A Conversation about Yes on 522
Café Presse, Thurs. 6/20 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Suggested donation: $5.22
This fall, Initiative 522, which would require labeling genetically engineered foods, will likely be on the ballot. So best to get informed on the issue. Several local restaurateurs and chefs, including Jim Drohman of Café Presse, are solidly in the “vote yes” camp and want to tell you why. On this morning (or the evening of 6/18), head to Café Presse for delectable French pastries and a discussion on this pivotal food issue.
The Blind Tiger Speakeasy
Lo-fi, Fri. 6/21, 9 p.m., $10
Carey Rayburn, who organizes this monthly (speakeasy!) event, plays in 10 bands, but his baby is Good Co., a swing band that dresses up jazz with an electronic edge. This is your last chance to see Good Co. play in Seattle this summer. People of all dance levels come out in their 1920s get-ups to cut the rug and admire the event's talented burlesque dancers.
"Play It As It Lays"
Gay Pride Month Salutes Anthony Perkins
SAM, Fri. 6/21, 7:30 p.m., $8 day-of single ticket ($15 for series)
Beyond Psycho, Perkins was an immensely talented actor (and closeted homosexual). "Play It As It Lays," based on the Joan Didion novel of the same name, is the story of Maria, a B-movie actress and her gay best friend, played by Perkins. In his review, the late Roger Ebert said the actors “make us care about characters who have given up on themselves."
Bootie Seattle Pre-Pride
Chop Suey, Fri. 6/21, $5 before 10 p.m., $10 after
Pride’s (still) a-coming and tonight Chop Suey hosts a special edition of Bootie Mash-ups with Lady Gaga vs. Madonna all night. I don’t know what happens when you combine two divas of this caliber, but I hope it involves a lot of singing “Materi-uh-al!”
Cecile Andrews
Elliott Bay Book Company, Sun. 6/23, 3 p.m., FREE
This event marks the beginning of Elliott Bay's 40th anniversary celebration week. Cecile Andrews, “a longtime friend and champion” of Elliott Bay, has written a book called "Living Room Revolution: A Handbook for Conversation, Community, and the Common Good." It questions how we as a society have come to relate to others, and how we can regain a sense of community and purpose through conversation.
HONK! Fest West
Georgetown, Gas Works Park, SAM and Columbia City, Fri. 6/21 to Sun. 6/23, Free (and some suggested donations)
I cannot overstate how much I look forward to HONK! Fest each year. Flamboyantly clad brass bands from the Pacific Northwest and far beyond descend upon Seattle for three days of rowdy, energizing brass music. Regardless of your fondness for brass, this event is crazy fun. One of my favorite things is the diversity; not only can you experience many kinds of music but each venue strikes a totally different mood — imagine nighttime in Georgetown vs. walking Gas Works Park on a sunny afternoon). And this year, they ALL look strong.
Fremont Fair and the Solstice Parade
Fremont, Fri. 6/21 to Sun. 6/23, FREE
Infamous for its flashy floats, tried-and-true route and, oh yeah, all those nude cyclists, this parade has been a Seattle tradition for 25 years. The cyclists lead the parade on Saturday at 3 p.m., but the festivities (including live music, Redhook beer galore and a dog parade) will be going on all weekend long. Added bonus: HONK! Fest West will be part of the Solstice Parade, playing everyone over to Gas Works Park.
Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays: International Film Series
The Paramount, Mon. 6/24, 7 p.m., $10
"A Throw of Dice (Prapancha Pash)" is the third and final film in this year’s Silent Movie Mondays series. This extravagant film, made in 1929 by a German director and Indian producer, made use of 10,000 extras, 1,000 horses and 50 elephants. Additionally, each showing is accompanied by The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ — played live.
What are you doing this weekend? Let us know in the comments area below. And if you hear of any interesting — under $15 — events in or around our grand city, please email editor@crosscut.com.
