West Seattle, Washington
21 Wednesday
This weekend, young ballet dancers are invited to audition for West Seattle-based Seattle Civic Dance Theatre‘s holiday production. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Who: Seattle Civic Dance Theatre (West Seattle-based dance nonprofit est. 1985)
What: Free, open ballet auditions for children ages 8-18 for an annual community fundraising performance of “The Magical Doll Maker” (its 36th production)
When: Auditions are Sunday, June 29. Beginning level dancers 11 am-12 pm, Intermediate/Advanced level dancers 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Where: Auditions will be held at 15811 Ambaum BLVD SW, Suite 160, Burien
How: To Register: Use this link, access the link through our website, or email Allison Gross, SCDT Board President, at scdtboard@gmail.com
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Junction FC drew their fourth match of the season Sunday against Tacoma Stars FC. But what has been an otherwise difficult month of games had a bright spot: A community event hosted by Junction FC to highlight local artists, coinciding with their newest merchandise release, a line inspired by well-known West Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen.
(Photo by Erik Sandvik)
It was a tensely fought game with three injuries, mostly springing from a series of close shaves in both team’s goal boxes. Junction FC managed to keep up a strong defense, as goalkeeper Liam Ryan fended off several close calls in the first twenty minutes, and pressed the offense with an especially close shot by James Lear at the thirty-minute mark. The game resulted in yet another draw for both teams, though Junction FC managed to hold up with one player out of commission for the second half of the match.
Sunday’s match also marked the release of Junction FC’s third kit (a version of the team’s uniform fans can purchase and wear) inspired by Seattle muralist Desmond Hansen. The kit draws from his experience as a street artist, moving from graffiti into professional mural painting. “I’ve designed my own shirts, but never a jersey,” Hansen said. “I knew I wanted to do something colorful and incorporate actual spray paint.”
The jerseys incorporate layered spray-paint effects, giving them an identity unique to Hansen’s style, and to the West Seattle artist community.
(Photo courtesy Junction FC)
During the game, attendees were able to browse through several artist stalls set up behind the bleachers, purchase Junction FC merchandise and add to the community mural. The artist alley was a mix of established painters, community organizations and up-and-coming artists. At the end of the alley was Lora Radford, the lead artist of Potterings (WSB sponsor), a new pottery studio in the Harbor Avenue ActivSpace.
Radford started doing pottery as a form of self-expression, and as a self-described “community builder,” wanted to bring the experience to her community. Since opening in May, she’s been able to help people without any prior experience enjoy pottery.
“I decided that potters needed a place,” Radford said, “If you took a pottery class in middle school and you want to make a gift for a friend or a piece for yourself, this is the perfect place. That’s what we’re about.”
Further up the alley was Sunshine Arts and Crafts, owned by artists Marcia and Dennis Schramm. They moved back to West Seattle recently from Colorado, and have found painting as a hobby in their retirement. Marcia has been painting with acrylics for three years, and Dennis painted a set of Seattle-themed lazy susans.
Setting up an elaborate metalwork piece across the walkway, West Seattle native Jerry Austin is the founder of Mindful Metal, specializing in metalwork installations that utilize recycled metal pipes. Austin started his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Finally, sitting next to the Junction FC booth was Johnny Gillespie. Sunday’s event was his first time tabling. Gillespie has been drawing since he was a kid, and focuses on artwork that centers on animals.
Next home match for Junction FC (0-4-4) is Sunday (June 29) at 2 pm vs. Portland Bangers – tickets are available here.
Less than three weeks until the peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest! This year student artists have a unique chance to be part of it – and just one week left to apply for the opportunity. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Do you have a student who is passionate about art and interested in showcasing their work to the community? We’re excited to invite student artists to participate in the upcoming West Seattle Summer Fest on Saturday, July 12th.
My name is Molly Ryan, and I serve as the Director of the West Seattle Art Walk. One of my primary goals is to foster student engagement in the arts, and I’m thrilled to share that the West Seattle Junction Association is partnering with us to support this initiative.
This year, we’ve received approval to display student artwork along the construction fencing on California Ave SW near SW Oregon St. This unique outdoor gallery will allow student artists to share their creativity with thousands of festival attendees.
We are currently accepting submissions and plan to select 50–70 pieces representing a variety of ages and grade levels. While we wish we could showcase all submissions, please note that not all entries will be selected due to space limitations. We will notify selected participants during the first week of July.
To ensure that artwork is ready to be displayed outdoors, we kindly request photos of the completed pieces with each submission. This helps us confirm that the work is presentation-ready for hanging along the fence.
If you have students who may be interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or submissions.
Thank you for supporting young artists in our community!
Here’s the link for applications – the deadline is June 30, one week from today.
The West Seattle Art Tour is doubling this year, to two days! It’s not until September, but organizers are lining up the participating locations and artists now, with deadlines nearing – here’s the announcement:
West Seattle’s community-wide arts event is back – now a two-day event! Save The Date for Art, September 20th & 21st!
The West Seattle Art Tour returns on September 20- 21, 2025 (10 am – 5 pm) for its fourth year, and its first year as a two-day event. This free, self-guided tour features a full spectrum of high-quality art, a chance to meet and talk with artists, and the opportunity to purchase exceptional works of art, all while exploring West Seattle’s beautiful neighborhoods. This year, sites will be open for two days, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
Applications are open for artists and host sites! Artists interested in participating will want to act quickly. Host site applications close June 30th, and artist applications are due by July 6th. Artists can review event details, artist criteria, how to host and submit their application at: wsartwalk.org/west-seattle-art-tour
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk. Individuals interested in supporting the West Seattle Art Tour can reach out to WSArtHop@gmail.com
WSB is media sponsor for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour.
(WSB photo, October)
Urban ArtWorks has been involved in more than a few mural projects around West Seattle, and now it’s offering teens a chance to get involved this summer, and get paid for their work – here’s the announcement:
Urban ArtWorks is partnering with Southwest Youth and Family Services to bring the Mural Apprentice Program (MAP) to Delridge this summer! They are currently recruiting teens ages 14–19 to join this paid opportunity where participants will design and paint murals, build community, and gain valuable job skills. No prior art experience is needed and we especially welcome BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ youth, and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Learn more and apply at urbanartworks.org/programs, or email programs@urbanartworks.org to get started.
The deadline for applying is just four days away – June 23 – so don’t procrastinate if you’re interested!
One ticket will get you into a legendary venue to see more than 20 performers and bands this Sunday for “School’s Out!” – a concert to raise money for scholarships at West Seattle’s nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, so more students can have music in their lives. The show is off-peninsula but well worth the trip – here’s the announcement:
School’s Out Benefit Show Brings Students, Teachers, & Seattle Artists Together at The Neptune Theatre
A Community Concert to Raise Funds for Music Lesson Scholarships
Sunday, June 22 • Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM • All AgesMode Music and Performing Arts is thrilled to present the School’s Out Benefit Show on Sunday, June 22 at The Neptune Theatre — a powerful all-ages event bringing together students, teachers, and friends of Mode on one iconic Seattle stage.
This one-of-a-kind concert celebrates mentorship, community, and the transformative power of music education. The lineup features 22 acts, from young Mode students and teen-formed bands to current and former Mode teachers and celebrated local artists — all performing to raise money for private music lesson scholarships that make lessons more accessible for students across our region.
“There’s something really special about seeing a young person share the stage with the teacher who inspired them,” says Erin Rubin, founder of Mode Music Studios. “These kids are playing the same stage as some of their mentors — and in the same rooms where their favorite bands have performed. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you.”
Proceeds from this event directly support Mode Music and Performing Arts’ scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance for private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, and more — ensuring access to music education is never limited by income.
EVENT DETAILS:
School’s Out Benefit Show
Sunday, June 22
The Neptune Theatre (1303 NE 45th St, Seattle)
Doors at 2:30 PM • Show at 3:30 PM
All ages welcomeTickets: stgpresents.org/events/schools-out-benefit
TICKET PRICING + DISCOUNTS:
General Admission: $52
Community Discount: $37 (use code 37SCHOOLSOUT)
Youth/Accessibility Discount: $22 (use code 22SCHOOLSOUT)How to use the discount code:
Click the ticket link and look for a small “UNLOCK” button near the ticket quantity.
Tap it, enter the code, and the discounted ticket price will appear.
(Note: It’s not a promo code at checkout — you must unlock it first.)
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY:
Students, teachers, and friends of Mode — including Naked Giants, Shaina Shepherd, Beautiful Freaks, Caitlin Sherman, Midnight High, It’s All Happening, Daphne Sweetland, and many more.
This event is a joyful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given tools to create — and when a whole community shows up to lift them higher.
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Madison Middle School has unveiled two new community-led murals, as part of a push by the district to increase the number of murals in schools.
(Photo courtesyMadison PTSA)
The first mural is located in the main hallway. It was painted by student volunteers and coordinated by two Madison parents, Brian Peters and Royce Bixby. The project wasn’t just a chance to spruce up the school; it was also an opportunity for the students to exercise creative freedom, according to Audrey.
She is a student at Madison Middle School and helped work on the entryway mural. “I thought it was a really good environment. We got to work on the mural, and spend a lot of time together as friends.” The mural was painted over four 4-hour shifts, and each student volunteered time outside their class schedules, sometimes working until 9 pm.
(WSB photo)
Audrey was particularly proud of the whales in the sky and the mermaid template, both of which she suggested. It was a challenging process (especially painting the Ferris Wheel, which, according to her, took forever), but one she said felt incredibly rewarding.
The sentiment was shared by Bixby, an architect and Madison parent. He and graphic designer (and fellow parent) Peters, the two helped simulate a professional creative environment, planning and collaborating with the students to help realize their vision. Bixby said he was constantly impressed by the students. “We’re helping train the next generation of designers, and I was really impressed. It’s important to bring art to the schools.”
(Photo courtesyMadison PTSA)
“It’s so exciting to see these murals finally come together,” said Madison PTSA Co-President Amber Zeddies. Both murals were funded by the PTSA.
The second mural was painted by West Seattle-born artist Desmond Hansen, who first came to fame from his murals on the side of SDOT signal boxes, many in WS, some scattered across the city. This mural, located in the Madison Middle School Gym, sought to add more life the the building.
(Photo courtesy Madison PTSA)
Working with flexible hours, Hansen focused on Madison’s mascot, the Bulldog. “I’m honored that (the school) reached out to me,” Hansen said. “My son went to Madison, and now he’s moving up to West Seattle (high school). It feels like leaving a Hansen mark on the school, for me and my son.” (To see more of Hansen’s work, check out his website here.)
Another announcement as the school year approaches its end: Chief Sealth International High School’s Drama Company will be staging two events to close out 2024-2025. On Saturday and Sunday – June 14th at 6:25 pm and June 15th at 4 pm – it’s the one-act play “The Angel Intrudes” by Floyd Dell. This one-act play is directed by students, and tickets will be just $2.
Then on Saturday, June 21st, at noon, the Intergenerational Theatre Project will present “The Lear Project,”described as a “company-devised piece based on participants’ writings, group exercises and discussions, and the first scene in Shakespeare’s King Lear.” We told you about the Intergenerational Theatre Project earlier this year. Essentially, it pairs students in the Chief Sealth Drama Company with adults to produce a theater show that bridges the generational divide. Tickets for the June 21st show will be free. Find out more about all these shows by going here.
You could say it’s like a speakeasy for art. That door and staircase just north of the entrance to Alki Arts (6030 California SW) leads up to the gallery’s annex loft, where this afternoon is your last chance to visit the Feather in the Wind art pop-up show/sale.
Those are the feathers in the name, created by participating artist Kassie Hennessey. As for the wind, it’s an airy little space if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off. Or maybe some gift shopping? Alizah Olivas‘s jewelry awaits, a variety of stones set in silver:
Each of the five artists has a unique focus, particularly Peggy Nelsen‘s handcrafted papier-mache:
“Petey the Party Pumpkin” relates to the story Peggy told us about how she got started. In pandemic year 2020, she was sad that Halloween wouldn’t happen, so she made creations like this as gifts. That led to others, like these moons:
“Sometimes good things can come out of bad situations,” Peggy observed. … Other participating artists include Diane Bellisario, with “modern marquetry,” and Jormain Cady with pottery. They’re all in the upstairs annex until 6 tonight.
What was a student-written/directed/produced show at West Seattle High School last year, “WWE: The Musical,” is now a streaming album. One of the show’s creators, now-former WSHS student Roy Keller, explains, “Recently, we recorded the songs from it and are putting it out on streaming this week!” Here’s the announcement, with links:
The wait is finally over… we’re back. The Musical that Stone-cold-stunned the world returns with WWE: THE MUSICAL: The Album Version! Relive the legendary student-led performance and follow John Cena as he fights, sings, and wins his way to the top! he WILL fight, he WILL learn lessons, and he WILL call his mother.
WWE: THE MUSICAL The Album Version is out NOW on all streaming platforms! including but not limited to:
–Spotify open.spotify.com/album/6Mf6O0lxhOMMzXWJGaEmSy?si=pgl-H34kReq1L4VcZ8V8uA
–Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/wwe-the-musical/1817627445
–Amazon Music music.amazon.com/albums/B0FBCLCB9Q?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_jleTXNcuvUiL3EKSwkgSkplY8
–YouTube Music music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mW9ulmdpI3Ci85yyQBAwKh2Px3pQZPBSw&si=kDEH_VTBDe5TN5R4
and anywhere else you can find music!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The breezeway of South Seattle College‘s central Robert Smith Building used to be a blank, bleak passageway through a space framed by unadorned concrete.
Not any more.
Now the college’s first mural “We Carry the Light, We Carry the Sky” graces the walls on both sides, even wrapping around the corners beyond. The mural painted by more than 100 students, staff, and community members was at the heart of a noontime celebration today. It was described as more than a “wall decoration … a radical reimagining” of the hopes and dreams of all who comprise the college’s community.
SSC’s dean of arts, humanities and social sciences Dr. Eileen Jimenez emceed the courtyard event, introducing Seattle Colleges tribal liaison Willard Bill Jr. of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for a welcome with drumming and singing:
Muralist Toka Valu told the two stories depicted by the mural – one about the coyote carrying fire, the other about collaborating to lift the sky:
Scott Mexcal, SSC art faculty and instructor for the mural class, described the mural as a “seed” that grew “a lot bigger than ever dreamed.” It depicts “what makes us, us,” he observed, “a community in which 80 primary languages are spoken.”
He also called it something befitting “the gateway for the larger community into the intimacy of our learning community.” And so it received a grand unveiling – curtains of gold tinsel draped over it, removed to reveal the panels:
You can see the mural any time by visiting the campus; it’s steps away from the SSC ballot box, among other landmarks. And if you want to support the creation of more murals – this one is envisioned as the first of seven – you can help with a fundraiser by donating here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School teacher JC Santos was intensely proud of his students as their “Voices for Immigrants and Refugees: A Community Meal” unfolded this afternoon.
“They designed this whole thing,” he exclaimed, gesturing around OLG’s expansive Walmesley Center gym/event venue. “I didn’t even know what it would look like until I got here.”
We previewed the event after receiving postal-mail letters from two students inviting us – and the entire community – to attend. Right after arriving today, we met one of those students, Emmett, near the door, which was attendees’ gateway to an immersive experience.
Emmett was explaining a section of the gym’s south wall that held flags from the more than two dozen countries from which the participating students claim ancestry, and a map where all were invited to place dots near a city from which someone in their family emigrated.
Having been invited immediately to ponder their ancestry, attendees were in the perfect frame of mind to learn the difficulties often faced by the immigrants and refugees of today.
Some of these challenges were interpreted as versions of classic games – you could roll dice on a version of “Chutes and Ladders” and either make progress or face a setback; nearby, another table of students had a version of Jenga.
Many tables were set up for attendees to sit down and enjoy the student-prepared lunch, and each had a card with a factoid such as “40 percent of foreign-born residents own their own homes,” among other stats.
At one table were visitors who were immigrants and refugees themselves, a delegation from the United Methodist Church in Riverton that’s become a magnet for new arrivals. One of them talked with us, saying they had arrived here last year, stayed at the church six months, then got an apartment with their family (including two children ages 8 and 14), and now has a job too. We didn’t discuss their home country, but they repeated multiple times that they came here because it’s “safe” in comparison.
All around the gym, displays expressed messages of welcome and taught lessons about new arrivals, as well as showing examples of “welcome kits” helping set up homes for newcomers, who often arrive with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. (Go here to donate to the fund for them.) And on the north side of the gym, students were serving the food that made the occasion “a community meal”:
Every dish – from lumpia to lasagna – had a story:
Once everyone was seated, Mr. Santos and some of his students gave a blessing, a welcome, and an explanation:
And there was evidence everywhere of an important takeaway – showing kindness to everyone, no matter where they’re from:
Volunteers at the first welcoming table estimated about 200 people had shown up.
A bright sight on a gray day! Artist Matthew DeLorme has spent almost a week up on that ladder (though not when we passed by in the noontime rain), painting a mural outside Emerald Water Anglers. We showed you an early look this past Tuesday when we reported on the plan for the last vacant space in that Junction building, The Missing Piece moving from 35th/Roxbury by end of summer. EWA moved there from 42nd/Oregon last fall; there’s a mural inside the shop too, as we showed you in coverage of the new location’s grand opening.
The West Seattle Junction Association has already mentioned a few of the headliners for the year’s biggest party, West Seattle Summer Fest – Friday-Sunday, July 11-13 (following an ever-more-festive Summer Fest Eve on Thursday, July 10). Now, the full lineups are revealed!
First, on the Main Stage (California north of Oregon):
FRIDAY
3:00 Mason Lowe
4:00 Mr. Dinkles
5:00 Weep Wave
6:00 Oh, Rose
7:00 Madman Across The Water
8:00 Couch Riffs presents Funkadelic Tribute
9:00 THEM
10:00 Jenn ChampionSATURDAY
11:00 Mode Music Studio Showcase
12:00 School of Rock
1:00 Princess Pulpit
2:00 Jay Cates & Josh Rowling Trio
3:00 Abbigale
4:00 The Dusty 45s
5:00 AnUngulante
6:00 Fan Club
7:00 The Alain Johannes Band
8:00 New Constellations
9:00 Monsterwatch
10:00 Reignwolf
And on the West Side Stage:
FRIDAY
4:00 WSMA/Kenyon students
4:30 Rootbeer
5:00 Birch Pereira & The Gin Joints
6:00 The PotholesSATURDAY
11:00 Country Dave Harmonson
12:00 Dave Hates Chico
1:00 Narrower
2:00 Cooper Point Road
3:00 The Everlovers
4:00 Reis and Cates Jazz Showcase
5:00 Self Doubt
6:00 asyouwish // Sour and the KrautsSUNDAY
11:00 Matt Benham & David Weidig
12:00 WSMA + Sweetiest Sweeties
1:00 Sonny Parker
2:00 Baby Crow Flight School
3:00 Massy Ferguson
Food and vendor lineups will also show up soon on the Summer Fest website.
(WSB photo of California Place Park concertgoers in 2024)
What started more than 15 years ago as Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha will be back this year for its second year as Admiral Music in the Parks (AMP) – three free July evening concerts in other Admiral-area parks! The Admiral Neighborhood Association presents AMP and series coordinator Meagan Loftin just sent the newly revealed lineup:
The Admiral Neighborhood Association, in partnership with our “Producer” sponsors Timeless Kitchen Design and West Seattle Grounds, is excited to announce the lineup for our summer concert series AMP: Admiral Music in the Parks!
Every year, we welcome family, friends, neighbors, and the community-at-large to our Admiral parks for 3 weeks of free family-friendly concerts. New this year, you can also join Seattle Yarn‘s knitting circle at each concert. Mark your calendars now for:
6:30 PM on July 17th @ Belvedere Park: Get your dancing boots ready for PNW country-tonk band Lookout Mountain Lookout
6:30 PM on July 24th @ California Place Park: West Seattle’s fan-favorite Michael Pearsall and Friends return for the second year at AMP!
6:30 PM on July 31st @ Hamilton Viewpoint Park: Enjoy the music of John, Paul, George, and Ringo as we welcome The Flaming Pies to close out our 2025 season.
Which concert are you most excited for? Support your favorite by donating to one or all of our 2025 AMP concerts. Your donation funds local musicians while also providing free community programming to everyone in our neighborhood. AMPlify your summer and consider donating here today!
As of about five o’clock, community volunteers were still hard at work on West Seattle’s newest murals, stretching along about 200 feet of the wall by the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook waterfront (across the street and downslope from Me-Kwa-Mooks Park). The first two photos are ours from our brief visit last hour:
Lafayette Elementary students painted sea stars toward the left side of the mural wall a few days ago, artist Nalisha Estrellas notes. Dozens of other people signed up for shifts to paint the rest of it today – Jeffrey Johnson sent these photos:
We first wrote about the mural plan back in January. Neighbor David Stockert thought a mural would help deter the vandals who often target the wall, and crowdfunded to make it happen. Local artist Estrellas designed it with a Puget Sound theme.
She organized the community painting, too, which originally was set to happen last Saturday, but the weather looked iffy – today, of course, has been a perfect day for outdoor painting.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Someplace old is about to present something new.
Historic Kenyon Hall will host the first West Seattle Story Slam on Friday night.
The 109-year-old former Olympic Heights Social Hall at 7904 35th SW also is about to write a new chapter in its own story, with a closure this summer for major repairs/renovations.
That’s why we visited Kenyon Hall to talk with the two men who are now managing the nonprofit venue, moving into for a bright future just a few years after uncertainty it would have much of a future at all.
For many years, Kenyon Hall was run by a memorable music man named Lou Magor. His unexpected death four years ago left the century-old building somewhat rudderless, though board members of the nonprofit that owns it, Seattle Artists, worked to keep it going.
Others got involved with the effort to save Kenyon Hall, including Murphy Janssen and Nick Shadel, who now manage it. They jumped in as volunteers, Nick joining just after Lou’s death, Murphy coming aboard six months later. “That period of time was spent figuring out what was even going on at the hall – tracking down records, understanding the state of (the hall) – a tumultuous but positive time. We learned a whole lot about Kenyon Hall, its history, the players …”
And they learned many other things. Murphy, a drummer among other things, hadn’t been involved with a nonprofit before. Nick, a film composer and music educator among other things, had run companies. The board dwindled, including those who had headed the effort to keep Kenyon Hall going. “Volunteerism alone wasn’t going to bring the hall back to its previous (status),” said Murphy. “So Nick and I both flirted with director roles on our own. Neither of us wanted to do solo.” So with the support of remaining board members, they wrote a job description, “found some money” for it, and as of the end of next month, they’ll have been running Kenyon Hall for two years. Murphy is focused on bookings, Nick on administration.
One of their first tasks was to rebuild the board, which was down to three members at the time. Now there are eight.
“All local West Seattle folks,” notes Nick. Some were already involved with the hall via music classes offered there
“We’ve. also been working to build up our volunteer program, opening arms to a greater group of community members who want to help the community out,” Murphy explains. Lou did so much himself, they observe, but they are trying to delegate – helpers with concessions, chair-stacking, maybe even “help run live sound”; they’ve organized volunteer opportunities online.
Fundraising has expanded too; they had a telethon-style fundraiser for Kenyon Hall’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ, with both a live audience and live stream. That day alone, they raised $6,000, and that’s since grown to $30,000 to go toward maintaining the organ as well as improvements such as lighting to make it “even more magical.”
The organ has continued to get a workout, with performances including two shows by Bernard Struber, who saw the sign outside the Hall (“Home of the Mighty Wurlitzer”) while visiting his daughter Laure Struber, also an organist, and “stumbled in” to learn about it.
Even before Friday’s Story Slam, the hall has seen other firsts under its co-directors, including a performance of Celtic dance, and novel ways to use the Wurlitzer, such as this spring’s Cartoon Mess, a March performance that also was streamed:
Organist Sawyer Best helped with that, they explained, “using the Wurlitzer in a fun way.” Next month, Murphy adds, it’ll be put into action with Luke Fitzpatrick, integrating it into an experimental work on June 1st (Laure Struber will be the organist).
And while that will be very modern music, the Wurlitzer also is used to celebrate history, as with Dennis James’s silent-film performances. “It’s been a fun fusion.”
Murphy says bringing Kenyon Hall at least partly into the present is a key part of their work. “We’re finally able to take credit cards!” They’re also selling advance tickets online. Previously, they just took reservations, and “maybe half would show up,” which meant not only less compensation for the hall but less for the performers.
“We take a lot of pride in (supporting artists),” Nick says. “We’re artist-focused, not profit-focused,” Murphy adds.
In addition to visiting performers, they’ve been featuring regular monthly programming – an open-mic night, jazz night, and a drag night – Kenyon Hall Cabaret, which has just celebrated its second anniversary and will celebrate Pride with a Wizard of Oz-themed show again this year, two performances this time.
The drag community helped with the Wurlitzer fundraiser in a big way, Nick notes, saying they’re “deeply integrated into our cool little scene here.”
The other regular features have been a resounding success too, they add. The “open mic,” which focuses on songwriters, has had some “incredible” ones show up to play original music, Nick says. “And we record everyone so they get free demos,” adds Murphy. He goes on to describe the jazz jam, with a Chief Sealth International High School trio as the “house band”; this month will be the third one, 6 pm May 30, free admission. It’s meant to be not just a performance opportunity but also a mentoring event and “some moments of a master class,” as Murphy explains it. Nick summarizes, “We’re creating this space for the spirit of jazz-improvisation collaboration. … We’re excited to offer more free programming.”
Friday’s Story Slam will be free too, and another move toward their goal of “diversifying the art that is presented here.” Murphy elaborates that they’re often approached by people with ideas, asking “have you ever thought about this?” and that’s what the Story Slam sprang from: “We’ll have five or six pre-set story tellers and then an open call.” They hope this too will be monthly.
“Our purpose is for people of any skill level to come in and engage in art,” Nick declares. “At every turn the community lifts us up further – it’s amazing to see the level at which people care about this place. It has some magic.”
What’s happening now is synched with what the two co-directors felt when they first got involved with Kenyon Hall. Murphy had pondered “commitment to art as a community support.” Nick had been teaching music at the hall for years before Lou Magor’s death, and came to regard it as a “sacred creative space (that) was capable of more.” He helped sustain it even during the no-live-events pandemic time, when they presented recorded performances online. “I fell in love with it as a space where creation happens.” Now he says, he’s never felt better about the state of Kenyon Hall, which is at the “dawn of a new era in a really exciting way.”
“It’s almost unfathomable that this place is still here,” marvels Murphy. “How can we not (work to save it)?”
That’s more than a matter of keeping performers onstage and keeping audiences in the seats. It’s also a matter of preserving and updating the hall itself. Murphy allows that “the building’s in pretty good shape,” it needs some work. “We want to do some renovations enabling more recording, with more of a control room in the loft,” he says. “We are going to be a great-sounding room for artists that want to record for a bit cheaper.” Nick hosted a sold-out “guerrilla recording workshop” last fall, and Murphy promises they’ll do it again.
Other upcoming events include “Bach and pancakes” (the latter made by neighboring Locöl Kitchen & Bar, which they laud as a “great partner”) on Sunday (advance tickets are sold out), part of a Memorial Day weekend that also includes a klezmer concert on Saturday. “For those who are sticking around (on Memorial Day weekend), we’re gonna be here and it’s gonna be (great).”
Coming to Kenyon Hall for shows is a huge way you can support its future. You can donate money too – “we’re always running Lights On for Lou.” You can volunteer (Murphy says, “The more people we get on the volunteer list, the less I’ll have to wear three or four hats at once” and the more he can focus on actually running the hall). If you’re a music teacher and not already involved with Kenyon Hall, they want it to “be a place for local music teachers to connect with each other.”
For the major renovations, the hall will “go dark” for a few months starting around July 1st; part of the renovations will include demolishing and rebuilding the restrooms, which will then be ADA compliant (among other improvements). They’ll be streamlining the power to reduce things like cable hum. As Murphy summarizes, “The building needs to be recalibrated for the 21st century.” Trying to figure out everything that needs to be done has led to “some fun and laughter and frustration,” as they describe it.
But Kenyon Hall won’t lose its charm, which includes the mere fact it exists – “Why is this place here? Because it’s been loved by so many people for so long. It’s amazing how intimate this place is,” despite its placement on a busy arterial. “Whatever has happened over the decades has created a special, intimate place for art.”
(Past “happenings” include the legendary 2008 “secret” Eddie Vedder concerts, you might recall, and if you have a poster for that show, the Kenyon Hall directors would love to hear from you!)
HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HALL: The calendar of upcoming Kenyon Hall performances/events is here.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE HALL: Donation and volunteering links are here.
If you wondered why the West Seattle High School Band didn’t play at the West Seattle 5K on Sunday instead of an ad-hoc Alumni Pep Band, here’s one good reason: The band is one of three WSHS music groups visiting Southern California right now, where they were part of a special student showcase. WSHS music director Ethan Thomas sent the photos and report:
The WSHS Band, Orchestra, and Choir traveled down to Southern California this past Saturday to participate in Disney’s Imagination Campus performances at Disneyland and California Adventure. All three groups performed in the parks and attended studio soundtrack workshop sessions.
They planned to wrap up their tour with some time out at Santa Monica before heading home tonight.
(File photo, WSCO)
Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, you can see West Seattle Community Orchestras members perform their second and final free concert of the spring. Today, WSCO has an announcement that applications are open for a new mentoring program aimed at high-school musicians hoping to continue their artistry:
West Seattle Community Orchestras is excited to announce the Honor Student Program — a new pilot initiative designed to support high school musicians preparing to apply for college music programs. This fully-funded opportunity provides personalized coaching, audition preparation, and involvement in WSCO ensembles.
Who is Eligible?
WSCO members in grades 11 or 12 (junior or senior year)Actively applying or planning to apply to a college music program
Play one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba
What’s Included?
6 hours of one-on-one coaching with professional musiciansMock auditions and personalized feedback
Participation in WSCO ensembles and community events
How to Apply?
Submit your application by Tuesday, June 17, 2025 by 5 pm PST to: lison@wscorchestras.orgRequired materials:
Application letter (1 page)
Music director reference letter (1 page)
Live audition and interview will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 6 pm at the Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle. Honor Students will be announced on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 via email.
Questions?
Contact Lison J. at lison@wscorchestras.orgWSCO was founded in West Seattle in 2002 and has served hundreds of students and adults alike, providing a community for musicians of all ages and abilities with opportunities for performance and growth.
Visit the WSCO website for more information about the concerts or how to become involved as a musician or volunteer.
(Artist Nalisha Estrellas’s concepts for the Emma Schmitz Overlook mural)
FYI from organizers of community mural-painting at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive – they’re postponing the planned Saturday painting session by a week, and asked tonight if we would share this:
After looking at the forecast for this Saturday, we’re officially moving the paint day to Saturday, May 24th. The weather will be much better and all volunteer shift times will stay the same.
We understand that it’s a Holiday weekend and some of you may not make it but, please know you’re still an important part of the project and this community mural is for you!
If you’re able to keep your shift on the 24th, we look forward to seeing you! THANK YOU!
Please contact the artist Nalisha Estrellas with any questions nalishaestrellas@gmail.com
We first reported on the mural plan back in January.
(SSC photo)
Art students at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) have started work on a new mural – and you’re invited to help paint it this Saturday!
Please join South Seattle College art faculty and students on Saturday, May 17 (three time slots available) to help paint the new mural on campus!
A breezeway on the main campus, located in the Puget Ridge neighborhood of West Seattle, is being transformed with a design by Indigenous Pacific Islander Artist Toka Valu.
Valu reflected on artwork and stories created by SSC students, faculty and staff during Winter Quarter workshops and collaborated with Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe (Upper Skagit and Nooksack) to develop a design that incorporates creation stories, the Land that South Seattle College is built on and occupies, and the yəhaw̓ story. The design centers community care, community collaboration and the importance of carrying knowledge into our lives.
Bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint on, or an apron, and comfortable shoes are recommended!
Please RSVP using this form. Additional information will be emailed before the event.
Time & Location:
Saturday, May 17, with 3 two-hour time slots: 9 am-11 am; 11 am-1 pm; 1 pm-3 pmMeet at the South Seattle College Robert Smith Building – “RSB” on the campus map (near the bus stop up the hill on campus). Parking will be free on Saturday!
We reported on mural designer Toka Valu creating another Puget Ridge mural three years ago.
By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Last Sunday, the Chief Sealth International High School Drama Company wrapped their spring production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” It was a moment of pride for the cast and crew, but also bittersweetness for the graduating seniors. For everyone, though, the predominant feeling was hope.
After spending many years without a theater program, Chief Sealth returned to the stage in 2023 with a production of “She Kills Monsters” (as reported here), a play written by Qui Nguyen. Since then, the Chief Sealth Drama Company has produced five shows. The theater program’s revival is thanks to BAYFEST Youth Theatre, a West Seattle-based nonprofit organization which runs K-12 theater programs across Seattle.
Reflecting on the experience, Satomi Giedeman, who played pianist Schroeder in last Sunday’s show, said it’s been a privilege to be in the program. “It’s changed big time,” said Giedeman, who’s been with the Chief Sealth Drama Company since the beginning. “This was by far the best production I’ve been in. Because the cast was so small, we got the chance to get really close together.”
(L-R: Rowan Loidhammer, Leena Nguyen, Satomi Giedeman, Josey Kent, Katie Ackers, Richie Nguyen – photos by Robert Shampain)
Echoing the sentiment were crew members Josephina Smith Matteucci and Georgia Palmer-Markham. As the Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager respectively, both of them are excited to see the program continue to grow. Palmer-Markham has also been with the program since 2023, and said the changes since then have been incredible. “For our first show, we didn’t even use the full stage,” she said. “The program has gotten so much bigger, and the community has kept growing and changing.”
Kekoa Dilay, who directed “Charlie Brown,” said it was great to work with such a small cast, especially with the increased support to the crew this year. Dilay, brought on by BAYFEST to direct the show, is a teaching artist and actor and the first out-of-school director for the drama program.
(Katie Ackers as Snoopy in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’)
Supporting the program is a challenge BAYFEST has taken on enthusiastically over the last few years, and owner and founder Robert Shampain says they’re committed to expanding the program as much as they can. “There are lessons learned from each show, and we want to make sure that each year we’re stepping it up in terms of sets, costumes, and how things are organized.”
Someday, he hopes the program will become self-sufficient. “We’re really trying to focus on making the program sustainable, without needing outside nonprofits. We all believe it should be funded by the school.” It seems like things are going in that direction, as this year BAYFEST signed a contract with the Career Technical Education program to provide academic credit to students participating in the program.
(Rowan Loidhammer as Charlie Brown in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ – p Robert Shampain)
There are big things on the horizon as well, including the upcoming intergenerational theater project, which we wrote about previously here. In short, the program has Chief Sealth students working alongside adults, with priority given to seniors, as part of a six-month program culminating in a final show in June. “The Intergenerational Theater Project is something I’m especially proud of,” Shampain said. “It’s bringing together senior adults and teens for an intergenerational project which is about more than acting, but also themes of intergenerational life together.”
If you’re interested in supporting the program, you can donate to BAYFEST Youth Theatre here.
Tomorrow night is the second Thursday, which brings the West Seattle Art Walk. Four reasons to plan on spending at least part of your night Art Walk’ing:
MUSE FEST – THE POWER OF WOMEN’S VOICES: At 11 venues around West Seattle, female musicians will be performing between 6 pm and 7:45 pm.
That’s Sheryl Wiser, one of the featured musicians; here’s another, Havilah Rand:
Find the full list of Muse Fest performers and locations, plus more previews, by going here. (Muse Fest is co-presented by The Art of Music, which is curated by John Redenbaugh, and local music legend Sue Quigley.)
WESTSIDE SCHOOL X ALKI ARTS: Art Walk nights often spotlight students – this time around, the Lower School from Westside School (WSB sponsor) is presenting an art show at Alki Arts in Morgan Junction. The school sent photos and the announcement:
This joyful exhibition will showcase artwork by our lower school students (Pre-K through 4th grade), all centered on this year’s theme: Grow. From vibrant drawings to imaginative sculptures, each piece reflects our students’ growth, creativity, and self-expression.
The event is free and open to the public — friends, families, and art lovers of all ages are welcome!
DESMOND HANSEN AT CANNA WEST SEATTLE: You might know him best for signal-box portraits, but West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen‘s work goes far beyond that. Visit Canna (5435 California SW; WSB sponsor) to meet him and see some of his other work.
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR ARTISTS AT CAPERS: The WS Garden Tour is still more than a month away, but you can get into the spirit sooner with the Art Walk night guests at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor):
CAPERS is pleased to host The West Seattle Garden Tour 2025 artists for the month of May; featuring winning artist Gay Waldman and her winning piece Pool Party (26”w x 18”h) . Pool Party will be featured on the tour’s 2025 poster and ticket book. We are also pleased to be showing work by competing artists Silvia Bajardi, Marnie Lynn, Stacy Almgren, and Memo Luna. Additionally, we are thrilled to have Thoa Nguyen also with us for May.
You’ll find art all around the peninsula – many more previews, plus the list of venues offering food/drink specials, can be found here.
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