Sculptured Dance
In a first-of-its-kind event, some of the most creative local choreographers take to the Olympic Sculpture Park to unveil new dance works. Donald Byrd, Olivier Wevers, Kate Wallich, Ezra Thomson and Kiyon Gaines will premiere dance inspired by the sculptures. A piece by Wallich called “Little Bunnies” in the shadow of Roxy Paine’s aluminum tree Split…oh yes, yes, please.
If you go: Sculptured Dance, SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park, 6 p.m. Aug. 11 (Free)—F.D.
14/48 and Nordo: Food Theater Thunderdome
The adage the whole is greater than the sum of its parts feels especially true when two stellar organizations like 14/48 and Café Nordo team up. Their event Food Theater Thunderdome returns to Café Nordo’s home in Pioneer Square, providing a night of food and entertainment unlike any other. On Monday of each week, four playwrights are given a randomly selected director and cast. Meanwhile, each playwright is paired with a chef, who’s given a random ingredient, and all are turned loose to write, rehearse and prepare their part in a four-course dinner, complemented by four unique plays. Just reading about it makes me exhausted! Both organizations are capable of turning out magic, down to the very last morsel of perfectly prepared and artfully served dessert course. I’m sure this will not be an exception.
If you go: 14/48 and Nordo: Food Theater Thunderdome, Cafe Nordo, 8 p.m. Aug. 11-13 ($65)—N.C.
The Wicked Adventures of Count Ory
I could rave about the music (Rossini), the singing (Lawrence Brownlee), those sets and props (a tower, a starry cave, soaring animated clouds). I could tell you about the (quite enjoyable) plot: that Ory is so crafty, disguising himself as a hermit and then disguising himself as a nun just so he can be with the woman loves. But really, let’s talk about the costumes. They are over-the-top: studded leather, Michael Jackson Thriller jackets on steroids, thigh high leopard spotted boots. And, codpieces, anything-but-languid codpieces that cannot be missed. I could have done without so much manhood on stage but other people think they underscored the fun of this Seattle Opera production so go and decide for yourself.
If you go: The Wicked Adventures of Count Ory, McCaw Hall, Through Aug. 20 (Tickets start at $25)—F.D.
Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day
This strange summer continues and concluding it, kicking it off, whatever it may be is the annual Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day. Cal Anderson Park is the center of action, with dozens of people selling their stuff, conveniently just a hop away from the weekly Sunday Farmer’s Market. All around the Hill will be other sales, boasting such finds as linens and lace, postcard collections, kitchenware, and “extra Burning Man gear.” Not to brag, but last year I got a pair of $60 metal pedals for my bike for $2, and a beautiful bowl, and a set of Gustav Klimt magnets, and made connections with so many of my neighbors! It’s a great excuse to eat brunch and wander around, living the dream in the sun. Here's the map.
If you go: Capitol Hill Garage Sale Day, all over Capitol Hill, Aug. 14 (Free)—N.C.
Out of Sight
For those of you wallowing in Seattle Art Fair withdrawal, Out of Sight continues through the month of August. The all-Pacific Northwest (and Vancouver B.C.) showcase spotlights more than 115 artists across all mediums. One of the most talked about pieces and the one I'm dying to see up close are Paul Rucker's reimagined Ku Klux Klan ropes in camouflage and Kente cloth.
If you go: Out of Sight, King Street Station, Noon to 6 p.m. weekends through the month of August ($10 suggested donation)—F.D.
