THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE — Backstreet Bazaar, Pride ASIA Fest, MixxedFit Monday’s with Randy Ford, and more!

by Emerald Staff

Thurs., May 23:

Africatown Plaza Community Design Meeting

“We want the community engaged in the process of building Africatown Plaza, our next living monument. Now it’s time to help us build on the celebration of our legacy that was represented in the Liberty Bank Building and at the Imagine Africatown Midtown activation, bringing that momentum to our permanent building. We’ll introduce our design team to the community, present the initial concepts from previous meetings, and most importantly gather your feedback, which will help determine the design direction for the building.”

Time: 5:30–8 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bank Building — 1405 24th Ave.
Cost: FREE

Away from the White Gaze: A Workshop for Anti-Racist Activists of Color

“NPARC [Non-Profit Anti-Racist Coalition] is excited to host Toi Sing-Woo, founder of New Directions Consulting, to facilitate a workshop for NPARC members who identify as people of color.

“People of color can never escape from the centrality of whiteness even when we’re doing anti-racism work. People of color do not have the luxury to create spaces and build cross-racial relationships without the interruptions of white people’s comments and judgement.

“This workshop is just the beginning of unlocking our minds from the white gaze. What does it take to forge cross-cultural, cross-racial relationships amongst ourselves? As anti-racist activists of color, we need to do our own work, build trust with one another, develop strategies that reflect our struggles, and ensure our work is honored and respected. And finally, we have a right to be in spaces where we simply can be – ourselves.” Capacity is limited with priority going to NPARC members. Contact membership@nparcseattle.org to inquire about membership.

Time: 3–5 p.m.
Where: El Centro De La Raza — 2524 16th Ave. S. Rm 311
Cost: FREE

Ark Lodge Cinemas

New release today: Aladdin (premiers at 7:15 PM)

Time:
 Showtimes vary
Where: Ark Lodge Cinemas — 4816 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $9–12

Fri., May 24:

TINY COUCH Concerts

“Join us at Cypher Cafe inside Washington Hall 2019 weekly for our newest event series; #TinyCouchConcerts & #Cyphers. New Artists and Nationally Recognized Performers will stop by the #CypherCafe #CoffeeShop for an afternoon full of Surprise Guests, Short Interviews and Performances. We will record and broadcast on all platforms. #New #VideoBlog- #Podcast- #LivePerformace #Seattle #PlacesToVisit #Events w/ Respect The Culture / #TownHeroes & #SpecialGuests.” All Ages

Time: 3–6 p.m.
Where: Cypher Cafe — 153 14th ave
Cost: Free to attend

RainierAvenueRadio’s Cultural Dance Series

“Join RainierAvenueRadio.World’s Cultural Dance Series at Pritchard Beach in Rainier Beach! * Dance * Music * Food * Free & All Ages *

“Learn the HISTORY, Learn the DANCE! Fridays in May, 5:30-7:30pm, dancers of all ages and abilities are invited to come learn dance styles rooted in traditional ethnic cultures with historic storytelling of the dance’s origins, plus related music, food, and more!

“Watch on Facebook, listen at RainierAvenueRadio.World or on the TuneIn app.”

Music/Dance for Friday, May 24: ‘Flow Studios & Styles of Steppin’- Seattle’

Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Pritchard Beach — 8400 55th Ave. S.
Cost: FREE

Backstreet Bazaar with The Pazific

“Come down to the southend, enjoy some music, some art, some food and drinks, and celebrate art & culture in Hillman City, Seattle’s newest Arts & Culture district! For May we’ll have west coast Latin soul band, The Pazific! Artists Heather Blume and Curtis Abraham will be displaying their art in our gallery for the month. Beer & Wine will be served, as well as our world famous Taco Bar!” All-Ages

Time: 7–11 p.m.
Where: Hillman City Collab — 5623 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $5 (suggested)

Sat., May 25:

National Tap Dance Day Block Party

“Join us for a block party to celebrate National Tap Dance Day!”

Time: 12–8 p.m.
Where: Northwest Tap Connection — 8732 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: FREE

1st Annual Memorial Weekend UNITY DAY Picnic at Seward Park

“Jamar Jones and Charles Davis @C.Davis Texas BBQ would love to invite the COMMUNITY to come together on this day to bond and embrace as a COMMUNITY! This is a FREE event that will be catered to FAMILIES. Please bring family, friends, kids, grand parents, aunties, uncles EVERYONE. We have finally been approved by the city to put on such a great event.

“Please bring lawn chairs, blankets and side dishes … we will PROVIDE ALL THE MEAT!!!! Working on bouncy houses, face painting and games for the kids and we will have a DJ and entertainment …

“No we are not making any money off of this … just want to Give back to the community that stays supporting us!! Please SHARE! Tag!! Let’s make this the biggest family event Seattle has ever had!! Reach out to little league football!! Cheer!! AAU TEAMS!! Schools! Community centers!! Let’s ALL COME TOGETHER!!”

Time: 12 p.m.
Where: Seward park — 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Cost: FREE

Photo credit: Louis Chan / Chinatown Art Brigade (cropped to fit this space)

Community Talk w/ Chinatown Art Brigade

“How can we ensure that our futures are shaped by accountability and community control and how can art and cultural work help build those futures?

“The Wing Luke Museum invites you to join the Chinatown Art Brigade 唐人街藝術隊/ 唐人街艺术队 (featured in Life Wide Angle/Close Up), alongside the Chinatown-International District Coalition (Humbows Not Hotels), as they share stories of creative organizing against gentrification and displacement in their communities.

“They will discuss how our current housing struggles are rooted in historical and ongoing systemic oppression and pose actions for countering the ongoing nationwide displacement crisis being driven by luxury real estate development.” All-Ages

Time: 3–5 p.m.
Where: Wing Luke Museum — 719 S. King St
Cost: FREE

Sun., May 26:

Pride ASIA Fest 2019

“Official Pride ASIA and Seattle Pride present the 8th Annual Pride ASIA Fest 2019

“Founded in 2012, Pride ASIA’s mission is to celebrate, empower and nurture the multi-cultural diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities through the Asian Pacific Islander lens.

“Pride ASIA Festival is a FREE and ALL AGES event that celebrates the mission of Pride ASIA. #PrideASIAFest”

Performances / scheduled events of the day include: NW Kung Fu Lion Dance, EJ AGOOT, Kince de Vera, Atasha Manila, Andre Menchavez, Nic Masangkay, Sarey Savey & Moia Bri, Sumahi, DJ Moist Towelette aka Lu Ying (w/ Featured Guest DJ) – and – DJ Phenohype aka Allison Masangkay (w/ Featured Guest DJ Basil / Christina Nguyen), and more!

Time: 12–6 p.m.
Where: Hing Hay Park — 423 Maynard Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend

Path To Peace Vol. 7

“A peaceful evening for the community to come together showcasing the many talents of the Seattle art community. We will have a 3 course vegan tasting menu with an Open mic to close out the evening.”

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Cafe Red — 7148 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S.
Cost: $15

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! WITH: Jamel Moxey, IFTHEN, Rocket Tha Prophet, Tvpes

“Concvss : Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! With: Nenjah Nycist (Brooklyn, NY), Jamel Moxey, IFTHENRocket Tha ProphetTVPES (Acworth, GA). Record swap, merch for sale and performances.”

Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Clock-Out Lounge — 4864 Beacon Ave. S.
Cost: $5 (suggested)

Mon., May 27:

Dancing Ting With Betty Rox

“SOCA MEET DANCEHALL WITH DANCER BETTY ROX Workshop. Who doesn’t like Soca or Dancehall ??! Betty rox brings us a good combo of the two with full vibes !!! Dress to your workout/caribbean gear comfort , bring a flag of your choice !!! Let’s have fun !!!

“Bio: Betty Rox is a Caribbean dancer & instructor that originated from the islands of Belize and Jamaica. She has been spotted on stage or in several music videos with many Caribbean & African artist. Her credits include: Rihanna, Bunji Garlin, Beenie Man, Mr Vegas, Elephant Man, Spice, Konshens, Kranium, Cecile, Daddy Yankee, Bomba Estereo, Wizkid, Runtown, Burna Boy and the list goes on.”

Time: 6–7:30 p.m.
Where: Massive Monkees Studio: The Beacon — 664 S. King St
Cost: $35

MixxedFit Monday’s with Randy Ford

“MixxedFit with Randy Ford combines explosive movement and boot camp toning to get you on your feet and in your body while still having lots of fun. The goal of this dance fitness program is simply to KEEP MOVING! This special Date Night series is open to all levels of dance experience. Spend your Monday night with your host/date Randy. Wear something that makes you feel confident, throw on a red lip and get ready to move!

“Randy Ford (Dynasty Luna), is a Seattle-born dancer, choreographer, actor, and activist. She/they grew up learning choreography in their living room from watching music videos as a child. It wasn’t until the age of 17 when performing became a reality. After some time at the University of Washington, she/they became a member of Seattle’s Au Collective, a collective of artists committed to bringing women, queer people, and people of color to the forefront of everything it does.”

Time: 6:30–8 p.m.
Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St.
Cost: $10

Tues., May 28:

Nathan Breedlove – The nu Trio 5th Anniversary Party!

“Nathan Breedlove, Phil Sparks and Brian Kirk celebrate their 5th Anniversary of The nu Trio. Come join the twice Grammy-nominated trumpeter for an exciting evening of cosmic storytelling.”

Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave. S.
Cost: $15 Adv. / $20 DOS

Community! There are a veritable crap-ton of *open mics* popping up in the South End. Here’s a quick round-up of the ones we know about (listed in chronological order):

Seattle’s Best Open Mic (Wednesdays)

Lyrically We Stand (Third Wednesdays)

Sistas Rock The Arts Open Mic (Thursdays in May)

Cafe Red’s Open Mic for All (Second Thursdays, see Facebook page for individual events)

Totem Star Spring Open Mic (Fridays w/ variable frequency & location)

Legacy Fridays Open Mic / Showcase (Second Fridays)

Tuesday Night Music Club (TNMC) Open Mic (Tuesdays)

Skylark Hang: Jazz Open Mic (Tuesdays)

Royal Esquire Club Open Mic Tuesdays (Tuesdays)

Freshest Roots Presents: Expresso Open Mic (First Fridays)

And check out these comedy-specific open mics:

Joketellers Union (Wednesdays)

Stand Up Comedy Open Mic at Tippe & Drague (First Saturdays)

*Here’s a monthly comedy showcase too: Cafe Red’s We Got Jokes

If *karaoke* is more your speed, check out these venues:

Bush Garden (Daily)

Columbia City’s New Karaoke Night (Wednesdays)

Clock-Out’s ggnzla Karaoke (Mondays)

Venus Karaoke (room rentals)

THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE Glossary:

*NOTAFLOF = “No one turned away for lack of funds”

DOS = Day of Show

Adv. = Advance

GA = General Admission (no assigned seating)

Door = Tickets are only available at the door.

FREE = As far as we can tell, you can show up and have fun without buying anything.

Free to Attend / No Cover
= We don’t think there’s a cost to attend, but you may feel enticed or expected to buy something or make a donation (especially if the event is at a bar or restaurant or is not-for-profit and/or a fundraiser).

RSVP = French acronym for “Please respond.” The hosts’ / venue encourage or require you to let them know you’re coming. There’s probably a link somewhere. 🙂

Family-Friendly = This is an event for the whole family.

All-Ages = People under 18- / 21-years may attend, but young children won’t necessarily enjoy this event.

Please follow individual event links and follow up with event venues / organizers to verify crucial event details. 

To submit an event for inclusion in “This Week in South Seattle,” email us at editor@southseattleemerald.com. Help us out and include the event title, date, time, venue/addresscost, and a link to more information. Thank you!

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