Mark Morris Dance Group
Homegrown dance hero Mark Morris returns to the Pacific Northwest with a rep that includes a pair of Seattle premieres: Whelm, set to the music of Claude Debussy and The, set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. And if you happen to remember the piece they did when they were at On The Boards back in 2012—you know, the one that featured guest star Baryshnikov himself--you might remember A Wooden Tree. That piece, even without Baryshnikov, is also on this weekend’s program and it should be a treat as well.
If you go: Mark Morris Dance Group, The Moore Theatre, Nov. 20-22 ($31-$75)—F.D.
Grouch & Eligh, Chali 2na
Among followers of the long-dormant "backpack rap" movement, nearly all can remember the first time they heard Jurassic 5. The group rhymed with the sort of earworm harmony that one imagined as reminiscent of the genre's origins in the 80s, though no group from that era nailed it quite so well. That California ensemble may be laying low, but its standout star – the baritone Chali 2na – will be reminding hip-hop fans how it's done this Friday. He opens for his fellow backpack era holdouts, Grouch & Eligh of the two decade-strong Living Legends crew, who have continued to maintain their creativity and fanbase in a way rarely seen in the youth-focused hip-hop scene (we're choosing to overlook their collaboration with Kreayshawn). It's an all-star lineup for fans of intelligent, independent rap from the Los Angeles area, which will feature Colorado-based The Replacements as openers.
If you go: Grouch & Eligh, Chali 2na, The Crocodile, 8 p.m. Nov. 20 ($23) – D.A.
Lauret Savoy *
Lauret Savoy is a geologist, pilot, photographer, environmental studies professor at Massachusetts’ Mount Holyoke College and a writer. She’ll be speaking about her just-released book Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape, which New York magazine describes as “John McPhee meets James Baldwin” and Elliott Bay Book Company’s Rick Simonson calls “extraordinary."
If you go: Lauret Savoy, Northwest African American Museum, 7 p.m. Nov. 19 (Free)—F.D.
The Atomic Bombshells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyYWGjIbYEY
As if The Atomic Bombshells themselves weren’t enough to lure you in, now get this: Ben DeLaCreme, Lou Henry Hoover, Waxie Moon and Cherdonna are all featured in the return of this sci-fi fan favorite, “Lost in Space” burlesque show. G-strings, Ray Guns and a retro-future soundtrack — Houston, we do not have a problem.
If you go: The Atomic Bombshells, The Triple Door, Nov. 19-21 ($27-$45)—F.D.
Heart of a Dog *
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PLWVXICQyM
Unparalleled experimental performance artist and musician Laurie Anderson’s new film Heart of a Dog hits theaters this week and has already garnered praise and wonder. Called a “visually sublime personal essay,” the film uses home video, illustration and artwork set to Anderson’s musical compositions. The trailer is a meditation on not only Anderson’s relationship with her dog Lolabelle, but the world. Time Out New York's Joshua Rothkopf says, “You’ll leave the film more alive, more aware, more able to cope.”
If you go: Heart of a Dog, SIFF Cinema Uptown, Nov. 20-26 ($12)—N.C.
Warm the Winter: A Party for YouthCare *
If you’ve somehow missed it, Seattle and King County continue to struggle with homelessness, recently declaring it in a state of emergency. Here is an opportunity to make a difference, large or small, in whatever way you can.
Head to Rachel’s Ginger Beer (near the corner of 12th and Pine) for their Warm the Winter Party, a fundraiser and supply drive for YouthCare, which has been providing shelter and services for Seattle’s homeless youth for over 40 years. They served nearly 1,400 youth last year, and continue providing young adults with services like case management, GED classes, and job training. You get a few perks too. Not only will world-renowned DJ duo 'Amateur Hour' be spinning tunes, but by bringing an unopened package of supplies like socks, coats or underwear, your first Moscow Mule is just $1. Or bring a gift card (to Target, Fred Meyer, QFC, etc.) and receive a Rachel’s Ginger Beer gift card for that amount.
If you go: Warm the Winter, Rachel's Ginger Beer, 7 p.m. Nov. 21 (Free)—N.C.
Living History Series *
Impersonations, not unlike playing violin and tattoo art, can be a true triumph when done well. Clay Jenkinson is the quintessential embodiment of this. Jenkinson’s life’s work has been historical impersonations –of Teddy Roosevelt, Meriwether Lewis, John Steinbeck, and most notably Thomas Jefferson. This Sunday, award-winning Jenkinson takes the stage as John Wesley Powell, a one-armed veteran of the Civil War and explorer of the West. In an afternoon of living history, Jenkinson will bring to life Powell, who was a principal force in charting geology and geography of the west.
If you go: Living History Series, Town Hall, 12 p.m. Nov. 22 (Free)—N.C.
