SATURDAY 6/16/2001
JUNETEENTH--This celebration commemorates June 19, 1865, the day slaves in Texas finally got word that they were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Damn. Makes you appreciate the advent of television. The celebration at the Seattle Center is organized by Patrinell Wright of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, and features guest choirs, a gospel competition, storytelling, pie bake-offs, and a catfish fry. The Pratt Park celebration also features home-cooked food, as well as exhibit booths, performances by local high-school bands, African drumming, and a talent review contest. Seattle Center, Sat-Sun June 16-17, 322-7904, free; Pratt Park, 20th Ave and Yesler Way, Fri-Sun June 15-17, 325-2864 for info, noon-6:30 pm, free.
FREMONT FAIR--Bohemian citizens of Seattle: Your summer celebration of ethnic food purchased and eaten outdoors awaits. The funky, freaky neighborhood of Fremont is proud to announce the 30th Annual Fremont Fair, brought to you by an assortment of funky and freaky sponsors, including Pepsi, Getty Images, Honey Bucket, KISS 106.1, and the Seattle Weekly. Featuring a weekend of funky and freaky attractions such as the Solstice Parade, the Art Car Blowout, the Seattle Solstice Skate, and the musical stylings of Pink Martini, whose funky CD Sympathique you may have noticed for sale at any of your neighborhood Starbucks. Please keep in mind that no worded advertising, no animals, and no powered mechanical transportation will be allowed by parade entries. Downtown Fremont, N 34th St and Fremont Ave N, www.fremontfair.com, 10 am-8 pm. Also Sun June 17, 10 am-6 pm.
GUITARMAGEDDON--It began in March with 2,000 guitarists, and now eight finalists ranging from age 15 to 40 will each be given five minutes to ROCK THE FAWKING HOUSE for a brand-new motorcycle, a ton of gear, and the title of Best Up and Coming Guitarist in the Nation. With performances by Reeves Gabriel and Steve Vai. EMP, 325 Fifth Ave N, 367-5483, 7 pm, $12.
SUNDAY 6/17/2001
BAT-N-ROUGE--The Drag Queens host the Dykes in an afternoon softball matchup. When the count is two balls and... oh, forget it. Proceeds benefit CHAC. Bobby Morris Playfield, 10th Ave and Pine St, 4 pm, tickets available at Bailey/Coy Books, Beyond the Closet, and Diversity Hair.
LET THERE BE PRIDE--Get your prayer on with the Very Reverend Robert V. Taylor as he kicks off Seattle's Pride Week with a free multifaith celebration service. With music by the Seattle Men's Chorus. St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, 323-0300, 5-6 pm.
LET THERE BE MEN--Or, you can forget all the sissy prayin' and head straight for the Washington State Mr. Leather Organization's Black & Blue Leather Cruise 2001. Boarding at Pier 57, 11:30 am, $25 adv./$30 day of. Advance tickets available at Manray, the Cuff, R Place, and C.C. Attle's.
MONDAY 6/18/2001
PAT FLYNN MEMORIAL HORSE SHOW--The Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center hosts this 15th annual event for disabled riders from Washington, Oregon, and Canada, featuring classes in equitation, dressage, costume, and equine jeopardy--and if you know what those things are you know more than I do. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Woodinville, 425-882-1554 for information and directions.
WEDNESDAY 6/20/2001
MERGE--Lifelong AIDS Alliance hosts Merge, a safer-sex event with plenty of demos, prizes, and sweaty, half-naked men in towels. Hosted by "adult entertainer" Michael Brandon and featuring an appearance by Mr. Nude Seattle 2001! Club Z, 1117 Pike St, 957-1705, 9 pm, $10.
