West Seattle, Washington
03 Wednesday
Young artist or writer in the house? Seal Sitters is welcoming more entries in its art/story contest,
with the deadline coming up August 15th, two weeks from this Thursday. Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey says it’s open to all kids going into grades K-5, and the basic theme is: Create “a story or drawing about where seal pup Spud [whose appearance onshore in ’07 was the inspiration for Seal Sitters] was born, where he and his mom traveled, how he got to Alki Beach, what does he see when he swims in Puget Sound, etc.” Full details of the contest are here, including where to drop off or mail entries. All the stories and drawings will be shown at the Alki Bathhouse during the “Year of the Seal” celebration event 1-4 pm Sunday 9/8/13. And the entries will be judged for prizes, including Seattle Aquarium tickets and copies of the book “Leonard and Silkie.” Questions? Contact Lynn, shimamoto.lynn (at) gmail (dot) com. Get your creation going now!
(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
7:17 PM: The first of more than half a dozen marching bands is on the field right now at Southwest Athletic Complex across from Chief Sealth International High School, for this year’s Band Jam – something the Seattle All-City Band and its director Marcus Pimpleton (photo below; he’s also music leader at Sealth and adjacent Denny International Middle School) came up as a way for ACB and visiting bands to have fun and tune up the night before the big Seafair Torchlight Parade.
Good crowd already in the stadium stands, but still lots of room for you to drop in – no admission charge, but if you buy concessions/merchandise from ACB volunteers, that’ll benefit their ongoing operations. The Junior All-City Band, which Pimpleton explained as a “two-week camp” – including its performance in last Saturday’s Rotary Kiddie Parade before the West Seattle Grand Parade – is up first. Others to come include not only the ACB but also the Calgary Round-Up Band (seen in the WS Grand Parade as was the ACB), Pacific Northwest Drumline (video below), Sumner High School Marching Band (top photo), and more.
9:07 PM: Over after two high-energy hours.
Surprise of the night, Chaotic Noise Marching Corps (photo above), a self-described ‘renegade marching band’ – wow! (Video added:)
11:05 PM: We’re adding photos and video now, some inline, some in this last section. Here’s our video of how the night ended – with members of all the bands getting back out on the field for what was indeed a band jam:
Aside from that, Calgary put on what was literally the biggest show:
It was a field-wide, theatrical presentation with a circus theme, including acrobatics, and even, as shown in our photo above, a few costumes. Video:
Shadows fell on the field as dusk approached, but spirits and sound blazed brightly:
Some of the hosts’ choreography:
All-City Band has been practicing at SWAC this year instead of their traditional site, Memorial Stadium at Seattle Center.
ADDED SATURDAY: Thanks to Steve White for the view above of the stands from the field’s south end!
If you didn’t see the All-City Band last Saturday in the West Seattle Grand Parade, our video clip features their first song after entering the parade route by Hiawatha. This Saturday night – as in tomorrow – they’re in the city’s biggest parade of the year, the Seafair Torchlight Parade. So tonight, it’s time for one last practice, and that will be before as big a crowd as cares to come out and cheer them on. As we’ve been telling you for the past few weeks, it’s the annual Band Jam, and this year it’s right here in West Seattle, home to All-City Band director Marcus Pimpleton, at Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm. Along with the All-City Band, at least four other bands will perform; the lineup could change up to the last minute – check the Facebook event page. Admission is free; merchandise and food will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the All-City Band.
It’s the first night of this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, and swing/jazz seems perfect for this warm summer night on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, where Glenn Crytzer and His Syncopators are playing for a crowd we estimate to be at least 300 so far, with people still drifting in:
And some are already dancing, both near the stage and on the edges of the crowd:
The concerts are presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, led by president David Whiting:
He introduced tonight’s emcee, Victoria Ferrulli, who is representing ANA in the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women (one of two West Seattle representatives in this year’s competition, along with Hi-Yu‘s Kayli Schulz):
We’ll find out Saturday night, before the Torchlight Parade, who gets crowned as Seafair royalty. Meantime – concert sponsors are here at Hiawatha, including us, and some have special freebies – next to our table, Merrill Gardens (WSB sponsor) has coloring books, and over under the canopy, Metropolitan Market (also a WSB sponsor) has mini-brownie bites with coupons for a discount on more:
The music continues until about 8 pm, and it’s a big lawn, so bring your chair/blanket if you’re not here already, bring a picnic if you want – it’s a really casual environment and a great place to be outside on a midsummer night. Next week (Thursday, August 1st, 6:30 pm) it’ll be The Dusty 45s – and if you want a dinner option, there’ll be a barbecue benefiting Hiawatha.
7:49 PM UPDATE: ANA’s estimate of tonight’s peak crowd (starting to dwindle now), 400 people.
The banner’s now up at Hiawatha, and that means only one thing – it’s almost time for summer outdoor concerts! Tomorrow is the first of six in the 5th annual Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with co-sponsors including WSB (and other community businesses/organizations listed on the right side of this page). You are hereby invited to bring a chair/blanket – and your family, friends, neighbors … – to the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (along the 2700 block of Walnut SW) the next six Thursdays at 6:30. First up: Glenn Crytzer and His Syncopators, with jazz/swing music. Here’s a recent clip:
Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy good weather, good times, good music. The full series lineup is listed here.
(Photo by Keri DeTore)
Parade’s over but – as shown in our West Seattle Saturday lineup – other big events are on, including the first day of the Alki Art Fair! Above, a mother-and-daughter team you’ll find among the more than 60 artists/vendors at the fair – Holli (from Holli With An I Photography) and Iris Clementine. We have a crew at the beach right now and will be adding photos a bit later. Quick links:
*Artist list here
*Today’s music lineup for the main stages here (PDF)
*Silent-auction items inside Alki Bathhouse
And remember you can take a shuttle from the West Seattle High School parking lot (3000 California SW) if you’re not biking, bus-riding, walking, skateboarding, etc., to get to the fair, which is along the boardwalk, paralleling Alki Avenue from about 60th SW westward. Artist booths are open until 6 pm today and again 10-6 on Sunday, with music continuing tonight until 9.
ADDED: More scenes from Saturday – all photos below are by WSB’s Katie Meyer. Beautiful afternoon for a fair:
Music filled the air all day long and into the evening – this is MoonGirl:
So much to see, hear, and do, whatever your age:
The art being shown and sold is sometimes dazzling:
Sometimes fun:
And you’ll find it in a variety of media:
Or – if you’re of a certain age – create your own; Young At Art is there for projects with little ones.
Also look for Seal Sitters, whose art and essay contest for kids is under way (read all about it here), with a chance for them to enter at the fair:
Remember – it’s the “Year of the Seal“!
Sunday hours are again 10 am-6 pm, with music continuing until 8.
(April 2013 WSB photo by Nick Adams)
West Seattle’s ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery confirms that artistic director Christopher Zinovitch is out. He had served in that role since December 2011, and had joined the organization a decade before that. ArtsWest has just issued this statement:
After thirteen years at ArtsWest, most recently serving as the Artistic Director, ArtsWest is announcing the departure of Christopher Zinovitch.
Mr. Zinovitch has given us his expertise, his guidance and his outstanding efforts. He has brought wonderful art to our stages as an actor, director and artistic leader. Under his leadership, ArtsWest has experienced box office and critical successes – History Boys, Evil Dead: The Musical, and the recent 33 Variations, to name just a few. He has brought passion and immense talent to every project he has undertaken. ArtsWest’s education program has grown under his tutelage, providing hundreds of young people the opportunity to explore theater and supplying a steppingstone in the career of many professional actors currently working in Seattle and around the country. He was also instrumental in securing ArtsWest the American Theatre Wing’s 2012 National Theatre Company Award, an honor bestowed to only ten theatres nationwide for articulating a distinctive mission, cultivating an audience, and nurturing a community of artist in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity and dynamism of American theater. The decision to part ways with Mr. Zinovitch was very, very difficult and it is with deep gratitude that we wish him well with future pursuits.
ArtsWest remains fully committed to our upcoming season. We are looking forward to a wonderful summer for our education program, followed by our mainstage season featuring a rolling world premiere, a beloved family holiday classic, two contemporary plays, and a tribute to the anniversary of the summer of love.
ArtsWest had already been seeking a new managing director, since – as reported here in March – Line Sandsmark left after less than a year; she had succeeded Alan Harrison, the 5 1/2-year managing director who left two years ago. We’re following up with a few questions and will add to this story with any additional information we get.
An unusual and very specialized volunteer request is just in from Anna at Twelfth Night Productions:
Twelfth Night Productions, a local West Seattle community theater troupe, is looking to the community for assistance with their summer musical.
Our summer musical this year is “Guys & Dolls,” a quirky romantic comedy set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City. Although we have a fantastic cast and crew, we’re asking the community for assistance in helping us present a flawless performance. Specifically, we need help building our sets at West Seattle High School this Monday, July 22nd through Friday, July 26th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Although we have an enthusiastic and dedicated crew, more hands are always needed. No experience is required- we welcome all willing helpers and will provide the tools needed. If you’re interested in assisting with our “build week,” or in any other way (including being an usher or helping sell concessions), please e-mail volunteer@twelfthnightproductions.org with your information. Thanks in advance, and we look forward to entertaining you!
WSB shares volunteer requests depending on how things are going in the news stream; e-mail info to editor@westseattleblog.com. We also encourage posting in the WSB Forums.
When you go to The Junction for West Seattle Summer Fest this Friday/Saturday/Sunday, check out what’s new at the southeast corner of California/Alaska: Visual artists from nearby Twilight Gallery have just given the vacant building a facelift:
Twilight co-proprietor Tracy Cilona explains that the work of visual artists Kristina Griffith and Larry Cyr “is part of an ongoing outreach between Twilight Gallery and Equity (Residential) to bring a creative vibrancy to that location, that enhances our community, our local businesses and features our many talented, local artists.” Tracy says the goal was to get the first round of art in place before Summer Fest, and tonight that goal was met:
She adds, “Stay tuned for more collaborations from Twilight Gallery. We have some great, creative ideas brewing to bring more local art to our unique neighborhood to keep our local businesses flourishing while we are in this transition.” (Unrelated to the art – you’re probably wondering when the two-building project at the corner is supposed to start, but after previously announced dates came and went, nothing’s been said publicly for months.)
P.S. Twilight is in charge of the Art Dive at Summer Fest again this year – look for the collection of artists/vendors and their handmade wares under the tent on California north of Oregon!
(Photo by David Hutchinson)
Work is under way east of the Alki Bathhouse to get the site ready for the harbor seal mom-and-pup sculpture that artist Georgia Gerber is creating for Seal Sitters, whose David Hutchinson tells us that asphalt removal was finished this morning. He says the “rocks” that will be part of the installation will be placed there by Turnstone Construction tomorrow, and the artist will bring her unfinished sculpture to help with the placement. It’ll be taken back to the studio for completion afterward; site prep will be done within a week and a half, and the fence will come down then. Sculpture installation is expected by late August, with a dedication event scheduled for September 8th, according to the project’s infopage on the Seal Sitters website.
That’s our video of local luminary Star Anna‘s star turn during the 2011 Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series; last year, she played West Seattle Summer Fest; and tonight – you can see her at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor). This time, it’s an acoustic performance, as part of the slate for tonight’s second edition of the Bar Chords benefit series at The Feedback, featuring local musicians on Sunday nights. No cover, but donations will be accepted for Saving Great Animals. See the rest of the lineup on the Feedback’s home page; show starts at 8 pm.
4:05 PM: Two weeks after the first “guerrilla art” sighting at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (WSB coverage here and here), and a week and a half after the followup, something new showed up today. Ben Hutchinson shared the photo and observation:
This one looks like an assault rifle. On the front of this work of art, it has written in French, “Ceci nest pa un fusil d’assault”. I put this into Google Translate, which gave me the English translation “This is not an assault rifle”. I’m not sure, but I believe this may have been a protest in response to a number incidents in various places that have been mentioned in the news over the past few months, about kids who were suspended from school or even arrested for simply carrying Nerf guns (shoot foam rubber darts) or other toy guns like squirt guns or cap guns either to school or onto pieces of property (such as a park/playfield) that belongs to a school. Children are often forbidden from doing so under so called “no tolerance” rules involving anything that even looks like a gun (in one such case, a kid was suspended for just pointing his finger in a way that looked like he was pretending it was a gun, while playing, as kids tend to do). I believe the artwork here is a protest against such no-tolerance policies, for how strict (and possibly unfair) they can be in some situations.
We didn’t see Ben’s e-mail in time to check while we were at Alki so we don’t know if it’s still there.
12:43 AM: The “not a rifle” has been moved to Walking on Logs. The sighting was reported by @macjustice on Twitter when we were downtown picking up a family member; checked it out on the way back, and it’s either the same one or a duplicate.
ADDED EARLY MONDAY: We heard on Sunday from Chuck, who identified himself as the artist, but said he is NOT the person responsible for the previous creations left at Liberty Plaza and in The Junction. He says somebody had removed the “not a rifle” from Walking on Logs by 10:30 am Sunday, adding, “I hope that whoever took it returns it. If they don’t, I guess it served its purpose. I had a lot of fun making it.”
A few times these past few weeks, Westwood residents asked about music/drums they’ve heard coming from Southwest Athletic Complex. We eventually learned SWAC is the rehearsal HQ this year for the All-City Band, the green-shirted student musicians who are fixtures in summer parades around this region. And beyond – as evidenced by the photos and update shared by Steve White:
The Seattle All City Band, under the direction of Chief Sealth/Denny music director Marcus Pimpleton, is performing this week on the island of Oahu.
Today, they participated in the Kailua, Oahu, 4th of July Parade (photo above; below is a group shot with the King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu).
Later in the week, the band will be performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center and in a parade along Waikiki Beach in downtown Honolulu.
The band is rehearsing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at SWAC to prepare for the upcoming Seafair parade season.
The band will also be hosting the Seattle All City “Band Jam” at SWAC on Friday, July 26th at 7 pm. This event features many of the music groups that will be performing in the following night’s Seafair Torchlight Parade, but in a concert setting on the football field. The event is free for all; donations to the program gladly accepted.
Before that, you’ll see them here in the West Seattle Grand Parade on July 20th.
(“Chess” rehearsal photo, courtesy ArtsWest)
The young actors in ArtsWest‘s Summer Apprenticeship Program are getting ready to open this year’s show, the musical “Chess,” two weeks from tonight. And as befits a production centered on a game, ArtsWest itself is inviting the community to play one, which they describe as a treasure hunt of sorts – “Find the Queen.” They’re posting a clue a day on the ArtsWest Facebook page, and your job is to figure out who/what/where the Queen is – AW says “it’s a person, location, or thing” – then take a picture of yourself with “the Queen” and post it on the AW FB page. First correct post wins the prize, which is two tickets to “Chess” and two 2013-2014 season subscriptions. If you’re just now hearing about this – catch up by checking out the first clue here and the second clue here; watch for the third clue sometime today here. (And find out more about “Chess” at ArtsWest, running July 17-27, by going here.)
Temperatures usually peak in early evening, but you don’t have to swelter in an air-conditioning-less house or apartment – C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) invites you to enjoy free live music in their “backyard” tonight, 5-8 pm. The band is Andé Marimba, which C & P says “offers a fresh and new perspective on the ancient sounds of traditional mbira music from Zimbabwe.” Also: “Highly danceable.” Best of all, while the band’s members are originally from New Mexico, tonight’s show features Jasper T., who grew up in West Seattle.
Notice the gleaming classic cars outside the Admiral Theater tonight? The show of muscle (cars) was only fitting for the public premiere of a movie said to include more than 150 vehicles. The movie is “Clutch,” a years-in-the-making project for West Seattleite Jay Rowlands, as we reported two months ago. Tonight, he held court at the crowded premiere:
(This photo and next two, shared by Jennifer – thanks!)
The crowd that gathered for red-carpet arrivals filled the Admiral’s lobby:
And some of the cars remained outside the theater during the screening:
If you missed the premiere, you can get the film on DVD or BluRay – it was just released this week and can be ordered right from the “Clutch” website’s home page.
(2012 WSB photo of Youngtown Cultural Arts Center)
There’s a new opportunity for more arts/cultural organizations to get involved with West Seattle’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, without having to commit to something longterm: Youngstown is starting a new push to get the word out about its Civic Partnerships Program, in which it’s an “incubating hub” for start-up arts programs. The push was announced earlier this week at an event celebrating the success of performance-art group Saint Genet, whose director Ryan Mitchell is at left in our photo below with Youngstown director David Bestock:
At a Monday night reception at Youngstown, they talked about the Civic Partnerships Program, which offers the use of Youngstown space and “some gear or equipment” for “dance, theater, visual art, music production, culinary arts, or any creative endeavor that offers a good fit,” on a quarterly agreement, instead of requiring tenancy. Saint Genet used Youngstown space for choreography in one of its recent works, “Paradisiacal Rites.” If you’re interested in applying for a Civic Partnership at Youngstown, you can contact Bestock at david@youngstownarts.org.
In May, Highline West Seattle Family Medicine and Urgent Care (WSB sponsor) held a contest for local elementary-school students to send in their best health tips (and corresponding artwork) as a way of promoting health awareness among kids. The prize: The winning artwork will be featured on a billboard over the West Seattle Bridge, and the winner’s school will receive a $500 grant for health education. Now nine finalists have been chosen, and Highline is asking you to help pick the winner by July 15th. You can view the finalists below, then scroll back up to vote here!
Finalist A: Adelaide
Finalist B: Audrey
Finalist C: Betel
Finalist D: Isabella
Finalist E: Lola
Finalist F: Marie
Finalist G: Victoria
Finalist H: Natalie
Finalist I: Zoe
Vote by July 15; we’ll remind you again, but do it now if you can! The winner will be announced in August, and the billboard will be up in the fall.
Meet 5-year-old Iris Clementine. She believes she just might grow up to be the “most famous artist in West Seattle.” Tonight she is one of the artists in the spotlight at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse‘s first-ever art show. You’ll find work throughout the hallways – live music and refreshments too:
If you get there before the show’s over, say hi to schoolhouse manager Denise Wallace, proud about the turnout as well as the artist participatoin:
The schoolhouse – which is nonprofit-operated and raising money right now for more much-needed repairs/renovations – is at 9131 California SW, and tonight’s art show is on till 8:30 pm.
Been to the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse since it became a nonprofit community center? You’re invited to visit tomorrow night for the schoolhouse’s first art show, 6-8:30 pm. Local artists’ work will be hung in the schoolhouse’s hallways, including Linda McClamrock, June Olson, Gail Ann, and Pamela Coffey. The schoolhouse (at 9131 California SW) is in the final phase of a fundraising campaign to pay for long-needed improvements – stop by and see what’s been done already.
Thanks to CAPERS in The Junction for sharing that photo of work by their featured artist tonight during the West Seattle Art Walk, continuing till 9 pm: You might know Machel Spence best for her photography, but she also makes these beautiful boxes. CAPERS is at 4525 California SW, one of the many venues listed on the official WS Art Walk site. More to come!
(From left: Ian Bell, Gevin Wood, Nathan Williams)
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Ever wonder what a film producer actually does?
Longtime West Seattle resident and filmmaker Gevin Booth would be happy to tell you. He is producing the movie “The Servant” here in Seattle and in Eastern Washington. And his work got under way long before the actual filming begins.
Among other duties, Booth explains, the producer is in charge of “getting the money, putting the pieces together so the director’s creative vision can happen, finding the cast, crew, locations, catering and looking at costume design. I’m creating an environment where the director can focus on the actors, cameras, and scene, and doesn’t have to worry about lunch arriving at noon.”
Booth adds that he and co-producer Ian Bell are “juggling 12 plates constantly, making sure nothing breaks.” All this juggling is for “The Servant,” a feature film written by local filmmaker Nathan Williams, described by Booth as “thought-provoking cinema. It’s interesting, entertaining and contemplative with philosophical implications.” And, he says, with “political, religious, and supernatural themes, but is actually none of those things.”
(Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed by Flickr member alextutu1981, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Sunday! Today’s highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm today and every Sunday in The Junction. (44th and Alaska)
LAST DAY FOR JUNCTION BAKERY AND CAFE: As reported here yesterday, they announced via signboard that they’re closing after today, and would love to say goodbye in person, till 5 pm. (4541 California SW)
TIDEWALKING: Today’s low tide isn’t super-low-low, but low enough for Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists to be out answering questions and otherwise assisting visitors, 11 am-1:30 pm at Constellation and Lincoln Parks.
COLMAN POOL: The saltwater outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park is open for its final pre-season weekend, noon-7 pm – broken up into these sessions. The full 7-day-a-week summer season begins next Saturday.
BENEFIT CAR WASH: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s cheerleaders are raising money by washing cars this afternoon at West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor), starting at noon (35th/Webster)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Noon-4 pm Thursdays-Sundays, you can stop by the museum to learn about and enjoy West Seattle history. (61st/Stevens)
OPEN HOUSE AT ‘THE TRIPLETS’: Shopping for a new home? Tour three in the same block, at the first open house for the remodeled “Triplets,” as previewed here. (8800 block of 24th SW)
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE: 1-4 pm Saturdays and Sundays, through the end of August, you are welcome to tour this century-old West Seattle treasure. (just north of Beach Drive/Alki SW)
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: Today’s ingredient is rice – make something with it and bring it to the meeting at Beveridge Place Pub, 3 pm. (6413 California SW)
HANDBELL CONCERT: “Spring Ring” at 4 pm, handbell choirs in concert at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)
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