* Events that are $15 or less
Threesome
A man and a woman invite another man into bed and what starts out as a comedy spirals into something that will leave you muttering and shaking your head and saying things like, Oh wow. That was intense. See this play with someone you can have a long conversation with because it’ll get you talking — and not just because of all the full-on (male) nakedness. Seattle’s Yussef El Guindi delivers a smart and bold story about sex, body image, relationships, power and the Egyptian revolution. If it’s been a while since you’ve stepped into the theater, put this at the top of your list.
If you go: Threesome, ACT, Now through June 28 ($20) — F.D.
Pop-Up Art Putt! *
Whether or not you’re paying heed to that huge golf tournament in town, here’s an artistic and oh-so-affordable (it's free) golf-themed event that could net a local artist $500. Tacoma artists have designed a free public mini-golf course with 10 holes, each showcasing a particular theme. The design voted “People’s Choice” will earn prize money for its creator. The mini-golf course celebrates a stretch of the Prairie Line Trail, a pedestrian and bike way that will eventually run alongside the Tacoma Art Museum and down to the waterfront. Live music, food trucks and the artists themselves will be on hand at a kick-off celebration on June 18.
If you go: Pop-Up Art Putt! Hood Street between S. 15th Street and S. 17th Street, June 18 through June 21 (Free) — F.D.
HONK! Fest West *
One of my favorite weekends of the year — and doubtlessly among Seattle’s best outdoor festivals — HONK! Fest West is a celebration of brass bands from around the country. The fun kicks off Thursday night at the Nectar but my two favorite venues are always Georgetown on Friday night and Gas Works Parks on Saturday. The former adds just the right amount of grungy weirdness as the sound deflects off the highway underpasses. Saturday, meander through the Roald Dahl-esque land of Gas Works Park where bands perform on four different stages from 4 to 9 p.m. The Seattle Seahawks and Sounders pep bands are always there, too! Check out the complete schedule here.
If you go: HONK! Fest West, Neumos, Georgetown, Gas Works Park, Hale’s Ales and Waterfront Park , June 19 through 22. Most events are All Ages (Mostly free) — N.C.
Fremont Solstice Festival
Contrary to popular belief, the Fremont Solstice Festival offers folks far more than a battalion of naked bicyclists. Over the past several years, the more informal musical performances that occurred historically have morphed into a ticketed, mini two-day music festival. I’m confident there will be free music throughout, but Friday and Saturday night at the Redhook Main Stage look pretty enticing.
Friday is hip-hop night, with the spectacular, intergalactic Deltron 3030 headlining. This group, a collaboration of Del Tha Funky Homosapien (rapping in the space-traveling rebel messiah character from the future Deltron Zero) and producer Dan the Automator. The project typically features the live accompaniment of a small orchestra, which accentuates Mr. Automator’s cinematic production and Deltron’s eloquent Afrofuturist rapping. Local wordsmith Ra Scion opens. Saturday has more of a rock and roll feel, with The Presidents of the United States of America. Also performing are Ayron Jones and The Way and Fox and the Law.
If you go: Fremont Solstice Festival, Heart of Fremont June 19 and 20($25-45). All ages. — J.S.H.
Seattle Men’s Chorus
The Seattle Men’s Chorus doing QUEEN. What’s not to love? And if you’ve got a Dad (or Dads) of a certain age he will so appreciate this type of cultural outing on Father’s Day weekend. To date, along with the original, I’ve most appreciated The Muppets’ rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” But I’m betting the 200-member choir’s version will rock you as well. Also happening: SMC joins the Seattle Women’s Chorus for a free, 2 p.m. June 20 family concert.
If you go: Seattle Men’s Chorus, McCaw Hall, 8 p.m. June 20 and 2 p.m. June 21 ($25 to $75) — F.D.
You’re Looking at Country *
NWFF’s description of this all-lady night of live music plus classic country music videos is so full of buzz words that I don’t even know what I’m most excited about. Sequined Nudie suits? Miss Dolly Parton? “Cheerful songs about alcoholism, family feuds, murder, man trouble and Jesus?” Come for the Loretta Lynn, or the hair or the frosty brews. No matter what, you won’t be disappointed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS-F4rfU4ns
If you go: You’re Looking at Country, Northwest Film Forum, 8 p.m. June 21 ($11) — N.C.
Bootsy’s Rubber Band
Legend has it that Bootsy Collins, who used to play in James Brown’s band (that much is definitely true), got fired because he was so high on LSD during a show he ran off the set after mistaking the neck of his bass for a snake. True or not, Bootsy’s eccentric solo career and his years jamming with legendary George Clinton’s legendary funk collective Parliament-Funkadelic strongly suggest the man has a penchant for partying. He also happens to be one of the grooviest bassists alive. Bootsy’s signature rhythmic, slappy playing style and star-shaped “Space Bass” guitar are emblematic of the funk genre. His excellent show at last year’s Bumbershoot featured more than four costume changes, backup dancers and a couple (reinterpreted) covers of Parliament-Funkadelic classics. With Deltron 3030 also playing at Fremont Solstice this week, Seattle has a galaxy-size helping of space grooves on its plate.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nph4Ln9BX2E[/embed]
If you go: Bootsy’s Rubber Band, The Neptune Theatre, June 22 ($31.50-$53.50). All ages. — J.S.H.
Café Pettirosso’s Weekly Bake Sale *
This Capitol Hill place does it all: they make great lattes in the morning; provide a totally adorable European café to hang out in during the day; serve up a rave-worthy weekend brunch; and later on, make some of the most delicious cocktails and French fries in town. Not that they needed to, but they’ve added a weekly bake sale. Every Monday, the pastry case overflows with pastry chef Danell George’s sweet and savory creations. If they’re as good as everything else, they are not to missed.
If you go: Weekly Bake Sale, Café Pettirosso, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 — N.C.
Television
KEXP DJ Kevin Cole recently called Television one of the most influential rock bands of all time — on air. He singled out the band's guitar interplay as a source of inspiration for bands like Built to Spill, among many, many others. Television’s seminal magnum opus, “Marquee Moon,” came out in 1977, but the clarity and sharpness of the band's instruments and vocals remain a living part of contemporary rock culture as other bands listen to and reinterpret their work. And that body of work remains remarkably listenable decades after the fact. Only legends like The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival have managed to retain as much relevance. The only difference is that, in the case of Television, fewer people are consciously aware of their continuing legacy.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlbunmCbTBA[/embed]
If you go: Television, The Moore Theatre June 23 ($31.50-$53.50) All ages. — J.S.H.
