This week promises pastries, house plants, geology and tales of love. But I am most excited about the short films from the early 20th century showing Monday night at NW Film Forum.
The Hall of Giants: Story of Fremont and the Troll
SIFF Cinema Uptown, Thurs. 9/12 at 7:15 p.m., $6 advance, $11 at the door
This documentary is a celebration of the roots and remarkable staying power of this iconic piece of public art. Created by Seattle artists in 1990, the fremont Troll was an effort to revitalize the seedy nether region beneath the Aurora Bridge. The documentary, which featuresinterviews with the unique characters who made this unique, interactive piece of public art, is also a cautionary tale about the downside of gentrification, about how neighborhoods like Fremont “and entire cities can grow estranged from the cultural and artistic roots that once established them.”
Credit: angela n/Flickr
Cheap Beer and Prose
Richard Hugo House, Thurs. 9/12 at 7 p.m., Free (plus beer)
At this edition of Cheap Beer and Prose, join local writers Tara Atkinson, Sean Beaudoin, Alma Garcia and Eli Hastings as they read from some of their newest work. The tiny bar at Hugo House will be stocked with PBR (for a buck), not to mention select higher brow mixed drinks and local brews. I’m most excited to hear Alma Garcia read from her most recent work, Roadside Curiosities: Short Stories on American Pop Culture. An open mic will follow the guest readers, whose books will be for sale afterwards.
Not About Everything
Velocity Dancer Center, Fri. through Sun., $12 students, $18 general
Called a “self-reflexive tour de force” by The New Yorker, Washington native Daniel Linehan’s newest work is finally premiering in Seattle after having toured internationally for the last few years. In addition to the performances, Linehan will also be leading workshops and hosting a post-performance conversation on Friday the 13th.
David Montgomery
Town Hall, Fri. 9/13 at 7:30 p.m., $5
UW Geologist, MacArthur Genius and current Town Hall Scholar in Residence David Montgomery will present a truly awesome talk titled “A Geological Perspective on Noah’s Flood.” Inspired by his new book The Rocks Don’t Lie, Montgomery will explore the relevance of the Noah’s Ark story to creationism, geology and the shifting nature of truth.
Fall Plant Sale
Volunteer Park Conservatory (Dahlia Lawn near the Seattle Asian Art Musuem), Sat. 9/14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In my opinion, Volunteer Park is among our finest and the conservatory, small, quietly lovely and totally magical, is an oft- overlooked FREE institution. In a show of support for Friends of the Conservatory, come to the plant sale to enhance your abode with a succulent or cactus. Trust me: These plants are easy to take care of.
Music Craft: Leonard Cohen
Northwest Film Forum Sat. 9/14 at 5 p.m., $10
Yet another excellent edition of Music Movies at the NWFF. This one follows Leonard Cohen’s 1988 tour concert in support of I’m Your Man, driven by the undiffused energy of the audience in San Sebastian, Spain, where the record was HUGE. Hits include “I’m Your Man” and “Take This Waltz,” a Garcia Lorca poem.
First Stories: Early Film Narratives
Northwest Film Forum, Mon. 9/16 at 7 p.m., $10
The birth of film is fascinating and seeing how people learned to navigate this new medium (both technically and narratively) is truly wondrous. For this one special night, watch 90 minutes of select short films — from the U.S., France and Great Britain — that specifically focus on the development of movie storytelling. Youtube some Méliès and get jazzed.
Wandering Goose Book Launch Party
Wandering Goose Café, Tues. 9/17 At 7 p.m., FREE
Heather Earnhardt, the mastermind behind The Wandering Goose and Volunteer Park Café (home of legend-worthy cookies, scones, soups, pretty much everything), has written a book: The Wandering Goose: A Modern Fable for How Love Goes. At the book party, you'll enjoy original art from the book AND original Southern goodies from this new, but already beloved café.
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.
