West Seattle, Washington
14 Tuesday
Don’t let the continued chill keep you from wandering West Seattle for tonight’s monthly Art Walk, 6-9 pm. This is the super-special late edition, including myriad chances for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, all over the peninsula. Click ahead for a few of the MANY highlights:Read More
That’s a short behind-the-scenes peek at the Westside Symphonette, as one of the West Seattle community orchestra’s newest co-conductors, Rob Duisberg, showed the musicians how he’d like them to handle a Beethoven piece that’s on the program for their holiday concert. We caught up with them at last week’s rehearsal, and now it’s almost concert time – this Tuesday night at West Seattle High School Theater – strings and junior orchestra at 6:30, senior orchestra at 7:30. In addition to classics by Beethoven, Bizet, Holst, Schubert and Ravel, there’ll also be a traditional holiday singalong, from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “Hallelujah Chorus.” – Admission is just $1 (though they’ll be thrilled to accept donations above and beyond that). (Yet more West Seattle holiday highlights – music, plays, bazaars, trees, etc. – here.)
Another Saturday and Sunday edition this time around – almost everything is already on the WSB West Seattle Holidays page – but here’s an extra shoutout. The weekend’s biggest event is the kickoff of Hometown Holidays in The Junction (co-sponsored by WSB) – tree lighting Saturday night, Santa photos and more on Sunday. Looks like wintry weather, too. And the day begins and ends with special fundraising dining events in The Junction – starting with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Pancake Breakfast this morning (7-11 am) and ending with the West Seattle Eagles‘ dinner 5:30 pm-7 pm (convenient after the tree lighting, before the We Are The Junction CD release party at Feedback Lounge [WSB sponsor[). Plus – LOTS of chances to shop local – not just the fabulous West Seattle merchants in The Junction, Admiral District (WSB sponsor) and elsewhere, but also a HUGE number of bazaars and sales around West Seattle. More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
Not sure if it’s a first but certainly it’s a rarity – Easy Street Cafe, better known for live music (and breakfast/lunch), is the venue where a play will be performed the next two weekends. Dylan Ward (left) shares the announcement:
I am producing my new play “Closing” at the Easy Street Cafe, on Dec 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, which are Fridays and Saturdays respectively. The show starts at 9:30pm. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or in advance at Easy Street Records. Tickets include Coffee and Pie. All of the cast and crew either live in, work in, or are from West Seattle.
“Closing” is about Rowan, who is working at the Catharsis Cafe on its last day of business. Catharsis is a failed art space/coffee shop, and all Rowan wants to do is leave his failures, co-workers, and old lovers behind him. He and the owner are ready to lock up and ship out, but a particularly strange woman appears and asks to tell her story about seals. Despite his impatience, Rowan must reconcile his feelings and allow her to speak.
Dylan says the closing night of “Closing” is already almost sold out – so this weekend’s your best chance to see it. We asked, why Easy Street? Dylan’s reply – “because the play takes place at a cafe. I figured that rather than building or mimicking a set for a cafe, I would just use one. The audience members will be sat at seats in the cafe, and the play will happen in the aisles, at a table, on the stage, and behind the bar.” We also couldn’t resist asking whose pie they’ll serve: The pie is by Janiel’s Alki Pie Company, baked here in West Seattle.
MAYOR-ELECT’S THIRD TOWN HALL TONIGHT: While Mayor-Elect Mike McGinn hasn’t scheduled a Town Hall in West Seattle yet, the one he’s having tonight in Rainier Beach is meant for the “south” section of the city – including us – it’s at 7 pm, 8815 Seward Park Ave. S. (map).
BAKERY NOUVEAU OPEN HOUSE: More holiday fun – the renowned West Seattle bakery has its Holiday Open House 6-8 pm tonight in The Junction, not far from this next event:
OPENING NIGHT FOR “PLAID TIDINGS”: The holiday musical fave is back at ArtsWest again this year – as explained here. You can see Frankie, Sparky, Jinx, and Smudge in holiday form through December 27, and this Friday night is a special “Toast to the Holidays” – featuring wine! – more about that here.
THINKING ABOUT REMODELING/BUILDING A HOUSE? Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor) is offering another of their every-so-often free workshops – no obligation – lots of info. It’s at their office (the log-house-style building at 5458 California SW) tomorrow night, 6 pm, free but RSVP requested – contact info’s here.
Compared to the next three pre-Christmas weekends, this one is relatively quiet. Nonetheless, if you’re ready to start emerging from the post-Thanksgiving/Black Friday haze, you’ve got some choices today and tomorrow: Some are holiday-related – the Holy Rosary Christmas Tree Lot opens today, as does Santa’s House at Westwood Village. Some are changes: Marination Mobile is taking the long weekend off, so no West Seattle visit today. Some are charitable: There’s another “Turkey Bowl” fundraiser at West Seattle Bowl today, and this afternoon, you can make holiday cards at a unique fundraiser that also includes dessert! More than 20 events/activities today and tomorrow, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
Guaranteed to make you want to stand in the middle of Walk-All-Ways, join hands with your fellow West Seattleites and sway gently (or not-so-gently depending on what you’ve been up to) while singing along … it’s “We Are The Junction” – as announced/explained by Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) proprietor Jeff Gilbert:
A Christmas album compilation made by West Seattle musicians for West Seattle
CD Release Party, Saturday, December 5th, 8 PM, The Feedback Lounge, right after the West Seattle Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Conceived by Jeff Gilbert, Steve Adams and Dave Blackburn, “We Are The Junction” is a West Seattle Christmas compilation featuring West Seattle musicians/bands. All proceeds from sales of the album are being donated to the West Seattle Food Bank.
Featuring all original holiday songs, the participating artists/musicians are…
Kirk Dubb/Dynomite D
The Pleasure Elite
Urban Squirrel
The Bend
Stumbletown Steve Adams
Gunn & The Damage Done
Jay Cates & Jefferson Bennett
Mr. Holmes
Earth, Wind & SteveThe album will be for sale at Easy Street Records, West 5, Shadowland, and The Feedback Lounge December 5th and will sell for $10.
We Are The Junction continues with two more charity albums planned for 2010, including a two-disc summer CD.
Just a few of the artists/craftspeople/vendors you’ll find inside the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) till 6 pm, in its first-ever Holiday Bazaar. Get out of the wind – support local small businesspeople (and some nonprofits too, like Furry Faces Foundation, with pet gifts!). And after this one – lots more bazaars and other holiday-season events can be found on our updated-daily West Seattle Holidays page.
WEST SEATTLE LIONS PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND BAKE SALE: Even if you wake up late, you’ve got time to get to this one – 8 am to 1 pm, Seattle Lutheran High School gym (41st/Genesee, Google Street View above). Menu includes three types of pancakes – buttermilk, “Judy’s Pumpkin Crunch,” gluten-free. Plus ham/sausage, coffee/juice/tea/milk – all for $8 adults, $5 kids 12 and under.
FEEDBACK LOUNGE BAZAAR: 2-6 pm today, shop at the first-ever Holiday Bazaar (well, it’s their first holiday season!) at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – jewelry, aromatherapy, handbags, more. Wine and cocktail specials too.
LAST FARMERS’ MARKET BEFORE THANKSGIVING: 10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska. It’s also your last chance to shop for the big contest – the most Farmers Market-sourced Thanksgiving feast – rules here. Today’s Ripe ‘n’ Ready list is here.
FAUNTLEROY ART SHOW/SALE FINALE: Last chance! 11 am-12:30 pm, Fauntleroy Church (9140 California).
BLOOD DRIVE: 10:30-4:30 today, walk-ins are welcome, Mars Hill Church in West Seattle (35th/Ida); more info here.
At Square 1 Books (WSB sponsor), the doors have just opened for the second and final day of the store’s anniversary sale, 15% off, till 5:30 pm. (We photographed Square 1’s Mary Kate Austin and proprietor Gretchen Montgomery toward the end of Day 1 last night.) Another WSB sponsor, Click! Design That Fits, has an artist reception tonight – 6 till 9 pm, Rachel Austin will be at the Admiral District shop to talk about her popular work, which has been on display recent West Seattle Art Walk nights. (2:53 pm update – Click! co-proprietor John Smersh e-mailed this image of one of the new works Rachel’s bringing up from Portland, incorporating local maps – he says this one’s called “Renton”:)
Speaking of fun ways to appreciate art, White Center for the Arts is hosting its monthly art walk tonight – six locations participating, plus a showing of short films is planned – 6 to 9 pm, see the full lineup and the official poster on our partner site White Center Now. And this afternoon, 1-5 pm, the Fauntleroy Art Sale and Show continues at Fauntleroy Church. Meantime, back in The Junction, TrueValue and Northwest Art & Frame are having open houses today. LOTS more happening throughout the day and night – the full list is in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup.
From Samantha Bowes at the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor), that photo and this update:
Today the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA recognized its volunteers with an appreciation luncheon. By year-end, more than 1,300 people will have given more than 23,000 hours of service in programs, fundraising, and board work with the Y right here in our community. The YMCA could not serve more than 10,000 people in West Seattle & South Park if it weren’t for these incredible volunteers who give generously of their time and talent.
Pictured: Fundraising volunteer Jack Oneal, wellness program volunteer Joan De Vrieze, and fundraising volunteer Tish Hesse at today’s volunteer appreciation luncheon. (Joan will also be performing tonight with West Seattle Civic Ballet in a performance of The Dollmaker at the Fauntleroy YMCA, part of YMCA Family Programs.)
And just steps from the Fauntleroy YMCA, at Fauntleroy Church, setup for the Fauntleroy Art Show/Sale is under way right now:
That’s watercolorist Kathy Johnson from Studio by the Sound, busy setting up her booth when we stopped by a little while ago. The show/sale opens at 6:30 tonight.
The weekend before Thanksgiving is a great time to give – or to receive, if you are in need – tomorrow morning there’s a turkey/grocery giveaway at Eastridge, and local food banks are gearing up for the holiday – if you are able to give, both the West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank continue facing high demand, and if you can’t make it during the hours they’re open, look for special benefits, like the Beer Church Turkey Bowl (co-sponsored by WSB) tomorrow night – bring WS Food Bank donations, 6 pm at West Seattle Bowl. One more chance to give – the bloodmobile’s at Mars Hill in West Seattle on Sunday, all welcome – the holidays are a time when the blood supply gets dangerously low. Meantime, other weekend events include the Square 1 Books (WSB sponsor) sale and other business open houses, two puppet shows, Family Science Night, the first big holiday pancake breakfast (presented by the West Seattle Lions); final two performances of “The Diviners” by Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor), native storytelling and hiphop at the Duwamish Longhouse, a free business seminar … More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
The Admiral Theater invites you to help choose a free movie for the holidays. Dinah from The Admiral sends the pitch:
We would love to host a free holiday movie for our neighbors and want your suggestions! Last year we showed, the perennial favorite, A Christmas Story. Please suggest something you can’t see on TV i.e. (It’s a Wonderful Life). Maybe it’s a charming foreign Christmas film or maybe it’s Naughty Santa. The only thing we can’t do is play something that’s currently out in
the theaters. You can either e-mail me at dinah@admiralentertainment.com, or fill out a slip and put it in our Christmas box at the theater and let me know what you’d like to see on our big screen! Admission is free but we ask that you bring some needed donations for our food banks! We will announce the film the first week of December and we will show the film on Saturday, December 19th at noon!
Next time you go to the movies at The Admiral, also look for their candy contest – a suggestion box of sorts where you can suggest a type of candy you’d like to see make a comeback.
Music to money-free-shop by – that’s what you hear harpist Kathy Wilmering performing in our video from last night’s Sustainable West Seattle Money-Free Shopping Spree. So what kind of sustainable gifts did folks exchange? We asked Sarah and Kate to tell us what they were offering:
SWS’s event was held at the brand-new High Point Neighborhood Center. Meantime, a couple images from last weekend:
Lynn Ogdon shared Tom Wolken‘s photo of the Chief Sealth High School Jazz Band after their performance in the Mill Creek Jazz Festival on Saturday, celebrating “a job well done,” as Lynn puts it. And from Sunday, Dina Lydia Johnson shares more photos from the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s 90th birthday – first, HPIC trustees:
And West Seattle-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen was there to present an official city proclamation:
Coming up at the HPIC building in just a few weeks, the Highland Park Action Committee will have a holiday potluck replacing its November/December meetings – 7 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Holiday shopping season is here. This weekend includes bazaars – starting this morning at The Mount — CoolMom‘s Toy Swap ‘n’ Sale on Saturday — the Sunday sale at Curious Kidstuff (WSB sponsor), the West Seattle Fashion Brunch, and more. Last year, we procrastinated, and then the snow hit – so this year, it’s all about EARLY, just in case. Also this weekend, celebrating the old and the new – Highland Park Improvement Club celebrates its 90th birthday, and High Point Neighborhood Center celebrates its grand opening! Plus you’ve got fun chances to help the people who help animals – with Seal Sitters‘ jewelry sale and Furry Faces Foundation‘s Catsino on Saturday. More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
Tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk rocks at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) with the Seattle premiere of “Double Down Live,” West Seattle filmmaker Jamie Chamberlin‘s two-disc production of tour footage from the band — 1980 for one disc, 2008 for the other. Screening’s at 7 (with another one post-Art Walk at 10). And that’s just one of many stops on the map – get it here – which ranges all over West Seattle:
Not far from the Feedback, it’s Harvest Time at The Kenney – one of the spots on this month’s Art Walk collecting nonperishable food donations for the two food banks that serve West Seattle – art includes watercolors, jewelry and live piano/vocals – Brock Mason Photography will also be there offering professional-quality family portraits in front of a decorated holiday tree – and you can nosh on “autumn comfort foods” provided by the catering team from The Kenney.
Heading north, Emerald Spiral (5910 California SW) features Iris Muranaka’s work and acoustic music by Why Ask Why; C and P Coffee‘s Wine Club tasting event coincides with Art Walk night – 6-8 pm, the theme is Thanksgiving wine, with Christy Hemovich from Grape Expectations offering suggestions for holiday meals. (While Art Walk itself is free, this event at C&P has a $15 tasting fee; RSVP to candpco@comcast.net)
On to The Junction, Twilight Artist Collective opens a new show tonight, surveying contemporary Northwest ironwork by members of the NW Blacksmith Association, curated by Lisa Geertsen and Andy Blakney of Firelight Forge, with an opening reception during Art Walk 6-9 pm.
Wallflower Custom Framing (WSB sponsor) also has an artists’ reception, opening a group show of “Puny Pictures”:
The show includes 23 artists with 162 pieces, says Wallflower’s Kelly Rae Cunningham, who’s among the artists. Wallflower is across 42nd from Jefferson Square.
Continuing north, there’s also a reception at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor), with artist Todd Martin, who explains: “The show: ‘Head Shots, if animals were celebrities,’ is based on the idea of what it would be like if the paparazzi chased animals instead of celebrities.” Hotwire is one of the locations collecting food-bank donations, along with nearby Ginomai, Alki Bathhouse, ActivSpace, The Kenney, Sterling Images, and Bird on a Wire Espresso. Many more of the shows, from Alki in the north to Fauntleroy in the south, are previewed on the official Art Walk website; download the printable walking map here; again, official Art Walk hours tonight are 6-9 pm.
Cal Kinnear of Washington Lawyers for the Arts (and chair of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors) sends word of a workshop in West Seattle that may be of interest to more than a few local artists: West Seattle-residing attorney Bob Cumbow will lead “Important Copyright Considerations for Artists,” 6 pm Nov. 24 at Ginomai (42nd and Genesee). Organizers promise it’ll lead participants clearly through a lot of issues near and dear to our hearts as well: “… the basics of copyright for those working in both ‘traditional’ art disciplines and new Media, i.e. web, internet, video and two dimensional arts such as collage. You’ll learn why it makes no sense to ask ‘How do I copyright my work?’ and the answers to other frequently-asked questions, such as ‘Who owns the copyright in a work I made for someone else?’ and ‘How much do I have to change someone else’s work before I am safe in using it in my own work?'” The price is on a sliding scale and there’s a discount for registering in advance – go to Brown Paper Tickets – or if you plan to pay at the door, they still ask that you RSVP, 206-328-7053.
We published the West Seattle Weekend Lineup earlier than usual yesterday – so in case you missed it once all the other big news of the day started sweeping in, check it out here. A few highlights:
GREEN SEATTLE DAY: Volunteers will converge on greenspaces in West Seattle and elsewhere to do planting, restoration and pre-winter cleanup. Full list here.
DELRIDGE ADOPT-A-STREET: Join the North Delridge Neighborhood Council at Delridge Community Center, 9:45 am, for this quarterly cleanup – all gear/supplies provided.
GREEN UP YOUR OWN YARD WITH NATIVE PLANTS: The West Seattle Wildlife Habitat Project‘s selling native plants to continue raising money for the demonstration garden at Seacrest. 3223 47th SW (map), 10 am-4 pm.
DON’T LET IT SLIDE: Timely, to say the least. Lots of information on landslide prevention is available — and answers to your questions — at a city-sponsored meeting at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) with engineers, geologists, arborists and more expertise, 10 am-noon at the Judge Warren & Nobie Chan Education Center near the Arboretum (park in the northeast lot).
SOUTHWEST LIBRARY ART AND ANNUAL MEETING: The annual community art show is under way at Southwest Branch Library (map) – today, meet the artists at an afternoon reception with refreshments, 2-3 pm, including a sculpture demonstration by Heidi Henry. Then you’re welcome to stay for the Friends of Southwest Library‘s annual meeting, 3-5 pm.
OPERATION CHANO: The Westenders Scooter Club folks are sending out one more reminder – tonight’s the pasta/movie/raffle fundraiser for the family of Cafe Revo‘s Chef Sean “Chano” Goff – full details at westenders.org.
Lots of entertainment options too – including Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) with the second performance of “The Diviners,” final West Seattle High School performance of “Invasion from Mars” — again, here’s the full WS Weekend Lineup list.
If you like live theater, your cup runneth over in West Seattle this weekend – and that’s why we call it theatrically thrilling. At right is a photo from “The Diviners,” which Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) is opening tonight at Youngstown Arts Center and describes as “the story of a disturbed young man named Buddy who holds the ability to divine water in a town where water and faith are in short supply. When a charismatic preacher who has lost his faith comes to town, the two outcasts find a common bond and help each other divine for truth, faith and hope.” Then, of course, the story takes a turn – you’ll just have to see for yourself. Also playing tonight (and tomorrow): “Invasion From Mars” 
at West Seattle High School, two final shows re-creating the classic radio drama, 7:30 both nights – and the theatrical trifecta is rounded out by ArtsWest with “Measure for Pleasure,” continuing this weekend. Also in store, great benefit dinner/auction events for Arbor Heights Elementary and Admiral Church … artists’ reception for the Community Art Show at Southwest Branch Library … the closing-weekend sale (and cat adoptions!) at All the Best Pet Care on Alki … More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
No need to count sheep this weekend – even if they are faux sheep like Hester the pug – you get an extra hour of sleep. Of course it’s Hallo-weekend TOO, but the West Seattle Weekend Lineup needs to give the end of Daylight Saving Time (2 am Sunday, your clock “falls back” an hour) and the impending election (get your ballot mailed or drop-boxed by EOD Tuesday!) a little love too, so this is dedicated to them. Much of what’s on the list is on the WSB Halloween page – but we have NON-Halloween activities too – more than SEVENTY events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
West Seattle filmmaker Jamie Burton Chamberlin sends word that “ZZ Top: Double Down Live” is now out on DVD – “the first historic concert performance ever to be approved for release by the band,” he says. It packs “28 years of hard rock, blues and boogie” into almost 2 hours. Disc 1 features footage from a 1980 performance in Germany; Disc 2 comes from Chamberlin’s travels with the band in 2008, documenting more than 70 shows in the U.S. and Europe, with performances, interview clips and backstage footage. In connection with the international release, Chamberlin says “Double Down Live” will have its Seattle premiere at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) on November 12th, in conjunction with the next West Seattle Art Walk. Earlier this year, we covered the screening of Chamberlin’s “Gearhead” at West 5 – the venue’s first-ever movie showing!
The 18th annual Southwest Community Art Showcase starts Monday at the Southwest Branch Library – but it’s not too late to be part of it – just call 206-684-7455 or stop by the branch (35th/Henderson; map), but do it before the library closes today (6 pm). The reminder comes from Julie Enevoldsen of Friends of the Southwest Branch Library; she adds, “Artists of any age and artwork of any medium are welcome.” The show will run through Nov. 15, with a meet-the-artists reception at 2 pm Nov. 7.
Halloween-themed events for this weekend (and the week ahead) are also part of the WSB Halloween page – but in the meantime, all kinds of other fall fun is happening this weekend too – from tonight’s West Seattle High School Homecoming/Huling Bowl game (previewed here) to drumming the salmon home at Fauntleroy Creek (previewed here), 1st weekend for “Measure for Pleasure” at ArtsWest, West Seattle playwright Keri Healey at Hugo House tonight, West Seattleites participating in the 350 Day of Climate Action on Saturday, West Seattle Eagles‘ Oktoberfest breakfast and flag football, and more – plus DON’T FORGET THE VIADUCT CLOSURE! More than 50 events/activities in the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
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