description on its YouTube page, “the series explores the lyrical content of Loaded’s studio album of the same title, which was released last year. The project will be released telling a tale of totally bizarre adventures, imprisoned band members, and kids’-size ice cream cones.” Nine more episodes – including West Seattle-filmed scenes – are promised in the weeks ahead (Chamberlin hinted at their content in our August story); watch for announcements here (among other places).
Add another party to your fall schedule! The West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSB sponsor) are seeking your support as they provide an opportunity for musicians young and not-as-young to learn, grow, and entertain. Here’s the announcement of their upcoming benefit:
A gorgeous trombone quartet tribute for Japan in early 2012; a world-premiere woodwind composition in 2011. The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Fall Gala on November 10 is sure to present a musical surprise that engages and highlights the contributions and talents of local musicians. Celebrate and support local music November 10th at the Highland Park Improvement Club beginning at 5:30 pm with a silent and live auction and of course, performances by members of all three of WSCO’s orchestras. Food by local chef Rose Zhu and a cash bar will round out the evening. Tickets now available via WSCOrchestras.org, $25 adults and $10 children 12 and under.
WSCO operates three orchestras for musicians of all ages and abilities, each group meeting weekly for rehearsals with two concerts yearly. Students through grade 12 receive free membership in any of the orchestras which includes coaching, mentoring and of course performance opportunities. WSCO believes the intergenerational nature of the orchestras offer great musical experiences for all participants, providing opportunities to learn and grow together. To purchase tickets and view auction items: WSCOrchestras.org – To donate auction items: WSCOauction@gmail.com
Music for the ages – and for the present – will fill West Seattle’s historic-landmark Admiral Theater next Sunday, with a live double bill under the title “Tribute Times Two – Anthems of Activism” — expected to be a moving and unforgettable experience, both musically and in the context of the national election three weeks later.
It’s also going to be a benefit for Northwest Folklife (whose website previews the event here) – launching a new series of benefit events to keep the annual festival going strong.
The opening tribute at 4 pm Sunday features Peter McKee, a singer and banjo/guitar player who performed with his folk group Clallam County as part of Seattle’s celebration of Seeger’s 90th birthday three years ago at the Admiral. It’s the premiere of his one-man, multimedia show, weaving together recordings, images, and live performances that reveal the breadth and depth of the legendary humanitarian who at age 93 continues to inspire with his commitment to peace, justice, and environmental sustainability, via ever-relevant songs:
Says McKee, “For more than 70 years, the songs he has sung and written are songs of consequence, they are songs of import. He has been on the forefront of virtually every major social issue that has confronted our nation since 1940.”
Also continuing to inspire – though he’s been gone for 28 years – is Steve Goodman, who proudly considered himself one of Seeger’s disciples. At 7 pm Sunday, historian, Admiral Theater patron, and Goodman biographer Clay Eals will take the stage to focus on the story and music of Goodman, who wrote and performed hundreds of songs throughout the United States and Europe during his 15-year career, before leukemia ended his life here in Seattle in 1984 at age 36.
Anchoring the Goodman show next Sunday will be the stalwart of Eals’ events, Tom Colwell, whose track record as a singer/songwriter and interpreter of others’ music spans more than 50 years. Colwell was the featured performer in the Seeger 90th-birthday bash held at the Admiral 3 years ago. He actually shared a stage with Goodman – and told the story at a Sunday rehearsal for the upcoming show:
“City of New Orleans” – the signature Goodman song mentioned by Colwell – was also part of his rehearsal with bassist/harmonica player Bruce Hanson,dobro/steel guitar/harmonica player Mark Myers and Eals:
If you’re going to have an EP-release party – what better place than a music store? And if you’re a West Seattle band – it had better be THE West Seattle music store. Add all that up, and that’s why Daughters of the Dead Sea rocked Easy Street Records in The Junction on Saturday night. Brad Yaeger and The Night Terrors opened; Hobosexual closed. Before the show, we caught up with DOTDS’s Mia in the Easy Street aisle:
Mia’s bandmates are Jen and Iris. Didn’t catch them tonight? They’re performing at the Funhouse downtown in about two weeks – here’s the Facebook event page.
Every Saturday afternoon, West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center invites you to visit. This weekend, Saturday brought something extra: A commemoration of the 712th anniversary of the passing of 13th-century Vietnamese hero Gen. Tran Hung Dao – who is honored with the statue outside the center.
Gen. Tran Hung Dao was considered to be a brilliant tactician and is revered for having turned back three invasions. He was in his early 70s when he died of natural causes in 1300. You can visit the statue, as well as other memorials – including one for fallen soldiers – at the center, 2236 SW Orchard, 12-3 pm on Saturdays.
From Twelfth Night Productions, a West Seattle-based community-theater company:
Twelfth Night Productions announces open auditions for Miracle on 34th Street: a Live Radio Play. The radio play is based on the holiday movie favorite of the same name and will be presented as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. Miracle on 34th Street tells the timeless story of an old man who calls himself Kris Kringle, is hired as the Macy’s department store Santa. His claim to be the real Santa Claus becomes a court case and a young child’s belief could make all the difference.
Rehearsals begin October 23rd with shows running December 7 – 16 in West Seattle.
Audition Information
Please contact tnpauditions@gmail.com to request an audition time.Please prepare to read a 1-2 minute monologue. We will also have you read a variety of sides from the script.
Audition/Interview Dates:
October 13 1 – 4 PMCallbacks or second audition/interview?
October 14 1 – 4 PMAudition Requirements:
Please prepare to read a 1-2 minute monologue. We will also have you read a variety of sides from the script.Casting info:
We are casting 1 young girl (age 10 – 16,) 4 women, and 7 men to play multiple roles.
Project website: www.twelfthnightproductions.org
Hurry! If you’d like to learn a little Chinese language and Chinese culture, the Seattle Chinese Garden (which is in West Seattle – photo above – on the north side of the South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] campus) invites you to the second edition of “Chinese Corner” (here’s the wrapup from the first edition)! But if you don’t sign up fast, you’ll miss the chance. Here are the basics:
The six sessions will be on Mondays from 4 to 6 pm on 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26, 12/3 and 12/17. The sessions will introduce Chinese culture and basic Mandarin Chinese conversation with fun games and exercises for people of all ages. The professional teachers will be provided by our co-sponsors the Confucius Institute of the State of Washington and the Chinese Language Teachers Association Washington State. Teacher aides will be the students from the Mandarin Chinese program at Chief Sealth International High School.
To register for this free class (donations welcomed), people can register by filling out this form, or e-mailing chinesecorner@seattlechinesegarden.org
Heard about the Caine’s Arcade Cardboard Challenge (inspired by the now-famous video above)? West Seattleite Marie, who publishes Make and Takes, is hosting one as part of the worldwide event on Saturday, October 6th, but needs to find a venue! She says:
The location would need to be indoors and large enough to host up to 30-40 people with room for cardboard creations, multiple tables preferred. Children, and adults, will bring in their pre-made cardboard creations to display and for others to play with, cardboard-arcade style. This event is also in need of cardboard, scissors and tape donations as well, for those who want to create while they are there. If you have any information that would help, please e-mail Marie at marie@makeandtakes.com.
If she gets a place set up for 10/6, we’ll add a followup with where you can go to be part of it!
Just in from the city – Randy Engstrom, former director of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, will become interim director of the city Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. Read on for the city’s news release:Read More
As the West Seattle Community Orchestras get ready to start their new season tomorrow, we welcome WSCO as the newest WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know about their organization and how to become part of it:
The first rehearsal of the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ 2012-13 season is tomorrow (Tuesday, September 25). We welcome musicians of all ages and abilities to come together and make music. Thanks to a generous grant from the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs through the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras, we also have professional musicians providing individual and group coaching during rehearsals.
No matter what your age and musical ability, you are likely to find that one of our orchestras is right for you. The West Seattle Debut Orchestra welcomes musicians who have played for one year or perhaps are returning to their instrument after an extended leave of absence. For those with a couple additional years of experience, the West Seattle Intermediate Orchestra offers the full symphonic experience for those that are not quite ready to play the standard symphonic repertoire of our Symphony Orchestra. Finally, the West Seattle Symphony Orchestra, our most advanced group, performs standard symphonic repertoire. All groups perform community concerts each season.
In addition to our Orchestras, we are expanding our West Seattle Adult Beginning Strings program to include a Winds and Percussion class. These classes are geared toward adults with little or no experience with a musical instrument and will lay the groundwork needed for beginning adults to move up to the Debut Orchestra.
Participation in the West Seattle Community Orchestras is offered without charge to students K-12. Please visit our website for more information at wscorchestras.org or e-mail Mariane at info@wscorchestras.org.
We thank the West Seattle Community Orchestras for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
You could call that a pop-up library as well as a “free library,” which is how Linda described it, sharing the photo and explaining:
My dad and son, both West Seattle residents, made a free library in honor of what would have been my mom’s 71st birthday. She was a public-school teacher for many years.
Linda says you’ll find it in “the corner of my yard at 6119 SW Spokane Street” (map).
Five and a half months after ArtsWest revealed the productions comprising its 2012-2013 season (WSB coverage here and here), its season opener is about to hit the playhouse’s West Seattle Junction stage. Tomorrow (Wednesday) is opening night for the Northwest premiere of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson,” a Tony-nominated musical, directed by Christopher Zinovitch, with musical direction by Kim Dare. In ArtsWest’s announcement last March, it was described as a “comedic audacious mix of historical fact and fiction surrounding America’s controversial seventh president — the man who invented the Democratic Party, drove the Indians west, and ultimately doubled the size of our nation,” with “outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality, and a rock score.” It runs through October 20th, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm (with a few exceptions to that schedule, so check here – same link where you can buy tickets online).
Luthier Todd Baker was doing some restringing when we stopped by the first-ever West Seattle Guitar Show and Sale at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) this evening. As the original announcement explained, this is a show *only* for West Seattle guitar makers, sellers, and tradespeople. It’s continuing into the night, with Aaron Daniel performing at 9 pm. It’s co-presented by West Seattle’s Thunder Road Guitars:
Thunder Road is online-only but looking for a place to set up bricks-and-mortar business, according to proprietor Frank Gross, who says they’re “actively searching for a retail storefront / showroom … Ideally, something along California Avenue that is between 500 – 1000 square feet. If you know of something opening up, feel free to send e-mail at hello@thunderroadguitars.com.”
The West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ season is about to start – and along with some changes and additions, they are once again ready to welcome you to join their ranks! Here’s the official announcement:
WSCO welcomes Rachel Nevis as she takes over the conducting duties for the Debut Orchestra. This group will expand to include woodwinds and brass, providing a full orchestra experience for those musicians new to playing.
Leading the Intermediate Orchestra is WSCO’s founding conductor Toni Reineke, Ph.D. The Intermediate Orchestra provides musical opportunities for midrange musicians, whether students moving up in their skills, or adults who are coming back to music after time away; mentoring is a key aspect of this group along with additional learning opportunities from SYSO coaches.
Kim Roy, who led the group in a rousing rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown,” will be conducting the Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Roy is a well-known Seattle musician who also conducts the Seattle Rock Orchestra. She will lead the Symphony Orchestras in tackling the most challenging works of our three groups, providing members with a chance to stretch themselves and provide audiences with great performances right here in West Seattle. The schedule for the Symphony Orchestra has been expanded this season to include three ten-week sessions.
A brand new addition to WSCO this fall is an Adult Beginning Winds and Percussion Class, taught by Toni Reineke. And due to the popularity of the Adult Beginning Strings Class last spring, a new Adult Beginning Strings Class is offered this fall, taught by Kriszti Bunica, candidate for Masters in Teaching. Both classes will meet at 7:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday evenings, at Chief Sealth International High School. Class sizes will be limited. Information and registration information is available on the website.
Registration is now open; rehearsals begin September 25, at Chief Sealth (2600 SW Thistle). For more information please visit our website, www.wscorchestras.org.
Thanks to Sherri Chun of Admiral for sharing that new video by Not Dead Yet – a West Seattle band whose members include her husband Paul Zarkowski. The song is NDY’s “signature song ‘West Seattle Hey‘,” and the video is produced by West Seattleite Erik Nachtrieb of 1iOpen Productions. Sherri enthuses, “The song is about West Seattle, written and performed by guys from West Seattle, and the video was filmed in West Seattle … There are great shots of Easy Street, Bakery Nouveau, the Poggie Tavern, Alki Beach, and Jack Block Park. All great symbols of WS. And the song is catchy and fun.” NDY – who we recorded singing “West Seattle Hey” at the WestSide Baby cocktail party earlier this year (WSB coverage here) – will be performing at the Poggie at 9 pm this Saturday and the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) at 9 pm October 19th, Sherri says.
Thanks to Melissa for the reminder that one of the movies playing this week at Admiral Theater was partly filmed here in West Seattle. We mentioned the Shipwreck Tavern shoot for “Safety Not Guaranteed” in May of last year. According to the Admiral schedule, the movie is showing there once a night through Thursday, at 9 pm.
6:46 PM: We’re on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center – where the sun is shining on the south half of the field, but there’s a bit of an almost-autumn chill in the shade, as Curtains For You plays its first set of the last Summer Concerts at Hiawatha show this year. Come by – free popsicles for everybody who wants one (come see the Admiral Neighborhood Association at the east edge of the lawn – we’re right next to them), free face painting for kids – or, arm-painting …
… and free music, till 8.
7:42 PM: Another couple songs and they’re wrapping up. ANA president Katy Walum took the stage to thank this year’s sponsors, musicians, volunteers, and attendees. And – last but not least – her ever-supportive husband Erik Walum:
And Katy confirmed there’ll be a fifth season of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha! More to come in our wrapup of tonight, including a clip of Curtains For You (which will open for The Head and The Heart at the Paramount downtown on September 15th).
10:30 PM: Here’s the clip:
And we’ve been meaning during the season to mention the stage crew, Randy Knowles and Dave Grixoni, who’ve worked every concert in the series:
Dave is a letter carrier by day, around The Junction. He’s been working on the concerts ever since Katy Walum called him, having heard from someone that he knew something about sound systems. They talked about the Admiral setup – and eventually Katy asked if he could run the sound. Dave said Hiawatha had some great equipment (board, amps, speakers) so it shouldn’t be too hard. He had played in bands with Randy, and between the two of them, they had equipment if anything wasn’t readily available. They’d known each other since Randy’s days at a local store; Dave delivered the mail to the store, got to talking with Randy, and they decided to play music together.
Their first band, they told WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand, was the Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory (which played the Hiawatha series its first year), and that’s morphed into Melanie and Her Blue Suede Dudes, much more bluesy, they say, than Ragged Glory.
Since they have worked together for so long, it only takes about an hour for them to set up, and the sound check for a 6:30 pm concert is usually 5 pm. So look for Dave and Randy next year – the unsung heroes behind the scenes (or, at least, the stage).
Before summer wraps up, how about a South Pacific-style afternoon, without leaving West Seattle? Seaview United Methodist Church invites you to its annual luau, Saturday at 2 pm. Just announced by Seini Puloka:
The Tongan (Polynesian) members of the congregation are hosting this event. The menu includes roast pig, fish, taro and other Polynesian foods. Entertainment will be done by the children and youth of the church, complete with music and dances from islands of the South Pacific.
Location: 4620 SW Graham Street
Donation: $20 adults; $10 for teens; $5 for 12 and under
Tomorrow (Thursday) night, it’s the grand finale of the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with co-sponsors including WSB. Tonight’s reminder comes from ANA president Katy Walum:
I wanted to let your readers know that the Admiral Neighborhood Association will be having two face painters for the kids’ enjoyment at tomorrow night’s show. Free! Also, we’ll be giving out the rest of our popsicles – free! And the best free thing of all – the free concert – Curtains For You – brought to the community by the ANA and our fabulous sponsors. We’re a little sad that the last show of the summer is upon us, but so glad that we get to ring out the close of the season with such an amazing power-pop band (hint: they’ll be opening for the fall tour of the Head and the Heart)! Fingers crossed for clear-ish skies …
Above, a recent Curtains For You clip we found on YouTube. The concert’s free, on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, 6:30 pm. See you there!
Big news from ArtsWest – a prestigious grant never before given to a theater in our state. Here’s the announcement:
ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery is pleased to announce that the American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards, is awarding the Company with one of the 2012 National Theatre Company grants.
The award includes a $10,000 grant given to only 10 theaters in the country. ArtsWest is the first theater in Washington State to win this award.
This grant will have a significant impact on ArtsWest, providing resources needed to realize our full artistic vision and assisting in our ability to provide even broader access to the arts. The grant is given to emerging regional theaters that have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre. More information about the National Theatre Company grants can be found at http://americantheatrewing.org/grants.
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