West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
The floor and the loft at Easy Street Records were packed tonight for hometown faves The Dusty 45s, celebrating their new album “All the Beauty in Between.” We couldn’t stay for the whole show but caught several songs including, above, “One Girl,” and below, “Cash in Her Soul“:
Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan introduced Billy Joe Huels and his band as “relentless” (and might we say, Vaughan knows a thing or two about relentlessness). Huels, for his part, told the crowd, “I’m Billy Joe, I live right down the street.” He explained the songs were largely written “during the COVID break,” including “Thursday Afternoon,” recalling the simple pleasure of going out for a walk during pandemic times. You can get the album via links here (and listen to clips from the rest of the songs). And if you want to see the band again, albeit outside West Seattle, they have a show at Tractor Tavern next Wednesday.
(Photo by Nancy Woodland)
7:55 PM: Look for the lights east of Alki Bathhouse and you’ll find the epicenter of Alki Holiday Lights, the neighborhood celebration organized by the Alki Community Council while awaiting the Christmas Ship’s 8:35 pm appearance – with local businesses, and the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), participating too. Updates later!
(Added: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” excerpt with Pacific Sound Chorus on board)
9:13 PM: The Christmas Ship has sailed on after its Alki stop, second of the night (after Seacrest). We’ll add visuals once we’re back at HQ!
10:15 PM: As promised, the Alki Community Council lined part of the seawall with luminarias – no rain, so they stayed lit! The ACC set up this festive display too:
Along with the businesses offering treats, the Log House Museum was open for the evening, with merchandise including a bake sale and the remaining stock of ornaments, each featuring something or someplace from West Seattle’s history:
The museum was thrilled with the turnout, even though they’re a block inland – they’d counted well past 100 visitors before we stopped by around midway through the evening event. Meantime, that’s it for the Christmas Ship’s 2024 West Seattle stops, but if you want to catch it elsewhere in the region, here’s the full-season schedule.
ADDED: Thanks to Rod for this photo of the Christmas Ship, with its traditional illuminated wish for “PEACE,” sailing away from Seacrest:
(WSB photo)
Remember the giant tree that fell across Walnut Avenue in South Admiral during Tuesday’s windstorm? We believe it’s the biggest one that came down; the photo above is all we saw left of it this afternoon. Here’s what it looked like right after the storm:
A neighbor told us work to remove it was finally under way last night, and she believed the nearby residents who were without power for days had been restored too. The Seattle City Light map is finally without West Seattle outages and shows fewer than 800 customers still out systemwide.
(WSB photos)
Dave McCoy is thrilled that the new location of his fishing-focused shop Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor) is in the heart of The Junction (4707 California, steps from Walk-All-Ways), where they’re getting the kind of exposure they couldn’t enjoy at their previous 42nd/Oregon location. EWA has been in the new space for almost two months, but has been officially celebrating its grand opening these past two days. Even if fishing’s not your thing, there’s a lot to see – Dave is still stoked about uncovering the space’s original flooring:
He notes that since fishing is a sport with a strong element of nostalgia, the classic flooring fits right in. And then there’s the “rod wall” and mural by Chris Habermann:
Toward the back of the store, a place to hang out:
EWA has all sorts of events and programs (and guided trips), making it more than just a place to find merchandise (outdoor apparel too, by the way):
The grand opening continues until 6 tonight. But Dave would love to see you any time you wander in – 10-6 Mondays-Saturdays, 11-5 Sundays.
Our tour of some of today’s handcrafted shopping opportunities ended at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), where the Christmas Market continues until 4 pm. We found one creative stocking stuffer:
Stacey just started her business selling playing cards with recipes, “Make Meals, Play Cards” – simple ideas for meals, five ingredients for less, right on the cards. (If you miss the market but are interested, email her at mmpcdeck@gmail.com.) Chantel is a teacher who is selling clay creations, from dishes to ornaments:
There’s also an opportunity to give to the Westside Neighbors Shelter – a giving tree that gives you the chance to chip in for sturdy footwear:
And if you’re bringing the kid(s), there are craft tables just outside the sanctuary, where most of the market is happening:
Cider and pretzels are available too , outdoors by the entrance. This is part of a full complement of holiday events, that Admiral Church is offering – all in our West Seattle Holiday Guide, but here’s the list as sent by the church:
“Holy Night”; Christmas With The Chosen. November 26, 6:30-8:30 pm. Free movie screening and discussion of “Holy Night”, by the producers of “The Chosen” series. Christmas cookies and popcorn, too! All welcome!
Grinch and Grahams! December 8, 1:00-2:30 pm. Admiral Church, Family Holiday Event! FREE! “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, the beloved 30-minute holiday classic movie, followed by making and decorating graham cracker houses! All welcome!
WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT! December 15, 1:00-3:00 pm. Holiday Jazz Concert, dancing as space allows! All Welcome! FREE! And there’s cookies!
12:54 PM: Sent by Barb:
I am writing to report a pair of high-end, carbon-fiber kayaks were stolen from across the street from Lincoln Park two weeks ago. I have attached photos of them. They are worth, used, about 2k apiece. They are in good condition and there is a reward being offered for information of $500 to anyone who gives the name of the thief and their location to the police or myself, leading to their recovery. They are both 16′ long. One is a Sega Revenge and the other is a Steller 16.5.
You can reach Barb at 206.851.6244.
5:09 PM: Here’s her SPD incident number – 24-331535.
On the southeastern edge of West Seattle is a holiday sale worth going out of your way for today – the craft fair at Arrowhead Gardens (9200 2nd SW). It’s also continuing until 3 pm today. You’ll find some tasty surprises – above, “Mama T” is selling lumpia; below, Linda is a devoted canner whose creations include saffron-nectarine jam, “monkey butter,” syrups, jellies, and simple pleasures like pickled carrots:
She gave up canning for a while after 40 years – and then hopped back into it a few years ago, making small batches. Bill, meantime, has channeled his beautiful photos into calendars and gift cards:
The tables throughout the “welcome center” on the complex’s east side also include warm knitted items for all ages:
Holiday decor too, plus jewelry and more. Support the senior artisans and delight your gift recipients!
(WSB photos)
Don’t feel like – or have time to – bake for the holiday(s)? Peace Lutheran Church (39th/Thistle) has you covered. Their “Bake Sale Plus” – raising money for nonprofits/community work – is on until 3 pm. Even a gluten-free table, as shown above. Pies, cookies, brownies, breads, snack mix … if you’re looking for it, they probably have it. Plus – knitted creatios:
And even a “Toy Share” area if you have little ones on your list:
This is happening on the lower level of the church – enter off 39th. One more note: All the baked goods are packaged in compostable material!
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn for WSB. Above, DJ Padilla, Carlos Lopez, and Teagan Gaither hand out turkeys)
Until noon – or until supplies run out – anybody who needs some help getting a turkey dinner on the table this Thanksgiving is welcome at the annual Eastridge Church turkey giveaway (outside the church at 39th and Oregon).
No questions asked – anyone can get a turkey and bag of groceries that contains fixings for a full traditional holiday meal. Volunteers were busy packing the bags inside:
(Carol Heisler places a bag of groceries in the pile to be distributed)
Between their West Seattle and Eastside campuses, Eastridge gives away about 1,500 turkeys on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year – something they’ve been doing for more than two decades.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
It’s the weekend before Thanksgiving and the holiday happenings are taking over. First, our list from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, followed by today’s list from the regular Event Calendar:
EASTRIDGE CHURCH TURKEY GIVEAWAY: Hundreds of turkeys and bags of holiday-fixings groceries will be available outside the church at 39th/Oregon, starting at 9 am, continuing while they last. Details here
PEACE LUTHERAN BAKE SALE PLUS: “Yummies and Yarn bake sale +” is the church’s holiday event this year, at 39th/Thistle. 9 am-3 pm.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT ALKI CENTER “Alki Court #21, Order of Amaranth, is having their annual Craft Bazaar from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be held at the Alki Masonic Center at 4736 40th Ave SW and there is plenty of parking!!”
ARROWHEAD GARDENS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Amazing handmade creations, every year! Office building on the east side of the complex at 9200 2nd SW, 10 am-3 pm.
ADMIRAL CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET: “Step into a German-style Christmas market right here in West Seattle! Enjoy a cup of hot cider and a soft pretzel while browsing our festively decorated booths. Discover that perfect one-of-a-kind gift created by a local artisan. Bring joy into your home with our handcrafted holiday decor. Find unique gifts for co-workers, teachers, and holiday hosts. And don’t miss our homemade cookies, pies, and holiday sweets. Relax and enjoy the enchanting spirit of Christmas, support Admiral Church’s important community work, and return home prepared for the festive season!” 10 am-4 pm. (4320 SW Hill)
ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5 pm and later entry times, ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)
CHRISTMAS SHIP, TWO STOPS: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship will make two West Seattle stops on its first night of the season. First, at Seacrest (new location), 1600 Harbor SW, 5:35 pm. Second, Alki Beach Park (usually near the Bathhouse), 8:35 pm, with a bonfire plus the special Alki Holiday Lights event presented by the Alki Community Council
ALKI HOLIDAY LIGHTS: 7-9 pm, so there’s lots of time to have fun before the Christmas Ship arrives at 8:35 pm – 10+ places to get freebies, three places to drop off donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, luminarias on the beach, more – look for the Alki Community Council info booth east of the Bathhouse.
“SNOWED IN (AGAIN)”: 7:30 pm performance of ArtsWest‘s holiday show – our calendar listing has the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
Now, everything else! (Are we missing anything for today/tonight? Text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s home studio (3618 SW Alaska)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others for a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Flowers are still blooming in some gardens, so keep working on yours! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
EMERALD WATER ANGLERS GRAND OPENING: As previewed here, celebrate the fishing-focused shop’s new location, 10 am-6 pm today! (4707 California SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
ALKI ARTS ANNIVERSARY: 12-8 pm, the gallery at 6030 California SW is celebrating its first anniversary!
We will be celebrating with refreshments being served all day and 10% off of any single piece of original local art.
The festivities culminate with a fabulous concert from 6-8pm with a talented trio from ‘Tobias the Owl‘ playing. (tickets by donation at the door, with all proceeds going to the musicians)
Stop in between Noon to 8 pm to celebrate with us at 6030 California Ave SW. And we want to take this opportunity to thank all of the loyal art lovers who have shopped with us all year!
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
‘GRATITUDE’ SOUND BATH EXPERIENCE: Noon-1 pm at Inner Alchemy‘s studio (3618 SW Alaska); get your ticket(s) here.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
MONTHLY SONG CIRCLE: 1-3 pm Soul Sisters song circle, no experience required; our calendar listing explains how to get location info.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
THE DUSTY 45s AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free in-store concert, all ages, celebrating The Dusty 45s‘ new album and vinyl release, as previewed here. (4559 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: The Brews Brothers, 7 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
AT THE SKYLARK: Relocation benefit with Hayward Sun, Bobby Malvestuto, Deer Wave, Cesar Cuevas, doors at 7, music at 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Shonuph. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
As we’ve been reporting, West Seattle High School‘s volleyball team is at the state tournament for the first time in a half-century. Saturday was their second day of play in Yakima, concluding late at night with a loss – first match of the day, the Wildcats shut out Stanwood, 3-0 (25-23, 31-29, 25-14); then in the second, they lost to Seattle Prep, 3-1 (21-25, 27-25, 25-9, 25-19). That sent them to the consolation bracket, with little time to rest – they’ll play Liberty at 10 am today (Saturday), and if they win, they play for 5th place at 2 pm. It’s been a huge season for head coach Scott Behrbaum and his team, taking the district championship along the way. We’ll have another update after today’s game(s).
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