West Seattle, Washington

09 Friday

46℉

WS culture/arts 2917 results

West Seattle weekend scenes: Denny/Sealth’s ‘Soul Jambalaya’
February 12, 2012 4:51 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scenes: Denny/Sealth’s ‘Soul Jambalaya’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Jeff Clark)
It was the most star-studded slate of music in West Seattle this weekend – and it was a hit, reports Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark:

The Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School Soul Jambalaya Concert was a big success! The students and special guests provided an amazing evening filled with the rich sounds of Jazz, Gospel, Blues, and Reggae. Another fantastic event made possible thanks to the dedication of Mr. Marcus Pimpleton!

Above, jazz musicians from Denny; next, their counterparts from Sealth:

Next, reggae veteran Clinton Fearon (whose upcoming gigs are listed here):

And here’s Septimus:

The Total Experience Gospel Choir performed as well. While the show was free, donations were accepted for the student music programs, which have some high-profile events ahead, as you can see on their online calendar.

Share This

West Seattle businesses: What’s up in the former Petco space
February 10, 2012 2:47 pm
|      30 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Jason Rudolph with the inner workings of “Dook Larue,” the animatronic drummer of “Rock-afire Explosion“)
Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

If you’ve noticed recent activity inside the former Petco space in the Junction – Doug did, and tipped us off – here’s what we have found out:

Local resident and West Seattle business owner Jason Rudolph is currently renting the space for an indefinite amount of time to add additional staff for his technology company, Sound Advertising Group. It also gives him the room to work on “a little project that we’re doing just for fun – and if the community enjoys them, that makes it so much better!”

The project is the restoration of a 1980s animatronic band called the Rock-afire Explosion, formerly installed in a Showbiz Pizza restaurant.

Read More

Share This

West Seattle schools: ‘Seussical The Musical’ at Alki Elementary
February 9, 2012 9:44 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Nikolai Siguenza as the Cat in the Hat, Ian Gesellchen as Horton, Jovanna Barron as Sour Kangaroo)
Thanks to Alki Elementary parents for sharing dress-rehearsal photos (both taken by John Hinkey) from the big show that students are about to present: “Seussical The Musical!” 7 pm tomorrow and 2 pm Saturday, at the West Seattle High School Theater – and we’re told there aren’t too many tickets left!

So if you want to cheer on all those local kids who’ve worked hard to put on a show (not to mention parents/volunteers/staff), find your ticket info on the official poster/flyer.

P.S. We know it’s play/musical season for many schools, so if yours isn’t on our Events calendar yet, please send the info! Thanks!

FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE: As noted in comments, both “Seussical” shows are now sold out.

Share This

‘Soul Jambalaya’: Musical celebration this Saturday @ Sealth
February 8, 2012 7:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Last year, we called it a “talent feast” – a powerful lineup of music, by musicians of all ages, including Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School, under the banner “Soul Jambalaya.” This coming Saturday night, it’s happening again, with many performers from last year returning (including reggae veteran Clinton Fearon, seen above in one of our video clips from the 2011 event). Here’s the invitation from award-winning Denny/Sealth music master Marcus Pimpleton:

Please join music students of Chief Sealth International HS and Denny International MS for our annual Black History month celebration. The event takes place Saturday, February 11th, at 7 pm.

This concert affectionately titled Soul Jambalaya is a musical mélange of gospel, jazz, blues, funk, and reggae in celebration of the influence of black people to the musical landscape of America. The night will feature performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Jamaican reggae singer Clinton Fearon, Septimus, The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz I, and the Denny International Middle School Jazz Band.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted to offset costs associated with travel costs for the Denny and Sealth Jazz Ensembles. I assure you this will be one of your favorite school events of the year. Clinton Fearon’s voice is so rich and the Total Experience Gospel Choir is stirring.

It’s in the Sealth auditorium at 2600 SW Thistle.

Share This

West Seattle schools: Author Katherine Schlick Noe visits WSHS
February 6, 2012 6:35 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Author Katherine Schlick Noe visits WSHS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(From left, Katherine Schlick-Noe and students Katherine “Kit” Hall, Taylor Chapman, Andres Acevedo)
On any given day, you never know who you will see at a local school. Special-education teacher Paula Tortorice‘s Language Arts class at West Seattle High School hosted a local author today. Dr. Katherine Schlick Noe is the author of “Something to Hold,” which does a turnabout on the topic of discrimination. Tortorice explains that the book is written from the perspective of “Kitty,” a white girl who with her family moves to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon, and that the book also explores topics including bullying. She says Dr. Schlick Noe showed a PowerPoint presentation featuring many of the places in the story, answered students’ questions, and listened to their opinions about “Something to Hold.” During their study of the book, they wrote about it and drew posters depicting “what they thought their favorite scenes in the book might look like,” Tortorice says. (In addition to being a writer, Dr. Schlick Noe is a professor at Seattle University.)

Share This

4 weeks left to enter West Seattle Garden Tour poster-art contest
February 5, 2012 1:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The West Seattle Garden Tour is putting out one last call to local artists – deadline for their contest for the art on this year’s Garden Tour poster is just four weeks away, March 3rd. What they’re looking for: “Artwork content should be an interpretation of the WSGT’s theme ‘The Art of Gardening‘ focusing on color, design and texture in the garden.” The rest of the guidelines, the rules, and the entry form are all on the WSGT website; the winner gets $500, and the top 10 entries will be shown during the May edition of the West Seattle Art Walk. (Speaking of which, this month’s edition is coming up Thursday!) The Garden Tour itself happens this year on July 15th, and WSB is proud to be among the co-sponsors again this year. (Photo from July 2011 WSGT, by Tina Doherty)

Share This

West Seattle youth work with Manhattan Dance Project @ Youngstown
February 4, 2012 8:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is a hotbed of dance these days. Before too much more time elapses, we wanted to make mention of a big event from last weekend that still has people talking – young local dancers filling the center during a two-day visit by the Manhattan Dance Project, a touring program with professional dancers coming to town to work with youth. Youngstown’s Margaret Way reported, “My rough estimates, there must have been 75 – 100 youth taking classes in everything from ballet to jazz, tap to hip hop. The youth were from all around the area and were mainly connected with various local schools of dance.” One of them was the legendary Kathy’s Studio of Dance in The Junction, whose Miss Kathy shared photos with us (thank you!) – the senior company, above, and a group shot here:

Margaret says the Manhattan Dance Project has “fallen in love with our venue and have already penciled in their dates for their Seattle tour in 2013 right here at Youngstown!”

Share This

Video: Year of the Dragon welcomed at Vietnamese Cultural Center
January 28, 2012 7:05 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle welcomes visitors every Saturday afternoon (noon-3 pm), but this afternoon was special – a New Year celebration, with lion dance and firecrackers, as you can see (and hear!) in our video, welcoming the Year of the Dragon. Before their fiery performance, members of the Au Lac Vovinam Lion Dance Team – based in High Point, not far from the Vietnamese Cultural Center – gathered to prepare:

This was a busy day for the team; they also performed at a shop in White Center (as reported on our partner site White Center Now). Awaiting their appearance in West Seattle were spectators including veterans who fought for Vietnam’s freedom and are fixtures at the center’s events:

Two weeks ago, the Cultural Center dedicated a new monument to fallen heroes. And in the background of this photo taken during the dance, you can see both the statue of 13th-century hero General Tran Hung Dao, and the new structure built nearby to complement the statue.

It was under construction when we covered last year’s New Year celebration. You’re invited to visit the center next (or any) Saturday, noon-3 pm, 2236 SW Orchard.

Share This

Super String Saturday! Young musicians’ showcase coming up
January 22, 2012 7:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Come celebrate young musicians and the artists who have been mentoring them! Next Saturday is Super String Saturday in south West Seattle – here’s the official announcement:

On Saturday January 28 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. young violin, viola, cello and bass players from South West Seattle schools will fill the Chief Sealth High School auditorium with the sound of their hard work and dedication. The second annual South West Seattle Super String Saturday showcases elementary and middle school string players who have been working with professional string musicians hired by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras in their instrumental music classes. These musician “coaches” lead small group and individualized instruction to deepen the quality of the students’ musical skills. Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras (SYSO) provides the coaches free to the following schools: Concord, Roxhill, Sanislo, Arbor Heights, Gatewood, and Highland Park elementary schools and Denny International Middle School.

Read More

Share This

West Seattle snow: The ‘Snow Goddess’ of 35th SW
January 16, 2012 10:49 am
|      33 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather | WS culture/arts

Nick Worsford sent us the photo last night and took credit for what he calls the “Snow Goddess.” She’s topless, headless, and on 35th SW. This being a G-rated site, we didn’t just add it into the middle of our photo roundups, but here in a standalone item, you can choose to click ahead, if you haven’t driven by and done a double take already:Read More

Share This

West Seattle High School student’s poetic moment at Benaroya
January 13, 2012 2:10 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

Word is just getting out about an achievement by a young poet at West Seattle High School. Freshman Charli Elliott read one of her poems at a Seattle Arts and Lectures poetry event at Benaroya Hall in December. The headliner was award-winning poet Terrance Hayes, in the next photo with Charli, who read a poem inspired by his work.

WSHS shared it with us, to share with you:

Freedom of Speech
by Charli Elliott

I want to always rise to the
Challenge. I want to never sit alone.
I want to learn to talk and be heard.

I want to watch as the grass grows
Old and dies. Month after month. Year after year.

I want to see. If the moon can rise
Every night, I want the taste
Of freedom on the tip of my tongue

I want to touch you, dance with you on
A cloud made of light. I want to lose myself

In the labyrinth and rolling waves
Of your eyes. I want to free myself
Of hate. I want to be free from the shackles of freedom.

I want to be free, and free of freedom,
With its cold irons clasped on your wrists. Its

Frenzied thoughts, its open plains, and definition
Tied neatly with a bow. I want to be free of
Words without meaning and listlessness. My anger,

My loss and apologies, my doubt.
If the rain can cleanse the earth

I want a fresh soul. I want the stones wisdom
And the earth’s flexibility. I want the lights
Ubiquity, but not its invisible touch

I want the reliance of the sun, but not its fury.
I want the strength of the universe. I want to search

The rolling hills of elsewhere and find
You there. I want the tips of your fingers

In the small of my back. I want to be the tree
But not the leaves. I do not want to be the grass
I do not want to be the dew covered spider web,

Or the spider. When I leave this body
I want to be sheer power. I want to have a voice.

(Charli’s proud mom, by the way, is Sonya Elliott, who coaches her and other athletes on the WSHS girls’ basketball team, and is also a writer.)

Share This

Another photographer with a new show: 9-year-old Audrey
January 11, 2012 3:02 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Tomorrow night is West Seattle Art Walk (6-9 pm, all over WS). That’s not the only time you can enjoy art around the peninsula; new work is put up in local businesses all the time. Like images by young photographer Audrey Strevey, at Red Cup Espresso in The Junction, with part of the proceeds from any sales going to charity. Her proud mom Beth Bakeman sent us news of the show – as well as the photo above, and this bio that Audrey wrote:

Audrey Strevey is 9 years old. Taking photos has been her passion her whole life, and she recently acquired a Nikon D70.

Her new dog, Stirling, pushed her to go to the Westcrest dog park and discover her true talent, animal photography.

Audrey is pleased Red Cup Espresso is displaying her photos and hopes there will be more opportunities in the future.

She is donating 50% of her profit to PAWS, the animal shelter where her two 4-year old cats came from, to give thanks and show her appreciation.

PAWS is a champion for animals—rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.

Share This

‘Toys and food’: West Seattle photographer Christopher Boffoli opens exhibition
January 11, 2012 7:37 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

Story and event photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“Toys and food — everybody gets that,” says longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli of his photographic series featuring food and tiny human figurines. It’s making a splash worldwide and here at home, as an exhibition titled “Big Appetites” opened at a downtown gallery.

Christopher’s show at Winston Wachter Fine Art began with an artist reception last night. Inspired by media depictions of tiny people, from “Gulliver’s Travels” to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” he’s been playing with the imagery concept for the past few years, but it’s only in the past few months that their popularity has “exploded” — especially internationally, since a first wave of European interest last spring.

“The ‘tiny things’ fascination crosses cultures,” says Christopher. “There’s a God-like feeling that comes from playing with small toys. The size disparity draws people into a different world.” Christopher’s photos will soon be showing in galleries in London, Brazil, and Monaco.

Read More

Share This

Know the perfect band for Summer Concerts at Hiawatha 2012?
January 8, 2012 5:26 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs at 2011 Summer Concerts @ Hiawatha finale)
We’re proud to have been a sponsor of the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha each year since the series began – and tonight, we have word that ANA is tuning up for the fourth season of free outdoor performances on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center! ANA president Katy Walum has just put out the call for interested bands:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association is putting out the call for bands to apply to perform for our 2012 Summer Concert Series at Hiawatha Park! The series will again run Thursday evenings, 6:30-8pm, on the park’s east lawn. This summer’s dates will be July 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.

Interested bands may e-mail us at info@admiralneighborhood.org. Please include with your message (1) a website or other means by which we may listen to samples of your music, (2) dates you are available, (3) your band’s price for a 90-minute set (please take into consideration that we are a community organization with a fairly limited budget, and that there is value in the great exposure your band could receive as a part of our series – last year’s series drew crowds of up to 1500 people per show), and (4) stage size and/or sound requirements for your group.

Our series last year included performances from The Gothard Sisters, Massy Ferguson, Caspar Babypants, LeRoy Bell, Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs, and Yogoman Burning Band. Highlights of prior seasons included Pearl Django with Greta Matassa, Camille Bloom, Swamp Soul (zydeco), and Alma Villegas (Latin jazz). We strive in our series to provide a range of musical genres that can appeal to all members of our community.

We welcome band recommendations from WS Blog readers, though it is helpful if readers can include as much of the above requested information as possible with their notes.

We also invite local businesses and others to sponsor our 2012 Summer Concert Series. This is an opportunity for folks to support a fantastic community event and to gain substantial exposure for their business! Please e-mail us (again at info@admiralneighborhood.org) to find out more about sponsorship levels and benefits available this year.

Thanks so much, and we look forward to bringing more fabulous music to Admiral/West Seattle in 2012!

Katy Walum
President, Admiral Neighborhood Association

(The association does a lot more than sponsor concerts, of course, and if you’re an Admiral resident/businessperson interested in seeing what ANA is up to, check out its next monthly meeting this Tuesday, 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Church, California/Hill.)

Share This

Vietnamese Cultural Center to dedicate Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial
January 8, 2012 4:05 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center has paid tribute before to both the American and South Vietnamese troops lost in the Vietnam War – here is a ceremony we covered there three years ago – and now the center has a new memorial in place to honor them, with a dedication ceremony next Saturday. Center director Lee Bui is extending a specific invitation to Vietnam veterans to come to the ceremony, and asked us to share this invitation:

You and your family are invited to the ceremony of the black granite Fallen Soldiers Memorial :

Time: 1 PM, Saturday, January 14th, 2012
Place : Vietnamese Cultural Center
2236 SW Orchard
Contact phone : 206-779 6875
Chairperson : Dr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, MD

Fallen Soldiers Memorial to honor the heroes of armed forces from South Vietnam and 58,000 U.S servicemen who were fighting for freedom and democracy of Vietnam

The new memorial shares an outdoor space that also includes the center’s landmark statue paying tribute to the 13th-century hero, General Tran Hung Dao. The center is open to visitors every Saturday, noon-3 pm, not just on special occasions; you may also recall its community volunteers’ recent visits to Nickelsville on Thanksgiving and on New Year’s Day.

Share This

Your next chance to join West Seattle Community Orchestras
January 7, 2012 11:02 pm
|    Comments Off on Your next chance to join West Seattle Community Orchestras
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The new season for West Seattle Community Orchestras starts next Tuesday, with some changes from last season, according to the announcement we received tonight:

West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) launch their Spring 2012 season next Tuesday, January 10 at Chief Sealth International High School with exciting changes in store for musicians and concertgoers. Registration is free to all students; $65 per season for adults. The season will culminate in concerts for all three orchestras in May 2012.

Read More

Share This

Ready to read? Ideas, from authors with West Seattle ties, including a limited-time freebie
December 29, 2011 4:41 am
|    Comments Off on Ready to read? Ideas, from authors with West Seattle ties, including a limited-time freebie
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

A few more days left in this holiday season … maybe you’re looking for something new to read, whether hard copy or e-book … We’ve been stockpiling this news of authors who are either local, or appeared here, with tales to tell:

Earlier this month, Skylark Café and Club hosted an afternoon-long reading event featuring that quartet of writers – from left, Dave O’Leary, Cherry Tigris, Pam Summa, and Roberto Carlos Ascalon. O’Leary’s book is “Horse Bite,” a novel published this fall telling “the story of Dave and his efforts to find a bit of permanence in the balance of the things we create and the things we do to sustain ourselves” – read more, and excerpts, on his website (where you also can order the book). Tigris is a child-abuse survivor who has written a collection of short stories. Summa’s book is “Groping for Luna,” subtitled “Guerrilla Girl Meets Guitar God: A Comedy of Manners.” Ascalon is a poet you can find in various anthologies.

Also this month, The Beer Junction hosted a booksigning session for two photography books focused on West Seattle history – one titled “West Seattle,” the other “Luna Park,” both published by Arcadia Publishing. Reps of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society signed “West Seattle,” while AJ Naff signed “Luna Park”:

You can get the books through the links on each title.

Last but by no means least, here’s something you can get absolutely free – today, anyway (afterward, it’ll cost you 99 cents). Local author Jason Kirk has written a mini-e-book called “The Other Whites in South Africa” – which he describes as “an extended essay about sharks and race relations.” You can find it on Amazon by going here; Jason says, “It can be read on pretty much any screen you’ve got, including computers, iPods, phones, tablets, and Amazon’s Kindle e-reader.” Specific links:
For iphones and iPod touch
For Blackberry
For Android
For Windows 7 phone
For iPad
Jason adds, “If you happen to have a Kindle, you can order and read the essay directly from it. Just search for ‘jason kirk’.”

Share This

West Seattle holiday music: Bronwyn Edwards’ cantata
December 24, 2011 9:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

If you’ve already heard “Jingle Bells,” “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and “Little Drummer Boy” so many times you are afraid you won’t get them out of your head before Valentine’s Day … here’s something a little different. Two weeks ago, Fauntleroy Church music director Bronwyn Edwards‘ cantata “Wonder” premiered at the church. We didn’t get a chance to check out the performance – but someone recorded much of it on video and published clips to YouTube. One clip is above; if you click on the lower right to get to its page on YouTube, you’ll find a few others. (As noted on her website, Edwards has spent the holiday season playing piano at Sea-Tac Airport!)

Share This

Happening now: Christmas carolers around West Seattle
December 17, 2011 2:26 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We were headed north to The Junction to check out a caroling group’s pre-announced appearance at California/Alaska … when suddenly, at the Fauntleroy/California stoplight, we caught sight of these unannounced carolers. They were in front of Zeeks Pizza while we waited for the light to change, then moved south, but we managed to catch them for a photo on the other side of the intersection. They’re from nearby Seaview United Methodist Church (which also had performers at last summer’s Morgan Junction Community Festival). After resuming our northbound journey, we found the Junction carolers:

That’s We3Carolers – and friends from South Seattle Community College‘s choir. They are collecting donations for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline, so if you drop a dollar in the kitty, that’s where it goes to. They were planning to perform till 3 today, and again next Saturday (Christmas Eve). Meantime, Helen Fenigsohn shares a photo of the roaming carolers she encountered today:

Helen says, “I was enjoying a cup at the Westwood Village Starbucks at noon and in walked these carolers. It was a very pleasant surprise!”

Share This

West Seattle Friday: Hiking, dancing, tasting, more…
December 16, 2011 9:39 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Tuesday photo by Paul Swortz, taken from the West Seattle Bridge, shared via WSB Flickr group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar and West Seattle Holiday Events/Info page:

EARLY DISMISSAL: School’s out early for winter break – one-hour early dismissal for Seattle Public Schools

FREE GUIDED ECO-HIKE: Join the Nature Consortium in the West Duwamish Greenbelt! Come out and see the changes that winter brings to Seattle’s largest remaining forest. We will explore the hidden treasures of this amazing natural wonder, and hear about the history and the future of the forest. Difficulty is mild. Inexperienced hikers, seniors, and babies in backpacks are welcome. Special note to parents of toddlers and preschoolers: please be warned that this hike is challenging for younger children, especially on the way back up the steep hill! Please bring your own water bottle. Granola bars provided. Long pants are strongly recommended due to overgrown vegetation in certain parts of the trail. Wear appropriate footwear – shoes or boots that can get dirty or muddy. Meet at the trailhead at 14th Ave SW and SW Holly streets by 1 pm – Call 206-923-0853 or e-mail nancy@naturec.org to reserve your spot.

AFTERNOON DANCE: Dance to the music of Lauren Petrie at Delridge Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm.

SANTA PHOTOS: Options today/tonight include Santa at Westwood Village, 10 am-8 pm; the “former Westwood Santa” at CAPERS in The Junction from 3-7 pm; Santa at Northwest Art and Frame, 4-7 pm.

CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING: Storytelling event at White Center Cultural Center, 9421 18th Avenue SW, 6:30 pm: Christmas Posadas by Rosa Hernandez and Laura Villanueva.
]
WINE TASTINGS: 1-4 PM at South Seattle Community College (Delridge Community Center, 1:30-3:30 pm”>details here) and 6-7:30 pm at Bin 41 wine in The Junction – Port for the holidays…and beyond! If you missed our port class, don’t worry…here’s your chance to sample a line-up of super tasty ports to cure those winter blues! And if you attended the port class…come anyway because we’re tasting a whole new line-up of wines! We’ll be showing you an LBV, vintage, colheita, 10 and 20 year tawnies and a unique rose port.

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO-STYLE: 7:30 pm performance of Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall. Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film, playwright Joe Landry’s take on “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast at historic Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, and at Kenyon Hall, $15/adults, $12 students & seniors.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: ArtsWest presents “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).” 7:30 pm; ticket info here.

CHRISTMAS TREES: In addition to the Holy Rosary Tree Lot (41st and Dakota) and Son-In-Law Tree Farm lot (California and Charlestown) both now at half-price, the Stop ‘n’ Shop at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California and Oregon) is selling donated trees for $25.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS,

Share This

Happening now: ‘Gifted’ arts/crafts fair inside Feedback Lounge
December 11, 2011 3:12 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Just look for the Airstream out front (it’s Caravan, featured in our West Seattle Art Walk coverage earlier this week) and the creative entrepreneurs inside the building, as the “Gifted” holiday arts/crafts fair/bazaar at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues till 6 pm. Unusual gift ideas abound, from the repurposed Frangos tin above, to star sketches, below:

And if you missed microphotographer Machel Spence at last weekend’s C & P bazaar, she’s at “Gifted” right now, and she can show you her photo spread in Natural History Magazine:

Other enterprises on hand include A Bit of Butter, seen in this photo tweeted by @bellwethr:

Almost three hours left to go check it all out in Morgan Junction.

Share This

Video: Caspar Babypants & Kate Endle’s ‘booksinging’
December 11, 2011 11:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people | WS culture/arts

No, that’s not a typo in our headline – when we stopped by CAPERS in The Junction just before musician Caspar Babypants and artist Kate Endle started their 11 am appearance, we asked about the order of events – music, then reading, then signing, or? “We’re singing the books,” they explained, “so it’s a book ‘singing,’ then a book ‘signing’.” We’ll add video of the singing part when we’re back at HQ. You can find out more about their new books “Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight” and “My Woodland Wish” here – they’ll be at CAPERS till noon or so.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Here’s the video, as promised. It begins with Caspar B explaining how he added the kids-music sideline to his rock ‘n’ roll career:

As Kate said in the comment section, pre-signed books are still available at CAPERS, among other items of hers.

Share This

West Seattle Sunday: From music to mule-drawn carriages
December 11, 2011 10:24 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Added 11:22 am: Pathfinder K-8 selling handmade holiday wreaths again today at WS Farmers’ Market)
From the WSB West Seattle Holidays page and Events calendar:

FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am – 2 pm, The Junction (44th/Alaska) – note that the market has a special evening edition 12/22, and then is closed the following two Sundays, since those are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS IN THE JUNCTION – CARRIAGE RIDES AND SANTA! *Mule Carriage Rides* 11 am-3 pm, free. Take a traditional carriage ride down California SW pulled by beautiful Belgian Draft Mules. Carriages depart on California in front of KeyBank at Hometown Holidays Headquarters. Same time period, Santa Photos at City Mouse Studio and Store, professionally photographed by Donna Ryan Photography, with a suggested donation of $15 or more going to West Seattle charities.

CASPAR AND KATE AT CAPERS: At CAPERS, 4525 California SW: West Seattle artist Kate Endle and musician Caspar Babypants will be reading their two new children’s books, “My Woodland Wish” and “Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight,” with a book-signing session to follow, and a bit of music. 11 am.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT THE FEEDBACK: Arts/crafts on sale at the Feedback Lounge‘s (WSB sponsor) annual Holiday Bazaar, 11:30 am-6 pm (6451 California SW).

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE LONGHOUSE: Duwamish Longhouse Christmas Concert — Teachings of the First People with Ravenspeaker. Local Native storyteller Ravenspeaker (Robert Frederiksen) of the Tsimshian Raven Clan shares NW stories, song and dance. Born and raised in Seattle, Ravenspeaker has travelled all over North America as a recognized Culture Bearer for the Northwest Coast’s First Peoples. Children and friends will be invited to join in song and dance. Includes hot cocoa & cookies. $10 general, $5 students, retired seniors, unemployed. Doors open at 1 pm.

HOLIDAY PET PHOTOS: West Seattle Girl Scout Rainbow Troop 52698 presents Holiday Pet Photos at The Puppy Perfectors, 9629 17th Ave SW, 2-5 PM to benefit The Doney Memorial Pet Clinic (a volunteer-run clinic providing free veterinary care for low income and homeless people’s pets.) For a donation of $25 or more, you will receive a 4×6 print of your favorite shot and a CD of all shots taken. There will be fun and goodies for people and pets.

SELF-DEFENSE FOR KIDS: Class at Lee’s Martial Arts, 2-4 p.m. This class is designed to inform and empower children ages 6-11 on the basics of self-defense. The class includes a highly rated film, role playing and physical self-defense skills. Material is presented in an age-appropriate way and is taught by Lisa Skvarla, who chairs the American Women’s Self-Defense Advancement (AWSDA) and is a third-degree black belt in taekwondo. Call 206-938-3375 to see if there’s still room.

CONCERT AND FOOD DRIVE AT C & P: Trevor Ras performs live 3-5 pm at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, and it’s a food drive for West Seattle Food Bank – bring donations!

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,’ RADIO-STYLE: 3 pm performance of Twelfth Night Productions‘ “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show,” at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th SW. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets.

‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY’: ArtsWest in The Junction presents “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).” 3 pm; ticket info here.

‘WONDER’: Christmas Concert at Fauntleroy Church, 4 pm: “Wonder.” An original cantata by Bronwyn Edwards, performed by the Chancel Choir and various soloists. Details in our preview.

ADMIRAL SINGS CHRISTMAS: 4 pm and 7 pm, the popular annual singalong/concert, free (donations accepted, and nonperishable food will be collected too). Details in our preview.

‘EXTREME GINGERBREAD CHALLENGE’: Tonight at 5 pm in the WSCC Activity Center (4400 42nd Ave SW): “Join what will undoubtedly be the largest gathering of questionable talent for an amazing holiday creative venture which, while certainly being memorable, will also be contributing to our effort to provide clean water to a village in El Salvador.” At least 40 teams are signed up – come cheer them on!

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK BENEFIT: Not in WS but benefits one of the food banks that serve our area: Dueling Piano Holiday Food Drive: 5 and 7 pm at Three Tree Community Church, 16261 First Ave. S. in Burien, to benefit White Center Food Bank and the Union Gospel Mission. Performers from Chopstix Dueling Pianos will entertain and take requests – for a donation of either cash or food.

WHITE CENTER TREE LIGHTING: 5 pm at 16th/Roxbury – details here.

‘BIG CHRISTMAS BROADCAST OF 1941’: Free show at Westwood Christian Assembly (with dessert afterward), 7 pm, 9252 16th SW.

FOOD TRUCK: Looks like just one visiting West Seattle today (aside from those based here) – Snout and Co. food truck at 35th/Graham, 11 am-3 pm.

Share This