Genius | 21 Century | Seattle *
The Frye, Seattle’s gem of a museum, presents arguably its most ambitious show ever: more than 60 artists from all disciplines who have been deemed “geniuses” by The Stranger and other creative folk. I love this kind of a show: packed, different, boldly spotlighting all kinds of perspectives.
The show will continually change but what’s up now (and what I’m eager to go back to and take in some more) includes Victoria Haven’s Studio X video installation about a changing South Lake Union; zoe|juniper’s dance performance projected onto floor-to-ceiling circular “curtains;” the massive weavings and macramé of Nep Sidhu that hang to a soundscape created by Shabazz Palaces; the giant red neon arrows that violently erupt from the floor by SuttonBeresCuller and an especially poignant short story about death, the memory of one’s father and a Wendy’s hamburger by Sherman Alexie. There are scores of special events and performances—durational dance, live music, theater—making the Frye a not-to-be-missed-or-you’ll-be-kicking-yourself venue this winter.
If you go: Genius|21 Century|Seattle, Frye Art Museum, through Jan. 10 (Free)—F.D.
The Great Pumpkin Beer Fest
This week, Hillary Clinton took a firm stand on Starbucks' pumpkin lattes. Correctly, she's not into them. Their calorie content was her explanation, which is fair. But in a pretty glaring omission, she failed to mention they're good for about five sips, after which their temperature drops a bit and you realize they taste like a syrupy approximation of Thanksgiving's premier dessert: pumpkin pie. And that's sacrilege, people.
But if there's a pumpkin beverage that's worthy of the seasonal hype, it is pumpkin beer. Some prefer just a hint of the flavor, like in a mellow pumpkin porter. Others prefer a full-on onslaught, as found in Elysian Night Owl. But whatever one's palette, the 11th Annual Great Pumpkin Beer Fest is a must-visit this weekend. Over 80 pumpkin beers will be offered – 8-0! – and potential rewards await those who dress in orange, and particularly orange costumes. So find yourself a decorative gourd costume, and don't miss out on one of Seattle's best fall traditions. While sold out online, there are typically some extra tickets at the door for the truly dedicated.
If you go: The Great Pumpkin Beer Fest, Elsyian Airport Way Brewery, Oct. 2-3 ($28) — D.A.
Pop-up: Harvest Moon Ramen
Chef Jason Harris brings his love of and experience with Japanese cuisine to Pike Place Market in this one night celebration of the flavors of autumn. It's a set menu, but kick-off autumn with a lazy deviled egg, delicate salads or Japanese style pickles. The ramen is next to come, and it includes roasted Scarlet Kabocha squash, black garlic oil, and a sake-cured egg (among other additions). For dessert, Harris serves up Moonstone Plum Sake jelly, Calpico cream, orange zest, and five spice. Harris is the former chef and owner of the Ballard restaurant Bloom. Look for more regular Japanese pop-ups by checking out his blog Taste and Vision.
If you go: Pop-up: Harvest Moon Ramen, Pike Place Atrium Kitchen, 7 p.m. Oct. 1., ($22) —N.C.
Todd Barry
My introduction to Todd Barry came via the inimitably brilliant show Louie, on which Barry plays himself, a wry comedian friend taking his time through life and jokes. Last year, Barry embarked on a seven-show tour, which can be enjoyed on Netflix as the totally worthwhile, fun documentary The Crowd Work Tour. The shows are sans jokes, but more representative of his strengths as a comedian: slow paced with quick wit. Barry returns to Seattle with a few jokes (and hopefully some crowd work?) this Friday.
If you go: Todd Barry, El Corazon, 8 p.m. Oct. 2, (Tickets start at $18)—N.C.
Orchestra Seattle| Seattle Chamber Singers
The new season kicks off with Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, sung in English and commemorating the 25th anniversary of Germany’s reunification. “War and Peace” is the title of this concert, which also includes Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. A free “Behind the Music” discussion at 6:30 p.m. precedes the performance.
If you go: Orchestra Seattle | Seattle Chamber Singers, First Free Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. Oct 3 ($25)—F.D.
Local Sightings Closing Night: Ahamefule Oluo Presents Police Beat
Ahamefule Oluo is a local gem – trumpeter in jazz quartet Industrial Revelation, writer, comedian, and husband of beloved writer Lindy West. In the finale of this year's Local Sightings Film Festival, Oluo creates a live soundtrack to the 2005 Police Beat, written by Charles Mudede. He says he chose this film for the Puget Soundtrack series because, “Charles Mudede and director/co-writer Robinson Devor take these real universes built out of a few words and translate them into such beautiful imagery that is lush while never seeming quite healthy, never letting us become aware of the mortality of all, the ridiculous futility of everything.”
If you go: Puget Soundtrack series: Ahamefule Oluo Presents Police Beat, Northwest Film Forum, 8 p.m. Oct. 3 ($20)—N.C.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
If you’ve never thought ballet could make you laugh then you’re in for a treat watching “The Concert,” a Jerome Robbins’ work about a group of people who take in a piano concert in plein air. Both piano and pianist are on stage (playing Chopin). Then one by one, the audience members arrive: a woman who oh-so-dramatically embraces the actual piano; a man with his nagging wife (the man then starts falling in love with someone else); a group of dancers overcome by the music, but they can’t seem to fall in step with one another. Who hasn’t daydreamed when hearing beautiful music played live? It's part of a triple bill that includes Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son” and Christopher Wheeldon’s “Tide Harmonic."
If you go: Pacific Northwest Ballet, McCaw Hall, Through Oct. 4 (Tickets start at $30)—F.D.
* events that are under $15
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