Free Concerts at the Mural begin this Friday
First, it was movies. Now, it’s music. The Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater continues another annual summer tradition with Concerts at the Mural. Sponsored by both Seattle Center and KEXP, this year’s free concerts marks the 10th year of the series.
Concerts start at 5:30pm on Fridays in August, starting this Friday, August 4th. Gates open at 5pm, and you can see what you can bring (e.g. blankets, folding chairs) and what you cannot bring (pets, umbrellas, ice chests) here. Center.
Seating is on a first-come basis, and there will be a beer garden for those 21+ with valid ID. Plus, Seattle Center Armory food merchants will be open for food and drink, and this year, the merchants will be accepting credit cards.
Here’s this summer’s line-up:
August 4th
The Helio Sequence
Summer Cannibals
COSMOS
August 11th
Telekinesis
SISTERS
Haley Heynderickx
August 18th
Thunderpussy
SPECIAL GUEST
The Courtneys
August 25th
The Maldives
Industrial Revelation
Emma Lee Toyoda
Thanks to Seattle Center and KEXP for another great, free summer tradition!
Backyard Bard returns to Queen Anne with a Shakespeare double-feature this Sunday
UPDATE: Date was correct, day was not – catch Backyard Bard on SUNDAY, July 30th.
Green Stage is returning to Queen Anne! You may recall from summers past that a small troupe of fantastic actors travels around Seattle-area parks for abbreviated versions of some of Shakespeare’s finest works. And, this Saturday, the Backyard Bard troupe is making a stop on Queen Anne for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet.
That’s right, five actors will bring two great plays to life at Rodgers Park this Sunday, July 30th. What’s great about the Backyard Bard program is that the plays are condensed and accessible to broader audiences. Have kids that you’d like to expose to Shakespeare, but don’t think they can sit through a 2+ hour play? Want to brush up on your best lines from Hamlet, but don’t have a lot of time? These energetic productions clock in at one hour each!
You can attend both or pick one of this week’s plays. The troupe brings whimsy and fun to the productions with costume changes happening lickety-split on the sidelines while the action continues center-stage.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from 3pm to 4pm. Then, after a short break, the actors return for Hamlet from 4:30-5:30pm. Pack a picnic or snack, grab your blankets or low-backed chairs, and head to Rodgers Park this weekend for a Backyard Bard double-feature!
Seattle Center Movies at the Mural start this weekend
An annual summer tradition kicks off this Saturday, July 29th – Seattle Center’s Movies at the Mural. The free movies are displayed on a 40 foot screen at the Mural Amphitheatre, so get your blankets and low-backed chairs and grab a spot on the lawn for family-friendly movies under the Space Needle. Movies start at 9pm.
Here’s this year’s line-up – plus, a short film created by Cornish College of the Arts students will precede each movie:
July 29: The Princess Bride (30th Anniversary Screening), PG
This Movies at the Mural popular staple comes complete with all the fencing, chasing, escapes, silly accents and rodents of unusual size you’d expect.
August 5: La La Land, PG-13
Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.
August 12: Hidden Figures, PG
As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history.
August 19: Clue, PG
Six guests, a butler and a maid all meet at Hill House, where one Professor Plum works and the whole group finds themselves tangled in a web of murder, lies, and hilarity.
August 26: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, PG-13
Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, a vengeful Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station’s plans for the Rebel Alliance. The future of the entire galaxy now rests upon its success.
Want to know what you can and can’t bring to Movies at the Mural? Information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on Seattle Center’s website.
Celebrate Dr Seuss’ birthday at a Queen Anne Little Free Library
Queen Anne is lucky to be home to well over 30 Little Free Libraries. Back when we had a handful, I started tracking and mapping them (long-time readers will recall the posts with maps).
Then, there was a LFL explosion that made tracking unfeasible for one person once we passed the 30 mark. (mostly, it’s the mapping – Google Maps is not really designed for it, so I’m open to suggestions).
If you miss those old posts, have no fear, I still keep an eye out on all the LFLs that I pass on daily walks. That way, if one needs book donations or has an interesting theme, I can call them out for readers. And one on 4th Ave W definitely deserves a highlight post today.
March 2 was Dr Seuss’ birthday, and to celebrate, the LFL near the intersection of 4th Ave W and W Crockett St is all decked out for Dr Seuss. With Seuss decorations on the outside and a slew of Seuss books on the inside – plus Seuss-themed treats – it’s the place to go for your Seuss fix!
Plus, this particular LFL always has a selection of dog treats for your pup. Check it out on your next walk and satisfy your love of all things Seuss!
Queen Anne Book Company celebrates Sherman Alexie with a party this Thursday
This event just hit the radar, and reservations are already being required! Queen Anne Book Company is holding a party for author Sherman Alexie on Thursday, February 2nd to celebrate his latest book, Thunder Boy Jr., being named one of the best books of 2017 by the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA).
Alexie is a friend of the shop, having stepped into the shoes of a bookseller-for-a-day and kicking off the inaugural Indies First book celebration at Queen Anne Books in 2013 (Indies First is still going strong, it’s now an annual tradition).
Queen Anne Books’ party for Alexie includes drinks. Per the invite, drinks will be served and fancy dress is optional. Call 206-284-2427, email, or RSVP on Queen Anne Books’ Facebook page today, as this event is filling up fast and high demand means you might get shut out if you don’t act today!
Mini Maker Pop-up this Saturday features 8 local artists
This Saturday, November 19th, the works of 8 local artists and makers will be the focus of a Mini Maker Pop-up, right here on Queen Anne.
Each artist brings something unique to the Pop-up: metalwork, woodcraft, wearables, ceramics, paintings, and even food!
The event runs from 10am to 7pm at 1803 7th Ave W and features the following:
Shelli Markee Silversmith
Jewelry & Wire Art
Betina Simmons
Kokedama & Botanical Creations
Britt Rynearson
Pleated Scarves & Shawls
Andrea Ramsay
Wood Spoons, Bowls, & Stools
Cynthia Lait
Paintings & Collage
Kimberly Johnson
Metal Garden Art
Karra Wise
Pastry Chef, Sweet & Savory Gifts and Treats
Tracy Madison
Handmade Ceramics
Stop by this Saturday to check out the artists’ wares, just in time for the holidays!
EMP becomes MoPOP at this Saturday’s free Pop Culture party
EMP has changed its name to Museum of Popular Culture, or MoPOP for short. Now, the free Pop Culture Party this Saturday, November 19th, makes sense – it’s a celebration of the new moniker.
According to a letter from Patty Isacson Sabee, CEO and Director, Museum of Pop Culture:
“It is with great excitement that I write to announce that as of Saturday, November 19, EMP will officially be named Museum of Pop Culture—MoPOP. As you know, our museum encompasses so much more than music, and as we look toward the future, MoPOP reflects the entirety of the museum and where we are headed.”
It makes sense, as EMP has long had many exhibits that go beyond music to include science fiction, fantasy, horror, fashion, sports, video games, and art. MoPOP will continue with the same mission: “to bring genuine human experience and perspective to pop culture through our exhibits, programs, and events that invite exploration and inspire creativity.”
Head over to MoPOP this Saturday for a free all-day celebration of pop culture and the new name for one of our local museums.
Free Pop Culture Party opens EMP Museum doors to all
Have you been wanting to see the awesome Star Trek exhibit at EMP? Or, be dazzled by the World of WearableArt exhibit? (both are fantastic, you can see my write-up here)
How about checking out past live performances on the big screen in the Sky Church? Or a tour of the Frank Gehry designed building? How about all of these plus puzzles, games, music, dance performances, and more for FREE?
That’s right, EMP is opening its doors this Saturday, November 19th, for a Pop Culture Party that runs from 10am to 5pm and it’s free! EMP encourages attendees to RSVP in advance on their Facebook page, but that’s it. Mark your calendars for Saturday and check out this list of planned activities that are all-ages friendly:
• Free admission to all EMP galleries, including Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds and World of WearableArt™
• Fandom Photo Hunt that will take you and your squad through the museum on a quest to up your selfie game and interact with some unexpected characters in immersive scenes inspired by Harry Potter, Star Trek, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, Ghostbusters, and more
• Live music, DJ sets, and dance performances
• Pop culture games and activities including video gaming, Klingo (Star Trek-themed Bingo), and an epic coloring contest
• Screenings of past Sky Church performances by Joan Jett, Macklemore, De La Soul, Jimmy Page, and more
• Complimentary manicures from Julep, airbrush tattoos, and themed food and drink specials
• Architecture tours of our iconic Frank O. Gehry-designed building
• Museum Store deals: Funko Spock figure and Star Trek Craft Book bundle for only $5, and free exclusive Star Trek 50th Anniversary tote bag with any purchase of $10 or more.
Thanks in advance to EMP Museum for hosting this free fandom extravaganza! Join the celebration at EMP on Saturday, November 19th!
Queen Anne Artist’s Trunk Show is this Saturday
The annual Queen Anne Artist’s Trunk Show is this Saturday, November at the Queen Anne Community Center (1901 1st Ave W). The show features a wide variety of artists and it’s free and open to all from 11am to 4pm.
The art ranges from local handcrafted goods like soaps, knitted items, baked goods, jewelry, to stunning visual arts including paintings, block prints, and etchings.
Plus, the event is family-friendly with art activities, face painting, and a magic show.
You can check out a full list of the artists on the roster for Saturday here.
3 Owl Tree: Forest HauntThe holidays aren’t far away, so plan to get a jump start on your holiday shopping and keep it local at the Queen Anne Artist’s Trunk Show!
Sponsored Post: American Dance Institute opens second location next door to Queen Anne
This post is a sponsored post from American Dance Institute (ADI), just a hop, skip, and jump over to Magnolia for classes.
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ADI offers adult dance classes just a neighborhood away. Photograph by Wayne Rutledge
The American Dance Institute (ADI), which has offered dance classes to adults, teenagers, and children in Seattle for more than 27 years, has recently expanded to include a Magnolia location. The new studio, includes several family-friendly features such as a bright spacious and sunlit studio, an inviting parent observation area, a fun and non-competitive, non-intimidating environment.
ADI Magnolia School building
The Magnolia location, which previously housed Roseanne’s School of Dance, has been remodeled to expand the amount of studio space as well as to add a state of the art sound system, fresh paint, a new exterior building sign, and an observation room with free Wi-Fi. The observation room offers parents a space to stay and watch their child while visiting with other parents.
ADI offers a full line of classes for toddlers to teens. Photograph by Wayne Rutledge
ADI’s commitment to top quality dance instruction as well as creating an invigorating and supportive atmosphere is also seen in its family-friendly policies, such as accommodation for overlapping school sports schedules, easy tuition payment plans, chemical-free studios, and a money back guarantee if a student needs to discontinue a class. Free trial classes allow students to explore Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern/Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Flamenco, and Irish Dance, and there are also free 9-week “Mommy/Daddy & Me” toddler classes.
