West Seattle, Washington

01 Friday

61℉

WS culture/arts 2854 results

The Mount’s concert series opens on a night fit for a King
August 3, 2012 7:45 pm
|    Comments Off on The Mount’s concert series opens on a night fit for a King
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Big crowd in the courtyard tonight as the Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor) four-Fridays series of summer concerts began with acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Danny Vernon. Tributes to The King even extended to The Mount’s food offerings for the night:

Inspired by Elvis Presley’s legendary love for bananas and peanut butter, the dessert offered with dinner ($10 for entree – fried chicken tonight – sides, dessert and drink) was banana pound cake with peanut-butter frosting. Also available, burger/veggie burger/hot dog dinner with side and drink for $6, beer or wine for $5, and even popcorn/snow cones on the other side of the courtyard. But back to the show:

The stage is set up on the south side of The Mount’s campus. Lots of room to dance:

Here’s the full series lineup; next week’s performers are The Haggis Brothers; food and beverages go on sale by 5:30 pm, music starts at 6.

Share This

Video: Blues, balloons, bubbles at Hiawatha concert
August 2, 2012 7:06 pm
|    Comments Off on Video: Blues, balloons, bubbles at Hiawatha concert
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Singing the blues isn’t always a downer – we’ve heard lots of upbeat the first half-hour at Hiawatha tonight with Mark DuFresne headlining the season’s second free concert presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Still time to get here – the crowd keeps growing, but there’s still room to sit on the grass and enjoy the music – and the balloons! Joyful the Clown is making balloon animals for kids, sponsored by Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor):

And there are bubbles. Lots of bubbles. ANA vice president Karl de Jong couldn’t resist:

Karl led off tonight’s show, introducing emcee Jim Dever from KING 5’s Evening Magazine. C’mon down to the east lawn at Hiawatha if you can, even to drop in for a song or two – they’ll be playing till about 8.

ADDED 8:02 PM: Video:

Next Thursday night at 6:30 pm, it’s Reilly & Maloney with folk music – be here!

Share This

This week’s free outdoor music & movie lineup – next 3 nights!
August 1, 2012 12:01 pm
|    Comments Off on This week’s free outdoor music & movie lineup – next 3 nights!
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Each of the next three nights will bring a chance to enjoy music or a movie outdoors:

THURSDAY – SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Mark DuFresne brings his bluesy sound to the stage on Hiawatha Community Center‘s east lawn tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. KING 5‘s Jim Dever emcees. And as always, the show’s free – BYO chair(s)/blanket(s), picnic, friends/family. The Thursday night concert series is presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association with co-sponsors (listed on the right side of this page) including WSB.

FRIDAY – SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE MOUNT: Danny Vernon‘s “Illusion of Elvis” is back as the opening act of this free outdoor concert series.

(August 2011 photo of Danny Vernon @ The Mount, courtesy Bill Bacon)
You’ll find live music each of the next four Friday nights on the north side of Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s campus (4831 35th SW). Dinner/drinks can be purchased starting at 5:30 pm if you’re interested; the music starts at 6.

SATURDAY – ‘LION KING’ AND MAGIC SHOW @ WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES: Third Saturday night movie of the summer already at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor)’s courtyard (4410 California SW)! “Lion King” is the featured film – here’s the original 1994 trailer:

Louie Foxx will make magic happen as the preshow entertainer. Plus, a free barbecue provided by West Seattle Christian Church. The movie’s at dusk (9:30-ish), preshow 7:30 pm, but come earlier, stake out your spot, make a night out of it. And bring a few bucks for concessions provided by WSB sponsor PB&J Textiles (benefiting WSCC’s well-building project) and raffle (benefiting West Seattle Helpline).

Share This

Alki Art Fair, day 2: Busy day at the beach
July 29, 2012 3:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Even bigger crowd at the Alki Art Fair during the early afternoon today, by our comparison – good reason to try the shuttle from WSHS if you’re driving. It runs till 6, which is how long the vendors are supposed to be open, but music continues till about 8 (six more acts to go, including at 5:45 pm, “Elvis rock/punk review” Graceland Five). The main stage was briefly idle during our visit, but the small “acoustic stage” toward the west end of the fair wasn’t:

That’s Choro Tocando, often seen and heard around West Seattle. If you’ve never been to the fair and are still pondering whether to go before day’s end, note that it features art that’s wearable and otherwise functional, not just great paintings and prints and photos for decorating your home. We even found checkbook covers:

The cat and dog images are creations of Phoenix Chiu. And if you take along your real-life pet, the Seal Sitters booth has water that’s “under guard”:

(We checked in with Seal Sitters volunteers, who say no pup has turned up since “Georgie” earlier in the week – here’s their Art Fair report! If you see a seal on the shore, call them at 206-905-SEAL.)

P.S. This is the second year the Alki Art Fair has been an all-volunteer production, since city budget cuts took away the staff support it used to get from Alki Community Center.

Share This

Alki Art Fair: Day 2 today; plus, Saturday night scenes
July 29, 2012 8:55 am
|    Comments Off on Alki Art Fair: Day 2 today; plus, Saturday night scenes
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The Alki Art Fair continues today – 10 am to 6 pm for vendors, same as Saturday, with the shuttle from West Seattle High School‘s parking lot running those hours too; music continues till about 8 pm. Our 1st Saturday report is here, but there’s more…

Yet another beautiful sunset last night as people gathered for Saturday’s final musical act, Matt the Hoopla:

MTH is a West Seattle band specializing in ’70s-rock covers, with a focus on “glam rock.” The song on the clip is “One of the Boys,” by the band that inspired their name, Mott the Hoople. We met one of the band’s members, Don Bazemore (screen left), while he was volunteering at the West Seattle Summer Fest Info Booth (our festival HQ), and resolved to check out their AAF performance. Today’s full music lineup, from MoZo at 10 am to Burley Mountain at 7 pm, is here.

Share This

Video: The Local Strangers open Summer Concerts at Hiawatha 2012
July 27, 2012 2:14 am
|    Comments Off on Video: The Local Strangers open Summer Concerts at Hiawatha 2012
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The fourth season of Summer Concerts at Hiawatha is under way! The Admiral Neighborhood Association-presented series began Thursday night with The Local Strangers (video above), emcee Marty Riemer, and outdoor music fans young and old:

Scenes from the sidelines, and a look ahead to next week, after the jump:Read More

Share This

Outdoor music! Summer Concerts at Hiawatha tomorrow; Alki Art Fair lineup for this weekend
July 25, 2012 7:23 pm
|    Comments Off on Outdoor music! Summer Concerts at Hiawatha tomorrow; Alki Art Fair lineup for this weekend
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The banner up at Admiral Way Viewpoint is a big, bright reminder – Summer Concerts at Hiawatha, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association (with co-sponsors including WSB), start tomorrow night with The Local Strangers. Bring your own blanket/chairs, picnic dinner if you feel like it, and enjoy the music – plus a chance to gather with friends, family, neighbors. The show starts at 6:30 and is scheduled to be emceed by West Seattle-residing radio personality Marty Riemer.

Then on Saturday and Sunday, there’s a big slate of live music for the Alki Art Fair (at the beach in the Bathhouse/Boardwalk vicinity, both days). As organized by Chas Redmond – here’s the Saturday and Sunday slates – 10 till 9 on Saturday (though the fair vendors are scheduled to wrap up around 6), 10 till 7:45 on Sunday:Read More

Share This

Sing like The King @ Feedback Lounge’s 2nd annual Elvis festival
July 24, 2012 10:04 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The date is set and the call is out for Elvis Presley-tribute performers: “Get your King on” at the second annual West Seattle El-Fest: E Meets West! coming up 8 pm August 10th at the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), whose Jeff Gilbert shares the official announcement:

Calling all Elvis tribute singers/performers – we’re paying tribute to the King of Rock & Roll and we want YOU to take part. We’re looking for guys and gals, 21 & older – to put on your Elvis gear and belt it out during our annual Elvis tribute show on Friday, August 10th, 8 PM at the Feedback Lounge.

Created by Jeff Gilbert (co-owner of the Feedback) and Helen Anne Gately (Elvis tribute singer/collector/die-hard fan), our 2nd Annual El-Fest puts you on stage with backing music tracks by Saraoke for a chance to win a custom handmade cape and crown worthy of the King himself (courtesy of the famed costume designer K.D. Schill).

All performers will get an Elvis gift bag and a Feedback Lounge gift certificate. Elvis fans will get a chance to vote for their favorite tribute singer and get their pictures taken with a number of Kings!

To sign up to perform, contact Helen at hag68@yahoo.com to reserve your spot in the spotlight.

We’ll also have a vintage Elvis memorabilia display (courtesy of the lovely Ms. Gately), Elvis food and drink specials, party favors, music and more for El-Fest: E Meets West. The event is free to participate or just watch. Come get your King on!

Share This

‘Luna Girls’ artwork on Alki: New location proposed, on boardwalk
July 23, 2012 9:44 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Beach Drive residents and visitors are familiar with artist Lezlie Jane‘s waterfront work – including the distinctive installations at Weather Watch Park, Constellation Park, and Cormorant Cove. She is working on a new creation that’s been discussed at the last two Alki Community Council meetings, and when ACC met last Thursday night, she revealed the boardwalk east of Alki Bathhouse is the new proposed location for “Luna Girls on Alki,” seen in her rendering above.

Read More

Share This

From Admiral: Grand Parade debut; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start this Thursday
July 23, 2012 11:57 am
|    Comments Off on From Admiral: Grand Parade debut; Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start this Thursday
 |   West Seattle Grand Parade | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Two Admiral notes this morning – first, both the Admiral District Business Association made its debut in Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade, in which the Admiral Neighborhood Association marched too:

(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB)

(Photo by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
(All of our West Seattle Grand Parade coverage can be seen here.) Second, the ANA-presented Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start in just three days! Thursday night, come hear The Local Strangers, live on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW, but this is on the Walnut side of the site), free – bring your own blanket(s)/chair(s); show starts at 6:30. After this week, there are five more Thursday night shows – the schedule’s here (note that August 16th’s concert is at Alki Beach – it’s a SC@H tradition to have one there each year, since city cutbacks at Alki Community Center meant they can no longer present a summertime outdoor concert)

Share This

Alki Art Fair 2012: Several ways you can help
July 10, 2012 6:32 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Art Fair 2012: Several ways you can help
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo from 2010 Alki Art Fair)
The big summer celebrations coming up in West Seattle wouldn’t happen without LOTS of help. In the case of the Alki Art Fair, it’s all-volunteer, ever since the budget cuts that removed official city help last year … and volunteer coordinator Susan Madrid says they need some more people to pitch in:

The Alki Art Fair is two and a half weeks away, July 28 and 29, and we need volunteers. Volunteers can work a couple of hours on each day or can commit to half-day shifts at the silent auction or information booth. For example, we need people to break down chairs on Saturday night after the music performances end at 9 pm and set them up on Sunday morning before the performances start again at 10 am. We also need a couple of people who love music to staff the musicians’ sales table and serve as announcers for the acts throughout each day. If you would like to join the Alki Art Fair volunteers or have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at sjmadrid@comcast.net.

Share This

Happening now: Alki Arts celebrating second anniversary
July 1, 2012 6:33 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Alki Arts celebrating second anniversary
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The doors opened at Alki Arts on July 10, 2010 – the 1st anniversary party was July 10, 2011 – this year, the party’s on July 1st. “That’s the day we got the keys,” reminisced co-owner Diane Venti, above with co-owner and husband, artist Tom Wyrick.

They’re celebrating till 8 tonight, with live music and refreshments, and a sunny attitude despite the relentless gray. Back in 2010, they told WSB they were just “trying the space out for the summer”; two years later, Diane says running an art gallery/events venue remains touch-and-go – some good months, some not-so-good months – but they defy patterns: She says they were told that February’s usually the worst month in the gallery business, and the first year, that turned out to be true, but this past year, February was their best month ever (with the help of a big order for a new development). She’s grateful for community support, and intent on giving back any way they can – lending space for school fundraisers, for example. It’s a bright, airy space, especially when the door’s rolled open; she says well-wishers have been stopping by all day. (They’ll be open on the 4th of July, too, and often have special drop-in events with art and music, including West Seattle Art Walk nights – watch the AA Facebook page for announcements.)

Share This

Return of ‘West Seattle Art Attack’: Surprises in 3 P-Patches
July 1, 2012 11:48 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Almost 5 years after the first known “West Seattle Art Attack,” the mysterious leaver-of-glass-gifts has “struck” again. We received photos this morning with word that they were from WSAA visits to three local P-Patch community gardens. So if you’re tending a plot today, keep an eye out!

The art isn’t ALL hidden among the stalks and leaves at the Barton, Genesee, and Charlestown P-Patches:

This is the first time we’ve heard from/about West Seattle Art Attack since a WSAA/YarnCore collaboration inside a local café more than a year ago.

Share This

West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman: New WSB sponsor
June 29, 2012 2:53 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman: New WSB sponsor
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor today – and here’s what he’d like you to know:

Tim Cashman, Highly Qualified Instructor, giving lessons in West Seattle since 1986.

My Service
I offer private or small-group guitar lessons, from beginning to advanced level, all ages. Styles include Classical, Rock/Pop, Jazz, Blues, and Flamenco. Students learn the songs they wish to play. Electric bass and Drum lessons also available.

Instruction is tailored to the individual and may include: technique, repertoire, chord vocabulary, scales/improvising, music theory, note reading, and composing or song writing. Students may also play with a band in our big rehearsal room. Students have the opportunity to perform in public; performances have included a benefit and student performance at Youngstown, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, the Holy Rosary Talent Show, and the West Seattle Art Walk at Windermere of West Seattle.

Other important information
*Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. References are available on request.
*I also have low cost rental instruments available.
*Feel free to call and discuss lessons and rates. Tim: 206-225-0212, or e-mail timpcashman@gmail.com.

We thank West Seattle music instructor Tim Cashman for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Share This

Tonight: ‘Xanadu’ at ArtsWest; Highland Park Action Committee
June 27, 2012 4:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

This day got off to such a running start, we never published the daily preview. Here are two happenings of note:

(Photo courtesy ArtsWest)
XANADU OPENING NIGHT: ArtsWest‘s youth-apprenticeship program is ready to roll with tonight’s debut of “Xanadu,” 7:30 pm, first of more than a dozen performances between now and mid-July. Yes, it is indeed based on the roller-disco movie that starred Olivia Newton-John! Come cheer on an energetic cast of on-the-rise young performers. (Online ticket purchasing here – for tonight, just go to the box office.)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: HPAC sent out this preview for its monthly meeting, which it dubbed “Sustainable Highland Park“:

Please join us (tonight) to hear about green home incentives, and how to get rebates for all kinds of fun stuff for your Highland Park property like rain gardens (using the water that falls on your own roof or driveway), cisterns, energy assessments, and energy upgrades. We’ll have a series of speakers from King County, Sustainable Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities and Community Power Works.

Meeting at 7 pm at the Highland Park Improvement Club on 12th and Holden, but come early to meet your awesome neighbors at the 6:30 potluck.

And a few other events are on the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar, which you can check any time.

Share This

Video: Schmitz Park Elementary’s Alki ‘Shakespeare flash mob’
June 19, 2012 12:05 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

ORIGINAL 12:05 PM NOTE: Sorry for the late notice, but we just got word of this – Craig Parsley‘s 5th-grade Shakespeare production from Schmitz Park Elementary is planning a “flash mob”-style performance at Alki by the Statue of Liberty around 12:30 pm. Spectators encouraged!

ADDED 4:00 PM: Photos and video – the troupe did a great job in a tough setting! Here’s the teacher/director with a few of his students just before the (invisible) curtain rose on “Midsummer Night’s Dream”:

We didn’t fire up the video camera fast enough to hear him shout the announcement of the “flash mob,” but here’s some video from the first few moments (as he explained to them on the sideline, lots of “ambient” noise):

No costumes or set – but a few props:

Well, OK, there was ONE bit of costumery:

The play was performed recently at school – one performance for their fellow students, one in the evening for parents/community.

Shakespeare has been a tradition in Mr. Parsley’s classes at Schmitz Park; he’s moving to K-5 STEM at Boren next year and told us recently he was hoping to take the tradition along.

Share This

West Seattle Sunday: Happy Father’s Day!
June 17, 2012 10:44 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Father’s Day wildlife viewing, anyone? Guy shared the otter photo from east Alki – where you never know what you’ll see, and when. If your plans aren’t all set but you’re looking for something with a little more of a schedule, a few options from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Under way now, till 2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska.

FRESH VEGGIES/FRUIT IN ADMIRAL: Marguerite Lynch and her teenage sons are selling organic produce, with part of the proceeds benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank, till 1 pm. She says, “We will have mixed lettuce bags, fresh picked peas, strawberries, kale, mustard greens, and honey!” 44th/Hill, just west of Admiral Congregational Church.

CAT/KITTEN FOR DAD? Two options today: 11 am-3 pm, Friends of the Animals Foundation is at Next to Nature in The Junction with adoptable cats and kittens (more info here); noon-6 pm, Kitty Harbor on Harbor Avenue just north of the bridge is open for adoptions.

FATHER-AND-SON GLASS-JELLYFISH DEMO: Richard Lowrie and son Levi Lowrie are in the house at Avalon Glassworks, 11 am-4 pm, to demonstrate and answer questions about the creation of glass jellyfish. On Avalon Way just south of the bridge.

BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME MUSIC: Jamtime plays C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) 1-4 pm, 5612 California SW.

DANCE WITH DAD: Today’s the day for the monthly Afternoon Tea Dance at Camp Long Lodge (5200 35th SW), 1-4 pm – details here.

(LONG)HOUSE CONCERT: The Duwamish Tribe invites you to enjoy the music of Native flutist Paul Che-oke-ten Wagner and Sin Fronteras in concert at the longhouse; doors open 3:30 pm; details and map here.

Share This

Young West Seattle artist wins regional ‘Bridging Futures’ contest
June 16, 2012 5:04 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Congratulations to Axel Oxholm of West Seattle – shown above with Governor Gregoire after being chosen the Western Washington winner of WSDOT‘s “Bridging Futures Art and Essay Contest.” The challenge given to students: Write and/or draw something related to the importance of wildlife crossings; the state is building two in the Snoqualmie Pass area, to help wildlife get across I-90 safely. Here’s Axel’s winning work, which will be on a billboard in that area:

You can read more about the contest here; the awards were presented in Cle Elum this past Monday, as Gov. Gregoire presided over her last meeting as chair of the Western Governors Association. (We didn’t know about his win initially because he goes to school at Cedarhurst Elementary in Burien and so wasn’t identified in the state announcement as a West Seattleite – thanks to Axel’s dad Peter Levine for sharing the news!)

Share This

West Seattle Art Walk, June report #2: In the Admiral District
June 16, 2012 1:04 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Admiral District businesses made good on their promises to crank up the volume for this month’s West Seattle Art Walk this past Thursday night. Here’s what we found at four stops along the way. Top photo is from Mind Unwind, the gallery/education/collaboration space at 2206 California SW – where Brendan Ray Fraser was working on a painting that, shall we say, was a little too nude for WSB standards, so we took our camera upstairs for the aerial view. Three more stops ahead:

Read More

Share This

West Seattle schools: Denny/Sealth concert #3
June 14, 2012 1:09 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark for sharing photos from Wednesday night’s third and final spring concert by musicians from Denny and adjacent Chief Sealth International High School. (Above, the Denny Beginning and Junior Band.) He declared the well-attended performance “a resounding success”:

The Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School Band concert was a resounding success this evening! I was very impressed by the 6th graders all the way up to the graduating seniors. Music is thriving at Denny and Sealth. Thank you to Mr. Pimpleton and all of our families–congratulations to all of our scholars!

Three more photos, ahead!Read More

Share This

West Seattle Podcast: New project for the ‘ex-Petco site’ guy
June 12, 2012 12:07 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(From left, Tao and Jason; photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

First, he brought in the Rock-afire Explosion animatronics.

Then, he painted the windows (while leaving peek-a-boo spots through which passersby peer, continually).

He’s on notice his temporary digs at 4724 California SW will be replaced by a 7-story building. (No worries, he’s bought his own building anyway.)

Does Jason Rudolph of Sound Advertising Group sound busy enough to you?

Nah. Now he and two of his team members have launched the West Seattle Podcast.

And they’re inviting you in to see it all – and be part of it all! – during this Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk.

Read More

Share This

Happening now: Canoe-journey support @ Duwamish Longhouse
June 10, 2012 2:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Till 4 pm, you are welcome to check out the Paddle From Seattle support event at the Duwamish Longhouse, co-sponsored by CARW, whose members posed for us when we stopped by just before the event began. Donations welcome, including traditional Longhouse treats such as frybread and Indian tacos, so the kitchen is busy:

More info on the event here; the Longhouse is at 4705 West Marginal Way SW, and its calendar of upcoming events is here – including the gala on June 30th.

Share This

Happening now: Cooper Artist Housing open house in North Delridge
June 9, 2012 5:31 pm
|    Comments Off on Happening now: Cooper Artist Housing open house in North Delridge
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Sister the cat is helping greet visitors at the Cooper Artist Housing loft of Liv Browning, during the open house that continues till 9 tonight. We met Sister and Liv during a quick mid-afternoon visit. The artists really are opening their homes, as well as showing their work. Liv and Sister are on the third floor, as is the stairwell where music and spoken-word performances are scheduled throughout the event:

You’ll see art in many media lining the old Cooper School’s hallways:

And you can visit the nonprofits on the ground floor (like Nature Consortium) or check out demonstrations in the Movement Studio. It’s all happening inside Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW.

Share This