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MLK Day Youth Celebration kicks off our 2019 events! A night to foster the talents of Seattle’s young people!

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On Sunday, January 20, 2019, we highlight the talents of the next generation – today!

Join us for this family-friendly event with free food, a DJ, and an open mic setting where young future leaders can express what Dr. King means in the art form most relevant to them! Youth interested in performing can sign-up here.

Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2 PM – 5 PM

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
104 17th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98144

Want to volunteer for this event? Register here.

This is event is FREE and open to the community. Sponsored by Historic Central Area Arts & Cultural District, (HCAACD), in partnership with Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, and Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the CD Forum for Arts & Ideas launches Sunday Dinner featuring CD Forum Founder Stephanie Ellis-Smith

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In honor of our 20th anniversary, CD Forum for Arts & Ideas continues our newest event series, SUNDAY DINNERS, with a *very* special guest: CD Forum Founder STEPHANIE ELLIS-SMITH!

Hosted by CD Forum co-curator DANI TIRRELL, each month we’re gathering with you for food and conversation, as we celebrate some of the most inspirational Black folx in our community keeping art and culture alive–while enjoying food catered by some of Seattle’s most sought after and talented Black chefs.
Our January dinner will be catered by DONNA MOODIE of MARJORIE restaurant on South Capitol Hill, which Seattle Times food critic Providence Cicero says offers offbeat ambiance and inventive fare. Donna is also a former Board President and Director of CD Forum, making this Sunday Dinner even more of a family affair!

Tickets are just $15 / Students $10! We want everyone to be able to join us at the table.

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About the Featured Guest: STEPHANIE ELLIS-SMITH
Stephanie Ellis-Smith is the owner of the philanthropy advisory firm Phila Engaged Giving, is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and a Certified 21/64 Advisor in multi-generational family philanthropy. She is also a Consultant Advisor with The Giving Practice at Philanthropy Northwest.

Stephanie works with individuals, families, foundations, and corporations to enhance their giving in light of their goals and incorporate best practices in the field. She helps her clients clarify their intentions and empowers them to feel the joy of using their wealth, talents, and experience to improve the lives of those around them.

Whether consulting with individuals seeking greater meaning from their giving, foundations leaning into stakeholder engagement, or companies fine-tuning their social responsibility programs, Stephanie is known for her generative thinking, sparking new ideas that lead to actionable results.

For nearly 20 years, she has been a leader on over a dozen nonprofit boards and commissions, including appointments by Governor Gary Locke, Mayor Greg Nickels, and Mayor Ed Murray. Stephanies broad professional expertise in the civic sector has earned her numerous awards including Puget Sound Business Journals 40 Under 40 Award, Microsoft Corporations Community Hero Award and the Seattle Weekly’s Best Expander of Cultural Boundaries.  October 19, 2009, was dedicated as Stephanie Ellis-Smith Day, by then Mayor, Ed Murray.

She lives in Seattle and is married to the Russian historian, Douglas Smith, and has two teenagers and a Doberman.

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About the Featured Chef: DONNA MOODIE of MARJORIE restaurant (Capitol Hill)
Born in Jamaica and raised in Chicago, Donna found her way into her mother’s kitchen at an early age. What left the biggest impression wasn’t just the food, but her mother’s gracious hospitality always hosting dinner parties, always finding room for one more guest at the table, with the standard of perfection being the comfort and pleasure of those around her.

Donna moved to Seattle in 1993 and opened her first restaurant, Marcos Supperclub, with former husband and business partner. It opened to great acclaim and by 1997, the pair had a second smash hit on their hands with Lush Life, which featured regional Italian cuisine in a sleek, romantic setting. Both restaurants globetrotting menus and a mix of sophistication and funky charm anticipated important trends on the Seattle dining scene, and their popular success helped revitalize the city’s then derelict and deserted Belltown neighborhood.

Donna branched out on her own, transforming Lush Life into Marjorie, paying tribute to the inspiration for her lifelong affair with hospitality. Enjoying five successful years in Belltown, Marjorie relocated to Seattle’s vibrant and eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood, opening its doors in the spring of 2010.

Having clearly established herself as a trailblazing restauranteur, Donna is President and CEO of Mint Holdings, a food, and design company she created in 2008. Donna also serves as a Mayor-appointed commissioner for the Seattle Center. She is a former Board President and Director of the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas and served on the Capitol Hill Housing Foundation Board.

Donna enthusiastically parents her son Max, travels, and occasions boxing and yoga studios in Seattle, paddleboarding when whether permits.

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About the Host/Curator: DANI TIRRELL
Dance artist, performer, choreographer, and dance educator.  Dani has danced with Jazz and Spirit Dance Theater of Detroit, Monroe Ballet Company, Full Circle Dance Company, Natural Locz Dance Company and Dani Tirrell Dance Theater that he founded and serves as Artistic Director. Dani also created Color Lines Dance Ensemble for youth dance artist ages 12 to 18. As a performer, Dani has performed on countless stages and festivals throughout the world. Danis latest work “Black Bois” premiered at On the Boards (Seattle) in April 2018.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN WRITERS’ ALLIANCE POETRY READING

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Join a diverse and dynamic collective of Seattle-are writers of African de- scent. This forum provides an informal and supportive venue for new and published writers. Meets every second Monday of the month!

Monday, January 14, 2019

Third Place Books—Seward Park 5041 Wilson Ave S. Seattle, WA 98118 7 to 8 PM

 

ABOUT AAWA –
The African-American Writers’ Alliance, a diverse and dynamic collective of Seattle-area writers of African descent, provides an informal and supportive forum for new and published writers.
We help one another polish our skills, provide peer review, and create opportunities for public readings and other media venues. Ultimately the group encourages members to publish individually and collectively.
Our stories—triumphs, tragedies, and whatever is within and between the two—are the history of African Americans. We must tell our stories in our words and encourage others to do the same.

WHO WE ARE –
We are published authors and novices. We are professional writers and late-night storytellers. We are Baby Boomers and Millennials. We are world travelers, we are homebodies. We are African-American men and women from all walks of life who have words bursting to make their way through us.

OUR HISTORY-
Californian Randee Eddins called to order what became the first meeting of the African-American Writers’ Alliance in February 1991.  She encouraged an exchange of ideas, works in progress and sharing our poems, stories, essays, plays, and novels.  In this mutually supportive setting, writers listened and shared their work without censure.
AAWA continues its mission at our monthly meetings (Saturdays, Columbia City Branch of the Seattle Library, library opening until noon). The fringe benefit is sharing what we write with an audience other than ourselves.  We read in many Puget Sound venues:  Elliot Bay Bookstore, Arts/4 Culture, Columbia City Gallery, Gallery 110. and the Sundiata Festival.
AAWA has published four anthologies:  Sometimes I Wander in 1998, Gifted Voices in 2000, Words? Words! Words in 2004, Threads in 2009, and Voices That Matter in 2018.

Mickey Thomas of Starship to Star in New Production of Rock of Ages at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Full Casting Announced

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February 1 – 24, 2019
Book by Chris D’Arienzo

Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp. Directed and Choreographed by Lisa Shriver

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced that Mickey Thomas, the lead singer of Starship (formerly Jefferson Starship), will star as Dennis in its sensational new production of Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages is the ‘80s rock ballad blast that features the music of Styx, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, and more. With Mickey Thomas as lead vocalist, Starship produced hits including “We Built This City” (which appears in the production), “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” and “Sara.”

The 5th’s production will feature the previously announced Diana Huey as Sherrie, Galen Disston of Seattle band Pickwick as Drew, and an incomparable group of nationally recognized musicians and Seattle-based actors. Making their 5th Avenue Theatre debuts are Felicia Loud of Seattle performance group Black Stax as Justice/Mother, and Sara Porkalob, the Gregory Award-winning artist activist, as Regina. Returning to The 5th are Brandon O’Neill (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Carousel, The Pirates of Penzance) as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Nick DeSantis (Sunday in the Park With George, ELF, The Music Man) as Hertz, Dane Stokinger (Annie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Christmas Story) as Lonny, and Nik Hagen (Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Franz.

“We are thrilled with the wide range of experience this cast brings to the table,” said 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry. “It’s an eclectic and immensely talented group of some of the best performers and musicians in Seattle and beyond, that will give audiences a chance to see this musical-meets-rock-concert like it’s never been done before.”

Playing February 1 – 24, 2019 (press opening Friday, February 8), single tickets for Rock of Ages are on sale now and subscriptions are still available online atwww.5thavenue.org, by phone at 206.625.1900, or in person at the Box Office at 1308 5th Avenue in Downtown Seattle. Stage side VIP table seating will be available for sale starting on January 11 at 10:00am by calling 206.625.1900

 

Wonderfully funny, occasionally zany, and riddled with scorching songs, Rock of Ages is an unforgettable, indestructible experience that spent six years on Broadway as well as sold out productions around the world. Rock of Ages is the story of a small town girl and a city boy, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Styx, Whitesnake, Poison, Foreigner, Joan Jett, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. Lisa Shriver, the acclaimed choreographer known for her work on Broadway in Jesus Christ Superstar, The Story of My Life, and Ring of Fire, among others, makes her 5th Avenue Theatre debut to direct and choreograph.

 

About the Cast

Mickey Thomas makes his 5th Avenue Theatre debut as Dennis. He is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled Starship through the decades of the ‘80s and ‘90s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Thomas has established himself as one of rock music’s most recognizable stars. Thomas made his mark in 1976 as lead vocalist on the mega-hit “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” with The Elvin Bishop Band. In 1979, Thomas joined Jefferson Starship as lead vocalist, after the departure of Grace Slick and Marty Balin. Backed by the power of Thomas’s vocals, Jefferson Starship immediately scored a #1 hit with “Jane.” With this new sound and powerful new vocals, the group was renamed Starship and continued to record an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out,” “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and an Oscar nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie Mannequin.

 

Diana Huey returns to The 5th Avenue Theatre as Sherrie. Her 5th Avenue Theatre credits include Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel, Gregory Award), Jasper in Deadland, RENT, Mame, and Adventure Musical Theatre. Regional credits include Miss Saigon (Helen Hayes Award), ELF (Jovie), Xanadu (Kira), Spring Awakening (Wendla), Avenue Q(Christmas Eve), and James and the Giant Peach (Spider, original cast).

 

Galen Disston makes his 5th Avenue Theatre debut as Drew. Rock of Ages also marks his theatrical debut. Disston is the lead singer of Seattle’s own soulful rock ‘n’ roll band Pickwick. Pickwick gained national notoriety with their 2013 debut record Can’t Talk Medicine. In 2017, Pickwick released their highly-anticipated follow up, Lovejoys.

 

Felicia Loud makes her debut at The 5th Avenue Theatre as Justice/Mother. Her credits include a nomination for her solo performance in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill(ArtsWest), Pullman Porter Blues (Seattle Repertory Theatre), and her solo piece Simply Me (Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute). Music: Ill-Us-Trait Live Sessions coming March 2019.

 

Sara Porkalob makes her 5th Avenue Theatre debut as Regina. She is an award-winning artist activist and performs, directs, and writes for stages all over Seattle. In March, American Repertory Theatre will produce Dragon Lady and Dragon Mama, two plays in her family trilogy The Dragon Cycle. In July, Nordo’s Culinarium will produce her new musical, 7th and Jackson, inspired by the rich history of Seattle’s International District.

 

Brandon O’Neill returns to The 5th Avenue Theatre as Stacee Jaxx/Father. Select 5th Avenue Theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Carousel, Pirates of Penzance, RENT, Guys and Dolls, Candide, and Miss Saigon. He has performed on Broadway in Aladdin (Original Broadway Cast), A Bronx Tale (first replacement), and is the Voice of Cave of Wonders worldwide. Select regional credits include Oslo, Pride & Prejudice, A View from the Bridge, Assassins, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Beatsville, Beatrice and Benedict, Sondheim at the Pops, and Peter and the Starcatcher. O’Neill is in the 2018 ACT Theatre Core Company, and Uldren Sov in Bungie’s Destiny.

 

Nick DeSantis returns to The 5th Avenue Theatre as Hertz. He has previously been seen onstage at The 5th in Sunday in the Park With George (Franz), ELF (Mr. Greenway), The Music Man, Cinderella, and Assassins (The Proprietor). Other favorite roles include Hairspray (Edna), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Lumière), Les Misérables (Thenardier), and Christmas Martian #2 in Mrs. Pope’s third grade pageant.

 

Dane Stokinger returns to The 5th Avenue Theatre as Lonny. At The 5th he has performed in Annie (Rooster), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), A Christmas Story (Old Man), and Monty Python’s Spamalot! (Lancelot). Other regional credits include Wizard of Oz (Tin Man) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang(Caractacus Potts) at Seattle Children’s Theatre, and The Full Monty (Jerry), Trails (Mike), and No Way to Treat a Lady (Morris Brummell) at Village Theatre.

 

Nik Hagen returns to The 5th as Franz. Previous 5th Avenue Theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Holiday Inn, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He has a BA in Theatre from Whitman College and has performed at Village Theatre, StageRIGHT, Can Can Cabaret, and will be returning to The 5th this summer in West Side Story.

 

The ensemble features Nicholas Japaul Bernard (Ja’Keith, Lonny Understudy), Kristin Burch (Regina Understudy), Sarah Rose Davis (Waitress, Sherrie Understudy), Eric Dobson (Drew Understudy), Lauren Du Pree (Justice Understudy), Jason Kappus (Joey Primo, Stacee Jaxx Understudy), Trina Mills, and Richard Peacock (Mayor, Hertz Understudy, Dennis Understudy).

 

About the Director and Choreographer

Lisa Shriver is thrilled to be making her 5th Avenue Theatre debut. Her Broadway credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, The Farnsworth Invention, The Story of My Life, and Ring of Fire. As an assistant choreographer she has worked on 11 Broadway productions including The Producers and Titanic. Off Broadway credits include Into the Woods(Fiasco Theatre/Roundabout, Lucille Lortel Nomination for Outstanding Choreography), Yellow Face (The Public Theatre), and Fetch Clay Make Man (NY Theatre Workshop). Regional (Stratford Shakespeare Festival): Caesar and Cleopatra, The Tempest (both w/Christopher Plummer), Grapes of Wrath, The Scottish Play, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Film: A Beautiful Mind, Hysterical Blindness, and A Christmas Carol w/Jim Carrey and directed by Robert Zemeckis. Assistant Choreographer: The Polar Express, Mixed Nutsw/Steve Martin, and Center Stage. TV: A Very Murray Christmas, directed by Sofia Coppola (starring Bill Murray), Broad City (season three finale), and The Detour. Other: Phish’s New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden, Busch Gardens, and Disney Cruise Line. She is grateful for the support of her agent, Max Grossman; her associate, Jesse Robb; and her family: Brian and Viola.

 

About the Music Director
Matt Perri makes his 5th Avenue Theatre debut with Rock of Ages. Perri is currently the Resident Music Supervisor for The 5th Avenue Theatre. He was recently the conductor for the Broadway musical Bandstand, including the film version. Other Broadway credits include Come From Away; Finding Neverland; Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella; Scandalous; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2011); Promises, Promises (2010), Rock of Ages; White Christmas; and The Drowsy Chaperone. His Off-Broadway credits include Cagney, for which he also co-produced the original cast recording. Television credits include The Sound of Music Live and Peter Pan Live, both on NBC, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The View. In concert, he has served as music director and performed with Bette Midler, Kristin Chenoweth, and Mario Cantone.

 

About the Band

The band for this production of Rock of Ages will play onstage. It will feature Andy Stoller of Heart (bass), RL Heyer (guitar), Justin S. Davis (guitar), and Mike Stone (drums).

 

About the Creative Team

Rock of Ages showcases scenic design by Matt Smucker, costume design by Cathy Meacham Hunt, lighting design by Elizabeth Harper, sound design co-designed by David Partridge and John Shivers, and hair and makeup design by Jason Goldsberry.

 

Additional staff includes Jesse Robb (associate director and choreographer), Tim Symons (associate music director and conductor), Michael Notestine (assistant costume designer), Chris Reay (assistant lighting designer), JR Welden (production stage manager), and Shellie Stone and Rachel Bury (assistant stage managers).

 

The Friends of Art of Pier 86 would like to invite you to the Closing Viewing Party of the first video art exhibit of the Let There Be Light Program!

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The Let There Be Light program features two, multi day exhibits of large scale projected video art onto the head house of the Pier 86 grain terminal during December of 2018.

With a canvas is 222ft tall and exhibits that will run for a total of 10 days, this program will be the largest and longest public video art exhibits to date in the Seattle area!

The exhibits will be able to be viewed from Centennial Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, as well as part of Downtown, SODO, West Seattle, Queen Anne and from the water.

The Closing Viewing Party will be held at

Expedia
645 Elliott Ave W #200, Seattle, WA 98119

A wall of windows face the exhibit site for optimal viewing of the projected exhibit by HexagonMisfit.

The Viewing Party will include
Acknowledgments/Opening speech by Chairperson Betty Winfield.
Special Guest speakers
Music
Free refreshments provided by Expedia

Joining us will be
STEVE SNEED
SEATTLE CENTER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: SEATTLE FESTIVALS

ELHAM HAKIM & KAROUN ENSEMBLE PERFORM
“SHAB-E-YALDA” IRANIAN WINTER SOLSTICE

SWIL KANIM
LUMMI TRIBAL MEMBER, MUSICIAN & STORYTELLER

+ photo booth by Vitamin Dee Photography
+ music by dj manos

Free
All Ages
Open to the public

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Read more about the project and artists below
http://www.fap86.com/the-artists/

While the two exhibits will be working within the theme of the project, they will showcase and explore very different avenues of the art.

Pier 86 is a testimony to both land and sea; grains collected from the interior continent are then shipped to distant peoples. The symbolism of using Pier 86 roots Seattle’s connection to Elliot Bay, the ancestral home of the Native peoples, the cities original industrial development and more recently, tech and tourism commerce.

“Let There Be Light” will be a celebration of the Seattle waterfront, it’s history, it’s people, and it’s light shining the way into the future.

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SECOND EXHIBIT

-Will be showing during Closing Viewing Party –

DEC 14TH-21ST, 2018

Showing nightly 6pm-10pm

Artists- Hexagon Misfit
Chris Rojas; Seattle
Craig Winslow; Portland
www.HexagonMisfit.com
Instagram: @hexagonmisfit
HexagonMisfit

In their exhibit for the Let There Be Light program Hexagon Misfit will visually explore the past, present and future of the Waterfront and peoples of the PNW with projection mapping, 3D imaging, and historical moments. The exhibit will invite the viewers to take a journey through time and celebrate the significance of Seattle’s past while looking into the future with the power of light. Within the journey the artists will showcase the art itself and celebrate the return of light using projection mapping to create a beautiful and intriguing experience.

Craig Winslow is an experiential designer based in Portland, OR with a passion for blending the physical and digital, and a fascination with how we incorporate the past within our future. He was an Adobe Creative Resident 16/17′, currently teaches at PNCA as a research fellow in the Make+Think+Code Lab, and has run his own studio for the past several years working with NikeLab, The Neon Museum, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Princeton University, Adobe, and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Chris Rojas is an Experiential Designer based in Seattle, WA and focuses on large-scale real-time interactive art. Much of the work incorporates emerging technologies such as VR, AR, XR, depth cameras, optical tracking, and custom electronics. Chris has worked with Nike, Microsoft, Intel, GE, Levi, TED and various entertainers such as The Black Eyed Peas, DJ Tiesto, Steve Aoki, Paul Oakenfold, Deadmau5, Phantogram and Depth Cab For Cutie.

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FIRST EXHIBIT

Dec 7th-10th, 2018
Showing nightly 6pm-10pm
Artists – SIGNALS
https://s-i-g-n-a-l-s.com/
Nicolas Sassoon; Vancouver BC Canada
Rick Silva; Eugene, Oregon

“SIGNALS is a collaborative project by artists Nicolas Sassoon (Vancouver, BC) and Rick Silva (Eugene, OR) focusing on immersive audio-visual renderings of altered seascapes.

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Many thanks to Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Parks Foundation, Port of Seattle and Expedia for the support on this amazing project!

BOHEMIA – A whimsical display of aerial, dance, comedy, burlesque, and more

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Set in 1890s Prague and Soaked in Absinthe
Opal Peachey and Mark Siano Present

BOHEMIA

A whimsical display of aerial, dance, comedy, burlesque, and more
set to live Dvorák, Chopin, Debussy, with original musical works
interwoven with familiar classics.
Featuring a new piece that promises to be a luminescent spectacular
The illustrious Triple Door transforms into 1890s Prague in Bohemia, a story about love, classical music, art nouveau, green fairies and absinthe. Presented by Opal Peachey and Mark Siano, this new musical combines live orchestral music from composers Antonín Dvorák and Frédéric Chopin, with original musical works; a set inspired by the art of Alphonse Mucha; and historic artists Sarah Bernhardt and George Sand interweave with beautiful green fairies, aerial numbers, dance, burlesque, classical piano battles, comedy, and new and original songs.
Bohemia runs January 17 – 26, 2019 for only 13 performances at the Triple Door. For tickets and information, call the Triple Door box office at (206) 838-4333 or visit their website at www.thetripledoor.net.

The story centers around famous Bohemian composer Antonín Dvorák who has hit a wall prior to composing his magnum opus. In a move of desperation he turns to a bottle of absinthe for inspiration. In this macabre and mystical dream cabaret, Dvorák is visited by the ghost of late composer Frédéric Chopin and a host of green fairies. Chopin and many other famous Bohemians guide Dvorák as they search for the true source of inspiration and grasp at artistic immortality.
“A new original piece Keep Dreaming, which sounds like Erik Satie mixed with Elton John and Florence and the Machine, will be an eye popping number,” said Director Mark Siano. “It’s a spectacle that people will be talking about. Hundreds of miniature LED lights attached to the dancers will illuminate the stage as green fairies attempt to lure the struggling composer Dvorak into a dream state.”
Traditional Absinthe service will be available in the VIP section of the Triple Door and served by dancing green fairies during intermission for those who wish to try the wormwood for themselves. This year, Lucid Absinthe and Jade Absinthes are official liquor sponsors and are available for purchase at the show.
At the helm of the show is Mark Siano, the director of holiday sellout hit A Very Die Hard Christmas, and comedy writer with acclaimed The Habit. Cafe Nordo star and co-producer Opal Peachey stars as Chopin – both the character and one of Chopin’s nocturnes. Bohemia promises to be fun and lively, with drink service a plenty.
Cast of Bohemia include Tori Spero Dullenty as Wormwood, Hisam Goueli as Mucha/Malabron,Katheryn Reed as Rusalka, Gabriela Sanchez Samano as Faye, Bo Mellinger as Vodník, Claire Marxas George Sand, Pamela Turpen as Sarah Bernhardt, Opal Peachey as Frédéric Chopin, Isobella Bloom as Zuzanna, Tanya Brno as Camille, and Mark Siano as Antonín Dvořák.
Bohemia is written by Opal Peachey and Mark Siano. Musical direction by Dayton Allemann, composition by Dayton Allemann, Mark Siano, and Opal Peachey, and musicians performing live on stage include Dayton Alleman (piano, flute, percussion) and Andy Wickell (violin) and others soon to be cast. Set design created by Ron Darling and Mark Siano, costume design by Kit Goldsworthy, production design by Robin Nunnally, photography and additional design by Max Shaw and Julia Nardin, and poster design by Thea Roe.
WHEN:      
January 17 – 26, 2019
Thursday, January 17 – 8:00 p.m. – Opening Night
Friday, January 18 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 18 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 19 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 19 – 10:00 p.m
Sunday, January 20 – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 22 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 23 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 24 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 25 7:00 p.m.
Friday, January 25 10:00 p.m
Saturday, January 26 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 26 – 10:00 p.m.
TICKETS:
$20.00-$45.00
**VIP Seating includes Absinthe menu and traditional service (spoons, sugar, ice fountains) available at intermission. Service only available in the VIP sections.
Box Office: (206) 838-4333
Online Box Office: www.thetripledoor.net

17th annual Polar Bear Plunge set for Jan. 1 at Matthews Beach

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Start off the New Year with a splash!

Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Meadowbrook Community Center Advisory Council are co-sponsoring the 17th annual Polar Bear Plunge at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. NE. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the plunge starts at noon sharp.

A 2019 Commemorative Badge of Courage will be given to all heroic Polar Bear participants who immerse themselves neck-deep in the water. The patch will show the world that participants braved the frigid waters.

Warming refreshments will be served. While people wait for the plunge to kick off, there will be a variety of food trucks available, games, a photo booth, music, and a t-shirt/sweatshirt vendor.

As in previous years, younger polar bears and anyone else who needs a little more room can take part in the Polar Cub Club part of the event immediately preceding the main plunge. For the truly hearty, double-dipping is allowed.

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a few tips for enjoying a fun, safe swim:

  • Make the plunge even more special by dressing up in a costume!
  • Come early, and carpool or take the bus (you can plan your trip at http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/).
  • If you have heart problems or other serious medical concerns, we recommend that you consult your healthcare professional before taking the Polar Bear Plunge. If you can’t go in the water, come and watch!
  • Don’t drink alcohol–it doesn’t warm you up, and it accelerates hypothermia.
  • Stay in the water for no longer than 15 minutes—you lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air.
  • Keep your outer clothing on until you’re ready to get in the water. After the plunge, remove wet clothing before getting into dry clothes.

The Polar Bear Plunge was the first official event of its kind in the Seattle area and has inspired other, similar events throughout the region. Janet Wilson, Aquatic Center Coordinator at Meadowbrook Pool, started the event on Jan. 1, 2003. About 300 people participated in that first Polar Bear Plunge, and since then the attendance has soared to more than 1,900 brave bears. Follow the Facebook event here for updates.

 

Free admission to the Volunteer Park Conservatory Dec. 24 though Feb. 28

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and The Friends of the Conservatory (FOC) are pleased to announce that the Volunteer Park Conservatory will waive all admission fees Dec. 24, 2018 though the end of February, 2019.

Free admission to the Conservatory during this time period is made possible by a generous donation from the Bennett-Shear family – a gift from the children to celebrate their parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. Son Emmett Shear said, “We grew up walking to the Conservatory during my whole childhood, and I know my parents want everyone to be able to enjoy this beauty and peace. In their honor, I’m excited to be able to invite people to come for free to the Conservatory again.” (The Conservatory had been a free experience until 2013)

SPR and FOC encourage everyone, especially those who have never visited before, as well as school groups planning field trips, to take advantage of this opportunity to discover the Conservatory at no cost.

The Conservatory’s Poinsettia and Holiday Train Display will be up and running through January 1, 2019, and the FOC offers free docent tours by appointment Tuesdays through Sundays (except the first Saturday of the month). To schedule a tour, please email foc@volunteerparkconservatory.org.

The Conservatory’s regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays except for the upcoming holidays). The Conservatory will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Regular admission will be reinstated on March 1, 2019. Adults $4; Youth $2; Kids under age 12 are always free.

Many thanks to the Bennett-Shear Family for making the Conservatory accessible to all during this holiday season.

Questions? Please contact Khue Tran, FOC Executive Administrator, at Khue.Tran@volunteerparkconservatory.org.

STEVENS PASS GOES EPIC WITH FIRST STORM OF THE SEASON Opening Day brings new future for Pacific Northwest skiers with investment on the way

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Stevens Pass opened under the Vail Resorts banner today with 23 inches of new snow mid-mountain falling in the last two days, and more on the way.

Serious storm action off the top of the week brought the mid-mountain snow level up by two feet, for a 34-inch base and 49 inches mid-mountain. Snow is expected to continue throughout the week with new terrain opening daily.

“This is going to be a great season for us. We’ve just announced two new chairlifts and the snow has clearly arrived. By this time next week, we’re fully expecting most, if not all of our terrain will be open, and we’ll be enjoying new snow through Christmas and the New Year,” said Tom Pettigrew, Stevens Pass General Manager.

On Friday, Vail Resorts announced Stevens Pass will share in a $35 million investment it is making in its newest resorts, as part of its $175-180 million capital investment package for the coming season. Both the Brooks and Daisy chairlifts will be replaced with bigger, more modern lifts by the 2019-20 season, with additional upgrades to food services.

For Seattle area skiers, this season marks the first opportunity to purchase an EPIC pass, for use at Stevens Pass and the full complement of Vail Resorts properties. The EPIC pass offers access to 65 resorts, including the Colorado mountains and North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, which is located just north of Washington State in British Columbia.

“This really is the start of a new era at Stevens Pass. This is an extremely successful hill, with 81 years of servicing the Pacific Northwest ski community. Joining the Vail Resorts family is only going to make it a stronger option for both core skiers and families,” said Pettigrew.

Stevens Pass had its first big snowfall mid-October and has received a cumulative 58 inches of snow for the season. The resort opened with the Daisy, Brooks, Skyline and Hogsback lifts open, accessing 23 runs.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 15 world-class mountain resorts and three urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; Perisher in Australia; Stowe and Okemo in Vermont; Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire; Stevens Pass in Washington; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. Vail Resorts owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.

Seattle Center Festál Infuses Love, Peace and Understanding into 2019 Series

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Embrace our ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of our region at Seattle Center Festál. The “Love, Peace and Understanding” theme for 2019 is woven throughout 24 free, ethnic cultural festivals. In a time of divisive national rhetoric, Festál celebrates our shared humanity to build connections, tear down stereotypes and create trust.

Entering its 22 year, Festál offers an opportunity for communities to gather and share deeply rooted traditions and contemporary influences with the greater Seattle area through live music, dance, visual exploration, literature, film, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on learning and play for kids and adults. Many festivals also feature authentic foods and goods available for purchase.

Newly added this year is the “Alaska Airlines Fly Away Giveaway.” Guests who obtain a passport inside the Armory and collect stamps by attending festivals can be entered to win two round-trip airfare tickets to any Alaska Airlines destination. Each stamp is an entry to win; the more Festál events attended and stamps collected, the higher the odds of winning! More information at seattlecenter.com/festal.

Here are the festivals in the 2019 series:

Têt in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 – 27
Inviting the community to a celebration of the lunar new year with lion dances, firecrackers, martial arts, dance and visual arts. tetinseattle.org

Irish Festival, Saturday and Sunday, March 16 – 17
Highlighting the Irish heritage of the Pacific Northwest with traditional music, step-dancing, art exhibits, genealogy workshops and Celtic handcrafts. irishclub.org

Seattle’s French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures, Sunday, March 24
Celebrating the place of French language, culture and joie de vivre in over 30 countries worldwide with francophone fashion, fine cuisine, wine tastings and a wide array of musical performances. fenpnw.org

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 26 – 28
Underscoring the deep friendship between Seattle and Japan as it honors the renewal of life with springtime cherry blossoms, booming Taiko drums, contemporary Japanese arts and a traditional tea ceremony. cherryblossomfest.org

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration, Sunday, May 5

Recognizing Seattle’s strong ties with Asia and the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our region through culturally influenced music and dance and a celebrity hum bow eating contest. apiheritage.com 

A Glimpse of China – Chinese Culture & Arts Festival, Saturday, May 18

Illuminating the colorful and ancient palette of Chinese arts with dance, painting, calligraphy, workshops and martial arts. chinaartandculture.org

Northwest Folklife Festival, Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 27

Weaving a cultural tapestry of art and music for all to enjoy at this packed, participatory four-day community-wide celebration. nwfolklife.org

Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 1 – 2

Observing Phillippine independence from colonial rule and the strength of Filipino identity and imagination through art exhibits, songs, spoken word, films and martial arts. festalpagdiriwang.com

Indigenous People Festival, Saturday, June 8

Instilling better understanding for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the Pacific Northwest through a blending of traditional and contemporary music, dance, drama and arts. sihb.org

Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest, Saturday and Sunday, June 15 – 16

Sharing the profound stories of African Americans through an entertainment-packed weekend featuring hip hop, dance, gosepl, visual arts, soul food, exhibits and a marketplace. festivalsundiata.org

Iranian Festival, Saturday, June 22

Deepening community and understanding for the rich cultures of Iran with Persian poetry, tea, modern music and and traditional dance. iaca-seattle.org

Spirit of Africa, Saturday, June 29

Fostering greater inclusivity, awareness and appreciation for the varied traditions of music, movement and storytelling of the African diaspora. thespiritofafrica.org

Polish Festival Seattle, Saturday, July 13

Promoting Polish heritage and presence in our region through a lively day of traditional foods, exhibits, workshops, vodka tastings and a beer garden. polishfestivalseattle.org

Seattle Arab Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 – 11

Highlighting the sights, sounds and tastes of 22 Arab nations with henna dying, live music, calligraphy, coffee, cooking and folk dancing reflective of the varied Arabian cultures. seattlecenter.com/festal

BrasilFest, Sunday, Aug. 18

Uniting traditional and contemporary Brazilian drumming, dance, music, visual arts, capoeira and celebration during the week of Brazilian Folkore Day. brasilfest.org

Tibet Fest, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 – 25

Bestowing messages of love, compassion and kindness through a fusion of ancient and new Tibetan arts and culture to engage, entertain and educate. washingtontibet.org

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, Sunday, Sept. 8

Cultivating passion and appreciation for Hawaiian culture with BBQ and poke, hands-on workshops, island music and dance and a marketplace. seattlelivealohafestival.com

Seattle Fiestas Patrias, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 – 15

Commemorating Latin American independence with art and craft displays, dancing horses, mariachi bands, folk dancers and tantalizing, time-honored foods.

seattlefiestaspatrias.org

The Italian Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28 – 29

Offering a spotlight on this inventive nation with food and wine, music and musings – and spirit that is uniquely Italian. festaseattle.com

CroatiaFest, Sunday, Oct. 6

Preserving the customs and creativity of  Croatian culture with musical ensembles, colorful dress, savories and sweets and imported goods. croatiafest.org

Turkfest, Saturday and Sunday, Oct 19 – 20

Integrating Eastern and Western influences through Turkish arts and expression, textile displays, workshops and rich cuisine. turkfest.org

Diwali: Lights of India, Saturday, Oct. 26

Inspiring a day of joyful celebration that marks the Indian festival of light with art workshops, succulent foods, henna tatooing, folk dancing and more.

vedicculturalcenter.org

Dia de Muertos – A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 – 3

Honoring the departed in a celebration steeped in ritual and tradition through elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions and festive music.

diademuertosenseattle.org

Hmong New Year Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9

Marking the end of the harvest season and the coming of a new year for this deeply rooted Asian highland culture with ornate clothing, traditional dances, visual arts and ball-tossing competitions.  hmongofwa.org

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Lyft, 4Culture, the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.