WS culture/arts 2922 results

Another public-art project is in the works for a West Seattle fire station. This time, it’s Station 32 in The Triangle (38th and Alaska), which has a $15 million rebuild coming up in a few years. The city has just put out an invitation for artists to apply for what would be a $90,000 commission, including the design and construction of the artwork. See the full details here; the application deadline is February 22nd.

Art Walk, happening now: ‘Gun Show’ at Mind Unwind in Admiral

January 10, 2013 6:31 pm

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| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

With this week’s news of a city-county gun buyback, our society’s use of and relationship to firearms returned to the headlines. That makes a new art exhibit in West Seattle all the more timely, and you can see it during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk. We visited The Admiral District’s Mind Unwind gallery/event space for a preview last Friday night, first night of “Gun Show 2013” by Vancouver, B.C., artist Brent Ray Fraser (above), who describes his images of guns and flowers as examples of yin and yang:

Gallery owner Krystal Kelley told WSB the exhibit was booked months ago, long before the Connecticut school massacre and other incidents brought “the gun debate” back to centerstage in our country. She wondered whether to cancel it – but decided that it might play into the discussion, helping people consider their own beliefs and feelings about firearms. This is part of an ongoing series of work by Fraser, about 60 in all so far, he says. He is at Mind Unwind tonight, creating art live, till 9 pm; the show continues till the end of the month, and you can also see it while visiting MU’s Treehouse Lounge loft (2206 California SW). P.S. Some of Fraser’s work in the exhibit is complimented by arrangements from Admiral’s Flower Lab.

West Seattle Community Orchestras welcome new members as rehearsals resume

January 7, 2013 8:57 am

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Tomorrow night, the West Seattle Community Orchestras start their new year, and as always, they’re open to new members. (The clip above is from one of the orchestras, the West Seattle Symphony, recorded at its holiday concert December 5th.) Here’s the official announcement:

Registration is open and ready for you for the Winter and Spring sessions of the West Seattle Community Orchestras. From our Debut Orchestra to Intermediate, full Symphony, and adult beginner groups, WSCO has a spot for anyone – from young student through experienced adult – interested in orchestral music.

First rehearsal of Winter session is Tuesday, January 8, at Chief Sealth International High School, and registration can be completed via our website, by e-mail or in person at the first rehearsal. For full details (rehearsal times and concert schedules) on each group, including Adult Beginning Strings Class, Adult Beginning Winds and Percussion Class, and the Debut, Intermediate and Symphony Orchestras, visit wscorchestras.org.

Southwest Seattle Super String Saturday: Free event January 26

January 5, 2013 9:23 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Three weeks from today, on January 26th, you are invited to Southwest Super String Saturday – a free event celebrating students, families, and music teachers from Roxhill, Arbor Heights, Gatewood, Sanislo, Concord, Highland Park, and West Seattle Elementary Schools, plus Denny International Middle School. It’s presented by Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras (SYSO, a WSB sponsor), which explains:

This event showcases the efforts of students, professional music coaches and Seattle Public School music teachers who are part of the SYSO in the Schools program. SYSO in the Schools provides free small-group lessons during the school day and out-of-school time to young musicians who have historically had inequitable access to music education. This program has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of students in orchestral music playing at higher levels of musicianship. Students have also gained self-confidence, built their skills in self-discipline, concentration and collaboration, and have had higher levels of academic achievement and school engagement.

As Carmela Dellino, former Roxhill Elementary principal and current SPS Executive Director for West Seattle Schools, explains: “We are so pleased to have SYSO’s continued support of the young string musicians in our Southwest Seattle schools. The free coaching provided by SYSO gives these students access to high quality, individualized music lessons that families in this area might not otherwise be able to afford. When I was principal at Roxhill Elementary, I saw students who, because the SYSO coaches were there to nurture their musical skills, not only persevered in their instrument playing, but brought that same focus to other areas of study. These skills prepare students, even at the elementary level, for college and career.”

Activities at Southwest Seattle Super String Saturday include: a mini-concert by the Youth Symphony Orchestra performing Emmanuel Charbrier’s España and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in d minor, Op. 47.; violin, viola, cello and bass master classes led by Youth Symphony musicians; chamber ensemble demonstrations; parent education sessions; and information from SYSO partner the West Seattle Community Orchestras. All students attending Super String Saturday are eligible for a full or partial scholarship to SYSO’s Marrowstone-in-the City summer program.

For more information about Southwest Seattle Super String Saturday, please contact Kathleen Allen, SYSO Director of Education, Communications and Partnerships at kathleen@syso.org or 206-362-2300. To learn more about SYSO and all of its programs supporting young musicians visit syso.org

On January 26th, you’ll find this all happening 10 am-1 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

‘Battle of the Bands’ voting time: Chief Sealth is Seattle’s sole rep

January 1, 2013 4:10 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Voting started today in the KJR Radio “Battle of the Bands” competition – and Chief Sealth International High School is this year’s only Seattle entry. Above, Sealth’s official video – watch it for the choreography as much as the music! This is the third year that Sealth is competing, and they’re hoping to top their previous finishes (2nd last year, 6th in 2010) – because the big prize is $10,000, which goes a long way for a school program. Look for Sealth on this KJR webpage, where you can vote daily from now through the 18th.

West Seattle comic Mona Concepcion in showcase tomorrow

January 1, 2013 3:30 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Resolved to laugh more in 2013? Here’s a chance to work on that, while supporting an up-and-coming West Seattle comic. Mona Concepcion is the only West Seattleite in a showcase of what she describes as “some very cool, new Seattle comics, including me!” at 8 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, January 2nd). It’s not in West Seattle – no comedy clubs here (yet) – but it’s not far; Comedy Underground is at 109 S. Washington in Pioneer Square on the south side of downtown. And if you buy your ticket in advance – here’s the link – it’s $5, half what it’ll cost you at the door. Mona was a funny writer long before she went into stand-up comedy; her website kirida.com has been on the WSB “Blogs” link-list page for years.

Happening now: Make snowflakes for Sandy Hook @ Young at Art

December 30, 2012 1:12 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two weeks after the Connecticut school massacre, another school is being made ready for the survivors of Sandy Hook, which may never reopen. It’s to be decorated with snowflakes made by well-wishers from across the country (this update from back East says some have even come from overseas!) – and today, you can be part of a West Seattle contribution. Just stop by Young at Art (5962 Fauntleroy Way SW) before 2 pm.

Tibetan singer/storyteller Loten Namling coming to West Seattle’s Kenyon Hall

December 29, 2012 5:35 pm

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Songs and stories of Tibet will fill Kenyon Hall on January 13th, in a concert by the Switzerland-based Tibetan artist/activist in the video clip above, Loten Namling. We just received the announcement that West Seattle is on his U.S. tour schedule:

Loten Namling, winner of the 2012 Free Spirit Award, will present a concert of Tibetan songs and stories in West Seattle on January 13, 2013.

Loten is a noted Indian-born singer, musician artist, entertainer and cartoonist. His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, speaks of Loten as “a singer with a voice.” Based in Switzerland, the artist travels worldwide with his Tibetan lute, singing the songs of the 6th Dalai Lama, Milarepa, as well as other traditional songs of Tibet and his own music. He connects songs of the past to the reality of the present, taking his audience on a journey through the landscape of Tibetan spirituality.

On May 16, 2012, Namling began what he called A Journey for Freedom – One Man, One Path, Tibet. He walked from the Swiss capital of Bern to Geneva, dragging a black coffin inscribed “Free Tibet,” in order to attract attention to the Tibetans’ worsening situation in today’s China. On July 8 he arrived in Geneva, where he performed with the Swiss band The Young Gods in a concert organized by Young Gods singer Franz Treichler in support of Loten’s action, held in front of Geneva UN headquarters. In October 2012, Namling was given the Free Spirit Award in McLeod Ganj for his “Journey of Freedom” march.

Kenyon Hall is at 7904 35th SW.

West Seattle Christmas 2012: Local holiday music, online

December 25, 2012 4:17 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Heard all those classic holiday favorites way too many times by now? Here are a few more holiday selections – recorded in West Seattle. Above, Belles and Beaux performing “Carol of the Wise Men” at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) earlier this month – you can find other seasonal performances on the Tibbetts YouTube channel (choral, keyboard, more). Meantime, we also happened onto 4th graders from Hope Lutheran School with a simple, short and sweet version of “Jingle Bells” :

Jazzy night on campus: Denny, Sealth winter concert #1

December 21, 2012 1:15 am

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Thanks to Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark for photos from Thursday night’s Denny/Sealth winter jazz concert at Chief Sealth International High School – above, the Denny jazz band; below, Sealth’s Jazz Band II (JB I performed as well). He writes:

The jazz musicians of Denny and Sealth did a fantastic job performing at our Winter Jazz Concert. Under the skilled direction of Mr. Marcus Pimpleton and Mr. Jorge Morales, our scholars shared their musical skills and talents to the delight of all in attendance!

Other Sealth and Denny ensembles have winter concerts coming up next month.

West Seattle schools: Explorer West Middle School playwrights’ work to be produced

December 17, 2012 8:40 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Next year, two young playwrights who attend Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) will get to see their work produced – as will audiences. The school shares the photo and the announcement:

Explorer West Middle School has received a second round of accolades from the Young Playwrights Program presented by ACT Theatre. More than 300 students from 16 schools (mainly high schools) in Seattle, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, and Burien participate in the program. Out of hundreds of submitted plays, only eight are chosen to be produced as part of the Young Playwrights Festival in March.

One week ago, two of Explorer West’s seventh-grade, student plays won the opportunity be produced by regional companies as part of the festival. Lizzy Sutherland’s 10-minute, one-act play entitled, “Journey to a Journey to Earth,” will be produced by Ghost Light Theatricals. Sam Hoyt’s 10-minute, one-act play entitled,”The Play,” will be produced by Macha Monkey Productions.

Plays written by Marvin Hernandez and McKenzie Carlson received honorable mentions in the contest, and Mia Bilick’s play was featured at the awards ceremony and performed by professional Seattle actors.

Explorer West works with a playwright in residence from ACT Theatre. They help each seventh-grade student write a 10 minute, one-act play over the course of 10 weeks.

This is the second year that students from Explorer West have been honored. Last year, Finnley Kafer received the top prize and her play was produced at ACT Theatre.

(SIDE NOTE: The Young Playwrights Program is coming to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center next month, in partnership with Arts Corps, with an afterschool class for teens Mondays and Wednesdays from January 14th-March 20th. If interested, e-mail Kristina.Sutherland@acttheatre.org.)

West Seattle businesses: Twilight Artist Collective’s new owners

December 13, 2012 4:10 pm

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| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Four months after announcing their business was for sale – the outgoing owners of Twilight Artist Collective just announced the Junction shop/gallery’s new ones. From the newsletter they just sent out:

First, THANK YOU for your support! It has been eight amazing years and we are ready to go, but extremely sad to leave.

The new owners of TwAC are photographer and jeweler, Christine Heidel, and local star/fellow photographer, Tracy Cilona! We are SO THRILLED for these amazing women to step in and take over the Twilight legacy. They have big dreams and endless energy, so the future of our beloved gallery is in deserving hands.

Here is what they have to say:

December 13, 2012 12:20 pm

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Rock/film fan on your holiday gift list? West Seattle filmmaker Jamie Burton Chamberlin sends word that “The Taking,” his feature film with Duff McKagan’s Loaded, “full of West Seattle cameos and venues,” is now on sale, including an option bundled with the album that inspired it. Above, McKagan’s promotional clip, talking about “The Taking”; as noted here in October, it’s been parceled out in “webisode” clips, most of which are featured here.

Video: Caspar Babypants live at Easy Street Records

December 12, 2012 10:03 am

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He’s a hometown music hero most often seen and heard live in the summertime, at West Seattle Summer Fest and Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha – but last night, Caspar Babypants brought his summery sound to the brink of winter, taking the stage at Easy Street Records in The Junction. The occasion – a chance to get the new CB album “I Found You” before it officially goes on sale via iTunes next Tuesday.

P.S. Per the show list on the Caspar Babypants website, another wintertime West Seattle show is coming up Saturday, January 19th, 10:30 am, at High Point Community Center – check with the center for advance discount tickets.

West Seattle holidays: WSCO Debut, Intermediate Orchestras’ concert tonight, featuring Endolyne Choir

December 11, 2012 8:10 am

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Trileigh Tucker)
“Dancin’, Drummin’, Singin’!” is the title of tonight’s holiday concert by the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Debut and Intermediate Orchestras, with the latter courtesy of the Endolyne Children’s Choir and director Amy Stagno Bokanev (above). The concert is tonight’s musical highlight from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and it starts at 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle). The program includes Christmas classics such as “Little Drummer Boy,” “White Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Added – Trileigh’s video of “Little Drummer Boy” being rehearsed):

More program details are on the official poster (see it here as a PDF).

Only 3 more Sunday closures for 2 libraries in West Seattle

December 10, 2012 11:49 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

As of January 6th, all Seattle Public Library branches will be open on Sundays – thanks to the library-funding measure approved by voters this past August. SPL sent around a reminder that also includes an announcement of dates for special “Sundays are special” parties. High Point is set for January 13th and Delridge on May 5th – those are the two branches that have been closed Sundays.

West Seattle weekend scenes: Hometown Holidays; ‘Gifted’ at Feedback

December 9, 2012 1:39 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Even before Donna Ryan (above) opened the doors of her City Mouse Studio for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos this morning, some excited families were waiting, we’re told. The line wasn’t too long when we went by before noon – some very patient little ones peeked through the festively decorated window:

Today is the first of two Sundays that Donna’s taking Santa photos – with proceeds benefiting WestSide Baby, continuing till 3 pm. You can also stop by the Hometown Holidays Headquarters kitty-corner from there, at California/Alaska by KeyBank.

About a mile south on California, the “Gifted” bazaar has begun at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):

You might not need a fan now – but look ahead to summer, and Lisa Jones‘ playing-card fans might come in handy. Her business card says she’s “putting the FUN into FUNction.” Among the other art/craft creators there, microphotographer extraordinaire Machel Spence, RobRoy Chalmers, and Christin Schaefer with photos including the one that reminds us of the “grumpy cat” meme:

“Gifted” at Feedback (6451 California SW) continues till 5 pm.

Video: West Seattle Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert

December 5, 2012 9:01 am

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Busy night last night at Chief Sealth International High School – basketball in the gym, symphonic music in the auditorium. It was the first of two holiday concerts for the West Seattle Community Orchestras – Kim Roy conducting the West Seattle Symphony Orchestra in a concert themed “Russian Holiday.” In our clip, it’s Ralph Vaughan Williams‘ “Fantasia on ‘Greensleeves’. The program also included Tchaikovsky‘s “Nutcracker Suite.” Next Tuesday (6:30 pm December 11th, also at the Sealth auditorium) WSCO’s Debut and Intermediate Orchestras will perform their holiday concert, “Dancin’, Drummin’, and Singin’” – with the latter provided by special guests, the Endolyne Children’s Choir.

‘Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical’ premieres this Friday

December 4, 2012 11:37 am

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They’re not just making a list and checking it twice …they’re putting the final touches on the premiere of a brand-new Christmas musical that’s having its debut run here in West Seattle. We dropped by the other day as “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor) continued rehearsing.

As explained by its creators, “Santa’s First Magical Ride” gets to the roots of the Christmas story, with original folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music and dance numbers – “a fresh new Christmas musical that tells the story of where Santa came from as a young child and how he was raised by the North Pole Elves. Important questions like ‘How DO the reindeer fly?’ (and much more), are finally answered.”

It’s based on the book “Santa’s First Magical Ride“ published last year by Paul S. Carr III, who co-wrote the musical with Ricky Gene Powell; they’re both professional singers/musicians, and Powell’s background includes playwriting and directing. Libby Carr is the executive producer. (The Carrs are former West Seattleites now living in Burien, and you might recall them from extensive volunteer involvement in area projects.)

The 12-show run at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) starts Friday night (December 7th) at 7 pm. For each of the next three Friday-Saturday-Sundays (December 7-8-9, 14-15-16, and 21-22-23), “Santa’s First Magical Ride” will be performed at 7 pm Friday, 2 and 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday.

A bonus – kids in attendance get to visit afterward with Santa Claus, and parents can take a photo!

(Two of the show’s stars – young Maia Vazquez, and Santa Claus!) Another bonus – part of the proceeds benefit WestSide Baby and Ignite, “both of which are local nonprofits concerned about the welfare and education of babies, children and young people,” as the “Santa’s First Magical Ride” team explains.

Tickets are available online right now via Brown Paper Tickets – here’s the direct link – and there’s also a new special: A group-sale discount of 2 free tickets for every 10 purchased (having a party?). The producers add, “We also welcome groups and organizations who want to enjoy this experience together and we will promote their attendance on Brown Paper Tickets. Call Libby Carr (206-938-8721) for more info on how your group can celebrate by attending this event together.” You can hear a sample of the music via this YouTube promo:

Even more details are on the official “Santa’s First Magical Ride” website.

Happening now: Crafty and cozy at C & P Coffee’s holiday fair

December 2, 2012 1:39 pm

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| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Stephanie Jensen (with daughters) and her BinKKs designs are among the array of vendors/creations you’ll find till about 3 pm today at the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) craft fair – if you haven’t been already! Busy when we stopped in. Another family-run table: Machel and India (pictured) Spence:

C & P is at 5612 California SW. To find out about other arts/crafts fairs and bazaars coming up this holiday season – check out our guide to everything holidayish in West Seattle, here.

West Seattle holidays: Hanukkah concert on Sunday afternoon

December 1, 2012 11:55 pm

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The first of the 8 nights of Hanukkah is next Saturday – but the first of several public Hanukkah events in West Seattle is a lot sooner … hours away. At 4 pm Sunday (December 2nd), the Seattle Jewish Chorale will be at the 7141 California SW home of the Westside Unitarian Universalists (co-sponsoring along with Kol HaNeshamah) with “an interactive, family-friendly concert featuring both familiar and unusual holiday songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, and Ladino, with styles ranging from folk to jazz to ‘Jewish gospel’.”Hanukkah treats will be on sale at the reception afterward. Reception to follow, with Hanukkah goodies for sale. Tickets will be available at the door – prices and other details are on the concert’s Facebook event page. P.S. Other West Seattle Hanukkah events are in the WSB Holiday Guide – please let us know if we’re missing any!

Followup: Alki Beach Park groundbreaking for ‘Luna Girls’

November 28, 2012 4:07 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The photo is courtesy of West Seattle artist Lezlie Jane, along with an update on her newest work – homage to the Alki boardwalk’s past as a swimming hotspot:

Luna Girls on Alki have broken ground and begun the construction and installation phase of the project. The sculptures should be should be completely installed just after the start of the New Year. We’re still raising money to meet the construction costs via our Kickstarter campaign.

You can see the design and hear its story in Lezlie’s Kickstarter video:

The top photo, meantime, shows John Kroetch and his crew from Signature Landscaping, who are doing the construction. As explained in our earlier reports, Luna Girls on Alki joins the long list of artworks she has created for and installed at local parks.

Happening now: Jimi Hendrix’s 70th @ Feedback Lounge

November 27, 2012 8:19 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Tonight as rock fans remember Jimi Hendrix on what would be his 70th birthday, if he were alive, there’s a unique tribute at West Seattle’s Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) – Hendrix memorabilia shown by another legend, Pat O’Day, who’s there in person: