Low Movie
SIFF Uptown, Wed. 7/17 at 7 p.m., $11
Right on the heels of the Sub Pop Jubilee is this one-night-only screening of the documentary about Duluth, Minnesota (and Sub Pop!) band Low, which has been making minimalist and beautifully crafted indie rock music since 1993. Filmmaker Philip Harder has been assembling Low’s music videos and projects throughout the band's journey, and he includes many of his 16mm negatives. (Side note: Low is also known, and rightfully so, for their incredibly cute Christmas music, including “Just Like Christmas,” which I could listen to 365 days of the year.)
Bootie Seattle
Chop Suey, Fri. 7/19, $5 before 10 p.m., $10 after
It’s the third Friday of the month and thus Bootie Seattle. If you’ve never heard Bootie Mashups, think “Zombie” by the Cranberries plus Lady Gaga plus house beats (real mashup) and if that appeals to you, dance over to Chop Suey in your beach attire for this edition of Beach Party Bootie.
Empowering Women Artisan Market
Burke Museum, Sat. and Sun. 7/20 and 7/21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $7.50-$10 admission
Through October 27th, the Burke will be showing this original exhibit, “Empowering Women.” It features 10 women artisan cooperatives from communities around the world, using their crafts and art as a tool to fight the many forms of oppression that surround them. The exhibit is definitely worth a visit in its own right but for this weekend only, the museum will also host six of the women‘s cooperatives, providing a real-life opportunity to meet the artists, marvel at their skills (in weaving, basketry and more) and support their communities by buying some of their magnificent art.
ByDesign Series
Northwest Film Forum, Sat. 7/19-7/24 , $10
This series celebrates design of all kinds, with documentaries on everyone from filmmaker Pablo Ferro (known for his work on Dr. Strangelove) to renowned architect Frank Gehry. Rather than just commemorate brilliant designers and artists, the NWFF makes our interaction with design the centerpiece of this series. The “Living Architecture” films — one shows the complexity of Gehry’s Guggenheim in Bilbao through the harrowing journeys of its window washers — seem particularly captivating.
Superbad
Fremont, Sat. 7/20 at dusk, $5
And the outdoor movies continue! This week, Fremont presents the much-loved Judd Apatow/Michael Cera collaboration Superbad. Relive teenagedom, or just rejoice in adulthood by legally drinking. (That's Cera and co-star Jonah Hill at left.)
Hairspray (1988)
Cal Anderson Park, Sat. 7/20 at dusk, FREE
To kick off Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s “I Need a Hero!” outdoor movie series, Hairspray will be playing at Cal Anderson. Partake in some local ice cream, belt out the hits and ponder RIkki Lake as the first girl “hero” celebrated by this film series.
ReAct Theatre Presents William Shakespeare’s Star Wars
Elliott Bay Book Company, Sun. 7/21 at 2 p.m., $5 suggested donation
Local ReAct Theatre will be performing Ian Doescher’s William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, which will doubtlessly appeal to all those college theater majors and boys chosen as “Best English Student in High School.” (I say this with complete love, as I have a particular friend in mind). Even if you don’t fit the stereotype, this will be a lot of fun. In ReAct's words, may the VERSE be with you.
Shelby Earl
Sonic Boom Records, Tues. 7/23 at 6 p.m., FREE
Seattle artist Shelby Earl will be celebrating the release of her second studio album Swift Arrows at Ballard’s Sonic Boom. Watching artists perform there (they set up a little stage platform in the back corner) is always a treat, with the love between artists and music lovers somehow amplified by the shelves of vinyl and CDs that surround them. Shelby Earl’s folk music, driven by soulful vocals, first gained national attention when it was featured on The Garden State soundtrack. Since then, NPR’s Ann Powers has called Earl her “favorite new songwriter.”
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. Photo of Michael Cera and Jonah Hill courtesy of justjared.com
