West Seattle, Washington
29 Friday
During open-mike time at Skylark Café and Club tomorrow (Wednesday) night, around 9 pm, Jason Brunet plans to rap. And, he says, an ABC News TV crew will be there to record him, so perhaps you’d like to be there for the crowd cutaways. Jason has gained media attention lately for an unusual reason: His mom is a “hoarder,” and his family was featured on the reality-TV show “Hoarders.” He also was recently on NBC‘s “Today” (here’s the video clip). Now, he says, ABC’s “20/20” is doing a segment about the children of hoarders, and wants to include video of him performing, so he’s hoping to have a TV-worthy audience at Skylark tomorrow (3803 Delridge Way SW). You can check out his music, by the way, at threeninjas.net.
That’s our video of the All-City Band at the end of last year’s West Seattle American Legion Post 160 Grand Parade, and you’ll see them again in this year’s parade, coming up Saturday, July 23rd. Two weeks after that, the famed band – led by West Seattle’s own Marcus Pimpleton – will celebrate its 60th anniversary. For the occasion, they’re planning a banquet/auction on August 5 – also here in West Seattle, with tickets are on sale now – and they’re looking for past participants to join an alumni band. From the Friends of All-City Band, this news release:
School’s out for summer, and the Seattle All-City Band begins rehearsals this week in preparation of a summer full of performances in Seafair parades and community celebrations throughout the region. This summer, however, is quite special to the band’s over 120 students, volunteer staff members, and supportive parent base; this marks the 60th edition of the All-City Band program.
Don’t let your young musician fall out of practice over the summer. Toni Reineke sends word there’s still room in this program (she shared the photo, too):
It’s still not too late to sign up for Summer Music at West Seattle High School! We are nearing our capacity of 60 students, but still have room for a few more.
In its 58th year, it’s taught by Seattle Public Schools music teachers and is for students who just finished 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grades (other grades by permission).
Designed for students grades 4-8 (student must have completed at least one year of instrumental instruction)
Students who attend Seattle Public Schools as well as private schools are welcome!
Band, strings, jazz band, solos, ensembles, improvisation — and more!
Daily field recesses!
Concerts every Friday at 11:00 a.m.
Weekdays, June 27 – July 15 (except July Fourth), 9:00 to noon.For more info, please call the Fine and Performing Arts Department at 206-252-0051 or 252-0050, or contact Toni Reineke, Head Teacher, at 206-243-6955 or tonireineke@comcast.net
(WSB photo of Danny Vernon’s Illusion of Elvis at The Mount, summer 2010)
Tons of tunes in the works for West Seattle outdoor-concert fans. West Seattle Summer Fest is up first (haven’t seen the lineup yet? here it is) – then there’s the Hi-Yu Concert in the Park with the West Seattle Big Band on July 19 – the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha start July 28th – and today we have the lineup for this year’s outdoor-concert series at Providence Mount St. Vincent (4831 35th SW):
August 5th-The Haggis Brothers “Rockin’, swingin’ fiddle driven string band”
August 12th-The Illusion of Elvis by Danny Vernon. Classic car show this night, too!
August 19th-Cheryl Serio “Vintage jazz, pop and cabaret”
August 26th-Selam Band “World music”(Each event runs) 5:00 to 7:30 pm – Live music from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
The music is free, as are snow cones and popcorn, and special kids’ activities; bring your own blanket/chair; dinner and beverages (beer/wine available) can be purchased. The Mount has a special-events hotline for questions – (206) 937-3701, ext. 28652.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Thanks to Mark for an early pic of the Art Car roadshow, fresh off the Fremont Fair, now set up in the Feedback Lounge/Zeeks Pizza parking-lot area at California/Fauntleroy – we’re on our way for more photos. Free, fun, family-friendly (and, as Feedback proprietor Jeff Gilbert pointed out in his online preview – they all actually run!).
(Find out more about that one, created by Emily Duffy, at braball.com)
ADDED 9:23 PM: New photos, including at the very top. Here’s one with a message everyone can appreciate:
That’s from the Rev. Bill’s Bible Camp car, created by Charles Linville of Portland. More ahead:Read More
Worried you won’t make it to the Fremont Fair because of this weekend’s predicted traffic craziness? Here’s just one more reason you don’t even need to think about leaving West Seattle: The “Art Car” roadshow – which will spend most of the weekend in Fremont – is headed to West Seattle on Sunday night, according to Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) proprietor Jeff Gilbert. He shared the top photo of the “Chewbaru” – which Jeff explains as being “covered in dentures, empty tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes. … All told, there are between 30 and 40 art cars with mind-boggling cars showing up in the Feedback Lounge/Zeeks Pizza parking lot this Sunday, June 19th. … A pretty cool Father’s Day activity that everyone can enjoy. This event is free, kid and camera-friendly. Rain or shine, though I hope if it does rain it won’t foam up any of that guy’s toothpaste!” (That’s the northwest corner of Fauntleroy/California, if you don’t often get to Morgan Junction.)
(WSB video of Massy Ferguson at Summer Fest 2010; they’re back this year)
It’s the biggest question we’ve heard asked in anticipation of West Seattle Summer Fest (coming up July 8-9-10, with WSB among the co-sponsors) – who’s playing? (Besides the Fastbacks reunion announced last month.) Finally, the music lineup is live on the Summer Fest website. See it here with full details on dates/times! Or, for a quick glance at the list of performers, click ahead:Read More
Two more local schools are getting much-needed new musical instruments, thanks to donations from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, whose donation to Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School was reported here earlier this week. Daniel Rossi teaches instrumental music to students at six area elementary schools, including Highland Park and Concord International, which he says are also getting grants from the foundation: 20 flutes, clarinets, violins, violas, trumpets, and trombones for Highland Park, to “begin to build a collection of instruments for students to use,” and 13 flutes, trombones, and cellos for Concord, “to supplement our inventory.”
Still have the Broadway bug after Sunday’s Tony Awards? You can check out the Broadway Bound production of “13, the Musical” this weekend at ACT Theatre downtown.
It stars a West Seattle teenager – Adam Westerman, who’s previously appeared at Book-It, Stone Soup Theater, Drama Dock on Vashon, and Broadway Bound. Proud mom Eddie Westerman tells WSB that Adam is the only West Seattleite in the cast of the show, which she explains “is the only show that was on Broadway starring a cast of teenagers only. … (It’s) a story about a boy who moves from New York City to a town in rural Indiana right before he turns 13. He has to start over negotiating middle school and friends, and he learns some very valuable lessons along the way.” Broadway Bound is presenting “13, the Musical” five times this weekend, 7 pm Friday, 2 pm and 7 pm Saturday, noon and 5 pm Sunday. Tickets are online here – and Eddie says you can e-mail her for a code to get a $2 discount (ewesterman@washingtonea.org).
(Photos courtesy Denny/Sealth music programs)
The “Happiest Place on Earth” must have been the “Most Melodic Place on Earth” last weekend – and student musicians from Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School were part of it. Denny’s principal Jeff Clark forwarded this detailed report about their big trip to Southern California:
Congratulations are in order for the students of the Chief Sealth International High School Concert- Marching Band and Sealth Jazz II as well as the Denny International Middle School Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra, who traveled to Anaheim, California, this past weekend to participate in the Disney Magic Music Days and Music in the Parks Festivals.
At the Saturday Music in the Parks competition, the Sealth Concert Band earned a rating of Superior, the highest rating possible, and the 1st place trophy in the high school band AA division. The band had perfect scores in rhythm and technique and a near-perfect score in tone quality. One judge commented, “Fine reputation of school and community.” The Denny String Orchestra, Denny Marching Band, and Denny jazz ensembles earned ratings of Excellent, as well as the 1st place trophies in their respective divisions.
On Sunday morning, the Denny Orchestra participated in a Soundtrack recording session at the Disney Magic Music Days sound studio in which they recorded music to Disney animation. Still later day the Denny marching band kicked off the afternoon Disney Main St. Parade with a pre-parade march through the park, followed by Sealth being similarly honored as the featured band for kicking off the evening Main Street Parade.
Read on as the report continues – and you’ll also find out about instrument donations for the student musicians:Read More
A few scenes from along tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk – which continues till 9, so you have time to get out and see the sights! – Above, artist Jessica Creager is at Wallflower Custom Framing and Shooting Gallery on the ground floor of Mural Apartments (WSB sponsor) with Wallflower proprietor Courtney Sievertson, who’s celebrating the second anniversary of her business! They’re right across 42nd SW from Jefferson Square, between SW Edmunds and SW Alaska. Also in The Junction:
James Lobb is curator of “Made in Seattle,” a pottery exhibition opening at Twilight Artist Collective (on SW Alaska just west of Easy Street Records). One more Junction stop:
Larine Chung is exhibiting work this month at Seattle Real Estate Associates (WSB sponsor) on 44th SW. Heading north to the Admiral District:
Shanti Salon and Spa (WSB sponsor; 2138 California SW) is showing the whimsical work of Narboo. Again, the Art Walk continues till 9 tonight – with venues listed on the official website – but many of the shows are up for the entire month, so you can still visit the participating venues over the next few weeks and enjoy the work showcased for June.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re continuing to update this list as additions come in – newest update, 6/12 – if you discover any of these no longer have room, please let us know! Thanks!)
With just a few weeks of school left, we’re getting a few questions about day-camp options. We don’t have a comprehensive list but here are a few announcements we’ve received:
(updated 6/1) THE PINK ARMADILLO ART STUDIO: Clare Hebert (above) just opened this studio in the same building as the Blue Mist Salon in Admiral (which is very much alive and well, its owners assure us, and still in that same building!), across from Hiawatha, and is offering half-day camps for 6-12-year-olds in July and August. The schedule is here. (She teaches classes for adults/teens too – more online, or e-mail her at thepinkarmadillo@gmail.com)
ARTS-IN-NATURE CAMP: West Seattle-headquartered nonprofit Nature Consortium presents a week of day camp August 15-19 for ages 9 and up at Camp Long, with nature-themed art projects, 10 am-4 pm daily, registration at naturec.org. Questions? Ryan @ naturec.org.
GARDEN ART DAY CAMP AT VILLAGE GREEN: West Seattle artist Sarah Browning is offering two 3-day sessions in August for ages 8-12 at Village Green Perennial Nursery just south of WS – full details here.
WEST SEATTLE/FAUNTLEROY YMCA DAY CAMPS: There’s a wide range of camp sessions offered by the Y (WSB sponsor) – and if you follow the registration links, you can see whether spots are available. Here’s where to start.
LITTLE GYM OF WEST SEATTLE: They e-mailed tonight to say they have camps for ages 3-10, Mondays-Fridays, June 20th-August 27th, 1-4 pm, with games, group activities, gymnastics, arts and crafts; you can sign up “for one day or every day.” See the schedule at tlgwestseattlewa.com or call 206.937.0311.
SEATTLE SCHOOLS SUMMER MUSIC AT WSHS: This is for student musicians who are finishing grades 4 through 8 and have at least one year of experience playing an instrument. This is a three-week program, 9 am-noon, June 27-July 15 (or, students may attend just one or two weeks). The program offers band, strings, jazz, and/or small ensemble participation, with a concert each week. You can register online; here’s the link. More info also is available from Toni Reineke, head teacher for the West Seattle site: tonireineke@comcast.net or 206-243-6955.
WEST SEATTLE SOCCER CLUB: Via Facebook, WSSC says it’s sponsoring three different soccer camps for players age 4-14 this summer. Details and online-registration links can be found at westseattlesoccer.org.
THE COVE SCHOOL: The school’s summer-camp program has a few spaces open, 9-noon Mondays-Fridays, for children ages 3-5, the last 3 weeks in July and the middle 3 weeks in August. Info: thecoveschool.com
ARC SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT SEATTLE PARKS’ COMMUNITY CENTERS: Five locations in West Seattle, one in South Park. From the announcement we just received: “The atmosphere at camp is one that emphasizes community relationships, but also recognizes individual achievement, creativity and original thinking. Enriching field trips weekly! Children currently in Kindergarten through 5th grade that are not younger than 5 and not older than 12 are welcome. Weekly sessions June 27-September 2- attend one week or all.” Go here to find out more online.
COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL AT SANISLO ELEMENTARY: Announcement just in: “Offering weekly sessions for K-5 focusing on different book genres. Join us for JRR Tolkien/The Hobbit or Harry Potter Week, just to name a few! Open 7 am-6 pm with flexible dropoff and pickup times. Contact us at Sanislo@communitydayschool.org or 206-763-5910 for a complete list of themes and more details.”
COMERFORD SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE: Beginning Irish Dance workshop for kids offered July 18-20 at the West Seattle VFW. C’mon over and learn a jig! The session for new beginners will be 10 to 11 AM each day. INFO: celticartsnw@hotmail.com; 206-935-3225.
SING OUT SEATTLE: Reports the following: The Lion King (July 11- July 22) 2 weeks – 5 slots left … Princess and the Frog ( July 25-Aug. 5)- 6 slots left … Shrek! (Aug. 8- Aug. 19)- 12 slots left. For information and registration, contact: singoutseattle.com.
WESTSIDE SCHOOL CAMPS: Sing Out Seattle is one of several summer camps offered at Westside School (WSB sponsor). Full list, including ages, details, and how to register, can be found here.
YOGAGIRLZ: Shana Hageman reports, “I still have room in one of my YogaGirlz summer camps: July 25-29th for girls 7-11. It runs from 9-3 pm and the cost is $300. There is more info at www.yoga-girlz.com.”
SEATTLE LUTHERAN SPORTS CAMPS: Cheer, basketball, volleyball, and running camps are offered, and SLHS says there’s room. Age groups (some for as young as 2nd grade, some up to 12th grade) and schedules are listed in this brochure (2-page PDF).
COMETA PLAYSCHOOL: “Around the World in 5 Weeks,” starting with North America the week of July 11th, then South America the week of July 18th, Asia the week of July 25th, Europe the week of August 1st, and Africa the week of August 8th. Daily hours 10 am-1 pm; more info at cometaseattle.com, or call 206-353-6781.
BLOOM PRESCHOOL: This school is hosting three summer camps for preschoolers (3 to 5 year-olds) and older siblings (grade school age). Sibling discounts are available. Camp hours are 9:30 am-12:30 pm, with sessions June 28-July
1, July 18-21, and August 29-Sept 1 – summer-themed crafts, storytime, walking recess, and
lunch. RSVP to Bloom Preschool teachers Keri Russell or Kristi Ingle at kristi@westseattlebloompreschool.com or 206.612.6044.
CHIEF SEALTH BASKETBALL AND LIFE SKILLS CAMP: For 2nd through 9th graders, girls and boys, this camp teaching both basketball and life-skills/leadership lessons has three one-week sessions this year. Full details in our original preview, including a link to the brochure and registration information.
LIMBER YOGA AND SEATTLE INTEGRATED MARTIAL ARTS: Two summer-camp sessions in August – “Yoga, Adventure, and Martial Arts Camp” – through this Junction-based studio. August 8th-11th, 9-1, is for 4 to 6-year-olds; August 22nd-25th, 9-1, is for ages 7 through 11. More information online – go here.
SEATTLE BOULDERING PROJECT: This is a new indoor rock-climbing gym in South Seattle, and a West Seattleite who works there sends word they have summer camp programs – full details here. She says it offers “a different form of climbing than most people are accustomed to” with climbing walls no higher than 15 feet and the gym floor including 16 inches of padding. Programs start June 27th and are available for ages 6-16. Register by phone 206.299.2300 or e-mail lindsey@seattleboulderingproject.com – 900 Poplar Place S.
SEREVI RUGBY: Introductory one-session “camps” for ages 7-18 at Hiawatha Playfield, details here.
(Any others in WS, or nearby, that still have room? We’d be happy to add more to the list; editor@westseattleblog.com)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
On this Memorial Day, a unique American group serving fallen heroes and their families is the focus of a West Seattle filmmaker’s newest work – which is days away from its first Puget Sound screenings.
We spoke with Ellen Frick earlier this spring. Today seems like the perfect time to tell the story of her documentary, “Patriot Guard Riders,” because of the holiday, and because of showings coming up Saturday in Tacoma and Sunday on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.
The Patriot Guard Riders’ members, hundreds of thousands strong, are motorcyclists – mostly Vietnam veterans, Ellen explains, who first came to fame for protecting fallen soldiers’ families from the hate-spouting Westboro Baptist Church, which has sent representatives to funerals to claim the soldiers died because of America’s failure to outlaw homosexuality.
“I read about it in TIME magazine, the bikers in Oklahoma who started going to the funerals nad blocking the protesters. I thought, wow, this is really odd bedfellows … you don’t think of bikers as coming to the rescue so much,” Ellen recalled. “I started looking into it and didn’t know if it was really a film. (But) the story is so rich,” with the motorcyclists going on to expand their mission.
First, some of her backstory – which itself is multifaceted:Read More
A week and a half ago, we reported longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli‘s sudden international fame, when United Kingdom news organizations spotlighted his quirky photos and captions chronicling miniature figurines’ adventures on full-size food (and other items). Over the ensuing week, Christopher reports, photos from his series “Disparity“ have been showcased in 27 countries, as well as by cool-stuff showcasers in the U.S., among them avid tweeter Guy Kawasaki and design magazine Dwell. And these are more than link-shares – Christopher’s been asked for so many interviews, he said, “I don’t feel like I’ve had a decent night’s sleep in the past week.” A sample: Ignant (Germany), HBVL (Belgium), MTV3 (Finland), Ngoi Sao (Vietnam), Terra (Peru), News247 (Greece – screengrab above), and the list goes on. Brings to mind the classic Disneyland-ride soundtrack, “It’s a Small World, After All”…
(Photo by Patrick Sand for WSB)
From left, Judy Jacobs, Scot Bastian, and Jeff Mandels are three of the four West Seattle playwrights (with Suzanne Bailie) involved with this weekend’s Seattle Playwrights Studio 9th Annual Showcase of New Works at ArtsWest in The Junction. The showcase features five one-act, or excerpts if longer, new works each night (10 total); the plays by Judy, Scot, and Suzanne were part of tonight’s event, while Jeff’s play will be one of the five presented tomorrow night (showtime 7 pm Sunday; tickets available online). As explained by ArtsWest, the Playwrights Studio “provides playwrights the opportunity to hear plays in-progress read aloud and to receive moderated feedback from fellow writers in a supportive environment.”
(West Seattle Big Band @ Hi-Yu Concert in the Park, July 2010)
Since Memorial Day, sun or no, kicks off the summer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime traditions. One musical tradition involves getting to see/hear the West Seattle Big Band outdoors on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center. Their manager wanted to clear up a bit of confusion – so here’s his open letter explaining when you WILL be able to enjoy this unique musical group there this summer:
The West Seattle Big Band has received some questions lately about not playing at Hiawatha. I can only assume that this comes about because we are not on the (Admiral Neighborhood Association) music series schedule this year. The West Seattle Hi-Yu Concert in the Park at Hiawatha is of course a separate event.
The first two years of the ANA series we were requested to play the last week of the series. We were happy to oblige this request, and in so doing help establish this new music series. This year we were not asked to play, but we were given the opportunity to apply for a slot, just like all the rest of the bands. When the applications were made available, we were already booked up through October, and since we play the week before the series at the same location, we chose not to apply.
The West Seattle Big Band has been playing the past 14 years at the Hi-Yu Concert in the Park. The original concept of this concert was just a simple band concert, to fill the one open day left in a very busy 12 day Hi-Yu event schedule. Think of it as a Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney movie. I know a band, Al has a park, Steve has a stage, lets have a concert, and we will invite a few hundred of our close friends.
The Band does not collect a fee from Hi-Yu for this annual performance. We consider it a donation to Hi-Yu, and it’s our way of saying thanks to the West Seattle Community. The 2011 Concert in the Park is scheduled for Tuesday July 19th at 7:00 PM.
Jim Edwards
Manager
West Seattle Big Band
Thanks to Jessica and Jenn for sending tips – another film is shooting in West Seattle. If you’ve driven along Admiral Way, you might have noticed the equipment outside the Heartland Café and Shipwreck Tavern this morning. The film is called “Safety Not Guaranteed“; the crew tells us they’ll be here most of the day. According to iMDB, the plot is along the lines of: “Two magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.”
Among its stars – Kristen Bell. Looking around online, we’ve found indications they’ve been filming at other locations in the area this month, including Downtown Seattle and Burien.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB. This is “Summer,” Best in Show and Gervais Award winner, by Maddy Jones of Seattle Lutheran)
This week, ArtsWest Gallery in The Junction is full of work by local high-school students, and tonight was the reception/awards ceremony for the juried exhibit. Ellen Cedergreen was there for WSB and reports that there were a total of 14 winners in all from our area’s three major high schools: Chief Sealth International, Seattle Lutheran, and West Seattle High.
The show was judged by West Seattle-based artist RobRoy Chalmers. Arts West’s Nichole DeMent told WSB she chose him due to his visibility in so many different avenues in the arts, his potential for good leadership, and because he is “a fantastic artist.” Chalmers and DeMent handed out the monetary awards to the students, with “Best in Show” receiving a special award.
Michelle Sloan at West Seattle High School shares news of several students’ accomplishments, starting with the above photo: It’s by Sage Taber, who won an award for it in the district’s annual art competition. It’s on display – as are other student works – at the Seattle Art Museum through June 5th … 20 creations by WSHS students are part of the ArtsWest Student Art Show that opened yesterday; tomorrow night, meet the young artists at a reception and awards ceremony, 6-7:30 pm. The show continues through Saturday … Student artist Jimmy Le will have work published in a student art book as the result of being selected in the Celebratingart.com competition … And last but not least, Michelle reports:
West Seattle High School Marketing students recently competed against each other in a Micro Loan competition. Student Marketing teams used the Kiva.org website to find small business entrepreneurs throughout the world who are in need of small loans to build their businesses. Students presented their entrepreneurs’ business to a panel of judges from the marketing/business industry. Holland America Cruise Line and West Seattle resident Jon Dawson and Marketing Judge Christa Peck contributed over $500 to fund the Micro Loans. After the loans are paid back (most within a year), West Seattle High School students will be able to loan the money out again to other small businesses throughout the world in need that cannot get loans through large banks.
Congratulations to all!
From Bremerton to Issaquah – with 35 West Seattle businesses among those inbetween – the map shows where you can dine or shop today to be part of the World MS Day Seattle fundraiser, previewed again here last night. Follow the link under the map to see the list of participants on the left side of the full-page Google Map, or see the list on this Facebook page. Here are other highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
SPRAY PARK MEETING: The official Seattle Parks community meeting on the planned Highland Park wading pool-to-spray-park conversion is the topic after the Highland Park Action Committee‘s regular meeting, 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club (1116 SW Holden). The public meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm (click for more information). Parks wants your thoughts on how different spray-park features can be integrated into the wading pool site. More details here.
‘RACE TO NOWHERE’: “Race to Nowhere” documentary screening at Chief Sealth International High School Little Theater (a change from the originally announced venue), sponsored by Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA, 6 pm (full details and ticket info here).
HEALTH SCREENINGS: Futura Health Screening will be offering screening exams from 9 am to 3 pm, hosted by Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights (2326 California SW; Futura and Merrill Gardens are both WSB sponsors). Screenings are $45 each or $125 for all three. No doctor referral necessary. Pre-registration required; call (425) 398-7797 this morning to check on space.
PREPAREDNESS: Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon) presents Personal Preparedness beyond 3-day kits! 12:15 – 1:15 PM. What do you do on day 4, day 5, day 6, day 10. . . when there is no power for weeks.
WRITERS’ OPEN MIKE: Poetry Bridge presents Poems & Tales at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5612 California SW, 7-9 pm. May is Open Mike month for all, including past featured poets and readers, as well as those who have contributed poems and storytelling in the past. New readers always welcome. Sign-ups start at 6:45 pm.
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CONTINUES: SIFFhas films at the Admiral Theater for all three weeks this year – the first week is wrapping up, but follow the link to the SIFF website to check the schedule of what’s being shown today/tonight.
TRAFFIC ALERT:SDOT crews plan to close the eastbound, right curb lane on the Schmitz Park Bridge (SW Admiral Way) today, 9 am – 2:30 pm, for a routine inspection.
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
CRIME-PREVENTION FIELD TRIP: Tonight’s meeting of the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network will start at the Southwest Precinct as usual (6:30 pm), but then moves on to a carpool (or self-driven) field trip to a private residence where Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design will be shown in action, following up on a presentation by Community Police Team Officer Jon Kiehn at a WSBCN meeting earlier this year. All welcome, not just Block Watch captains.
TRAFFIC ALERT – PARTIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE OVERNIGHT: One more time tonight, the westbound Spokane Street Viaduct is scheduled for an overnight shutdown, 10 pm-5 am, which again means that the bridge ramps from I-5 and from Columbian Way (Beacon Hill) will be closed too. Here’s the official SDOT advisory.
HIGH-SCHOOL ART SHOW: Today through Saturday, the ArtsWest Gallery presents the work of top student artists from West Seattle High School, Seattle Lutheran High School, and Chief Sealth International High School. A reception and awards presentation is planned 6 pm Thursday night, but starting today, you can visit the gallery and see their work.
Congratulations to 11-year-old Lafayette Elementary student Luca Rose for winning the youth award this morning in the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) 3-Minute Masterpieces competition this morning. Word came from Luca’s mom Gayle Rose, who also shared the photo: At left, that’s Luca, with classmates Olivia and Kenny, seen in the film ( mentioned here two days ago), “Our Grass Is Always Greener.” (Another co-star, Johnny, wasn’t on hand.) The winners were also announced online, here. If you missed it in our Thursday story, you can see it here, via YouTube (the rather anthemic song is by Luca’s dad Tim Rose).
We last mentioned local filmmaker Leah Warshawski‘s Rwanda documentary project last November, when she was a featured artist during the monthly West Seattle Art Walk. (In the photo above, she’s second from left in the center row.) We’ve just learned that her project “Film Festival: Rwanda” has been raising money via Kickstarter, and has 10 days left to reach a goal that’s still a few thousand dollars away. Here’s how the project is explained in a news release:
More than three years in the making, Film Festival: Rwanda follows the efforts of five Rwandan filmmakers to produce their own films and screen them in remote villages for thousands of people, on a 40-foot inflatable screen since electricity is still a scare commodity in many villages.
For many Rwandans, this is the first time they’ve seen a film, let alone one in their local language. It is this determination to display their country’s progress that drew Leah Warshawski, a veteran television and documentary producer, to document the efforts of the young filmmaker.
“Rather than re-examining the past, these young storytellers are using film to project a positive vision of their country’s future,” said Warshawski, executive producer. “Their motivation, energy and creativity inspired us to document their efforts to show the progress their country has made since the end of the atrocities.”
Once the project makes its $29,000 total, they can finish their rough cut, a critical milestone. You can chip in – even $10, we’re told, and you’ll be listed on the credits – by going here. To find out more about the project, you can check out the site for the production company, Inflatable Film.
| 12 COMMENTS