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MONDAY
FOOD & DRINKStoup Brewing Dinner
Ballard pizzeria Delancey is joining forces with its friend and neighbor, the craft brewery Stoup Brewing, to throw a beer dinner. To complement Stoupâs brews, Delancey has concocted a menu of homey, Southern-inspired comforts with a toasty finish in its wood-fired oven, including burnt ricotta toast with pepper jam to go with a German-style pilsner, NOLA-style barbecue shrimp and grits to accompany an IPA, and a brulĂ©ed banana cream pie teamed with a bourbon barrel-aged dark strong ale for dessert. JULIANNE BELL
Tara Westover
In Tara Westover's latest, Educated: A Memoir, she shares her autobiographical account of being raised by survivalists in Idaho. Join the author in conversation with Seattle Times reporter Claudia Rowe.
MONDAY-SUNDAY
ARTJun Ahn: On the Verge
There is nothing really original about Jun Ahnâs self-portraits. They are easily understandable. A slim-looking woman, usually in a purple or blue dress, sits or stands on the edge of a skyscraper in a massive city of skyscrapers (New York City, Hong Kong, Seoul). Yet, they are still amazing. Why? Because they capture the same sublime we find in Caspar David Friedrichâs 1818 painting Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog. But Jun Ahnâs is the urban sublime. And this sublime is far more strange than the one that impressed the romantics of the 18th and 19th centuries. This sublime is not the radical other. It is radically us. Her self-portraits are portraits of the human condition in the 21st century. CHARLES MUDEDE
Closing Sunday
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
For the 35th consecutive year, flower enthusiasts will flock to Skagit Valley to see sprawling fields covered with hundreds of colorful tulips in bloom. The festival is designed as a driving tour, as there's no one spot to enter.
Plate of Nations
Every year, Plate of Nations presents a two-week-long opportunity to avail ourselves of the rich and varied cuisines of Rainier Valley, with shareable plates priced at $20 and $30. This year, 14 restaurants are participating, with Mexican, Chinese, Peruvian, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Vietnamese, and more represented in the mix. Highlights include Szechuan food from the newly opened Little Chengdu, smoky Peruvian charcoal-roasted rotisserie chicken from Big Chickie, inimitable tacos from Tacos Chukis, and authentic Ethiopian food from Cafe Ibex. Angela Garbes once wrote about this event: "If youâve never been to Cafe Ibex... youâre missing out on some of the best food in town. South Seattle is where itâs at. Catch up." JULIANNE BELL
Seattle Restaurant Week
Frugal gourmands everywhere rejoice over this twice-yearly event, which lets diners tuck into prix-fixe menus at more than 165 different restaurants hoping to lure new customers with singularly slashed prices: Three courses cost a mere $33, and many restaurants also offer two-course lunches for $22. Itâs an excellent opportunity to feast like a high roller at an accessible price point and cross off some otherwise spendy establishments on your food bucket list, including critically acclaimed restaurants like Tilth, Agrodolce, and Lark. JULIANNE BELL
Moisture Festival
Moisture Festival is devoted to the variety of performers Seattle has fostered over the years, from circus acts to comedians, burlesque dancers to musicians, and jugglers to tap dancers. It's been going for 15 years in Seattle, a testament to the popularity of cabaret-style entertainment in town. Variété is the main, recurring event, with a rotating lineup, and there are also matinée and rather racier late night versions. The bawdy Libertease Cabaret is for adults only and features burlesque and scantily-clothed aerial acts. There are also workshops, talks, and special opening and closing nights. If you love circus acrobatics, clowning, comedy, and/or sexy dance, you owe it to yourself to go.
TUESDAY
FILMShowgirls with David Schmader
Is Paul Verhoevenâs dreadfully acted 1995 take on the American dream, or at least the casino strip revue version of it, a stealth masterpiece? Hilarious Stranger alum David Schmader will make the case that this tale of boobs, butts, unsubtle lesbian homoeroticism, weird dance-moans, and Kyle MacLachlanâs terrible hair has more than meets your bugged-out eyeballs. THRUST IT!
Tasting with Owen Kotler
Musician and natural wine importer Owen Kotler of Owen Kotler Selections will guide a tasting of natural wines.
Michael S. Gazzaniga: The Consciousness Instinct
If you're turned on by the million mysteries of the galaxy floating around inside your head, you need to familiarize yourself with the work of Michael S. Gazzaniga, the director of the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the president of the Cognitive Neuroscience Institute. In his new book, The Consciousness Instinct, Gazzaniga advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of consciousness, a subject that has suffered from overspecialization. His thinking about what biologists, philosophers, and physicists can contribute to the field of brain science is fascinating, and the chapter about the way semiotic systems relate to the difference between living and nonliving things blew my goddamn mind. His conversational prose style makes a heady subject completely approachable, and his dad-like demeanor is totally inviting. This one is a must-read. RICH SMITH
WEDNESDAY
READINGS & TALKSDiane Ravitch
Diane Ravitch, an NYU professor, former Assistant Secretary of Education, education historian, and excoriator of current Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, will give a timely talk on "why schools should not operate like businesses and how citizens can organize to defend public schools against privatization."
Mohsin Hamid: Exit West
Join Man Booker Prize-nominated author Mohsin Hamid as he shares his new novel, Exit West, about two young people who meet and fall in love in Pakistan as the country approaches civil war.
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
ARTMatt Hall: The Things That Became Something Else
Hall constructs sculptures out of bones (don't worryâthey're ethically sourced) to evoke Cabinets of Curiosities and old-timey museum pieces.
Closing Sunday
The Maltese Falcon
Book-It Repertory Theatre and Cafe Nordo will collaborate on a stage version of the lush and gritty noir classic The Maltese Falcon, adapted by Jane Jones and Kevin McKeon. As private dick Sam Spade seeks the priceless jewel-encrusted falcon for some sketchy clients, you'll tuck into Nordo's special themed menu.
THURSDAY
ARTFirst Thursday Art Walk
Once a month, Seattleites flock to the streets in Pioneer Square for a chance to stroll, sip on booze, and attend as many art openings as possible at First Thursday. It's the city's central and oldest art walk, and takes place in a historic neighborhood known for its abundance of galleries. Wine and hobnobbing will steal the scene for some, but at its core, it's an impressive communal unveiling of new artwork. In April, check out opening receptions for Amanda Kirkhuff: Everything Is Hard, Gabriel Stromberg: A Series of Shapes, Michael Spafford: Epic Prints, Natalie Krick: Apocalypstick, Preston Singletary: The Air World, Anne Siems: To Shed, In Danger: Fragile Ecosystems, and Jess Joy: The Singing Mime.
The Trailer Park Boys
A F#cked Up Evening With the Trailer Park Boys, rescheduled from Christmastime because of the passing of John Dunsworth, will at last arrive in Seattle. Check out their bombastic comedy in person.
Mary Ann Peters with Gary Faigin
Stranger Genius Award recipient Mary Ann Peters was recognized for her large-scale abstract paintings before her trip to Syria, where part of her family is from. After this journey, she began to focus on Middle Eastern themes and techniques and to experiment with unorthodox materials, like flour and glycerin. Gary Faigin of Gage Academy will be with her onstage to discuss this change.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY
FILMCadence: A Video Poetry Festival
The Film Forum celebrates National Poetry Month with a âcinepoemâ series. It features text-based work by video artists Tom Konyves, John Lucas, Adam Shecter, Nissmah Roshdy, and John Bresland; visual and conceptual artists Addoley Dzegede, Nico Vassilakis, and William Kaminski; and poets Arturs Punte, Claudia Rankine, Mahmoud Darwish, Eula Biss, and Matthea Harvey. April 5 and 26 are screening nights, entitled "Core Sample" and "Cross Section"; April 7 and 14 are dedicated to workshops led by Shin Yu Pai and Gretchen Burger and offering access to the Forum's editing labs.
No event on Friday
FRIDAY
ARTKitchen Session with Imani Sims and CD Forum
The Kitchen Sessions, which highlight black women artists and offer opportunities for dialogue, return as a SAM-CD Forum partnership. Excellent poet Imani Sims will select performers. Admission to the museum galleries is included.
Amy Glynn and Garrett Hongo
Amy Glynn, who's been published in The Best American Poetry and won Poetry Northwestâs Carlyn Kizer Award, will share this evening with Hawaii-born, Lamont Poetry Prize-winning author Garrett Hongo. Glynn's A Modern Herbal expresses the magic of ordinary and extraordinary flora; Hongo's writing in collections like The River of Heaven studies Asian American experiences and anti-Japanese prejudice.
Fernando PĂ©rez: 'A Song of Dismantling' Book Launch with Bojan Louise, Naa Akua, and Jane Wong
Fernando Pérez, a specialist in "lyric and nonce forms," will share poems about identity and migratory family history. He'll be preceded by superb local poets Naa Akua and Jane Wong along with Diné writer Bojan Louis.
'Michael C. Spafford Epic Works' Book Launch
Michael Spafford, one of the foremost Northwest painters, is being celebrated at three Seattle galleries with several series of his mythological Epic Works. Attend the release party for the monograph/exhibition guide, published by Lucia/Marquand and distributed by UW Press. Artists Mary Ann Peters, Barbara Earl Thomas, and Jamie Walker will open with remarks.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
PERFORMANCEDina Martina: Cream of the Drawer
Here's how Stranger critics have described Dina Martina in the past: "Seattle's most gifted malapropist"; a "psycho-drag superstar"; a "walrus prostitute"; "a cut-rate Elizabeth Taylor impersonator who went skydiving but her parachute failed and she crash-landed into a Shoney's buffet"; and "a singer who cannot sing, a dancer who cannot dance, and a storyteller who seems to have situational brain damage." We've also given her creator, Grady West, a Genius Award. It's no insult to our colleagues to say that none of these descriptions quite encapsulate the Platonic essence of Dina. You'll have to see her for yourselfâbuy tickets quickly.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
PERFORMANCEBlame it on Bianca Del Rio
Bianca Del Rio, whom Matt Baume called "the most vicious RuPaul's Drag Race winner of all time," will wield her mean and hilarious sense of humor across the world on her latest tour. Catch her deluge of foul-mouthed devilry in Seattle.
No performance on Saturday
SATURDAY
ARTLusio Lights
This is a family-friendly, inviting evening of light, art, and sound, featuring more than 30 light installations.
Wonder Woman: Herstory of a Heroine on Screen
Gal Gadot was a brilliant Wonder Woman, representing the latest capable actor to take on and master the role of arguably the most iconic female superhero of all time. The Amazon warrior whoâs guileless yet wise beyond her years, and possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability, longevity, and a helpful set of toolsâindestructible bracelets and Lasso of Truth includedâis the subject of this talk led by pop culture historian and self-proclaimed âlocal geek girlâ Jennifer K. Stuller. Sheâll trace the cinematic history and evolution of the heroine also known as Princess Diana for the last 45 years, beginning with Wonder Womanâs screen debut (as played by Cathy Lee Crosby) in the 1974 film, through the 1970s-era live-action show starring cool blue-eyed Lynda Carter, various animated characterizations, the never-aired 2011 pilot featuring Adrianne Palicki, and of course the 2017 blockbuster starring Gadot. Stuller will show and discuss clips, and, according to the press release, âprovide cultural, social, political, and historical contextâdeepening our understanding of the character and her significance in the pop culture pantheon.â Cosplay is encouraged. LEILANI POLK
4th Annual Masonry Farmhouse Beer Festival
The Fremont wood-oven pizzeria is throwing a "celebration of all things mixed fermentation," with food, drink, and tasting glass included. Proceeds benefit KEXP.
Sip + Slide
Sip beverages from regional breweries and cideries while snacking on tasty sliders from local restaurants. Proceeds benefit Treehouse.
Spring Wine Festival
Sample wines from 30 Washington wineries and try bites from local restaurants, all with a view of the Guemes Channel.
Art Haus 4.0: The Final Semi-Final
The weirdo drag battles at Art Haus produce the kind of shockingly brilliant, deeply strange, and delightfully incomprehensible performances that I imagine when old timers talk about the off-the-wall art people used to make before the first wave of tech money started "ruining" everything. Go and have fun at something for once in your life. RICH SMITH
Jackie 1000
There's an episode of Wes Hurley's Capitol Hill web series (episode 13, available for free on YouTube) that features Seattle star Jackie Hell. You should watch this episode if you consider yourself a good Seattleite. Watch it right when you're finished reading this blurb. If you end it in tears from combined horror/laughter, then you should absolutely go to alt drag show Bacon Strip's ode to Jackie Hell, featuring the monster herself. If you finish the episode and are unimpressed, then you should get the fuck out of Seattle. This city isn't for you, breeder. CHASE BURNS
Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales: 'The Ginger Snapped'
If you havenât heard Jinkx Monsoonâs new albumâwhich she produced with funds raised from fans onlineâget out your phone, open up Spotify, and listen to The Ginger Snapped. It features vocal performances by Amanda Palmer, Fred Schneider (of the B-52's), and Lady Rizo. âCartoons and Vodkaâ is the first single off the album, but I have a soft spot for âJust Me (The Gender Binary Blues).â It deals directly with the artist recently coming out as trans. Oh yeah, and donât skip âFriends.â Iâve had that chorus stuck in my head for six weeks straight. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
Edible Book Festival
Every year, community members exhibit their culinary creations (with original titles that often contain shameless puns, like Gourd of the Rings and The Life of Pie) inspired by books, which are then judged in a contest. The best part? Festival-goers get to eat the scrumptious displays.
Nancy MacLean: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America
Nancy MacLean, professor of history and public policy at Duke University, will present her decade-long research of the American right via her book Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Rightâs Stealth Plan for America.
Rebecca Hoogs and Megan Levad
Sharp observers, poets Rebecca Hoogs (Self-Storage, which won the 2013 WA Book Award) and Megan Levad (What Have I to Say to You), will read.
Sarah Vowell and Michael Giacchino: The Old and the Dead
The best-selling author and NPR star Sarah Vowell is anachronistic. Sheâs much happier with her nose in a dusty volume of history than she is doing almost anything else, and she turns all that reading of old books into funny new books. âThat's the service I provide,â she said dryly at her last Seattle reading. But sheâs also one of the voices in The Incredibles, and the owner of a television, and a big fan of Star Wars. At this event, âa unique conversation about pop culture and history,â she will be joined by the composer Michael Giacchino, who wrote the score to The Incredibles and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINKVegfest 2018
This festival dedicated to all things herbivorous will feature vegetarian food samples, chef demonstrations, nutrition information, free health screenings, books and cookbooks, and a kids' section with clowns and games.
SUNDAY
FOOD & DRINKTavolĂ ta Belltown Sunday Feast: Spring Lamb
Feast on lamb in a myriad of preparations at this family-style dinner, which will use lamb in almost every dish.
An Evening with Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott's friendly, nonjudgmental, and vague brand of Christianity (as encountered in her latest book Hallelujah Anyway; Rediscovering Mercy) irritates many critics even as they praise her linguistic facility and approachability. But she wrote Bird by Bird, an indisputably great book, and she is funny as hell on stage. CHRISTOPHER FRIZZELLE
National Geographic Live â Standing at the Water's Edge
Cristina Mittermeier's photographic work testifies to "the power of water" in its nourishing and cataclysmic forms. According to press materials, she's dwelled with the KayapĂł people in the Amazon as they've faced down a dam that could ruin their way of life, covered First Nations' water struggles in Canada, and met Hawaiian indigenous communities reviving their peoples' traditional relationship to the ocean. This National Geographic Live show will combine her images with an anti-greed, anti-waste message.
Spring for Zines
This pop-up zine fair (organized by Kate Berwanger of Swerve Zine Library) will feature over 30 local zine and comic vendors. While you browse, DJ Pepperazzi will spin tunes.