Fantagraphics Bookstore 5th Anniversary with Pogo: Once upon a time, somewhere in the 1940s, former Disney Animator Walter Kelly created a politically-charged newspaper comic named “Pogo,” where a thoughtful possum and a range of other colorful characters made their home around a polluted swamp. In addition to a classic caricature of Joseph R. McCarthy, a shotgun-toting bobcat named Simple J. Malarkey, it was Pogo the possum who originally spoke the oft-quoted line, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
To take a gander at this historical and entertaining treasure, join Fantagraphics as they celebrate the 5th anniversary of their bookstore and gallery, accompanied by female banjo and saw duet “Sawsome.” The exhibit, “Playing Possum: The Pogo Art of Walt Kelly” includes 12 dailies and 4 Sunday strips.
If you go: 5th Anniversary with Pogo, Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery, 1201 South Vale St, Dec. 10, 6-9pm, free, more info
STG Presents Norm MacDonald: Even though he can never seem to get his own movies off the ground, Norm MacDonald is a funny man. Best known for the five seasons he spent on Saturday Night Live, where he anchored Weekend Update, MacDonald has been in and out of a lot of shows and movies — some
good, some not so good. As a result, people often forget how funny MacDonald really is, until they spend a minute or two listening to him. A favorite of Conan O'Brien's, he's a must-see for stand-up lovers.
If you go: Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St, Dec. 10, doors open at 7:00pm, show starts at 8pm, $35, more info
Next Fest NW: Theft & Devotion: For those interested in immersing themselves in Seattle's dance scene, now is the time to do so. This weekend, you can see all the dance performances, screenings and conversations you need, and more. According to the event website, the theme of the year is “Theft + Devotion” and there will be “fierce” new works from local artists. A Crosscut review of “NEXT Dance Cinema” is upcoming.
If you go: Events throughout the weekend, see website for detail
Chickpea Charity's Holiday Cocktail Party: Here’s a good excuse to party: helping kids learn. That is exactly what Chickpea Charity, a group of women dedicated to the improvement of Washington schools, will be doing with this Friday’s party. The event will feature unlimited craft beers, artisan wines, and bites provided by Spur Gastropub and Tavern Law. Bright White Lightning will provide the soundtrack for a late night dance party. What more could a person ask for? All proceeds go to Roxhill and Finley Elementary schools.
If you go: Within Sodo, 2916 Utah Ave S, Dec. 9, 8pm-2am, $35 advance/$40 day of, more info
Cookies, Crafts & Carols: Like holidays? Like boats? The Center for Wooden Boats has the answer. This weekend they are sending out a whole fleet of historic vessels in the name of Christmas: the Tug Arthur Foss, the Steamship Virginia V, and the Schooner Adventuress, as well as others. There will be hot apple cider and cocoa to keep you warm on the scurvy sea (i.e., Lake Union), and as you journey you can decorate cookies, make ornaments, create cards, and sing carols. Not exactly Sinbad the Sailor material, but certainly a bit of family-oriented fun that’s out of the norm.
If you go: Historic Ships Wharf in Lake Union Park and Center for Wooden Boats, 860 Terry Ave N, Dec. 10, 12-4pm, free, more info
