When it comes to holiday celebrating there are some unparalleled Seattle institutions that’ll run you more than $15 (I’m looking at you, Dina Martina Christmas show and Homo for the Holidays). But there are a few affordable happenings this week, both holiday and non. I'll be taking next week off, so Happy Holidays to all. (Btw: here's a list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)
Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside
The Crocodile, Thursday 12/19 at 8 p.m., $15
Sallie Ford is a southerner turned Portlanderwho favors flashy eyewear and vintage dresses and all these flourishes (even her name) seem to fit with the music she makes, which blends genres into her own brand of twangy rock-and-roll. Ford’s new album Untamed Beast features the strong vocals, driving guitars and gritty lyrics of her previous album Dirty Radio and she’s only getting better.
A Very Diva Christmas Performance Party
Velocity, Thursday 12/19 at 7 p.m., $15 pre-sale
Everything about this performance is a mystery to me (one that grows with each reading of the descriptions). I DO know this however: It is a holiday celebration, local artists Donnatella Howe, Atasha Manila, Ceasar Hart and Zoe Scofield + Juniper Shuey will be performing, and it’s bound to be good, because everything Velocity Dance Center puts on is. In addition, this performance celebrates Zoe | Juniper's 2013 Genius Award for Performance.
Deep Sea Diver
Neumos, Friday, 12/20 at 8 p.m., $12
History Speaks, Deep Sea Diver’s first and only record came out earlier this year, and since then they’ve been touring on-and-off in support. I only recently discovered them but love Jessica Dobson's voice, and its versatility throughout the album (which I have been liberally streaming here).
The Music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The Royal Room, Sunday 12/22 at 5:30 p.m., By Donation
In Piano Starts Here, Seattle pianists showcase the work of specific artists. This week, they celebrate the work of Vince Guaraldi with a special Christmas edition. Even the scroogiest of scrooges has a soft spot for the “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack and it’s easy to remember why with each listen: It’s at once revitalizing, delicate and innocent. Stick around after the performance for a Christmas carol sing-along, and some Royal Room’ yam fries. Yay!
Willy Wonka
SIFF Uptown, through 12/24, $10
Working at Theo Chocolate, I get more daily Willy Wonka jokes than I can count, none of which is worth repeating here. Even so, I still totally love this screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, not to mention Gene Wilder’s perfect, weird intensity in the starring role. Give in to nostalgia, while pondering a strange plot point you (somehow) gleefully overlooked while watching the film as a kid: All four grandparents sleep in the same bed. And yes, the whole movie really IS that sinister. At these special showings, enjoy complimentary Wonkeriffic goodie bags!
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.
Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside
The Crocodile, Thursday 12/19 at 8 p.m., $15
Sallie Ford is a southerner turned Portlanderwho favors flashy eyewear and vintage dresses and all these flourishes (even her name) seem to fit with the music she makes, which blends genres into her own brand of twangy rock-and-roll. Ford’s new album Untamed Beast features the strong vocals, driving guitars and gritty lyrics of her previous album Dirty Radio and she’s only getting better.
A Very Diva Christmas Performance Party
Velocity, Thursday 12/19 at 7 p.m., $15 pre-sale
Everything about this performance is a mystery to me (one that grows with each reading of the descriptions). I DO know this however: It is a holiday celebration, local artists Donnatella Howe, Atasha Manila, Ceasar Hart and Zoe Scofield + Juniper Shuey will be performing, and it’s bound to be good, because everything Velocity Dance Center puts on is. In addition, this performance celebrates Zoe | Juniper's 2013 Genius Award for Performance.
Deep Sea Diver
Neumos, Friday, 12/20 at 8 p.m., $12
History Speaks, Deep Sea Diver’s first and only record came out earlier this year, and since then they’ve been touring on-and-off in support. I only recently discovered them but love Jessica Dobson's voice, and its versatility throughout the album (which I have been liberally streaming here).
The Music of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The Royal Room, Sunday 12/22 at 5:30 p.m., By Donation
In Piano Starts Here, Seattle pianists showcase the work of specific artists. This week, they celebrate the work of Vince Guaraldi with a special Christmas edition. Even the scroogiest of scrooges has a soft spot for the “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack and it’s easy to remember why with each listen: It’s at once revitalizing, delicate and innocent. Stick around after the performance for a Christmas carol sing-along, and some Royal Room’ yam fries. Yay!
Willy Wonka
SIFF Uptown, through 12/24, $10
Working at Theo Chocolate, I get more daily Willy Wonka jokes than I can count, none of which is worth repeating here. Even so, I still totally love this screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, not to mention Gene Wilder’s perfect, weird intensity in the starring role. Give in to nostalgia, while pondering a strange plot point you (somehow) gleefully overlooked while watching the film as a kid: All four grandparents sleep in the same bed. And yes, the whole movie really IS that sinister. At these special showings, enjoy complimentary Wonkeriffic goodie bags!
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.
