DIVERSIONS


THURSDAY 8/17

SKATE ROCK EVENT--The ghosts of skateboard culture past, present, and future will be on hand at EMP this weekend to revisit skating's transition from an offshoot of surfing into its association with the punk scene. Relive the glory of '80s skating with such period icons as Kevin Thatcher (publisher of Thrasher), Chris Carnel (Heckler), and ex-pros Tony Alva, Duane Peters, and Steve Olson. Bands such as TSOL and JFA also emerge from hibernation to rock like its 1985 all over again. Experience Music Project, Seattle Center, 367-5483. Events continue through Sat Aug 19. Call for specific event info and times.


SATURDAY 8/19

NORTHWEST HERBAL FAIRE--The scenic town of Van Zandt, WA, situated on the sanguine Nooksack River, plays host to this fun and informative two-day herbal summit. Local and national herbalists, health practitioners, and gardeners will be on hand to help the herbal layman make sense of the vast esoteric herbal universe. There will also, of course, be the requisite live bands (playing on a solar-powered stage!) and kids area. Camping area will be provided, but sorry... no pets. Northwest Herbal Faire, 360-966-2048 for directions and info. $30 admission, $25 for car-poolers.


SUNDAY 8/20

BRASILFEST 2000--The Seattle Center's Festal series continues with this celebration of Brazil's jovial cultural milieu. Resembling America in many ways with its complex blend of immigrant and indigenous populations, South America's largest country has captivated the USA for decades with its music, religions, and dense tropical landscape. Film, dance, and martial arts expos will also be scheduled at this day-long family event. Mural Amphitheater, Seattle Center, 684-8582 for info.


WEDNESDAY 8/23

TOY TEST 2000--Video game nerds, there is a clarion call out there from the Big Three of home video-game manufacturers: Sony, Nintendo, and Sega. You have a chance to preview all the new games that haven't hit the market yet, and also rate them on a scale from "diaper gravy" to "only suitable for screens 40 inches and wider." Today is the day they rotate the games, since as a professed nerd, you probably camped out to be first in line when this show opened on the 14th. Prototypes of PlayStation 2 (release date October 2000) will also be available for tire-kicking. Pacific Science Center, 443-2001 for times and additional info, $8.