West Seattle, Washington
05 Friday
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Frank Gross says the century-old Ashcroft Building in Admiral is the forever home for his Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) shop, where the neon sign is now up and where the official opening follows a 9:45 am ribboncutting Saturday (June 6). We stopped by this morning for a peek inside.
“I’m not moving again,” he laughed – after three moves in 11 years – as we looked around the new space for his shop and co-housed The Bass Shop (also a WSB sponsor). Frank said he’d underestimated how much had to be moved – he got the “biggest possible U-Haul,” feared it might be overkill, but then wound up making multiple trips. But moving the merchandise was just the final touch on the painstaking process of converting a former pet-supply shop (now in a new home nearby) into a big new music shop. Lots of details:
That’s an existing support beam covered in reclaimed Douglas-fir lumber obtained from EarthWise. And then there’s the brick veneer added to the rear walls of the two rooms that are centerpieces of the shop:
The one above is dedicated to acoustic guitars, including the enabling of sound quality that allows a customer to try one and really hear what it sounds like. Next to it, a room for “premium and vintage” guitars:
And then of course there are the guitars and basses hanging on the walls lining the rest of the space.
Design Well Spent designed the space, and both Frank and Bass Shop proprietor Chad Beeler are thrilled with how it turned out.
The branding and other art inside and outside is the work of Thunder Road’s longtime collaborator Aaron Johnson of Pixel & Quill. But the new shop isn’t just about the looks, it’s also about the location – the proximity of schools including West Seattle High School and Lafayette Elementary. And they hope to be an inspiration to younger musicians.
Speaking of the next generation – joining them and the shop team (above, and if you haven’t met Frank and Chad, they’re third from left and left, respectively) for the 9:45 am Saturday ribboncutting will be Frank’s kids, ages 10 and 8. He’s hoping that’ll be an enduring memory for them. And that the new shop space will endure, too.
GOING TO THE GRAND OPENING: Hours both days this weekend will be 10 am-6 pm; highlights are in this preview from earlier this week.
Story and photos by Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“In a budget crisis and a country which centers capitalism above all else; arts tends to not be the focus, and is the first thing to get cut. But here, we still believe in its continued importance and ability to bring community together.” These were the words of South Seattle College‘s Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. Eileen Jimenez. She spoke today to a crowd which, despite unsettled weather, showed up for the college’s unveiling of its new mural.
The presentation of the mural, designed by Seattle artist Tori Shao, marked the culmination of this quarter’s ART204 (Mural Painting) class at South. Students in the class worked on the project throughout the entirety of the spring quarter.
(Tori Shao and Scott Méxcal)
“We are always looking at underutilized spaces here at the college, and bringing them to life.” said Scott Méxcal, the professor who taught ART204 this quarter. Two of his students from the class, Milli and Dream, spoke about the mural and how it brought them and their classmates closer together through the intensive process of collaboration.
Many of the speakers also talked about the larger themes of the mural, and the way they relate to indigeneity and the Northwest environment. The mural depicts a nurse log; a decayed log from a fallen tree which provides a fertile place for new seeds in the forest to grow, representing the cycle of death and rebirth.
The ceremony opened with drumming by Willard Bill Jr., Tribal Government Liaison to Seattle Colleges, and member of the Muckleshoot Tribe. After the drumming, he spoke about how he was inspired by the portrayal of ferns on the mural, and how he was looking at restarting practices of bringing indigenous food sources such as ferns back into his diet after years of colonization. Professor Méxcal spoke about the way in which nature seemed to echo the themes of the mural itself during the painting process, telling how the trees shone their shadows on it during long spring afternoons, and one day in which two eagles circled overhead while the class was painting outside.
And artist Shao told her story of the mural:
These themes are carried over in the college’s ongoing commitment to offer more murals. The college told us that this is their second of seven planned murals, with a new one planned to be unveiled around this time each year. The number, they said, represents the ‘seventh generation’ principle in many lines of indigenous American thinking – that one must consider the impact of their current actions on the seventh generation after them.
(WSB photo)
It’s moving week for Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor), heading from Morgan Junction to Admiral Junction, where West Seattle’s one-of-a-kind guitar shop will celebrate its grand opening at 2611 California SW starting Saturday morning and lasting all weekend. Thunder Road proprietor Frank Gross promised more details when he first announced the grand-opening date, and here they are:
Join us this weekend June 6th and June 7th for the Thunder Road Guitars Grand Opening at 2611 California Ave SW. We are hosting a ribbon-cutting with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce at 9:45 am on Saturday and the doors will officially open at 10 am.
– We will have a 10% discount on in-store and online purchases all weekend long (some exclusions apply). Use discount code 2611california.
– We are giving away grab bags to the first 30 people in line that will have an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff 2 as well some some Thunder Road swag and swag from some of our favorite vendors
– We are doing two GIANT giveaways, one Saturday and one Sunday.
Saturday Giveaway:
– Fender American Vintage Stratocaster
– Two-Rock Amplifier
– Pedals from some of our favorite brands
– Swag from Ernie Ball + Gibson + MoreSunday Giveaway:
– Gretsch Brian Setzer Signature signed by Brian
– Magnatone Baby M80 signed by the one and only Billy Gibbons
– Pedals from some of our favorite brands
– Swag from Ernie Ball + Gibson + MoreHow do you enter the giveaway?
Show up on the day you want to win to enter:
-Saturday = Saturday entry
-Sunday = Sunday entry
Winners will be announced at the end of business each day.We’ll have Fundamental Coffee and Top Pot Doughnuts on hand Saturday morning for everyone waiting in line and our early customers. Then, from 1–3 PM, Todd from Elliott Bay Brewery will be in the house pouring beer from our favorite neighborhood pub.
There is a suggested donation for the beer, with all proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Junction Association and the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Thunder Road will match all donation dollars generated through beer sales.
We’ve put an immense amount of thought and effort into the design and feel of the new location. We absolutely love it, and we think you will too.
Stop by and see us this weekend!
(Also published on partner site White Center Now)
(WSB/WCN photos)
The White Center HUB (8th SW and SW 108th) is a hub of activity this afternoon and evening during the Community Market and Fundraiser, presented indoors and outdoors by the White Center Community Development Association. A team from WCCDA is there to talk with marketgoers:
Local creators and other small businesses have booths and tables both indoors and outdoors including La Tipica Oaxaqueña, The Art Lady, Lost Luggage Vintage, Peanutt’s Art and things, Sabrina’s Beauty Shop, Zars Nails, Mashel Trade, Chels Art, Xiao Quilt, Beautious Bakin’ & Kakin’, MX Handmade Collective, face-painting presented by the WCCDA, and more.
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Artist Alison is one of the people you can meet:
Or D of D’s Craft Room Creations:
Kids get the chance to create art, too:
And you can see the queen bee (the one with the white spot) brought by Goebel Goods, which is selling honey too:
This all is scheduled to continues until 7 pm.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Longtime West Seattle entrepreneur Lora Radford is trying to shine a light on your creativity via her co-op pottery studio Potterings, celebrating its first anniversary this afternoon. So she’s made special anniversary-edition mini-luminaries, little candleholders with designs on the sides to let the candlelight shine through. Potterings also offered free mini-workshops this afternoon for visitors to make their own:
The mini-workshops are all booked up but you’re still invited to visit Potterings (east side of ground floor at ActivSpace, 3400 Harbor SW) before 4 pm to see the studio in advance of future classes and events, which you can learn about here (where you’ll also find info on the Game of Shrooms scavenger hunt starting June 13).
We first told you back in mid-April about Shannon and Jon Felix‘s plan to retire from the glass-art business after 23 years of running Avalon Glassworks in West Seattle’s Luna Park business district. At the time they didn’t have a closing date set yet. Now they do: June 30. Starting that date, the retail and glass-blowing space will close, but they’ll continue selling inventory online after that until it’s gone. Also for sale: The studio equipment.
When we talked with the Felixes in April, they were offering the business for sale as-is, but so far no takers, so they’re focusing on selling the equipment “either in-place or you-haul.” Here’s a list of what they have:
You can reach them at glasssales@avalonglassworks.com to find out more. And again, Avalon Glassworks is still open for a month at 2914 SW Avalon Way; retail hours are noon-4 pm Thursdays through Sundays.
(WSB photo, May 2025)
One year ago this month, longtime local entrepreneur/community advocate Lora Radford opened Potterings in a warmly lit spot at ActivSpace, and has introduced countless people to the joys of ceramics creation ever since. This Sunday, Potterings invites you to a first-anniversary party, noon to 4 pm (corrected) Sunday (May 31) on the east side of 3400 Harbor Avenue SW. She says you’re welcome to stop by and check out the “community clay space designed with beginners in mind … welcoming, hands-on, and built to help you feel comfortable from the start.” The free mini-classes offered as part of this are already booked up, but “folks can stil stop by for a free limited-edition luminary, enter drawings to win a free 3-hour workshop, and just check out the studio. Whether you are brand new to clay or just curious, this is a great way to step into the studio, meet the community, and experience a little pottery magic.” And, of course, it’s a chance to congratulate the proprietor on reaching the one-year milestone.
One more note: Potterings is again presenting the Game of Shrooms scavenger hunt, with 25 ceramic mushrooms – created by Potterings co-op members – hidden around West Seattle starting June 13. Clues will be posted on the Potterings website’s Game of Shrooms page.
No need to wait until summer to see outdoor Shakespeare. West Seattle High School students are about to take over the courtyard with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starting Wednesday night. Here’s the announcement sent to us with the rehearsal photos you see above and below:
Journey with us to the forests of Athens for a timeless tale as it was originally told: outside, under the rising moon! Senior Nadya Pederson directs WSHS’s adaptation of the whimsical fantasy full of love, adventure, and the foolishness that often accompanies them both. This production will take place in the WSHS courtyard as the sun sets over the school building. Come enjoy the sites of the blooming trees, the flowering bushes, and the glimmer of shimmer of the setting sun off the historic brick facade as you are transported to the forest. You never know what you may find amongst the trees…
Be advised that it can get chilly once the sun goes down; please layer accordingly. Additionally, the seating area will be mostly shaded, but it could be wise to bring a hat or sunglasses just in case.
This is a family friendly show for all ages, and we encourage you to bring your young ones! (Run time ~1 hour) The production will take place May 27, 28, and 29th at 7:30 PM, in the WSHS Courtyard.Reservations can be made at westsidedramatickets.ludus.com/index.php; tickets are “pay what you will.”
The courtyard is on the southwest side of the school, at 3000 California SW.
(PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG)
Along the north and west sides of the CVS site at 5217 California SW, the retaining walls are again alive with art.
We reported earlier this spring about the previous art getting painted over.
It followed a city enforcement action after someone complained and CVS ordered the paintout with no knowledge of the previous permission given by ex-tenant Rite Aid.
Local muralist Desmond Hansen jumped in to get things straightened out.
And now he and others are returning art to the walls.
Photojournalist Dave Gershgorn counted more than half a dozen artists there today.
Thanks to Gretchen for the tip!
The West Seattle Junction Association has just announced the music lineup for this year’s festival, which starts Friday, July 10:
FRIDAY, JULY 10
4:00 Ghost Fetish
5:00 Chico Detour
6:00 Thee Deception
7:00 Zookraught
8:00 Blackie
9:00 Caitlin & Brent w/ the Passenger String Quartet
10:00 Alien Crime SyndicateSATURDAY, JULY 11
12:00 Mode Music
12:45 School of Rock
2:00 Beautiful Freaks
3:00 Black Whales
4:00 Massy Ferguson
5:00 Butch Bastard
6:00 ToXic MaX-Q-Linity
7:00 Bog Ore
8:00 Bexley
9:00 Dark Chisme
10:00 True Loves
Again this year, there won’t be mainstage music on Sunday, as that’s the day the Farmers’ Market will be set up on California SW north of SW Oregon. You can preview any or all of the bands’ music via links on this page of the Summer Fest website.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking to expand your creative hobbies without the barrier of purchasing all new materials? CraftLab Seattle, opening this fall in West Seattle, will provide a space for prospective creatives to get a taste, and potentially pick up a new craft.
CraftLab has existed since 2022 as a mobile crafting service, founded in a West Seattle home, collaborating with local elementary schools, corporations, or hired for birthday and company parties. CraftLab founders Laura Duris and Kathleen Sande started the company in 2022, when Duris transitioned from the architecture field after 25 years.
“I decided that I really loved art and crafts and doing things with my hands. I noticed that a lot of other people were really enjoying doing that too during the COVID lockdown,” she said.
Currently, CraftLab is in around 12-15 afterschool programs all over Seattle – but they cater crafts to different audiences and age groups. Duris recalled throwing events ranging from creating a homemade Pokémon catapult and magic mirror, to introducing adults to the worlds of weaving, macrame, painting, and beading. Duris collaborates with her clients – getting a sense of their overall theme before suggesting a few craft ideas.
The new space at 4411 California SW brings to fruition Duris’s longtime desire to create a community hub for crafting. Now not only will she be continuing with mobile services, but offering in-house classes for adults, children, and families. Duris plans to have a year-round schedule, with 2-3 workshops offered per week. Initially, she wants to teach the majority of these, but plans to bring in guests and local artists depending on the activity.
“One of the things I really love to do is teach… and see people’s faces light up when they realize they can do something that they didn’t know they could do.”
Duris hopes CraftLab will be open to the public around September 15. As for any initial events planned, she mentioned wanting to teach a weaving class – where attendees make their own loom and weave – and is especially drawn toward jelly printing and linoleum printing. Recently, she attended Seattle’s Zero Landfill event, where she picked up plenty of leather scraps with which she is planning a leather wallet-making class.
CraftLab mainly sources materials secondhand – accepting donations, upcycling, and thrifting “as much as possible” depending on the craft. Duris plans to host community garage sales out of the new space– selling some donations to keep raising money for after school programs.
Until CraftLab moves into its new home in West Seattle, the company will be hosting its youth summer camp out of their current location in the International District. Crafters are invited to explore their creativity there in anticipation of the West Seattle based crafting hub opening in the fall.
Parade season is under way! West Seattle High School music director Ethan Thomas sent the photo and report:
The West Seattle High School Marching Band participated in the 88th annual Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade last Saturday. The weather was cold and wet, but we had a great time performing for a large and enthusiastic audience. The West Seattle High School Marching Band was recognized as one of the Lilac Parade’s Gold Standard bands. The Lilac Festival has been a tradition in Spokane since 1938. The parade featured over 150 entries from across Washington State.
You will likely see some of these student musicians in the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 18 as part of the Seattle Schools All-City Marching Band. The WSHS Band’s schedule each year includes leading the Costume Parade during the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival.
(2024 WSB photo)
Lots of outdoor music this summer! Another announcement today – The Seattle Chamber Music Society Concert Truck is hitting the road again with live free chamber music. Its schedule in June and July includes two West Seattle stops – here’s the announcements:
The Concert Truck returns to Seattle in Summer 2026! This concert hall on wheels brings live chamber music directly to neighborhoods, parks, and markets across the region—free and open to the public. Seattle Chamber Music Society musicians join The Concert Truck founder Susan Zhang, to perform engaging, hour-long programs that transform everyday spaces into vibrant concert experiences. Perfect for families, first-time listeners, and music lovers alike, The Concert Truck makes world-class music fun, accessible, and unforgettable.
The Concert Truck returns to Seattle on June 18!
Summer Festival 2026 Residency: June 18 – July 6
(editor’s note – many dates around the region, we’re just listing West Seattle)
Sat. June 27 | 7 pm | Alki Beach Bathhouse
Wed. July 1 | 6 pm | Seattle Chinese Garden
Plenty happening tomorrow in West Seattle – including unique one-time events like this one tomorrow night:
“The Year to Save the Earth” music & multimedia experience by Jim Scott @ Our Lady of Guadalupe
May 16 @ 7:00 pmThe Care for Creation Ministry of the West Seattle Catholic Community Presents:
“The Year to Save the Earth” – A Musical and Multimedia Experience by Jim Scott@ Walmesley Center, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3410 SW Myrtle St
Doors: 6:30 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
$10 donation requested
Mixing powerful songs and beautiful projected images, “The Year to Save the Earth” takes us from grieving to celebration and from protest to positive vision for the planet.
Formerly a member of the Paul Winter Consort, Jim Scott was co-composer of their celebrated Missa Gaia/Earth Mass and sang their anthem song Common Ground. He has toured the world, recorded nine CDs of original music and published a long line of choral works. One of the originators of the Unitarian Universalist “Green Sanctuary” program, Jim also compiled the Earth and Spirit Songbook, an anthology of 110 songs of Earth by many contemporary composers.
(WSB photo from July 2025 AMP concert at California Place Park)
Just announced by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – this year’s lineup, both bands and locations, for the three Admiral Music in the Parks concerts! Sent by ANA’s Meagan Loftin:
The Admiral Neighborhood Association, with the generous support of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and in partnership with our “Producer” sponsors Far Away Entertainment and the Historic Admiral Theater, is excited to announce the lineup for our summer concert series AMP: Admiral Music in the Parks!
Join us for three weeks of free, family-friendly concerts in our beautiful neighborhood parks this July. We’re leaning into community and joy this summer with spontaneous dance parties in the park, picnics with our neighbors, and most importantly great music! Mark your calendar now to get in on the fun:
6:30 PM on July 16th @ Belvedere Park: Get ready for smokin’ guitars, rock- solid rhythms and dynamic vocal harmony as we welcome Steve Aliment and Annie O’Neill to the stage!
6:30 PM on July 23rd @ California Place Park: Get there early because it’s always a packed show when West Seattle’s fan-favorite Michael Pearsall and Friends return to this pocket park!
6:30 PM on July 30th @ Hamilton Viewpoint Park: We’re closing out AMP 2026 with a bang as we throw an epic dance party to hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s with Driftwood Drive!
AMPlify your summer with the Admiral Neighborhood Association!
If you’re interested in learning more about AMP and our commitment to supporting local musicians, or if you’d like to learn how you can invest in our mission to provide free and accessible public arts programming to everyone in our neighborhood, visit our website, connecttoadmiral.org/amp.
One other unique performance tomorrow afternoon – it’s your last chance to see “Little Shop of Horrors“ presented by and at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 2 pm Sunday. Nathan from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts, who sent us the pics, says, “Super entertaining, a show not to be missed.”
You can get tickets here!
(Behind-the-scenes rehearsal clip for The Byrd Ensemble’s Handel concert)
Sunday afternoon, The Byrd Ensemble returns to West Seattle, and you can get a deal right now on tickets. Here’s what tomorrow’s concert is all about:
The Byrd Ensemble and players present a program inspired by the Carmelite Vespers of 1707. The program features Handel’s Dixit Dominus, Laudate pueri, Nisi Dominus, Saeviat tellus inter rigores, and chant, for baroque orchestra, choir, and soloists. The program features guest concertmaster and internationally acclaimed violinist Augusta McKay Lodge.
The concert is at 3 pm Sunday (May 3) at West Seattle’s Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW and SW Genesee). You can go here for program details and tickets, and on the checkout screen, you can enter the discount code WSBLOG to get 30 percent off your ticket(s). The Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is sponsoring WSB this weekend to amplify the news about it.
(Photos courtesy Desmond Hansen)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One month after we reported on the paintout of the “West Side Wall” murals on the west and north sides of the CVS store lot south of The Junction, the art wall’s comeback is confirmed.
That’s the word this morning from West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, who had overseen the project to permit artists – himself included – to use the extensive retaining wall as a canvas. This was all approved by the lot’s previous tenant, Rite Aid, as we reported in 2023. Since then, the store has been taken over by CVS, to whom somebody complained to the city, which told CVS it had to go, and since CVS had no knowledge of the artist’s agreement with Rite Aid – it wasn’t in writing – away it went.
Once Hansen found out, as he told us when we talked for the March 31 WSB story, he vowed to do whatever it took to bring back the “West Side Wall.” He said CVS was supportive, and they indicated the same thing when we contacted a corporate spokesperson. Now, it’s official: “We have official permission to continue painting at the ‘West Side Wall’ now. So we are planning a painting mini-festival for mid to late May to reboot and kick it off officially.”
Hansen is also hoping to crowdfund for more signs like this:
And he told us via email that he’s already done preparation work
“We are very excited that the city and CVS have been so apologetic and supportive. Any comments, questions or concerns can be emailed to westsidewall26@gmail.com
Soon we will organize a gofundme campaign to cover the costs of making more signage and if we raise enough we will possibly be able to establish a couple garbage cans for repeat disposal of any paint cans and litter. I personally spent 3 days down there revitalizing the wall [top photo], pulling weeds and landscaping. I filled 27 bags with yard waste and rented a U-haul to take it all to the dump.”
(We also noticed while passing through the area that some advance art is already painted halfway down the alley.)
FRIDAY 12:37 PM: Just got the crowdfunding link from Desmond Hansen.
(Richard Reed’s winning art for this year’s WSGT)
In addition to celebrating local garden and gardeners, the West Seattle Garden Tour raises money to help local organizations grow. But to get it, you have to apply for it, and next year’s applications are being accepted right now – here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Each year, the West Seattle Garden Tour, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides grants to other nonprofit organizations for projects that fit our mission — to promote horticulture, education and artistic endeavors within West Seattle and neighboring communities. The 2027 grant cycle is now open. Nonprofit organizations with eligible projects are invited to apply.
Our 2027 grant application form and guidelines are now available at https://www.westseattlegardentour.org/grants. Completed applications are due by midnight July 15, 2026. Grant requests are usually in the $2,000 to $6,000 range with some requests higher or lower.
Accepted projects would receive funds in March 2027.
ABOUT WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: Since its inception in 1995, West Seattle Garden Tour has been one of the premier garden tours in the Northwest, as well as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The West Seattle Garden Tour donates approximately $50,000 each year to local grantees in support of their horticultural, educational and artistic missions. Over $600,000 in grants has been awarded since our inception.
The 2026 garden tour is on Sunday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available for sale online and will also be sold in select retail outlets beginning in early May. More information can be found at westseattlegardentour.org.
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
(Photos courtesy Denny-Sealth Performing Arts)
Turning now to good news: The jazz program at Chief Sealth International High School is growing, and student musicians brought home proof of that from a prestigious festival in Idaho. Here’s the report from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts president Jaeney Hoene:
The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Program brought home honors from the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival this past weekend. Led by Director of Bands Joey Roberts (Jazz I and Jazz Combos) and Director Dave Niimi (Jazz II), the Chief Sealth Jazz Bands competed with high school jazz groups from the United States and Canada and earned these recognitions:
(From left: Theo McGaughey, Tito Puente, Jr., Ella Ward, Noah Kimball at the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival)
Jazz Trio — Division II Winner, Senior Instrumental Combos (Theo McGaughey, Ari Peck, Ethan Faunce)
Jazz Combo I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Combos
Jazz Band I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Large Ensembles
Theo McGaughey — Runner Up, Avista Scholarship Solo Instrumental AwardStudents attended workshops and performances and learned from jazz greats like Warren Wolf and various college faculty members. See all student performances at the Denny Sealth Performing Arts website: dspaboosters.org/programs/jazz-band.
Chief Sealth’s jazz program has grown by leaps and bounds this year, splitting into Jazz Bands I and II at a time when funding is scarce. Dave Niimi came out of retirement and donates most of his hours leading Jazz II. In addition to the two Jazz bands, Sealth boasts four individual student jazz combos. These combos self-select their individual music, allowing them to explore their interests and education within the field of Jazz music. Congratulations again, students, it is wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off!
Want to have fun and support the program? Come to our first annual Rent Party on May 17 at Kenyon Hall, where the jazz bands will take the stage again along with local musicians for a rousing evening of jazz. Many thanks to the growing list of sponsors: Reubens Brews, Georgetown Brewery, The Locol Kitchen and Bar, West Seattle Thriftway, and especially Kenyon Hall Management for providing us an amazing space for our jazz party!
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Story and photos by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is transformed this weekend for the twice-annual Native Art Market. Today, the Longhouse was alive with shoppers moving from table to table, learning more about the artists and their projects, and stopping for some traditional food to be enjoyed in the facility’s garden space.
In addition to special events like the market, the longhouse has served as a year-round home for tribal meetings and a museum since its opening in 2009. Back in 2024, we covered its 15-year anniversary as a center for “Seattle’s first people.” It sits across the street from the park known as həʔapus village and the archaeological site Duwamish #1.
We visited the market today to find out more about some of the participating artists. First was Laura Givens, a member of the Navajo Tribe and the Bitter Water Clan. contemporary Native jewelry, the making of which she describes as her passion. She takes influence from traditional materials like seed beads, shells, leather, and furs, and creates modern pieces. This is her fourth time as an artist at this market over the past two years.
Next we stopped by Denise Emerson’s booth, primarily featuring digital art prints. Emerson said she got her graphic design degree from the UW, and practiced painting and illustrating before transitioning to digital art. Though she practices with a contemporary medium, she does not leave history behind – the majority of her works are inspired by historical photos and symbols. She also noted that she is drawn to centering her art around women and women’s narratives, as so much of the art she sees features men.
One example she provided was the piece shown above. It is inspired by a story that Emerson’s mother told of her ancestors, who used to gather at an island on Lake Washington. It features Emerson’s sister, sister’s daughter, and herself sitting on the shore.
Lastly we talked to seasoned drum maker Margie Morris, who has been practicing her craft for more than 40 years. Her drums are made of elk skin and come in many sizes; some are hand-painted. Morris explained the eagle and raven design on one of her drums and its relation to her culture as a member of the Tlingit tribe. She belongs to the Raven moiety inherited from her mother’s side, and per Tlingit culture, a member of the Raven lineage must marry a member of the Eagle moiety. She paints the birds in a sort of marriage ceremony.
We also visited the kitchen, serving fry bread, fry-bread tacos with a bison or vegetarian option, huckleberry pie, and traditional nettle tea, among other food options. This selection will continue to be available during the market’s opening hours tomorrow.
The Duwamish Longhouse is located at 4705 W Marginal Way SW, with parking available on site. Tomorrow’s hours are the same as today – 10 am to 5 pm.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As we previewed last night (when music fans were already getting in line), doors opened at 7 am this morning at Easy Street Records for the biggest day of the year: Record Store Day.
We stopped by at 7:40 am, when the line was still wrapped around the block past the Wells Fargo parking lot on 44th Ave SW:
The weather was clear and pleasant and spirits were high:
Many of those in line told us that their shopping list included the “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” record (a followup to the Grammy winner’s first live album recorded at the store almost 20 years ago). The album contains recordings from her band’s performance at Easy Street last October (WSB coverage here). Yesterday, the band stopped by the store and signed the wall.
This morning, owner Matt Vaughan (pictured below with the aforementioned wall poster and coveted album) told us that the morning had gone smoothly thus far (“we’ve got it down pretty well!” he chuckled) and that the first purchase of the day was (unsurprisingly) the Brandi Carlile album, with other hot titles including exclusive releases from Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Jeff Buckley, Thin Lizzy, Paramore, Dijon and more:
Vaughan’s pocket list of popular RSD items:
Customers entered through the cafe and were guided upstairs, where vinyl department guru Andy was holding court and helping people find what they were hunting for:
The most popular titles are going fast, but the store will be open all day. At 4 pm today, Geoff Whitman will be on-hand to sign his new Pearl Jam photobook.
BONUS PHOTOS: Music fans Dan and Joanie Jacobs (from the Admiral Neighborhood Association) were among those in line, and they sent us earlier photos of Vaughan handing out the traditional “Record Store Day bacon” to the crowd (free coffee was available at the corner as well)
8:43 PM: Easy Street is about to close after a 14-hour RSD. One more photo to share, from Geoff Whitman’s book signing:
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