FRIDAY 9/29

EAST INDIAN DANCE--Jyoti Rout holds a master's degree in the Odissi form of Indian classical dance--which emphasizes worship and meditation--and will be coming to Seattle to lecture ("Dance and Universal Spirituality") and perform. Traveler's Tea Co., 501 E Pine, 329-6260, 8 pm, free. Performance on Sat Sept 30 at the Shoreline Conference Center Auditorium, 18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline, 7 pm, $8.

ITALIAN FESTIVAL--Seattle Center's Festál continues with perhaps its largest event of the year, this three-day Italian extravaganza. Prepare to be whisked away in spirit to the sun-drenched Mediterranean expanses of the boot of Europe while you play a little bocce, take in a few Sergio Leone films, and take culinary notes from some of Seattle's most recognized Italian chefs. Buon gusto! Seattle Center Pavilion, 282-0627, 7-10 pm, free ($20 for wine tasting). Festival continues on Sat Sept 30, 11 am-10 pm and Sun Oct 1, 11 am-6 pm.

SUNDAY 10/1

END GUN VIOLENCE--The goal of the Eighth Annual Day of Remembrance for Victims of Gun Violence is to create a stronger awareness of the impact of gun violence in our community. Survivors of a violent, gun-related incident, or those who merely wish to express concern over the dark side of the Second Amendment, can plant a daffodil in support of a more pacifist society. Green Lake Park (near Kenwood Pl N and Green Lake Way N), noon-2 pm.

LUPUS AWARENESS WALK--The Lupus Walk comes at about the time when you should be fully rested from last week's AIDS Walk. Lupus strikes one in 185 Americans, mostly women, and can result in inflammation, rashes, fatigue, and, in some cases, death. Seward Park on Lake Washington in the Columbia City neighborhood, 10 am. Pre-register by calling 546-6785.

WEDNESDAY 10/4

FRIENDS OF DISCOVERY PARK--"Disco Park," as it's known in the common lexicon, is one of the true treasures of our city. This annual meeting will address real issues involving the park's geography, and include discussions about keeping our shorelines healthy and how restoring the Puget shoreline that we've managed to pollute, erode, and otherwise fuck up. There will also be a "get-to-know-you" with new park manager Stephanie Jones. Discovery Park Visitor Center, 3801 W Government Way, 7 pm.