There are plenty of events happening this weekend that aren’t themed around St. Patrick’s Day and also don’t require advance planning. Below, we’ve compiled all of your options that won’t cost more than $10, including a huge library book sale, the Gramma Book Launch Reading Bouncehouse Dance Party, SLAY: A Hip Hop Party for LGBT+, POC, And Open-Minded People, and Free State Park Days.
FRIDAY
ART
1. Barbara Earl Thomas on Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series
Very deserving Seattle legend and Stranger Genius Barbara Earl Thomas will speak about Jacob Lawrence’s 60-panel masterpiece, The Migration Series, which explores the “great migration” of black Americans out of the rural South. Thomas will speak about her artistic perspective on the monumental series, and offer her take on its historical significance.
(Downtown, free)
2. Josh Poehlein: The Three Freedoms
Vignettes presents their latest one-night-only experience, this time featuring the work of Josh Poehlein, who has created a video installation from popular film and television clips to convey speedy and interdimensional travel.
(Belltown, free)
3. Shrinky Drink
Revert to childhood as you experience the magic of Shrinky Dinks. Entry cost covers a full sheet of Shrink Film, coloring supplies, and snack/refreshments (but BYOB). They’ll have a toaster oven handy, so you can walk out with some artistic masterpieces or a brand new box of very classy jewelry.
(Ballard, $10)
4. U-District Art Walk
This art walk happens the third Friday of every month and features art in cool funky business of the U-District such as Chaco Canyon, Cafe Solstice, Gargoyles Statuary, Moksha, and Trabant Coffee & Chai.
(University District, free)
FILM
5. Film Fridays
The staff at Scarecrow Video will share their impeccable and odd taste at this free monthly screening featuring “time-honored classics” (plus, free popcorn and lemonade).
(University District, free)
MUSIC
6. Be Stiff!
Pony wants you to get stiff with this new DJ night hosted by DJs Sugar and Tricky Vicky, playing the best in new wave, post punk, and glam rock.
(Capitol Hill, free)
7. Brad Anderson
Classically trained Anderson will “submerge you in a psychedelic musical environment” using a keyboard, a computer, “multiple abstract sonic textures,” and visuals from Osteo Parliament.
(Greenwood, $10/$14)
8. Dreamcatchr, The Hollers, Sleeping Lessons
Venture into some melodic Pacific Northwest-tinged indie rock with live sets from Dreamcatchr, The Hollers, and Sleeping Lessons.
(Ballard, $10)
9. Grown Folks Friday
Gather your most responsible tax payers and take them out to this 30-and-over-preferred night at the Royal Room, with Goody Bagg ripping some live funk, and DJs JP and Kole on the decks.
(Columbia City, $10)
10. Mark Porkchop Holder & MPH
Mark Porkchop Holder is a founding member of the seminal Tennessee blues-punk group The Black Diamond Heavies, and continues his work in a power trio behind his own name as a quadruple threat guitarist-singer-harmonica player-songwriter.
(Pioneer Square, $5)
11. Megs McLean
Hear Northwest-style country from Megs McLean (known for such songs as “It’s My Truck”), with special guests.
(Downtown, $10/$12)
12. Mint: J. Espinosa
Mint is a fresh (minty, see?) spin on Seattle nightlife that hits the ground every third Friday at Q Nightclub, with fully-fleshed out party vibes thanks to open format spinners like DJs J. Espinosa, Henski, and Pat Nasty, who throw down a high energy blend of “classic jams, current hits, remixes and forward thinking sound.”
(Capitol Hill, $10)
13. Puget Power with Mark Brainard
Dynamic rockers Puget Power pump up the energy of the Skylark with bill support from Mark Brainard.
(West Seattle, $7)
14. Pukesnake, Memphis Radio Kings, Graig Markel & The 88th St Band
Heavy rock group Pukesnake want you to wash their music down with a thermos full of venom. Their “bizarre reptilian/human phenomenon” can be found at Slim’s, with Memphis Radio Kings and Graig Markel & The 88th St Band.
(Georgetown, $8)
15. Revolver, Ghenes, Ruby, Landrace, Greeneddle
Bilingual rock group Revolver swing their Latin-infused energy through the Funhouse with support from Ghenes, Ruby, Landrace, and Greeneddle.
(Eastlake, $8/$10)
16. SLAY: A Hip Hop Party for LGBT+, POC, And Open-Minded People
Shrug off your work week worries and hit up this hiphop dance party soundtracked by West Coast thrillers DJ Automaton and Ronin Roc, and explicitly held for LGBTQIA and POC communities and their allies (which should be all of us, really). Slay markets itself as a social justice movement, rather than just a party source, with an open encouragement to different minority communities to come together in a celebration of everyone’s differences. Partial proceeds of the evening will be donated to a select charity that aligns with Slay’s views.
(Capitol Hill, $5/$10)
17. Soul-Fi
Get your weekend started right with Soul-Fi, bringing you everything soul, R&B, funk, hiphop, disco, house, dancehall, reggae, and more, with DJs Sleep Steady, Riff Raff, Hotep, and Reverend Dollars (Darqness/Soul-Fi) on the decks all night long.
(Downtown, $0-$10)
18. W Live: The Ramblin’ Years
Country-fried Americana-laced rock ‘n’ roll band and Seattle U alumni the Ramblin’ Years take on the Living Room at the W with their take on a good old-fashioned twang.
(Downtown, free)
READINGS & TALKS
19. Gramma Book Launch Reading Bouncehouse Dance Party
Impressive local poetry press Gramma (I’m biased, since I’m one of its editors) is officially launching its first two books into orbit. Ugly Time by Sarah Galvin and Community Garden for Lonely Girls by Christine Shan Shan Hou are hot off the press and ready to be disseminated widely (and wildly). At Canvas (the old Western Bridge space), join the Gramma crowd for an evening of poetry, art, food, drink, live music, an actual bounce house, and a major dance party soundtracked by DJs Grody Cody and Angel Baby of Shannon and the Clams. Books will be available to purchase, and readings by Stranger books editor Rich Smith, Anastacia-Renee Tolbert, Donald Dunbar, Christine Shan Shan Hou, and Sarah Galvin begin at 8 p.m., with a live set by neo-pop-punk lovers Boyfriends to follow. I’ll be in attendance as well, if you’d like to ask me about my conflicts of interest. KIM SELLING
(Sodo, free)
20. LiTFUSE Poets read from the POETS UNiTE! Anthology
LiTFUSE is an annual event hosted by Mighty Tieton that offers writers the chance to spend a weekend workshopping poems and collaborating on new pieces. See the results of 10 years of these events at this reading of Poets UNiTE!, a compilation featuring 180 pages of poetry as well as photography and visual art.
(Wallingford, free)
21. Scott Miller
Learn about the German negotiations towards the end of World War II (whether the soldiers and country would be treated humanely after a surrender, for example) from Scott Miller, author of the new book Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII.
(Capitol Hill, free)
22. Sergio Seipke: Hawkwatching Around the World
Author and raptor expert Sergio Seipke (who is putting together Raptors of South America, a field guide for identifying almost 100 species of raptors living on the continent) will speak about hawks around the world in this talk presented by the Seattle Audubon Society.
(Greenwood, free)
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
DRAG
23. March Dragness with Mayhem Miller and Robbie Turner
The March festival of drag, hosted by R Place’s own Robbie Turner (seen on RuPaul), will continue with head-turning LA guest star Mayhem Miller, who went viral not long ago for performing as Diva Plavalaguna from The 5th Element. The usual Lashes ensemble will back them up.
(Capitol Hill, $10/$20)
READINGS & TALKS
24. An Evening of Speculation
Two Seattle writers will read from innovative works of fiction about the Earth changing: L. Nicol Cabe will perform Tidal Surge, about “three generations of women surviving through climate change,” and Elly Bangs will excerpt from her new piece about the world turning upside down.
(Greenwood, $10/$14)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
ART
25. Dance Theatre of Harlem: Forty Years of Firsts
This touring exhibit, which closes on Sunday, celebrates the accomplishments of African Americans and other minority groups in dance, choreography, and performance. See memorabilia including original programs, letters, articles, and posters, as well as historical footage and a large, one-of-a-kind quilt.
(Central District, $7)
26. Robbie Turner & Michael Cepress Estate Sale
Drag Race super queen Robbie Turner and designer and curator Michael Cepress are opening their closets to you and yours for the ultimate in estate sale finery. Enjoy four whole days of wigs, gowns, costume jewelry, original designs, antique furniture, glass ware, fabrics, art books, and more with everything priced to move.
(Capitol Hill, free)
FOOD & DRINK
27. 15th Annual Barleywine Bacchanal!
Beveridge Place Pub will fill 30 taps (yes, 30, you read that correctly) with barleywine as part of their annual celebration of the beverage—selections will change daily, so come two or three times to check out all their options.
(West Seattle, free entry)
GEEK
28. Pacific Northwest Numismatics Association Spring Show
Say that word aloud: “numismatics.” Sounds magical, doesn’t it? “But it’s only old coins!” you protest. Yes—and much like the other much-maligned hobbyist, the philatelist, the numismatist appreciates that coins represent bygone powers, exchanges, trades, colonies, hopes, swindles, savings, bribes, and gifts. Visit dealers’ booths (85 of them!) to pick up your own pieces of history. Get your own collection assessed, see exhibits, watch “Numismatic Theater,” and send your little coin nerds on a youth treasure hunt.
(Tukwila, $2/$5)
THEATER & DANCE
29. Shakespeare Dice: Twelfth Night
Eight actors have memorized the entire script of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and at this performance presented by immersive/experimental theater company Dacha, an audience member will roll the dice and decide who will play which character.
(Capitol Hill and Sodo)
SATURDAY
ART
30. Asia Talks: Mohsin Hamid
This edition of “Asia Talks” will feature British Pakistani novelist Mohsin Hamid, author of Moth Smoke, Discontent and Its Civilizations: Dispatches from Lahore, New York and London, and his most famous, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize). Hamid will visit Seattle to share his latest novel, Exit West, about migration from an unnamed country beset by violence.
(Capitol Hill, free)
31. Queer Artists Fair
Celebrate queer and trans artistry at this inclusive and creative fair, where queer folks and allies can revel in solidarity and pick up a variety of beautiful items. They emphasize that this event is a place “where no phobias of any kind will be tolerated, individuals will be addressed by their preferred name/pronouns, and nobody will be marginalized.”
(Hillman City, free)
32. Queer Love Mart x Queer Feelings Print Sale & Benefit
Support your queer community with this sale of prints from photographer Adrien Leavitt’s image series Queer Feelings benefiting Where Your Mouth Is, a community emergency fund created to support the QTPOC and disabled queer community especially with housing, food, and medical and accessibility needs. Light refreshments will be provided, prints will range from $10 to $30 apiece, and books will also be for sale.
(Beacon Hill, free)
33. Sessions of She
This multidisciplinary arts event (with art, comedy, and music) aims to establish a sense of comfort and community between artists and audience members by interspersing performances with on-stage interviews. March’s feminist showcase will bring you Naoko Morisawa’s art, Summer Azim’s comedy, and Holly Ricciardi taking over the tunes.
(Belltown, free)
34. [S]HEROES: Side B
In honor of Women’s History Month, check out tribute handbags by Jordan Christianson (dedicated to women who musically inspired him), alongside portraits of iconic women in music by Mariel Andrade.
(West Seattle, free)
COMEDY
35. 20 for 30 EP Recording
Brent Flyberg (Bumbershoot, Folklife, Bridgetown and Melbourne comedy festivals), with the assistance of Maddie Downes and Wilfred Padua, will record a stand-up comedy EP—Brent’s first!—at the extremely charming Scratch Deli.
(Capitol Hill, $5)
COMMUNITY
36. BarkHappy Seattle: St. Pawtricks Day Party!
Is it enough for you to know that there’ll be beer and dogs in leprechaun costumes? No? How about the fact that your ticket gets you FREE GELATO FOR DOGS, plus treats, a coupon for Crown Hill Pet Supply, and raffle entry (double if your dog is dressed up)? Friendly dogs welcome, and the proceeds will benefit Seattle Humane.
(Sodo, $10)
37. Bird Focus: Creepers and Nuthatches
Ugh, the bar last night was totally packed with creepers and nuthatches! Just kidding—that would be adorable, considering creepers and nuthatches are cute little birds that excel at eating insect larvae and creating secure nests. This bird-watching walk will focus on locating these lovable creatures, and it’ll happen rain or shine, so wear appropriate clothing. They’ll provide binoculars.
(Rainier Valley, $5)
38. Eritrean Women in Seattle Achievement Celebration
Celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring local Eritrean women who have achieved great things (personal, professional, and for the community) in the past year—plus, enjoy a traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony, poetry, guest speakers, and refreshments.
(Central District, free)
39. Green Your Space
Who doesn’t want to bring more living organisms and green beauty into their home? Learn how to fill your space with plants (“whether it’s your home on 22nd or your studio apartment on Pine St”) at this workshop hosted by the Capitol Hill Community Council, in partnership with Seattle Seed Co and the Capitol Hill Tool Library.
(Capitol Hill, free)
40. Legal Workshop for Artists
Artists can learn about contracts, copyrights, intellectual property, and when to contact an attorney at this legal workshop and Q&A session led by attorney Katrina Brede.
(Central District, free)
41. Premiere of One Vibe Conversation
Catch a live edition of the community-building online video series One Vibe Conversation, which offers discussions about race, politics, arts, and culture featuring “entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, and intellectuals from the African and African American community in Seattle.”
(Central District, free)
42. Talking with Children about Gender Diversity
As trans and queer people gain more visibility, you may be wondering how to bring up children respectful of friends and classmates who don’t fall into the male/female binary—and how to make sure your child feels comfortable with their own gender. Aidan Key, founder of the Gender Odyssey Family conference for families with trans kids, will impart knowledge on the gender spectrum and ways to “support gender diversity in our homes, schools, and communities.”
(Madison Park, $5-$15 suggested donation)
43. Teen Action Fair
Teens and adults can learn how to get involved with youth-focused nonprofits, like 14/48:HS, 206 Forward, Bothell High School (Climate and Culture Committee), and a dozen more. With special guests Archers Beats, Northwest Tap Connection, and Birthday Dreams.
(Seattle Center, free)
FILM
44. Saturday Morning Cartoons
See brilliant animated children’s films from around the globe with like-minded movie lovers, both juvenile and adult. It’s free, and you can donate to partake in some refreshments. Always followed by a post-film discussion. In March, watch the French-Scottish comedy/drama The Illusionist, presented in conjunction with French Fest.
(Ballard, free)
45. Saturday Secret Matinees
Every Saturday until March 25, the Sprocket Society will screen a chapter of the 1936 16mm adventure serial The Undersea Kingdom, starring Ray “Crash” Corrigan as an American he-man battling the evil king of Atlantis, Unga Khan. Watch our hero battle “killer robots, disintegrator rays, and rocket aeroplanes” every week.
(University District, $9)
FOOD & DRINK
46. Back Bar Expansion Benefit Dance Party
E. Smith Mercantile is a venue that sells handcrafted clothing and goodies, in addition to food and drink offerings. Now they’re planning on expanding their bar into Arundel Books’ old space. Celebrate and help them raise money for the building’s development at this party featuring a special cocktail menu (with jello shots!), music, raffles, soul jams, and glitter.
(Pioneer Square, $10/$12)
47. Populuxe Says Mahalo to You on Our 4th Anniversary
Celebrate four years of Populuxe Brewing at this luau featuring music and dance courtesy of Sunshine From Polynesia, a local school specializing in Polynesian performance—plus, bites from fusion food truck Peasant Food Manifesto and a selection of special kegs.
(Ballard, free)
MUSIC
48. 1967
1967, whose motto is “Melting Minds Musically,” is a three-piece hard rock band which collaborates with musicians in Phoenix, Arizona to jam up driving, groovy tunes.
(Downtown, $10/$12)
49. Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons
Blues and folk duo Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons will meet at the banjo/fiddle crossroads to make some classically Northwest music together. Kids are free, but adults have to pony up five bones for this “Saturday Family Concert.”
(First Hill, $5)
50. Branden Daniel & The Chics, Killer Workout, Beverly Crusher
Lifelong Seattle rocker Branden Daniel will hit the Sunset stage with his band the Chics, as well as support from Killer Workout and Beverly Crusher.
(Ballard, $10)
51. A Family Affair 2.0
Get real dancey over your St. Patrick’s Day weekend with A Family Affair 2.0, the second iteration of an evening collection of Seattle resident DJs coming together at Substation, featuring live sets by Ben Annand, Michael Manahan, and Derrick Deep.
(Ballard, $5/$10)
52. Foxy Apollo, RCV, Gutterpup, Free Samples
High-humor Seattle group Foxy Apollo make “funky punky blues,” and they’ll be joined by RCV, Gutterpup, and Free Samples in the aftermath of St. Patrick’s Day.
(Out of Town, $5/$8)
53. #GOODSATURDAYS
Recurring Kremwerk DJ night #GOODSATURDAYS is, in true college fashion, throwing a 40s & Shorties night soundtracked by U.No.Hu, Sean Cee, and Drewbyrd.
(Downtown, $10)
54. Jonathan Warren & the Billy Goats with Guests
Wandering alternative rock from Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats brings the pasture to the city, with special surprise guests.
(Ballard, $8)
55. La Onda: Kemba, Guayaba, Rell Be Free
New York rapper Kemba, known for his Kendrick Lamar connections and stellar album Negus, headlines La Onda, a new series by La Realeza at Timbre Room, with support from cosmic track-weaver Guayaba and local bar-spitter Kell Be Free.
(Downtown, $8)
56. Late Night Shiner, The Weirdons, Apache Truck Stop, The Glaring
Local rockers Late Night Shiner play to the hungover post-St. Paddy’s Day weekend crowd at Tim’s, with help from The Weirdons, Apache Truck Stop, and The Glaring.
(Greenwood, $5)
57. Leava, Boots To The Moon, Verlaine, Campion
Celebrating the release of their new two-track EP The Lovely Grind, Leava will headline the Central Saloon with Boots To The Moon, Verlaine, and Campion.
(Pioneer Square, $5/$8)
58. The Lowdown Drifters with Deception Past
The Lowdown Drifters play original, Northwest-tinged, heavy country, direct from Stanwood, WA, and will be joined by Deception Past.
(Georgetown, $8)
59. Matt Carlson, Jeff Witscher, Jason E. Anderson
Thanks to promoter Jason E. Anderson of LIMITS, we have yet another stacked lineup of highbrow electronic abstract expressionism at Seattle’s most acoustically lustrous venue. If you’ve been following the city’s underground scene, you’ll know that Anderson is also a creator of mischievous digital chaos that has roots in Iannis Xenakis and the 1990s-era Mego label’s most outrageous assaults on audio decorum. Jeff Witscher (aka Rene Hell) can hit you with unsettling, Coil-like atmospheres or metallic, insectoid tone dispersions, and diamond-hard pointillism. Any way you slice it, you’ll be stunned. Matt Carlson—keyboardist for great jazztronic psychonauts Golden Retriever—has been one of the country’s most interesting purveyors of fun-house-mirror soundscapes over the last eight years. Every live performance is a disorienting thrill ride that toggles between conservatory discipline and insane-asylum babble. DAVE SEGAL
(Wallingford, $5-$15)
60. Mothership, Black Pussy, Beastmaker, Slow Season, Year of the Cobra
“Supersonic intergalactic” trio Mothership will come to Planet Seattle bearing heavy space metal.
(Eastlake, $10/$12)
61. Nail Polish, Lithics, Casual Hex
It’s good to see the newish Kremwerk-affiliated venue Timbre Room adding more live bills and diversifying into rock—especially if it’s going to bring in acts like Nail Polish. Nail Polish radiate insane no-wave energy and angst that amp you to patriarchy-smashing righteousness. Their chronically cranky rock careens and crunches like long-lost 1980s UK hell-raisers like bIG fLAME and MacKenzies. Scoop up Nail Polish’s two galvanizing releases—Abrupt and Authentic Living—for instant adrenaline boosts. DAVE SEGAL
(Downtown, $7)
62. The Navins, CobraHawk, Stargazing in 35mm
Alt-garage rockers The Navins release their high energy onslaught on the Substation stage, will bill support from CobraHawk and Stargazing in 35mm.
(Ballard, $6)
63. A Night at 2312 to Benefit the ACLU
Support the ACLU by celebrating local music and art at 2312 Gallery, with a night of live sets by singer-songwriter Isabella Du Graf, hiphop duo Sendai ERA, electro-dance buds Decent at Best, multi-piece hiphop band All Star Opera, and the evening’s grooves provided by DJ Calico. Comedian Abraham Tadesse will host, with projected visuals by multimedia artist Annisa Amalia, and displayed art throughout the gallery by Connie Fu and Noah Neighbor.
(Belltown, $10/$25)
64. The Rule of Groove with Guests
Dance-oriented variety show The Rule of Groove converts their energy into a working band for a set at the Blue Moon.
(University District, $7)
65. Seattle Sub Sessions: One Year Anniversary
Seattle Sub Sessions, a monthly dubstep night at Contour, presents a headlining live set from Savage Society’s Blankface, with support sets from Mesck, Kloak, and Truble in honor of their first anniversary.
(Pioneer Square, $10)
66. Secret Drum Band, Globelamp, Lori Goldston
This percussion/noise ensemble, headed by composer Lisa Schonberg, was born at Ladyfest Olympia in 2005 and now features a changing set of noisemakers and percussion artists wearing special clothing by Portland designer Heather Treadway.
(Seattle Center, $10/$12)
67. SNAP! 90s Dance Party
Remember when Y2K seemed like a scary way for the world to end? Return to those nostalgic times with the DJs of Trashy Trash and “party like it’s 1999.” SNAP! has been resurrecting last millennium’s tunes since its debut in Portland in 2007. Each month features guests like DJ Same Dna, MadMax, Introcut, Colin Jones, and/or Ben Meadow. Hosted by Coco Madrid.
(Eastlake, $10)
68. Tribute Night Showdown: Blondie Vs. The Cars
Enjoy a whole night of tribute performances dedicated to the rock legends of Blondie and The Cars, with live sets from The Porizkovas, Mother Of Pearl, Candy Oh!, The Stilletoes, The Dangerous Types, and Hairy Debbie.
(Ballard, $8)
69. W Live: Night Shakes with Mike Nipper and Taryn Rene Dorsey
Enjoy a free dance party courtesy of Night Shakes, the supergroup DJ duo comprised of Mike Nipper of Talcum fame, and Taryn Rene Dorsey of Base Tan and NighTTrain.
(Downtown, free)
READINGS & TALKS
70. Black Like Me: An Exploration of the Word N****r Youth Workshop
This workshop explores Black Like Me, a multidisciplinary piece featuring dance, mixed media, and sound design that asks whether it’s possible for the black community to redeem a word that has been—and still is—used as an expression of hate and contempt, but has found more benign uses in hiphop and other contexts. Presented by Jade Solomon Curtis.
(Central District, free)
71. Geologic Disasters Presentation
Seattle’s landscape has been heavily altered by human forces—but before that, the whole Pacific Northwest was reshaped and made into what it is today thanks to natural causes (including what we would consider apocalyptic volcanic explosions, earthquakes, and floods). Learn about our region’s history from naturalist Ed Dominguez.
(Rainier Valley, $5)
72. Gramma Reading with Sarah Galvin & Christine Shan Shan Hou
As our Music Calendar Editor Kim Selling writes, “Impressive local poetry press Gramma (I’m biased, since I’m one of its editors) is officially launching its first two books into orbit. Ugly Time by Sarah Galvin and Community Garden for Lonely Girls by Christine Shan Shan Hou are hot off the press and ready to be disseminated widely (and wildly).” After you party hard at Gramma’s bouncehouse dance party and reading extravaganza, head to this chill reading to appreciate and hear excerpts from those two new releases.
(Wallingford, free)
THEATER & DANCE
73. Kitchen Sink: A Divine Variety Show
Mercury Divine hosts a new variety show at Kremwerk known as Kitchen Sink, a chance to witness drag, comedy, music, circus, and dance all in one place every third Saturday.
(Downtown, $10/$15)
74. Young Playwrights Festival
Four middle and high school playwrights have worked with ACT to produce staged readings of their shows. Watch the results, including Not All Fairytales Have Happy Endings by Esther Strako (TOPS Middle School), Panic Room by Peter Bauer (Ballard High School), Molento by Jen Concepcion (Kamiak High School), and My Childhood? by Mirabai Kukathas (NOVA Project).
(Downtown, $10)
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
COMMUNITY
75. AAINA 2017: South Asian Women’s Focus
This weekend-long festival presented by Tasveer promises a variety of arts programming celebrating the achievements and exploring the experiences of South Asian women. Some of the events are free, including talks about “The Vulnerable Body: Illness and Disability in the Community,” “Treated Right: Because You Are A Priority”, and “Patriarchies and Cultural Practices: From South Asia to the Sound,” and there will be a $10 screening of Angry Indian Goddesses.
(Capitol Hill, free-$10)
76. Friends of The Seattle Public Library’s HUGE Book Sale
If past years are any indication, you may come home from the library’s book/DVD/CD fundraiser-sale with a massive haul. It’s amazing what you can stumble on here: Criterion DVDs, foreign-language graphic novels, strange children’s books, and general esoterica can find their way into your bag o’ bookish booty. Unless you come every day that weekend—during which all items are $1-$3—you will definitely not have the chance to examine each of the 100,000 potential treasures, but you’ll want to do your best. Friday is members-only (membership costs $20), but it’s free to attend on Saturday and Sunday.
(Seattle Center, free)
SUNDAY
ART
77. Eye on Artist Lecture Series: Chris Maynard
Olympian Chris Maynard, creator of the ethereal Featherfolio exhibit of hand-cut feathers, will speak on his work and inspiration. The reception afterwards will give you time to see the pieces while enjoying light refreshment.
(Bainbridge Island, $10)
78. The Journey That Saved Curious George
Learn about the history of the creators of “Curious George,” Margret and H. A. Rey, who fled Paris just hours before the Nazi invasion at the beginning of World War II. On “Family Day” on Sunday, there will be kids’ activities including story time, passport stamping, coloring, and more.
(Downtown, $10)
79. Pottery Northwest’s NCECA Pre-Fest
Before the National Council On Education For the Ceramic Arts conference in Portland, Pottery Northwest will host a series of events (workshops, exhibitions, parties, and more) in anticipation. Today, they’ll have a free party with food, beer, an “incredible firing spectacular,” and opportunities to purchase pottery.
(Seattle Center, free)
80. Womxn’s Work
Womxn’s Work will feature pieces by four women-identified artists from Seattle: Stacey LeFevre, Elaine Lin, Catherine Cougan and Maxx Follis. This is a good, artsy opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month.
(Ballard, free)
COMEDY
81. Match Game
Audience contestants try to guess local celebrities’ answers to silly questions for a ribald evening. The March edition, subtitled “Drop the Soap,” will star “the man who showers you with love” Richard Rugburn and his “prize butterfly” Moist Towelette, plus guests including David Schmader.
(Downtown, $10)
82. Ridiculous Vices: Molière Improvised
Improvisers will cook up a show in the bawdy vein of 17th-century French farceur Molière, based on audience suggestions.
(Downtown, $10)
COMMUNITY
83. Nowruz in Seattle: Persian New Year
Celebrate the Persian New Year—generally marked with festivals, family visits, traditional dishes and desserts, house-cleaning, and festive decorations—at Seattle City Hall, where they promise traditional folklore dances, live music, a kids’ activity corner, a photo booth (titled “Travel to Iran Without Leaving Seattle!”), and refreshments.
(Downtown, free)
FESTIVALS
84. French Fest
This “Day of Francophonie” festival will likely draw thousands of people interested in French and Francophone cultures from around the world. Last year, attractions included music, a career expo, short film screenings, a Best Baguette contest, and of course, la bouffe—French food in all its glory.
(Seattle Center, free)
FOOD & DRINK
85. Fighting Irish
Valiantly shrugging off the (no doubt) stressful insanity of Saint Paddy’s Day weekend, four female bartenders will battle to create the best Irish cocktail. The whiskeys themselves will be in competition: “Tullamore D.E.W. vs. Jameson vs. Teeling vs. Kilbeggan.” Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Jubilee Center. The drinks and other food and drink specials will be orderable off the special menu.
(Queen Anne, free)
MUSIC
86. Ballard Civic Orchestra: Celebrating Hispanic & Latino Cultural Heritage
Multi-generational, intercultural orchestra Ballard Civic Orchestra will present the second performance of their current concert series as a celebration of Latino and Hispanic musical culture, featuring two guest artists, including popular contemporary Brazilian musician, Jovino Santos Neto, and Latin Grammy nominee and master pianist, composer, arranger, and countertenor José Luis Muñoz.
(Bellevue, free)
87. Elevator: John Chantler
John Chantler is a well-traveled musician who’s drummed for radical, Mego-affiliated, electro-pop diva Tujiko Noriko, performed with Japanese rock mavericks Maher Shalal Hash Baz, and collaborated with ambient savant/Room40 label boss Lawrence English, among other accomplishments. The Stockholm-based producer is a generator of acute, expansive drones that abound with fascinating, disjunctive activity, which fans of Mille Plateaux’s Clicks & Cuts comps will appreciate. On his outstanding 2016 album for Room40, Which Way to Leave?, Chantler creates bizarrely enchanting minimalist compositions that intrigue with their warped, elemental tonalities and oceanic atmospheres. Don’t miss this rare chance to catch Chantler live. DAVE SEGAL
(Georgetown, $10)
88. George Michael & Wham! Sing Along
Celebrate the music of Wham! and George Michael at this sing-along—they’ll provide kazoos to create a really interesting effect during the sax solos. “You know I wouldn’t hurt you…unless you wanted me to.”
(Greenwood, $10)
89. Hannah Judson, Claire Michelle, Spencer Carlson
Power-folk singer-songwriter Hannah Judson will perform some of her own homegrown original works, with support sets from Claire Michelle and Spencer Carlson.
(University District, $7)
90. High Cloud Cover and Bad News Botanists
Previously known as The Black Clouds, High Cloud Cover has since evolved into a rock and soul fusion group. They’ll be joined on the Substation stage by Bad News Botanists.
(Ballard, free)
91. The Lowebeats, The Connection, The Dee Dees
“All-star” Nick Lowe tribute group The Lowebeats headline a night of rock and punk throwbacks at the Sunset, with support from The Connection making their Seattle debut, and Ramones cover band and punk revivalists The Dee Dees playing their last show ever.
(Ballard, $10)
92. Mia Day, Bug, Lettie Mars
Young local singer-songwriter Mia Day recently released her debut EP Two Separate Worlds and has a full-length album in the works, from which she’ll showcase tracks in her distinct warble. She’ll be joined by Bug and Lettie Mars.
(West Seattle, $5)
93. Nick Drummond
“Alt-folk” banjo-plucker Drummond shares mellow, slightly Paul Simonesque tunes at SeaMonster.
(Wallingford, free)
94. Seattle JazzED
Seattle JazzEd is a local non-profit that empowers students through music education. The current students and alumni of the JAzzED program will be gathering every Sunday of March at the Royal Room for performances as new works ensembles, with special guests each week.
(Columbia City, free)
95. Slow Code, The Hague, Trapper, Tincho
Power-punk trio Slow Code drag their dirge through the University District, with bill support from PDXers The Hague, Trapper out of Kansas City, and local power rockers Tincho.
(University District, $7)
96. theZim & ARock with Honor Hall and Among Authors
Fusion artists theZim & Arock have been playing together for years, and will bring their joint folk-rock-pop efforts to the High Dive stage this weekend for theZim’s 40th birthday. They’ll be joined in their revelry by Honor Hall and Among Authors.
(Fremont, $6/$8)
READINGS & TALKS
97. Ariel Levy with Claire Dederer
New Yorker staff writer Ariel Levy (author of feminist cultural critique Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture) prided herself on being fearless, the kind of woman who would travel alone, meet new people, interview them, learn quickly, and write boldly. When she was five months pregnant, she travelled to Mongolia to write about the influence of the burgeoning mining industry—and she returned home to a fractured marriage, without a baby. Rules Do Not Apply is a memoir about that experience and others; you can see glimpses of the likely themes in the 2013 New Yorker essay “Thanksgiving in Mongolia,” in which she tells a salesperson at a clothing store, “I don’t know what size I am, because I just had a baby. He died, but the good news is, now I’m fat.” She writes with self-deprecating humor and a deep curiosity about what it means to be a woman in this world. At this event, Levy will be joined by Claire Dederer, Hugo House instructor and author of the New York Times best-selling memoir Poser.
(Capitol Hill, free)
98. King-Snohomish County Regional Spelling Bee
70 middle schoolers will compete for your entertainment and amusement at this regional spelling bee. You won’t get to see all the behind-the-scenes mayhem and helicoptering parenting featured in 2002 movie Spellbound, but you can imagine the latent drama while you watch these young ‘uns spell their hearts out. This year’s moderator will be historian, journalist, and KIRO radio host and producer Feliks Banel.
(First Hill, free)
99. Our Secret Better Lives: Reading and Signing
In Matthew Amster-Burton’s new novel, Our Secret Better Lives, grunge fan Katy becomes a singer in her own write. Join the author for a signing and Q&A.
(Capitol Hill, free)
100. Scandinavian Crime Fiction with Professor Andy Nestingen
Learn about Scandinavian crime fiction from professor Andy Nestingen: chair of the Scandinavian Studies department at UW and author of the book Scandinavian Crime Fiction (inspired by authors including Stieg Larsson, Henning Mankell, Karin Fossum, and Anne Holt). While you’re there, check out the Nordic Heritage Museum’s Swedish Crime Scenes exhibit.
(Ballard, $5 suggested)
RESISTANCE & SOLIDARITY
101. Eastside Community Meeting to Resist the Trump Agenda
Seattleites love to hate on anyone east of Lake Washington, but repress your sneering comments about Bellevue and listen for a second: our Eastside neighbors have been adamantly standing up against Trump. The theme of this meeting in Bellevue is “Hate Has No Home Here,” and they promise community discussion as well as a selection of speakers who’ll address “anti-semitism, anti-islamophobia, and the local progressive movement to take back the State Senate.”
(Eastside, free)
SPORTS & RECREATION
102. State Parks: Free Days
Celebrate the Washington State Parks’ 104th birthday. They’ll waive their usual $10 entrance fee, and you can enjoy the wonder of the Columbia Gorge, Olympic Rainforest, or Deception Pass for free.
(Various locations, free)
