The photo and announcement are from Endolyne Children’s Choir:

Endolyne Children’s Choir – West Seattle’s community choir since 2003 – kicks off our Winter Session tonight (Tuesday, January 7th) and it is a great time for new singers, from Kindergarten to High School, to join our fun and welcoming non-audition choir. Singers in kindergarten through 2nd Grade rehearse from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, 3rd through 5th grade rehearse from 5:45 to 6:45, and singers 6th through 12th grade rehearse from 7:00 to 8:30. Registration materials will be available before rehearsals at the Parish Hall at St. John The Baptist Church next to West Seattle High School. For more information, visit endolynechoir.org.

Our winter theme this year is Rhythm of Life. Music Director Megan McCormick and Staff Director Janelle Maroney have selected a fantastic repertoire to engage and challenge all of our choristers, whether new or returning. Debut singers (K-2nd) will transition from experiencing rhythm to tracing and beginning to write their own rhythms. Encore singers (3rd-5th) will also start writing rhythms, and eventually begin some rhythmic dictation. And for Advanced Ensemble (6th and up): we have some extra adventures in store for you! Singers will continue to sight read more complicated melodies, as well as begin performing some extremely challenging rhythmic music (For a sneak peek, watch this video).

The session will culminate with performances in March. This December we performed for friends and families in our Winter Fantasy concert, residents at The Kenney, at Seattle Center Winterfest and the West Seattle Tree Lighting, among other events, and we will continue this with our Winter Session Concert and more performances to be announced. Singers will also perform a fun song at our annual I Heart Endolyne Karaoke Night Fundraiser at Kenyon Hall on Friday, February 7th. This is our annual community building and fundraising event that is a highlight for our choristers and families.

New singers are welcome to try out the first rehearsal before registering and submitting payment. Tuition assistance is available. If you have questions or need more information, please email info@endolynechoir.org.

As the official start of winter nears, here’s a reason to dream of spring – colorful garden-inspired art at Click! Design That Fits (4540 California SW; WSB sponsor). West Seattle artist Lorene Edwards Forkner is in the shop with prints of her paintings, described here as “part of a daily practice in which I pick something from my garden and try and capture the colors in what I call a watercolor gesture.” She’s debuting these color-blocked creations in a pop-up continuing until 3 pm today.

(Northern Flicker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar:

SANTA PHOTOS: Find St. Nick at CAPERS, 9 am-noon, DIY photos with $20 suggested donation benefiting West Seattle Food Bank. (4525 California SW)

SANTA AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE: Your one chance this season for Santa photos at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse2 with Gail Ann Photography, 9 am-2 pm, “semi-private 10-minute visits with Santa,” packages starting at $30. 20% will be donated to the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency. “Children of all ages will experience the wonderment of everything Christmas as they are welcome to explore under the tree, chat with Santa, read a book with Santa and most important, share their Christmas list with Santa!” Pets welcome too. Walk-ins welcome. (9131 California SW)

BRINGING WARMTH: Bring blankets and coats to Chief Sealth IHS senior Emily Un‘s donation drive, 10 am-1 pm at Good Day Donuts in White Center. (9823 15th SW)

LAST DAY FOR TREES BY THE SEA: Presented by the same West Seattleites who bring you Shipwreck Honey, this Alki Christmas-tree lot is closing for the year after today. 10 am-8 pm. West Seattle tree delivery available! (2530 Alki SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round in the street in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

WREATH SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students are selling handmade wreaths in The Junction during the West Seattle Farmers Market (10 am-2 pm). All proceeds go to support outdoor education. (California/Alaska)

NATIVE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: Duwamish Longhouse Native Northwest Holiday Gift Fair is open one last day, 10 am-5 pm: Native artists and vendors at a beautiful venue.(4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

VIVA TOUR: Vashon Island Visual Artists have an open-studio tour continuing today too and are sponsoring WSB to get the word out. 10 am-4 pm – last day! (Map and info here)

CLICK! POP-UP: Pop-Up with local artist Lorene Edwards Forkner at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor), 10:30 am-3 pm. (4540 California SW)

SANTA + FACE-PAINTING: Santa House in The Junction, 11 am-2 pm, with free holiday face-painting. South end of Farmers’ Market. (California/Alaska)

BONUS SHOPPING DAY: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) at Westwood Village is open Sundays noon-5 pm this season for extra holiday shopping. (2600 SW Barton)

SAINT NICHOLAS FAIRE AND AUCTION At First Lutheran Church of West Seattle from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm – unique shopping opportunity with dozens of themed gift baskets to bid on. Admission $5 per person or $15 per family. Bring a non-perishable food item. All proceeds go to the West Seattle Food Bank and the West Seattle Helpline. This year we will be having 3 events at the Faire: Silent Basket Auction, Live Auction, and Raffle for a 55” LG TV. (4105 California SW)

SANTA AT TRAM’S: Santa photos at Tram’s Salon, 1-4 pm. (4110 California SW)

SEASONAL SIPPING: Holiday High Tea at South Park Hall, 1 pm. Tickets here. (1253 S. Cloverdale)

JAMTIME: Bluegrass and more at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 1-4 pm. No cover. 21+. (5612 California SW)

FINAL PERFORMANCE: Join Twelfth Night Productions for “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play. 3 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)

COCOA CRIS CRINGLE: Photo time at Easy Street Records, 4-7 pm: “Making my unique annual holiday memories with fun photos, $20 – hats, props, and candy canes provided. This year we have live musical accompaniment with keys by Hugh Sutton; I will be singing some holiday classics! Pets welcome. Proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.” (California/Alaska)

CHURCH CONCERT #1: Enjoy music of the season in a free vocal and instrumental concert at Fauntleroy Church, starting at 4 pm in the sanctuary. Fully accessible by elevator from parking. (9140 California SW)

CHURCH CONCERT #2: “The Gift: An Alki UCC Musical Christmas,” 6 pm. Details here. (6115 SW Hinds)

SEE THE LIGHTS: Uehara-Bingen Christmas Lights Show on Alki! 5:45 pm. “The show is ~25 minutes long, and everyone will gather outside the front of our house, so be sure to dress warm!” (1736 Alki SW)

JAZZ CONCERT OF CHRISTMAS CLASSICS: Mark Lewis Trio & Dick Lupino at the Pacific Room on Alki (WSB sponsor), 6 pm – details and cover info here. (2808 Alki SW)

NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR: The annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

SUNDAE + MR. GOESSL HOLIDAY REVUE: 7 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

BLUEGRASS JAM: 7 pm at Whisky West. 21+. (6451 California SW)

NORTH CORNER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: This “professional conductorless chamber ensemble” performs at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7:30 pm. Details and ticket info here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SEE MORE … in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and Event Calendar

Tonight wasn’t Caspar Babypants‘ first Easy Street Records show, but it was his first as a Grammy nominee. (Under that alias, anyway.) Even on a cold, drippy night, his trademark yellow T-shirt and bouncy tunes evoked sunshine and smiles:

Easy Street was wall-to-wall people. We edged into the loft to record a couple songs, including his classic “My Flea Has Dogs”:

And his rework of “Pop Goes the Weasel”:

Next month, he’ll find out if his album “Flying High” gets the Grammy for Best Children’s Album.

The Grammys will be announced January 26th. Not long after that, according to his website, Caspar B has a February 2nd show in West Seattle, a fundraiser for the South Seattle College Co-op Preschools‘ scholarship fund, at SSC’s Brockey Center.

Northwest Girlchoir has sent out a regional call for new singers:

Know any girls who love to sing? Northwest Girlchoir has openings for new singers in grades 1-12 to join us in January 2019 – auditions and enrollment are happening right now! Learn musicianship, vocal technique, and performance skills, all while building lasting friendships in a supportive community.

Now in its 47th concert season, Northwest Girlchoir has empowered and inspired thousands of girls and young women in our region to lift their voices in chorus with others. Choristers perform for thousands of audience members at concerts held across the greater Puget Sound Region and on tours nationally and internationally.

Grades 1-2: Easy online registration is now open for girls entering grades 1-2 to join Prep Choir! Members learn music in a fun and nurturing environment as they prepare for exciting mainstage concerts. Sign up online at www.northwestgirlchoir.org/registerforprep

Grades 3-12: Fill out the Audition Request form online to join one of Northwest Girlchoir’s five progressive choir levels! Auditioned choir members enjoy performing at mainstage concerts, in the community and at special events, and even on tours. Learn more and sign up to audition at www.northwestgirlchoir.org/audition

Scholarships: Scholarships are available for every choir level and we encourage families to apply.

Contact info@northwestgirlchoir.org for more information or call the office at (206) 527-2900.

(WSB photo, Caspar Babypants at Easy Street Records, December 2018)

You’ve probably heard the music industry’s Grammy Awards nominations were announced today. Two local nominees were noted by The Seattle Times – including kindie-rocker Caspar Babypants, nominated for Best Children’s Music Album for “Flying High.” It’s Chris Ballew‘s first nomination as Caspar Babypants, third when you count two from his time with The Presidents of The United States of America. CB told The Times that it happened completely without a “hey, consider nominating me” campaign. You can next see him in West Seattle, by the way, at Easy Street Records on December 14th.

P.S. Also nominated, West Seattleite Jeff Ament as part of the team on a Chris Cornell boxed set, for Best Recording Package..

A new look and new identity for the midblock passage on the west side of the 4700 block of California SW, between Northwest Art and Frame and Puerto Vallarta – it’s now Mural Alley, dedicated during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk. Lora Radford of the Junction Association was joined by contributors for the ceremony.

Maybe you joined muralist Stacey Sterling – seen in our video – during Summer Fest?

(WSB photo from last July)

Also part of tonight’s ceremony, Bob Henry, who’s been renovating West Seattle’s historic murals (as well as the new Mural Alley), talking about how he got involved:

Of course there was a ribbon-cutting:

The murals, like the one Blue Geisha Tattoo artists painted of movie star Hedy Lamarr, have plaques:

Go see the rest for yourself!

One more pre-weekend heads-up – you have the chance both days this weekend, 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 11 am-3 pm Sunday, to check out the West Side Artists’ Tour.

The West Side Artists Annual Studio Tour showcases the artwork of 30+ artists at 8 welcoming stops in the West Seattle Area. This self-guided tour is free and open to the public. Each stop is at a working artists studio and will have three or more people showing in many media – From Ceramics to weaving, encaustic painting to forged jewelry, and from colored pencil to tin collage – We have it all! Explore these neighborhood, hidden gems, and make a day of discovering local talent.

It’s a free self-guided tour, so visit the stops at your leisure during the tour hours.

More than two dozen people participated in last year’s Artist Showcase at Southwest Library. This year’s showcase starts this weekend, and you’re invited to drop off your work starting Thursday – no judging no application process – so here’s the call for participants one more time:

It’s time for the Southwest Library‘s 28th annual Artist Showcase. Artists may submit up to three unique works of art for this non-juried exhibition to celebrate West Seattle’s creative talent.

Entries may be submitted at the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) from Thursday, October 3rd through Saturday, October 5th. Be sure to stop by the artists’ reception at 2 pm Sunday, October 6th to meet the artists and view all the fabulous work! Art will be on display at the library through the month of October.

The library will also be hosting two art programs to celebrate: a drop-in Family Art Day on Saturday 10/5 at 2 pm and Fill the Frame, a painting-exploration class for teens and adults on Sunday, 10/27.

The showcase is for artists of all skill levels – so even if art is just a hobby, step up and show off!

The search is over! Here’s the announcement from West Seattle Community Orchestras:

After a very productive, year-long process, the WSCO board is pleased to announce Anna Wittstruck as WSCO’s new Symphony Orchestra Conductor. Audience members who attended the Symphony’s spring concert are already well aware that we are in for an exciting season under her direction!

Anna comes to us with wide-ranging orchestral experience. Since 2017, she has served at the University of Puget Sound as Assistant Professor, Director of Orchestra. Prior to that appointment, she served for two years at Stanford University as Acting Assistant Professor, in roles as Interim Music Director and Conductor of the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Philharmonia. As part of her developing international experience, she has conducted concerts across the United States as well as in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Wittstruck is also an active orchestral musician whose performances as a cellist span from the Beijing Modern Music Festival to the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Princeton University and a PhD in musicology from Stanford University, where she helped create the Stanford Youth Orchestra, an international program for advanced high school students.

Anna has chosen a French theme for the Symphony’s December 6 concert, including the Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saens, Debussy’s Petite Suite, a Pavane by Faure, and selections from the ever-popular suites from Bizet’s opera Carmen.

It’s not too late to join us! Rehearsals begin October 1, held Tuesdays at Chief Sealth International High School. More info on our website, www.wscorchestras.org, or you can contact info@wscorchestras.org.

Those are some of the two-dozen-plus people who participated in last year’s Artist Showcase at Southwest Library, an annual tradition. This year’s showcase is weeks away, so here’s the announcement that it’s time to get your entry/entries ready!

Calling all West Seattle artists! It’s time for the Southwest Library‘s 28th annual Artist Showcase. Artists may submit up to three unique works of art for this non-juried exhibition to celebrate West Seattle’s creative talent.

Entries may be submitted at the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) from Thursday, October 3rd through Saturday, October 5th. Be sure to stop by the artists’ reception at 2 pm Sunday, October 6th to meet the artists and view all the fabulous work! Art will be on display at the library through the month of October.

The library will also be hosting two art programs to celebrate: a drop-in Family Art Day on Saturday 10/5 at 2 pm and Fill the Frame, a painting-exploration class for teens and adults on Sunday, 10/27. Please call 206-684-7455 for more details.