Oh, You Pretty Things: Glam Rock Party
Dance like it’s the 70s for the night as STG and SIFF take the Neptune back to the days of Bowie. The night starts with a Bowie Music Video Sing Along and Bowie-inspired Burlesque by The Infamous Nina Nightshade, Maggie McMuffin, and Nikki Lev. Local renowned cover band BowieVision takes the stage next, with talent, passion, and stage presence that makes for a night “both epic and intimate,” followed by hours of dancing to glam classics with DJ Pretty Baby. Come dressed up; now’s the excuse you’ve been waiting for to dye your hair bright red! Or simply get out the glitter and facepaint.
If you go: Oh, You Pretty Things: Glam Rock Party, Neptune Theatre, 9 p.m. May 27 ($15)—N.C.
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Seeking Higher Ground
The latest installation at the wonderful Suyama Space is a paper, duct tape, cardboard sculpted creation commenting on our very own Seattle landscape. Artist Patte Loper, who lives in Brooklyn, spent weeks in Seattle contemplating the Denny Regrade, considering the Alaskan Way viaduct, and grasping the ramifications of how man alters the natural landscape. In a recent talk, Loper spoke about the influence of the signage built during the Occupy Wall Street protests—crazy and wild—and those are apt descriptors of this large-scale work. Be sure to look up high in the rafters to see little cardboard houses. And that video? Those are taken from old magazines in which feminist, LGBTQ and other groups looked for an aesthetic that would give them voice.
If you go: Seeking Higher Ground, Suyama Space, Through Aug. 19 (Free)—F.D.
Women on the Brink: Voice & Vision
A literary and film event embracing all that is fiercely feminine by women spoken word artists and filmmakers. The lineup includes Storme Webber, Blu TheBaqi, Molly Billows, Natasha Marin, Sheri-D Wilson Poet, Melissa Woodrow, Tracy Rector, and Julie Trimingham. A reception follows the performances and screenings. Books will also be for sale. The event supports free self-defense classes for women on Capitol Hill.
If you go: Women on the Brink: Voice & Vision, Northwest Film Forum, 7 p.m. May 26 (Free tickets available through brownpapertickets.com)—F.D.
WITS Year-End Readings & Celebration
One of the things I most enjoy about Seattle Arts & Lectures is how it always gives the stage to a young person’s voice at all of its events. For two nights at the library downtown, it’s nothing but these young literary voices, a celebration of student writers from 26 schools as well as Seattle Children’s Hospital. Poetry, shorts stories and memoirs will be shared by students enrolled in SAL’s Writers in the Schools program, which pairs young writers with local professionals. Elementary and middle school students take the stage the first evening; middle and high school students take over the second night.
If you go: WITS Year-End Readings & Celebration, Seattle Public Library downtown, 6 p.m. on May 25 and May 26 (Free)—F.D.
Shortsfest
Always one of the highlights of SIFF is Shortsfest. I think it represents the most diversity in programming you can get (for your money and attention span), with films from around the world, made by the young and old. With the exception of the Opening and Closing nights (which show a sort of best-of variety), programs are organized around a particular theme. This year, there’s Growing Up Gay, Extremely Awkward and Incredibly Funny, WTF? (all surprise endings), and, of course, my favorite, Animation4Adults, among many others. Choosing is always the hardest part but there’s truly something for everybody.
If you go: Shortsfest, SIFF, May 26-30 ($13)—N.C.
