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Followup: ‘Gold Balls’ documentary passes crowdfunding goal
May 3, 2014 6:38 pm
|    Comments Off on Followup: ‘Gold Balls’ documentary passes crowdfunding goal
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports | WS culture/arts

In the mood for good news tonight? West Seattleite Heather P. Olson just e-mailed to say that the documentary she’s co-producing, “Gold Balls,” has passed its Kickstarter crowdfunding goal. As reported here last week, it’s about the “ultra-senior” tennis circuit. See the trailer in our previous story.

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‘You’re only as old as you allow yourself to think you are’: Ultra-senior tennis stars in film co-produced by West Seattleite
April 28, 2014 10:33 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Need some Monday inspiration? Check this out. West Seattle resident Heather P. Olson e-mailed to tell us about a documentary she’s co-producing called “Gold Balls” (with another area connection, editor and Vashon Island resident Eric Frith). The quote in our headline is from the trailer, narrated by Seattle actor Tom Skerritt. Info forwarded by Olson explains that it’s about “the world of ultra-senior tennis … where the players actually look forward to getting older, if only every 5 years when they age up into the next category and have relative youth on their side.” As with so many creative projects these days, they are crowdfunding, with less than a week left – their Kickstarter link is here. But even if you’re not interested in contributing, watch the trailer when you have a few moments. It gives a new meaning to “bucket list”!

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Beautify The Junction! Artist sought for signal-box project
April 25, 2014 9:56 pm
|    Comments Off on Beautify The Junction! Artist sought for signal-box project
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Calling all artists – the West Seattle Junction Association has a potential project for you:

West Seattle Junction
Signal Box Art Installation Project
Application deadline June 1, 2014

The West Seattle Junction Association is seeking to hire an artist for a neighborhood beautification project. The West Seattle Junction has up to five signal boxes which are an excellent opportunity to create new art for our community. Our organization will provide funding, project oversight, and permitting. There will be a volunteer committee to choose the artist. The artist concept will need to follow City of Seattle guidelines and be approved by the City’s Arts Representative.

Please see map for signal box locations:

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Congratulations! WSHS student artist Regine Fernandez wins regional award
April 22, 2014 6:12 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Congratulations go out to an award-winning West Seattle High School student artist, just announced by art/design teacher Michelle Sloan, who also shared the photo:

West Seattle High School Student Regine Fernandez wins an Outstanding Achievement award for her Oil Pastel Drawing of “Grandma’s Girl” in the Puget Sound Regional Art competition. The drawing was of her family’s pet dog.

More information about the competition is here.

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Author/storyteller Atinuke visits West Seattle’s Village School
April 21, 2014 8:31 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Village Cooperative School)
The students of West Seattle’s Village Cooperative School have read her work – and now they’ve heard from author/storyteller Atinuke in person. She visited the school’s home on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus today, after getting a letter from student Henry Banker, who wrote to her about reading her book “No. 1 Car Spotter” in the book club at school:

Atinuke’s books are set in Africa; she is a resident of Wales, born in Nigeria and raised in both Africa and the UK. Her 12 children’s books also include the “Anna Hibiscus” series, described as “a medley of traditional folklore and contemporary urban life” by Sarah Schieron of the Village School, who says the letter kindled “a conversation between author and student … and culminated in an in-person meeting today. This is a great example of how parent supported, small, cooperative educational settings promote innovative learning opportunities for school aged students.” Students from The Bridge School, a similar school in Normandy Park that serves ages 5-11, were at the Village School for today’s event.

P.S. Village School, in its inaugural year, is having an open house on Thursday, May 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm.

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West Seattle Saturday: Egg hunts; Duwamish Alive!; Junction Tax-Free Day; Record Store Day; Earth Day Run; more
April 19, 2014 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Saturday: Egg hunts; Duwamish Alive!; Junction Tax-Free Day; Record Store Day; Earth Day Run; more
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Mark Bauschke, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
So much happening today! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, highlights from morning until night, starting with an event that includes a traffic alert:

ALKI TRAFFIC ALERT FOR EARTH DAY RUN: Traffic/parking restrictions will be in effect along Alki Avenue in the 9-11 am vicinity because of the second annual Earth Day Run, first time on Alki. Start time is listed as 9:30 am, with post-race events continuing until noon.

EGG HUNTS TODAY

9 am – West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan; WSB sponsor) egg hunt – get there early, there’s always a line!

10 am – Seattle Parks & Rec community-center egg hunt of your choice:
*********Alki – 5817 SW Stevens – billed as for ages 11 and under
*********Delridge – 4501 Delridge Way SW – for ages 3-11
*********Hiawatha – 2700 California SW – for 3-11
*********High Point – 6920 34th SW – for 3-11
*********South Park – 8319 8th Ave. S. – for ages 1-10

11 am – Eastridge Church community egg hunt on the south side of Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) – bring donations for the diaper drive for WestSide Baby

Noon – Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village egg hunt (2600 SW Barton), right after 11 am seasonally themed story-time

WHAT ELSE IS UP

(WSB photo: Record Store Day art greeting on Easy Street marquee, spotted on Friday)
RECORD STORE DAY: From early morning on into the evening, Easy Street Records is the celebration epicenter – see the full lineup here; doors open at 7 am, signings throughout the day include West Seattle’s own Caspar Babypants signing and spinning 3-4 pm, and Rose Windows performing live in-store at 7 pm. (NW corner of California/Alaska)

DUWAMISH ALIVE! 10 am-2 pm, hundreds of volunteers are bringing TLC to sites along the Duwamish River and in its watershed. If you haven’t already signed up, pick a site and go join in – see the map here.

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION ‘TAX-FREE SHOPPING DAY’: Look for the red balloons to see who’s participating – shops and restaurants that are will pick up your sales-tax cost for whatever you buy today. You can also see more than three dozen participants listed online.

APRIL POOL’S DAY: Free family event to promote water safety, with activities in and out of the water at Southwest Pool, 10:30 am-noon. (2801 SW Thistle)

ANTIQUE TYPEWRITERS: Last weekend we showed you one of the stops for “Ribbon and Rhyme,” in which antique typewriters are provided for YOU to tap out some art – poetry, perhaps.

Today, they’re at Southwest Branch Library, 1:30-4:30 pm. (35th/Henderson)

‘COLLAGE CURE’ ART SHOW: 2-6 pm installation at Highland Park Improvement Club – details here. (12th/Holden)

NATURE HIKE: “Owls and Other Organisms” evening hike with naturalist Stewart Wechsler in Lincoln Park, 6:30 pm – details here, including where to meet & suggested donation.

MUSIC OF OUR TIME: Piano, cello, soprano performing “Music of Our Time” concert at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)’s Olympic Hall, 7:30 pm. (6000 16th SW)

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL REUNION: Widow, 30 years later! Tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 9:30 pm. (6451 California SW)

See the calendar for even more ...

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West Seattle Wednesday: DPD at DNDC; Morgan Community Association; more…
April 16, 2014 9:13 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

Before sharing his Tuesday orca photo, Gary Jones sent another awesome round of eagle photos from Alki Point (thanks!) – all three of which we’re featuring throughout today’s calendar preview.

LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Home on spring break? Parental leave? THREE library story times this morning for kids of various ages – see our calendar page for details (mouse over any line’s right side to get the “plus sign” you can click to open the line for more info).

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S QUARTERLY MEETING: 7 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor). The agenda, as also published at morganjunction.org:

7:05 Murray/Lowman CSO (King County)

7:15 California @ Fauntleroy Level of Service (SDOT)

7:25 Micro-housing Legislation Update

7:35 Morgan Junction Land Use Topics:

Pedestrian Zone Mapping, Low-rise zoning changes, West Seattle land use committee

7:55 Morgan Junction Festival Update

New Business

8:00 Solar Presentation

8:10 West Seattle Transit Coalition and Prop 1

8:15 CALSeattle Letter: Coalition for an Affordable Livable Seattle

8:30 Nazarene Church Residential Development

All welcome. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

DPD AT DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: The city Department of Planning and Development has three reps for three programs at tonight’s DNDC – as previewed here yesterday. And West Seattle neighborhood advocate Cindi Barker will be there too, with information on how you can track, and give feedback on, land-use issues. 7 pm, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. All welcome. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘UNPLUGGED’ AT C & P: The Seattle Classic Guitar Society‘s open-microphone night for guitarists and other acoustic musicians, at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

And as usual, much more on the calendar!

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Sing so they can play: Karaoke Night to benefit West Seattle Community Orchestras
April 14, 2014 4:47 pm
|    Comments Off on Sing so they can play: Karaoke Night to benefit West Seattle Community Orchestras
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Brand-new fun(draiser), ready to launch – Karaoke Night to benefit the multi-age, multi-skill-level West Seattle Community Orchestras, 7 pm Friday, May 2nd, at historic Kenyon Hall. WSCO says they’re fundraising for a very specific purpose:

As the demand for music programs increases, WSCO continues to provide musicians in the community an artistic outlet. In recent years, their three orchestra groups have almost reached room capacity and many incoming musicians are placed on a waiting list.

Now in WSCO’s 12th season, the Board of Directors have proposed to launch two new music programs that will enable them to accommodate the increasing growth and continue to provide community musicians opportunities for mentorship, performance, and growth. The proposed new groups include a Wind Symphony and an Introduction to Music Class. This fund-raising event will help with startup costs for these new groups.

Join WSCO and DJ “J” for a fun and casual party time! Sing along with the karaoke machine, bring your instrument and music for our on-site piano accompanist, or sing with the piano accompanist.

Tickets at the door: Adults $20, Students (K-12th Grade) $10

Evening will include 50/50 Raffle, Appetizers, Beverages, Cash Bar, and “Cello Shots.” Awards for the Top 5 Performances of the evening.

For event information, please contact Maria Fisher, maria@WSCOrchestras.org

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Keep missing ‘Messiah’ singalongs at Christmastime? Hallelujah! One’s coming up in West Seattle post-Easter
April 13, 2014 10:43 pm
|    Comments Off on Keep missing ‘Messiah’ singalongs at Christmastime? Hallelujah! One’s coming up in West Seattle post-Easter
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Though Handel’s “Messiah” is a Christmastime staple, it was actually written for Easter season. In that spirit, West Side Presbyterian Church is hosting a singalong – and playalong! – Friday, May 2nd:

The entire oratorio will be performed under the direction of Carreen Smith, director of music at West Side. All singers and instrumentalists are invited to participate. Sing the entire oratorio, all choruses and solos! If you don’t sing or play, come listen! Bring a vocal score if you have one. Vocal scores and orchestra parts will be available for loan at the event. Refreshments will be available at the two intermissions. There is a suggested $10 donation. All proceeds go to Care Net of Puget Sound. West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California SW.

Doors open at 6 pm, the music begins at 7.

P.S. Speaking of Eastertime, the annual WSB Easter/Passover page will be up Monday, so if you have an event (religious or secular) to which the community is invited, and haven’t sent it yet, please do – editor@westseattleblog.com – ASAP, so we can include it!

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What’s up – and who’s up – for your West Seattle Sunday
April 13, 2014 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up – and who’s up – for your West Seattle Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

We’re featuring two photos of West Seattle’s beautiful birds today. First, thanks to David Hutchinson for the then-and-now photo: “The Harbor Avenue Canada Goose goslings have done a lot of growing up in the past 7 weeks. The top photo was taken on February 19th, while the bottom is from earlier this week on April 9th.” Second, thanks also to Chris Frankovich for the eagle photo featured below! Now, on with the calendar highlights:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm in The Junction, with more returning vendors every week now that we’re well into spring. (44th/Alaska)

STORYTELLING AT DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE: 2 pm, in honor of the upcoming Earth Day, native and non-native storytellers with tales of Earth and our relationship with it. Details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

LEARN ABOUT EDIBLE GARDENING: 2 pm at Delridge Branch Library – details here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: Classical music, live at the West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library, 3 pm. Program details here. (2306 42nd SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Burgundy Pearl performs acoustic Americana at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

FINAL PERFORMANCE OF ‘A … MY NAME IS ALICE’: 5 pm at historic Kenyon Hall, it’s the final performance of this musical-comedy revue presented by Twelfth Night Productions. (7904 35th SW)

BOOZE, BALLS & BINGO BENEFIT: The monthly drag-bingo/charity-benefit event at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 5:30 pm, this month raising money for LoveForMark.com. (6451 California SW)

As always, there’s even more on our calendar!

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Happening now: ‘Ribbon and Rhyme’ typewriters, High Point Library
April 12, 2014 3:32 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Objects of nostalgia, objects of mystery, objects of utility … However you choose to regard them, antique human-powered typewriters are waiting for you right now at the High Point Branch Library as the second stop in “Ribbon and Rhyme,” described as a “hands-on art installation.” Go type a few words. Listen to the keys as they meet the paper, through the ribbon. Look at your words, unpixelated.

The typewriters await, until 5:30 today.

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West Seattle Saturday: Two dozen things to do!
April 12, 2014 9:40 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

It’s all in the angle! That’s an early-morning scene from West Seattle Stadium that Sandy couldn’t resist sharing. Got a caption? Post a comment! Meantime, for today’s calendar highlights, please go direcly TO the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar –

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West Seattle Friday: Dining, dancing, nature, theater, more…
April 11, 2014 11:20 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Dining, dancing, nature, theater, more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

Our emerald peninsula, seen from the sky! Thanks to the WSB’er who shared the photo taken from a jet over West Seattle around 6 am today. Here are five highlights of what’s happening at ground level (as viewable any time on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar):

TEEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: 3 pm at Southwest Library, it’s a chance for teens to learn how to take an idea from dream to reality. Details in our calendar listing. (35th/Henderson)

DINE AND DANCE: Dinner, dance lessons, and music by the West Seattle Big Band, all part of tonight’s dinner/dance at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Details in our calendar listing; 6-9 pm. (Oregon/California)

WSHS DRAMA, FINAL PERFORMANCE: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” – featuring Charles Schulz‘s classic “Peanuts” characters – is onstage one last time tonight in the West Seattle High School Theater, 7:30 pm. Details on the WSHS Drama Club website. (3000 California SW)

SPRING NATURE ‘CONCERT’: Come to Camp Long tonight and listen to the voices of wildlife – owls, frogs, more. 7:30 pm; details in our calendar listing. (5200 35th SW)

‘A … MY NAME IS ALICE’: 7:30 pm, it’s curtain time for the Twelfth Night Productions musical/comedy revue at historic Kenyon Hall; details here. (7904 35th SW)

This is just part of the list – check out our calendar for more, including live music tonight at multiple West Seattle venues!

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West Seattle filmmaking: ‘Shapeshifting’ crew on Alki tomorrow
April 11, 2014 10:14 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle filmmaking: ‘Shapeshifting’ crew on Alki tomorrow
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you notice a film crew on Alki tomorrow afternoon near the volleyball nets – here’s what it’s all about. West Seattle actor/producer Alder Sherwood explains they’ll be doing street interviews for “Do You Shift?“, described as a documentary about “shapeshifting.” No, not necessarily the mythical/magical kind (though they’re exploring that too) – Sherwood explains, “… it isn’t just about physical transformation; it is about shifting our perspective of what is possible.” There’s more here, on the project website. As in – have you transformed your life? Producer Jeremiah Kaynor of Corvus Eye Productions says, “We would love to interview anyone that is a Shifter or knows someone who has Shapeshifted.” Interviews will be reviewed for the documentary as well as its accompanying YouTube channel. Just look for the crew at the beach tomorrow afternoon.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Calendar highlights for today/tonight
April 8, 2014 9:21 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous

(Monday’s sunset; photo by Chris Frankovich)
As we look ahead at what’s happening Tuesday – we’re interspersing photos shared from the end of Monday. Thank you to those who e-mailed these views! From the calendar:

4755 FAUNTLEROY @ COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 9:30 am at City Council Chambers at City Hall downtown, as previewed last night. Public comment at the start of the meeting, which also has the Bicycle Master Plan on the agenda. Live on Seattle Channel (and we expect to have a live video window here on the site, too). (4th/James downtown)

RESOURCE FAIR: 10 am-1 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle – including free lunch! Details in our listing. (California/Oregon)

STORYTELLING: 6 pm, the Seattle Storytellers Guild is at Chaco Canyon Organic Café in The Triangle. (38th/Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Spring concert, 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium – details in our calendar listing>. (2600 SW Thistle)

(Jeff shared the photo, suggesting the reflected light near Blake Island looked like ‘ghost ships’)
And a big slate of community meetings, as is usual for the second Tuesday of the month:

HIGH POINT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 6 pm, Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, with a lineup of SDOT managers as special guests to talk and listen. The agenda, from the WSTC website:

6:30-6:40: Welcome, Introductions, Community news, Updates.

6:40-6:50: Committee News and Updates; Looking for new Committee Chairs

6:50-7:00: New business from the Membership – Anything to share, work on?

7:00-8:00: Seattle Department of Transportation, to discuss infrastructure and safety across the West Seattle Peninsula. Expected Guests:

Jim Curtin, Senior Transportation Planner
Brian Dougherty, Associate Transportation Planner
John Buswell, Roadway Structures Manager
Bill LaBorde, Strategic Advisor at Seattle Department of Transportation
Bob Chandler, Seattle Department of Transportation
Assistant Director Richard Sheridan, Public Information Manager
Cheryl Swab, Strategic Advisor for Council Relations at Seattle Department of Transportation

8:00-8:20: Set action items for the May WSTC meeting with guest Andrew Glass Hastings, Mayor Murray’s Transportation Policy Advisor.

8:20-8:25: Set the main Agenda items for May’s WSTC meeting.

8:25-8:30: Adjourn.

All welcome. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE BOOSTER CLUB: Your invitation from the club to come to tonight’s meeting, 7 pm at the West Seattle High School library:

Hello West Seattle HS Fans…..

Come and be part of this group of parents, alumni, faculty, coaches , and community members who want help raise money and awareness for West Seattle High School’s athletic programs and activities. Please visit our web site, www.westseattleboosterclub.org for more information. We hope to see you!!

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm in the board room just inside the entrance of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, all welcome. (9131 California SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, all welcome. (42nd/Lander)

Much more on the calendar!

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West Seattle Sunday: Typewriters, tunes, theater, ‘Catsino,’ & more
April 6, 2014 9:22 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Common finch, photographed Friday by Ryan O’Keven)
An eclectic lineup of possibilities for your Sunday – including, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

‘BIG BLUE SUNDAY’: This is not just any old Sunday for Northwest Center’s Big Blue Truck donation dropoffs in The Junction. It’s “Big Blue Sunday,” with a focus on clothing donations (though they’ll take everything else they usually accept, too) and some special incentives 10 am-2 pm as part of a regional drive. More here. (44th/Edmunds)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The further we get into spring, the more vendors return, and you’ll find more “new” offerings today. Produce, meat, fish, cheese, cider, baked goods, wine, nuts, flowers, more, 10 am-2 pm. (44th/Alaska)

‘RIBBON AND RHYME’ TYPEWRITER ART: 1:30-4:30 in the Delridge Branch Library meeting room, it’s your first of five local chances this month to “try out vintage typewriters and create a bit of spontaneous art,” as a friend of writer/artist Lauren Ziemski explains (she has deployed them in open-air installations like this one photographed by The Seattle Times [WSB partner]). More info here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

CATSINO: 2-6 pm at Beveridge Place Pub, join Furry Faces Foundation and friends for Vegas-style games and other fun(draising) – details in our calendar listing. (6413 California SW)

‘MIDSUMMER/JERSEY’: Another chance to see the Seattle Lutheran High School Drama Club production, 2:30 pm at the school gym – details here. (4100 SW Genesee)

SARAH BURGESS, LIVE: Singer/songwriter serenades you while you enjoy an afternoon at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘MOVING PARTY’ AT SKYLARK: No, Skylark Café and Club is not moving, but ER Piano Studios is, with a new name and new location to be announced at a 3-6 pm event that you can enjoy too – details in our calendar listing. No cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE GREEN SPACE COALITION: Their work toward community determination of the publicly owned ex-substation sites continues, and you’re invited to their next meeting, 3:15 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library – agenda details in our calendar listing; more about the group at westseattlegreenspace.org. (2326 42nd SW)

‘A … MY NAME IS ALICE’: Musical/comedy revue by Twelfth Night Productions at Kenyon Hall, 5 pm curtain time today. (7904 35th SW)

OSO BENEFIT AT ENDOLYNE JOE’S: Tonight through April 17th, Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) donates $5 to slide relief from every “Chow Chompin'” three-course meal (described on this page – click to expand the info box). 5 pm to close, each night. (9261 45th SW)

OSO BENEFIT IN WHITE CENTER: Company Bar (which you probably know is a restaurant too) is hosting a benefit bash tonight, asking a $5 donation at the door, with live music 8-11 pm (though you’re welcome to show up sooner!) and more. Details on this Facebook event page.

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West Seattle Garden Tour poster-art winner announced: Congratulations, Sue Madill
April 5, 2014 12:46 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The announcement just in from Clay Swidler of the West Seattle Garden Tour:

The West Seattle Garden Tour is thrilled to announce Sue Madill as the winning artist chosen for the WSGT’s 20th Anniversary Poster! The original painting will also be for sale at one of the nine gardens featured on this year’s July 20th garden tour. (Location to be announced.) Congratulations, Sue!

This year’s tour is on July 20th – more info here.

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Four premieres ahead as ArtsWest announces next season’s lineup
April 3, 2014 12:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Four premieres ahead as ArtsWest announces next season’s lineup
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two Northwest premieres, one West Coast premiere, and one Seattle premiere are on the lineup just announced by ArtsWest for next season, September through May. Read on for the plays and the summaries in the official announcement:

Read More

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Ready for spring break? 4th-8th graders invited to local music camp
March 28, 2014 6:38 pm
|    Comments Off on Ready for spring break? 4th-8th graders invited to local music camp
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Just two weeks until Seattle Public Schools‘ spring-break week – and if you have a West Seattle-area 4th through 8th grader interested in music, this might be the perfect way for her/him to spend that week:

Denny Sealth Performing Arts is once again sponsoring a Spring Break music camp this year, for 4th through 8th graders. Here’s the invitation from the Denny and Sealth music director Marcus Pimpleton:

The camp is a fun and laid-back way for students to spend the break exploring music with other youth from the West Seattle area. The camp will operate April 14th-18th from 9 am – 2 pm and be held in the music rooms at Chief Sealth International High School, 2600 SW Thistle.

Students spend two hours of each day specializing on their primary instrument in an ensemble (band, orchestra or choir) plus 45 minutes of sectionals with their primary instrument. They have another 45 minutes each day to explore a secondary interest (steel drums, guitar, drumline, color guard, choir or jazz band). The rest of the time consists of games and lunch. A suggested donation of $120 is requested, but families are welcome to give as much or as little as they can afford. For more information, please contact mjpimpleton@seattleschools.org.

The registration form is available here.

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West Seattle weekend scenes: Statewide Chinese Language/Talent Competition
March 23, 2014 9:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Hundreds of students from kindergarteners to 12th graders were at Chief Sealth International High School today, for a statewide event – the Washington State Chinese Language and Talent Competition. We hadn’t heard about it in advance but noticed the school’s parking lot was full, an unusual sight for a Sunday; a web search revealed what was going on, so a bit later, we stopped in to check it out. It was lunchtime for most participants, but performances were under way in the auditorium – dancers performed (top photo) while musicians practiced in the hallway:

Among the spectators during our visit: The renowned Seattle Chinese Community Girls’ Drill Team – this might be the only time you’ve ever seen them NOT in motion:

In addition to music and dancing, competition was held in categories from poetry to public speaking to drawing to Chinese chess. The event was presented by the Cultural Exploration of Greater China Foundation, the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Washington State, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s World Languages Program, and the Confucius Institute of the State of Washington, whose Education Center is headquartered on the Denny/Sealth campus.

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Denny-Sealth Big Band Dinner Dance report: ‘Phenomenal’!
March 23, 2014 2:01 pm
|    Comments Off on Denny-Sealth Big Band Dinner Dance report: ‘Phenomenal’!
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Denny principal Jeff Clark)
Big night of music and dancing last night in the Sealth/Denny Galleria! From Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark, on behalf of himself and Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer:

The Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School Big Band Dinner was held last night to the delight of all in attendance.

(Denny Jazz Band)
The music from all three performing groups, the Denny Jazz Band, the Sealth Jazz Band, and the West Seattle Big Band was phenomenal! Guests enjoyed great food and dancing to the amazing sounds or the performers.

(Dancing to the Chief Sealth Jazz Band)
Once again, Mr. Marcus Pimpleton has skillfully taken our music groups to a new level of performance–congratulations to all of the Denny and Sealth musicians! A huge thank you to the West Seattle Big Band for supporting us with their time, talents, and donation.

(West Seattle Big Band)
Our volunteers are a group who continue to demonstrate unparalleled dedication to our kids and music program — thank you so much!

The West Seattle Big Band also performed for benefits at West Seattle High School and at Madison Middle School; supporting student music is their main mission. Watch for their local performances later this year, usually including the West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park at Hiawatha in July.

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West Seattle HS String Orchestra wins festival award
March 20, 2014 6:34 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Congratulations to the award-winning West Seattle High School String Orchestra! WSHS music teacher Ethan Thomas shares the photo and report:

The West Seattle High School String Orchestra traveled to Bellingham on March 14th to participate in the Western Washington University Orchestra Festival. The Orchestra had a chance to perform for a panel of college professors and received a personalized clinic by renowned violinist and educator Dr. Chung Park. Our students performed very well and received a silver category award for their hard work.

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One more chance to party with the West Seattle Big Band and help local students: Denny-Sealth dinner/dance coming up
March 10, 2014 2:53 pm
|    Comments Off on One more chance to party with the West Seattle Big Band and help local students: Denny-Sealth dinner/dance coming up
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Denny-Sealth Performing Arts)
A major mission of the West Seattle Big Band is to support music programs in local schools, and once again this school year, its musicians have performed on the same bills as local middle- and high-school groups. Another one’s coming up in less than two weeks, as announced:

BIG BAND DINNER DANCE MARCH 22! Denny-Sealth Performing Arts presents an evening of great food and dancing to the sounds of the Denny International Middle School Jazz Band, the Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Band, and the West Seattle Big Band!

Dinner features Otis Pimpleton’s Louisiana-style BBQ chicken with baked beans, potato salad, and mixed vegetables; a vegetarian lasagna option is available upon request. A dessert dash will be included as part of the event which takes place in the Chief Sealth Galleria from 6-10 pm. Tickets are $25 for dinner and dancing and must be purchased in advance. A limited number of dance-only tickets will be available at the door after 7:30 for students with ID. All proceeds benefit the Denny and Sealth jazz bands.

Tickets are available online – just go here.

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