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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: THE BURLESQUE ALICE IN WONDERLAND

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Tickets On Sale Now
April 3 – 7 at The Triple Door

Through The Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland
Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann have both gone mad… mad as March Hares, that is! In their 11th annual re-imagination of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale of nonsense and fantasy, follow Alice as she discovers what wonders lie beyond the velvet rope at Wonderland’s most exclusive nightclub, The Looking Glass and attempts to best the evil Queen of Hearts to become the next ruler of Wonderland.  Featuring top-notch local dance talent, exciting choreography by the classically-trained Lily Verlaine and the sumptuous costuming of Stephanie Seymour, you’ll see the inhabitants of Wonderland like you’ve never seen them before. And, returning for the second year, Through The Looking The Looking Glass features a psychedelic go-go jazz score by Jasper McCann, Kate Olson, and Michael Owcharuk, played live on stage by our jazz sextet, The Aces & 8’s! The superstars of Seattle’s burlesque A-list take on the roles of Carroll’s famous characters and turn Wonderland’s topsy-turvy world into an ecdysiastic tour-de-force filled with glamour, comedy, dance, striptease, and song.

The Triple Door
216 Union Street, Seattle

April 3 – April 7, 2019
Wednesday/Thursday: 7:30pm
Friday/Saturday: 7:00pm, 10:30pm
Sunday: 5:00pm, 8:00pm
$40 – $65
Box Office: 206-838-4333
Facebook –  /LVJMpresent
Instagram – @LVJMpresent

 

Make your creative project happen

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4Culture, King County’s cultural funding agency, is excited to announce their annual
grant program that supports projects for individuals and groups working in the arts,
heritage and preservation.
Here are some examples, saxophonist Gary Hammon explored the Central District’s music
history through storytelling and filmmaker Patricia Boiko recorded the stories of Women of
Color associated with the Seattle Black Panther movement.

Last year, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation hired a consultant to document Latino heritage sites for the website Revisiting Washington.
There will be workshops in January and February to ensure there is support every step
of the way. 4Culture is very interested in encouraging new applicants and working with as many
people as possible producing arts and culture in King County.

The deadline to apply is March 6 th . More information at 4Culture.org.

 

The Black Heritage Society A Tribute to Edwin T. Pratt

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SAVE the DATE
QUARTERLY MEMBERS and FRIENDS MEETING
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2019
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
104 17th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144
A Tribute to Edwin T. Pratt
Presentation of the Pratt Legacy Collection
with Special Guests
The Black Heritage Society is honored to be the recipient of this fine collection that archives family photos, letters and speeches. BHS will present selected images from the collection’s digital library.
Pratt Legacy Collection Project
possible with support by
Appreciating our Partner Organizations
tap images to visit their websites
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Music icon Jimi Hendrix will now have a post office near his Washington state hometown named after him

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Music icon Jimi Hendrix will now have a post office near his Washington state hometown named after him.

A bill was signed into law re-christening the Renton Highlands Post Office the James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix Post Office in the legendary guitarist’s honor.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Adam Smith of Bellevue and was supported by the other members of the Washington state delegation in the House as well as both Washington U.S. senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

Before rising to international fame in the late 1960s, Hendrix grew up in Seattle.

There’s no shortage of Hendrix tributes scattered around his hometown _ from a statue to his namesake park.

The Renton post office is less than a mile from the Jimi Hendrix Memorial in the Greenwood Memorial Park cemetery, where he is buried.

Renowned Choreographer Hosts “Honor Our Own” Fete For Original Soul Train Gang

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Who doesn’t know what a Soul Train Line is?  And, who doesn’t remember those original Soul Train dancers whose iconic moves set the stage for a myriad of dance steps, not to mention fashion, that have permeated every aspect American culture—even today?  For as significant as these dancers were to the American lexicon, they have never been honored.  Damita Jo Freeman, one of the original Soul Train dancers, renowned choreographer, actress and trailblazer decided to change all that.  On Saturday, January 12, the original Soul Train gang will be honored at a private gathering in Los Angeles—the first step in launching her new non-profit, the Dancer Jo Foundation.

Says Freeman, “I have been so incredibly blessed in my career.  I’ve been a ballet dancer, I’ve traveled the world over touring and working with incredible artists from Shirley McClaine and Cher to James Brown and Diana Ross after being plucked from Soul Train by Joe Tex.  I choreographed everything from American Bandstand and sitcoms to award shows such as The Emmys,Grammys, among others.  I even choreographed the Clos
ing Ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics with Lionel Richie and created a

dance phenomenon when I enlisted the help of 500 street dancers and 25 professional dancers to take part in a dance style that I and the original Soul Train dancers created–popping and locking.  However, the other dancers that worked alongside me never received their due—and I intend to change that by honoring our own.  This event is called Legendary 70’s Pioneers AKA Original Soul Train Gang.   I’ve opened so many doors and it’s time to give back to those who have not had the same opportunities in their careers that I have.”

Dancer Jo Foundation, while still in its developmental phase, intends to honor the contributions of unrecognized/unsung influencers artists in the field of entertainment through an annual Legendary Pioneer Awards event.  It is also planning to provide scholarships to youth in performing arts (film, TV, music, theatre and broadcasting)

For more information, please visit www.dancerjofoundation.org.

New book invites young readers to follow the story of ‘A Little Star Named Theodore’

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Aaron Chipley hopes to teach children the value of uniqueness and appreciation of God’s gift

Debuting author Aaron Chipley marks his entry in the publishing scene with the release of “A Little Star Named Theodore” (published by WestBow Press), an illustrated children’s book that seeks to teach young readers the value of uniqueness and appreciation of God’s gift.

A long time ago, in a special place, in the dark night sky, lived a little star named Theodore. Theodore lived with his brothers and sisters and many other stars. But he was different. All the other stars were bigger than Theodore. He had seven points instead of five points like all the other stars and he sparkled in the seven colors of the rainbow. Even though Theodore was small, he shined brighter than any of the other stars. What could be the reason behind it?

In colorful illustration and easy childlike language, “A Little Star Named Theodore” explains that everyone has been created uniquely for God’s purpose. It aims to help children discover and embrace the unique gifts God has given them.

“Children live in an environment where it’s important to ‘fit in’ with their peers. This book celebrates the uniqueness of a child that may set him/her apart from his/her peers, may be a gift from God that He will use to bring Him glory,” Chipley shares.

“A Little Star Named Theodore”

By Aaron Chipley

Softcover | 8.5 x 11in | 24 pages | ISBN 9781973642398

E-Book | 24 pages | ISBN 9781973642404

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Aaron Chipley is a husband, father and grandfather.  He has worked with children for many years.  He has raised two sons, has two granddaughters and has taught young children in Sunday school, Awana, and Bible study fellowship.

AUDITIONS: LAURA FEBRUARY 3RD & FEBRUARY 4TH

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Tacoma Little Theatre is holding auditions for its multiracial production of the noir classic, Laura, written by Vera Caspary and George Sklar, and directed by Randy Clark.

Auditions will be held Sunday, February 3rd and Monday, February 4th at Tacoma Little Theatre. Audition appointments will be set between the times of 6:00pm-9:00pm on Sunday and 7:00pm-10:00pm on Monday in five-minute increments. Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, February 6th.

When Mark McPherson first falls in love with Laura, he knows he’s in love with a phantom—for Laura is dead, and he’s in charge of her murder investigation. From her portrait, her letters, her personal effects, and from his contacts with the three men who loved her, Mark has created an image of a woman tantalizingly alive and real.  As the detective grows obsessed with the case, he finds himself falling in love with the dead woman.  What really happened to Laura?

Actors are asked to prepare a two-minute memorized monologue of their choice.

Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition and all roles are available:  Mark McPherson (male, 30-45), Danny Dorgan (male, 16-20), Waldo Lydecker (male, 40-50), Shelby Carpenter (male, 30-35), Bessie Clary (female, 30-60), Mrs. Dorgan (female, 40-50), Officer Olsen (male, 25-35), A Girl (female, 20-30).

To reserve an audition time, follow this link (http://castingmanager.com/audition/info/bSvF0TGCZmLyRXa), or
call our Box Office at (253) 272-2281. Once cast, Laura will run from Friday, April 26, 2019 to Sunday, May 12, 2019.

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.