Seattle Twist

The party will start at Ola and end down at Avalon Glassworks 2914 S.W. Avalon Way on Thursday 7/29.

Food will be provided by Luna Park Café (French Fries and Milkshakes)
plus an Elvis Cover Band and the fabulous Mighty Elvis Mobile!

~Ola Salon
~Beer and Wine from OLA Salon
~Live Music- Acoustic Sets by Sid Law and Nathan Adams
~Tarot Readings
~Chair Massage by healing roots
~Complimentary services and products furnished by OLA Salon

~Java Bean will be offering coffee samples
~West Seattle Produce will have organic fruit and veggie samples
~Avalon glassworks will be doing a glassblowing demonstration and offering discounts

Stop by and say hello, have a beer and listen to some great live music in the sun.

Friday July 23rd at 1 p.m, Teatro ZinZanni opera diva Juliana Rambaldi and gentleman juggler and accordionist Sergiy Krutikov perform in the lobby and entrance of the MarQueen Hotel at 600 Queen Anne Ave. N. on lower Queen Anne near the theater.

Northwest Puppet Center is honored to become the home to this internationally acclaimed collection.

“The World of Puppetry: Treasures from the Cook/Marks Collection” will be the first opportunity for a portion of this massive collection to be displayed in Seattle.  Don’t miss your chance to see the world through wooden eyes with puppets from Bucharesti, Palermo, Bali, Athens, Osaka, Rio de Janeiro, Bamako, Bursa, and many more points on the globe.

Included on display are stunning examples of Sicilian opera dei pupi, Indonesian wayang and Japanese bunraku (some of the puppet traditions recognized by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Assets to Humanity”).  You will even see vaudeville marionettes returning to the limelight after making their original appearances on Seattle stages a century ago!

Northwest Puppet Center presents

The World of Puppetry: Treasures from the Cook/Marks Collection

Location:
Seattle Center Pavilion B (next to the skate park)

On View July 23-Aug. 1, 2010
6pm-9pm on Fri. July 23
11am-4pm on weekends
11am-3pm on weekdays

Admission is FREE but donations to Northwest Puppet Center are welcomed to help continue NWPC’s expanding museum efforts.

Exhibit sponsored by The Jacqueline S. Marks Fund at the California
Community Foundation and Seattle Center.  General support provided by ArtsFund and Washington State Arts Commission.

To learn more about the Cooks/Marks Collection:
http://nwpuppet.org/worldofpuppetry.html

Get a double-dose of puppets by combining your visit with the regional festival, Puppet-O-Rama,
organized by members of Puppeteers of Puget Sound, to be held at Seattle University July 30-Aug. 1.  International Puppetry Museum and Northwest Puppet Center will be hosting a reception at the regional festival on July 30 to celebrate this new collection and would like you to join in their celebration.   Come learn more about puppetry at the festival:  http://www.puppet-o-rama.org

Not a puppeteer and want to see puppet shows all around the area?

Find out where the Northwest Puppet Center will be performing this summer  http://www.nwpuppet.org/summer.html

After this exhibit at Seattle Center, more of the collection will be on display when the 2010-2011 season opens in November. Northwest Puppet Center will feature two exhibits each year and The Cook/Marks Collection will be a major portion of the Puppet Museum at the Northwest Puppet Center for generations to come.

To find out more about the Northwest Puppet Center’s 2010-2011 season performances: http://nwpuppet.org/weekend.html

National Treasure Dan Hicks plays with his Hot Licks, free this Wednesday July 7th at noon at Waterfront Park, 1301 Alaskan Way (that’s next door to the Aquarium).

Another great free Out To Lunch show in the Summer Concert Series. 

“As a performer and songwriter, Dan Hicks is imminently engaging, twisting his signature mishmash of damn near every musical style known to man into songs that feel supremely natural. The magic holds for as long as the music plays; once a song’s over, the theoretical strangeness of Hicks’ sound sinks in. How could Western Swing play alongside gypsy jazz, while surf rock mingles with bossa nova cowboy sing-alongs, and female backup singers play call-and-response with Hicks’ very particular vocal twang? Add to that Hicks’ penchant for writing lyrics filled with a dry wit, and you’ve got something very strange – very strange and very wonderful.” – - Nicholas Hall, Seattle Weekly

Inviting all Capitol Hillsters to the Cal Anderson Park Alliance 8th Annual Capitol Hill Independence Day Community Picnic Saturday, July 3, Noon – 5 PM.

This great free all-ages community celebration is Cal Anderson Park Alliance’s signature annual event. With four eclectic live bands, free root beer garden, urban family photo portraits, pie eating contest, pet/human look-alike contest, and feel-good, all-ages interactive fun. Everyone is invited: kids, hipsters, parents, friends, lovers, and anyone who loves Capitol Hill.

Performances will take the Sunbowl Stage all afternoon, among them the kids band the Not-Its, funk band Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme, the Toucans and the Raggedy Anns.

The CAPA Root Beer Garden will be handing out root beer floats until the ice cream’s gone. Skillet will be on the scene with their great food. And free cotton candy for everyone!

PLUS: more free activities, including Spin Art Bike, Patriotic Tie-dye, the Cupcake Royale Cupcake Walk, and Hoola Hoop Contest.

This is a family-friendly, all-ages event to celebrate our independence and our community!

Don’t miss Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave this Wed June 30th, Occidental Park! Show starts at noon! Another free “Out To Lunch” show in downtown Seattle. Probably anyone who was at the excellent free English Beat performance downtown last week will also be at this fun free concert. Check the video below. See you there!

Wowie! Free show Wednesday 6/23 by the awesome legendary English ska band, English Beat at Westlake Plaza downtown between noon and 1:30 pm. Gotta love that! Part of the Out to Lunch, Summer in the City free music series. Here’s the rest of the summer schedule here.

Celebrate Flag Day with a rousing game of cardboard tube fighting. Awaken your inner children and rally your actual children for the Old Glory Cardboard Tube Fight, brought to you by The World is Fun! Join TWIF at Cal Anderson Park on Sunday June 13th at 12:00PM for an afternoon of cardboard smackdowns. Don your suit of cardboard armor (finished with alternating red and blue duct tape stripes and blue star glitter perhaps?) and show your friends what celebrating Old Glory really means.

This event is all ages – inner children and actual children are welcome.
This event is FREE thanks to the great folks at Vitamin Water – However, donations to The World is Fun (the nonprofit organization that’s making the awesomeness happen) are greatly appreciated. All Ages / Tubes will be provided.

Free SAM Tickets at Starbucks
Pick up your ticket for one free adult admission
June 4, 2010
2 pm
Starbucks

As part of Starbucks’ “We-Love-You Fridays” promotion, you can stop by a local Starbucks on Friday, June 4 after 2 pm to pick up a free weekday ticket for one adult to visit SAM! Use this ticket to see the special exhibitions Kurt and love fear pleasure lust pain glamour death—Andy Warhol’s Media Works before they close on September 6.

For more information, visit the Starbucks website.

It’s a plethora of free food items and give-aways this week in the Seattle area.

Thursday April 15th is Tax Day and Taco Del Mar is giving you a free taco.

Also on Thursday, Starbucks is giving away a free cup of coffee if you bring in your own travel mug.

And from now until April 25th, buy one Jamba Juice and get another one for free.

Bank of America will be sponsoring a free museum weekend in Seattle as part of their Museums on Us program. It gives cardholders free access to the Museum of History & Industry, The Wing Luke Asian Museum, Northwest African American Museum, and Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma February 6-7 and the first weekend of every month until December 2010.

The nationwide program provides cardholders free access to 120 of the nation’s finest arts, cultural and educational institutions during the first full weekend of every month.

Offer valid the first full weekend (Sat. and Sun.) of the month. Photo ID and any valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented.

Museum On Us by Bank of America

Sylvia O’Stayformore, a longtime drag hostess and fixture on Capitol hill, is taking the new light rail to explore the city. She has taken the lead pianist of her previous band, Pocket Hercules, and they are off to explore the world. First stop Orient Express. Join Sylvia and Tor Middlewood as they explore rare Bacharach, vaudeville standards, girl group songs and original compositions. It’s true intimate cabaret at it’s finest. The train cars are small so come early to get a good seat where all the action is. Dinner and Drinks are served all night.

Tor Middlewood has an abiding love for 60s Pop of all kinds, but Girl Group artists and French Pop in particular. Since he encountered reactions ranging from bewilderment to dismay when suggesting to the heterosexual musicians he’s worked with trying to work Girl Group songs into their repertoire, he thought he may as well give a drag queen performer a try. Good thing he did. He has found in Sylvia an alacrity and openness to so many kinds of music he loves, it has set the beehive, or should we say anthill, of his mind a-whirl with the possibilities.

Tor, who plays guitar as well as keyboards, has played Rock of all kinds with a plethora of musicians and can bring the RAWK with the best of them, but, feeling it’s not quite right for him to stuff a sock in his pants and perm his hair, and due to the fact that he doesn’t have a Marshall stack, has decided to turn his talent elsewhere…. for the time being. Certain songs he’s written which were turned down by other musical outfits he is in and has been in can now find an audience. He calls his pairing with Sylvia O “a little twisted, but overall, perfect. Now this is fun!”

Orient Express Restaurant and Lounge 2963 4th Ave. S. (SODO) Seattle WA. Show runs every Thursday night (January and February) from 8:00pm-10:00pm No Cover

Thursday, January 7, 2010 08:00 PM – Thursday February 25th, 2010

Restaurant reservations and information: 206-682-0683

This Sunday offers some fine one-day shopping opportunities for those on your lists with tastes toward the “alternative.” Club Motor (SoDo) hosts the gothy “Mourning Market” from noon to 6pm, and the Transcendent Church of Bass (Interbay) hosts the “Bizarre Bazaar” from 3pm to 7pm. Both are free to attend and feature a good selection of local alternative artists and craft people.

“It all began at Crypticon ‘09… A group of us sinister crafters had crossed paths before but had not yet been contained in one room. So at the end of three days filled with horror and zombie filled goodness, we said goodbye until next time. But when will that be I wonder? Portland’s community had many events for us to sell our wares. But we all call Seattle our home, so why is it all business and no fun?! Miss Ginger called on the ladies to attend Dark Tea where we plotted and schemed… Mourning Market was born!”

“The Bizarre Bazaar is a community-supporting Alternative Market and Visionary Art Opening, featuring a variety of distinctive products created by local artists. We are turning the Transcendent Church of Bass into a market and filling it with art, crafts, clothing, and other epic loot. The Elixir bar will be open during the event, and downtempo DJ’s will add to the vibe. Please mark your calendars – it is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. It is a great opportunity for us to gather, connect, and support our artists by buying their creations so that they can continue to create art that is even more amazing.”

Web Sites & Directions:
Mourning Market – Club Motor, 1950 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA?
The Bizarre Bazaar – Transcendent Church of Bass, 920 Elliott Ave W., Seattle, WA 98119

Join Local Bands Laguna and The Black Top Demons for a night of motor inspired mayhem!

Featuring DJ Vodka Twist (Studio 66) and DJ Ace Face (West Enders Scooter Club) on dancehall duty.

Inspired by the famous Summer ride for Seattle scooterists and bikers.

Tiger Lounge
412 S. Orcas
No Cover 21+

Join this traditional Mexican celebration of life and death at the Phinney Center’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade and festival on Friday, November 6.

Start with the candlelight procession, which begins and ends at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N.  The procession will depart at 6:30 p.m. and return at 7:00pm.  Where you can participate in the community altar, enjoy poetry,  live music, hot chocolate, craft activities, and more.

The Phinney Center Dia de los Muertos art show will be on view through the month of November and features works by Dreama Blankenbeckler, Pedro De Valdivia, Amaranta Ibarra-Sandys, Reagan Jackson, Jena Marks, Debbie McGibbon, Elisha Miller, and Lincoln Skrypeck.

Costumed participants at the Phinney Center's Dia de los Muertos Celebration

In Mexico, El Día de los Muertos is a festive and family-centered event, traditionally held on Nov. 1st (Day of the Little Angels) and 2nd (Day of the Dead or all Soul’s Day in Christian tradition).  Día de los Muertos celebrations emphasize life and death as part of the same cycle and regard death on friendly and intimate terms.  According to beliefs rooted in pre-Columbian traditions, on Dia de los Muertos, the veil between life and death is at its thinnest and the dead can be lured back to us through the scent of marigolds and the temptation of offerings of favorite food and drink.

In certain parts of Mexico, an important facet of this celebration is the ofrenda, or personal altar, built both in family homes and/or over the graves of loved ones. Traditionally, photographs of the dead at are the altar center, around which are placed offerings of food, drink, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, and personal mementoes. All these items are presented in beautiful displays to honor the returning souls.

Call (206) 783-2244 for more information.

For a detail of the evenings events go to: http://www.phinneycenter.org/events/dayodead.shtm

EN ESPAÑOL:

Venga y acompañe la celebración tradicional mexicana de la vida y la muerte con el Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) en una procesión y festival el viernes 6 de noviembre 2009. Los festejos empezarán con una procesión a la luz de las velas, que partirá a las 6:30 pm, y terminará de regreso a las 7pm en el PNA, que se localiza en el 6532 Phinney Ave N. Todos son bienvenidos a participar en el altar comunitario y a disfrutar de música en vivo, chocolate caliente, actividades de arte y más.

En México el día de los muertos es un evento alegre y enfocado en la familia. Tradicionalmente, el 1 de Noviembre es el Día de los pequeños ángeles y el 2 de Noviembre es el Día de los muertos o Día de todas las almas en la tradición cristiana.

La celebración del día de los muertos enfatiza que la vida y la muerte son parte del mismo ciclo y contempla la muerte en condiciones amables e íntimas. Según creencias, con principios en tradiciones pre-Colombinas, en el día de los muertos, el velo entre la vida y la muerte es tan delgado que los muertos pueden ser atraídos de nuevo a los vivos por los aromas de incienso y la tentación de ofrendas de comidas y bebidas favoritas.

En algunas partes de México, una parte muy importante de esta celebración es la ofrenda o altar personal construido en casas familiares y/o sobre sepultura del muerto amado. Tradicionalmente, se colocan fotografías de los muertos en el centro del altar, rodeadas por ofrendas de comida, bebida, velas, flores, calaveras de azúcar y recuerdos personales. Todas estas cosas son presentadas de una forma muy vistosa y colorida para honrar las almas visitantes.

Damos la gracias al City of Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs y el Washington State Arts Commission por su apoyo, ya que han hecho posible la continuación de la celebración de este importante evento tradicional.

Llame al (206) 783-2244 para mayor información.

Trolloween is the Birthday celebration for Seattle’s famous Fremont Troll.

October 31st is the Trolls 20th Birthday!

It is held on his Birthday October 31st at 7pm sharp.
The celebration  starts with the Troll under the Aurora Bridge (Troll Ave & N 36th St), as he loves a good laugh and a great story.   Then revelers will be off for the annual Haunt of Fremont (a procession of costumed dancers & performers (& you) taking over the streets of Fremont.)

This 20th anniversary of the birth of the Fremont Troll, you’ll be experiencing the tale of  Dante’s Inferno. Many seasoned artists and performers will present their twisted and whacky version of this dark tale, known to us as: ‘Just a little lover’s spat ~ honey’.

Rain or dry, revelers will sing, dance, marvel, and laugh their way through the dark underbelly of Dante and Fremont.   This is an unsweetened and piquant family event with plenty of fun to scare the laughs out of any stoic kid or stogy adult.

Vamola

Come dressed as your favorite dead celebrity and take part in our costume walk across the final stage, under the Fremont Bridge, for the appreciation of your community.

If you can lend a hand to help pull off this fabulous piece of street theater, meet by the Troll at 6:30pm & check in with the volunteer coordinator to get a job.

p.s. Find your place in hell by taking this quiz: http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv

There’s a Halloween Costume Fashion Show taking place at the Fremont Studios, Sunday, October 4th at 3:00pm. The event is free but space is limited. RSVP now to secure your seat.

See the latest Halloween trends for kids, adults, groups, and even pets. To kick this event into full Halloween mode, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, will make a special appearance.

The Costume Fashion Show will have two acts. The first act is designed as family friendly and will include pet, kid and family costumes. The second act will showcase some more risque adult costumes. Between each act will be a 20 minute intermission to allow families the ability to leave at their discretion.

Costumes previewed in the Costume Fashion Show will be available for purchase after the show at a 25% discounted price.

A limited number of guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet the one and only Elvira – Mistress of the Dark. VIP guests receive valet parking, front row fashion show seating and a backstage meet and great reception with Elvira. Complimentary food, beer and wine will be served and guest will receive 25% off their Halloween look. VIP tickets are $50 and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com

Find out more about Elvira!

Enjoy free general admission for you and a guest to hundreds of museums and cultural venues nationwide on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Included are such great museums as EMP and the Science Fiction Museum, the Museum of Flight, the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, plus dozens of others all around the state. Click HERE for the entire list of free museums. Sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine.

Over the last four years, the Seattle-based company Brown Bear has washed a total of 53,623 cars for free on their annual free car wash day, and they’re going to do a few more free ones this Thursday, August 27th.

As a way to say “thank you” to area residents for over 52 years of patronage, Brown Bear will be offering free “Bear Essential” car washes to the public Thursday, August 27, from 8am to 8pm at all of the company’s automated “tunnel wash” locations in the Puget Sound area. See www.brownbear.com for a list of participating locations.

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery continues its summer celebration of Seattle cartoonists with a signing and book launch party for Eroyn Franklin’s new graphic novel Another Glorious Day at the Nothing Factory on Saturday, August 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Produced with the support of the Xeric Foundation and Allied Arts, this 216 page book consists of striking hand cut images, with an individually die-cut silkscreen cover in a numbered edition of 1,000 copies.

Another Glorious Day at the Nothing Factory is a revealing examination of the artist’s transition from adolescence to adulthood. Franklin’s impressionistic narrative complements the austere hand cut imagery in her exquisitely crafted autobiography.

Drop by and meet this extraordinary young artist this Saturday. While you’re there you can enjoy a cold beverage and take in our delightful exhibition of Seattle cartoonists including new work by Fantagraphics superstars Jim Woodring, Peter Bagge, and Jim Blanchard together with Franklin and her fellow Xeric alums Ellen Forney, Megan Kelso, and David Lasky among other local wonders.

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) only minutes south of downtown. Open daily 11:30 until 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.