THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE — South End Heritage Festival, Othello Block Party, Alchemy Poetry Series, and More!

by Emerald Staff

Thurs., July 25:

Free Meaningful Movie: Never Give Up

Never Give Up! Minoru Yasui and the Fight for Justice relates the life history of an American hero. Minoru (Min) Yasui was born and raised in the small farming town of Hood River, Oregon in 1916, by Japanese immigrant parents, Masuo and Shidzuyo Yasui. He was the first Japanese American attorney in Oregon and during World War II, he initiated a legal test case by deliberately violating military orders that lead to the incarceration of over 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry in U.S. War Relocation Authority concentration camps. He spent 9 months in solitary confinement awaiting his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against him.

“Doors Open: 6 pm for snacks and conversation. Stay for speaker & audience discussion. Co-sponsors: Mt. Baker Community Club, So. Seattle Climate Action Network.

Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Mt. Baker Community Club — 2811 Mt Rainier Dr. S.
Cost: FREE

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Fri., July 26:

Art Workshop with Romson Bustillo at the Rainier Beach Branch

“Enjoy a special drop-in art program with our summer artist-in-residence Romson Bustillo.

“How does life begin to change when we get involved with one another? Join Seattle artist Romson Bustillo for his beautiful exploration of togetherness and social change in “Proximity Modifier Project IV,” a community project uniquely designed for select Seattle Public Library branches. Bustillo’s art looks at how neighbors and organizations, like libraries, share space together. Drop by and make art with Romson to find out how libraries can be places where we get to know one another by getting creative!

Space is limited for the workshop and participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Also check out Introduction to Pastels at Skyway Library on Sat., 7/27 at 2 p.m.

Time: 3–4 p.m.
Where: Rainier Beach Library — 9125 Rainier Ave. S.
Cost: FREE

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Painting the Town Red: The Music of Billie Holiday

Painting the Town Red revisits the classic era of Billie Holiday’s recordings for Columbia records, featuring a sextet in the style of the ‘little big bands’ that accompanied Lady Day on these iconic recordings. Simon Nabatov opens, performing the music of Herbie Nichols (solo piano).

“Johnaye Kendrick – Vocals; Al Keith- Trumpet; Christian Pincock- Trombone; Wayne Horvitz – Piano; Geoff Harper – Bass; Xavier Lecouturier – Drums” The Royal Room is All Ages until 10 p.m.

Time: 6 p.m. (doors)
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave. S.
Cost: $15 Adv. / $20 DOS

FlyLiquor Presents : ShowRespect Showcase

“FlyLiquor is teaming up with Gurulla to bring you the ShowRespect Showcase! Flying Tracy Lamont in from North Carolina by way of Atlanta. The bill is stacked with nothing but good energy and good music, back to back classics!

“HANK HiNDU / VIBE / Justin Hale / AMA / Good Energy / ArtBae / Tracy Lamont / FlyLiquor

Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Cafe Ibex — 3219 MLK Jr. Way S.
Cost: $5 Adv. / $10 Door

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Sat., July 27:

South End Heritage Festival

“There are many events that help elevate the voices of culture in this city. There are few events that culminate the respective cultures to define a collective culture. This festival serves South Seattle residents an event that encourages pride in one’s heritage and traditions, as well as pride in the fusion of culture that takes place when we are able to safely and respectfully celebrate ourselves.

“This festival serves to host in one place, the incredible talent, the deep history, and the cultural significance of the Rainier Valley.”

The South End Heritage Festival kicks off on Friday night, 7/26, with The Renaissance and a special edition of Backstreet Bazaar at the Hillman City Collab.

Time: 12–10 p.m.
Where: Community Arts Create — 5623 Rainier Ave. S.
Cost: Donations appreciated

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Othello Block Party volume 2

“Othello Block Party: Celebrating the art, culture, music, and community of the South End!

“DoNormaal; Abyssinian Creole (Gabriel Teodros x Khingz); Porter Ray; Blksknn; Nic Masangkay; Rell Be Free; Essam; Shakiah; Rogue Pinay; Faisal Salah; Charlie Cash; Theomatic; Hanan Hassan; EViE; Kvng Swaavy; Red Culture; Tuesday.Velasco; Ke’Ante Stevens and many more. Hosted by Dre Anderson x Rasheed Smiley Presents. Also featuring: Northwest Tap Connection; The Hydrant youth hip-hop showcase; Concuss DJ/beatmaker showcase. Food trucks by King Philly Cheesesteak and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

“Other restaurants on the block include Taco Street – MLK (Northern Chihuahua-style Mexican food), Huong Duong Sunflower (Vietnamese), Amin International Grocery And Fashion (Somalian/halal), Cafe Red (vegetarian/vegan), Le’s Deli & Bakery (Vietnamese), Othello Wok Teriyaki (Chinese/Japanese fusion), Bang Bang Kitchen (Santa Fe-style Tex-Mex) and more.

“21+ afterparty 10pm-midnight –> Othello Block AFTERparty & Cypher hosted by Alchemy Union.” Check out the 2018 recap.

Time: 12–10 p.m.
Where: Othello Station — 7100 MLK Jr. Way S.
Cost: FREE

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*Honorable mention in Des Moines on Sat., July 27: 

Queens of Heart

Queens of Heart is an event to bring the LGBTQ+ community together, become more visible, and share deeply needed resources in South King County. The threats from right-wing groups at Renton Teen Pride in June is a clear indicator that LGBTQ+ communities lack safety and are at risk of harassment. This is an event of celebration, resilience, pride, and resources.

“This free event will include: Resource Fair: Visit with local organizations and businesses to learn about resources for our community in South King County; Queens of Heart Movie Screening: Queens of Heart brings to the screen the fabulous complexity of drag shows and their characters who dance into our psyches. Darcelle XV is the longest-running drag club in the United States and an Oregon institution; Post-Film Discussion: Join us for a conversation about the film with director, Jan Haaken, and star of the film, Darcelle XV, plus a discussion with community advocates about issues facing the LGBTQ Community in South King County.

Time: 5–8 p.m.
Where: Highline College Theater, Bldg 7 — 2400 S. 240th St. (Des Moines)
Cost: FREE

Sun., July 28:

Pista Sa Nayon Seattle 2019 30th Year Anniversary Event!

“Welcome to Pista Sa Nayon Seattle 30th Year Anniversary Event! Join us for an all-day event of music, dancing, food, and cultural fun! Pista Sa Nayon is an all volunteer, non profit organization responsible for organizing the Filipino American community festival held during Seattle’s summertime Seafair celebration. This event is family friendly and FREE to attend. Share this event with your friends and family, ALL are welcome! See you there!

“A BIG thank you to our performers, food and vendor booths, sponsors, Hermana and Hermano Mayor, and volunteers that help put on this event! You all help in keeping traditions alive in Filipino American culture in the Pacific Northwest. Cheers to another 30+ years of Filipino American traditions for our next generations.

Time: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Seward Park — 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Cost: FREE

ECBP’s 10th Year Celebration!

“Emerald City Black Pride’s 10th Year Anniversary!

“Join us for our 10th year celebration of community support with FREE door prizes, food, fun-entertainment, awards, and much more!

Time: 1–5 p.m.
Where: Washington Hall — 153 14th Ave.
Cost: Free to attend

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Sunday Sunday Sunday w/ Nauticult, Falon Sierra & More

“Concuss Music Showcase & Pop-Up with live performances from::: NAUTICULT
& Falon Sierra as well as music from Miss Broadway

“Concuss Pop-Up ft Tees, New Exclusives, Concuss MUSIC on Cassette & Vinyl, and much more…

“Also don’t forget to bring your appetite for some of the best pizza in the 206. The deep dishes aren’t playing around.” 21+

Time: 8p.m.–12 a.m.
Where: Clock-Out Lounge — 4864 Beacon Ave. S.
Cost: $5 Suggested

Tues., July 30:

Alchemy Poetry Series

“Alchemy is a curated performance art space that elevates voices that are often silenced. Performers in our community focus on the brilliance of storytelling by offering personal stories and reflections that are socially relevant. We are powerful artists and our space allows our audience to witness the craft at its highest form. We believe that art is a divine power to create community.

Time: 2–5 p.m.
Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St.
Cost: $5–10 suggested donations (Free for NAAM members)

*Also at NAAM, on Wed., 7/31: Trap Vinyasa (6 p.m.).

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Image cropped to fit this space.

Wed., July 31:

JustLook Sip & Share

“Networking opportunity for local Black & Brown activists, artists, educators, organizers, business owners and entrepreneurs. Bring your business cards, brochures, ideals, fliers, visions, and elevator speeches. all are welcome! RSVP.

Time: 7–9 p.m.
Where: The Station — 1600 S. Roberto Maestas Fest St
Cost: Free to attend

The Honorable Rap/Dance Tour/ Seattle

“Da MaddHouze & Dance Emcee Ent present: The “Honorable” Rap/dance ft. Scorpion The Dance Emcee + special guest: DEZZ aka Da MaddHatter.

“Live Performances by: Lyric Divine, Low Tow, Bleezy, One Peace, Seven Da Pantha, Dionne Dusk.” 21+b

Time: 7 p.m.–12 a.m.
Where: Cafe Red — 7148 MLK Jr. Way S.
Cost: $10

Open Mics!

Here’s a quick round-up of the ones we know about (listed in chronological order; list updated frequently):

Seattle’s Best Open Mic (Wednesdays)

Sistas Rock The Arts Open Mic (Thursdays)

Cafe Red’s Open Mic for All (Second Thursdays, see website for details)

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

Legacy Fridays Open Mic / Showcase (Second Fridays)

Tuesday Night Music Club (TNMC) Open Mic (Tuesdays *NO TNMC on 7/16)

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 (Second Wednesdays)

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

Bush Garden (Daily)

Columbia City’s New Karaoke Night (Wednesdays)

Cafe Red Karaoke – The Third Chapter (Thursday, 7/18)

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 = Price day of show

Door = Price at the door

Adv. = Advance

GA = General Admission (no assigned seating)

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/address, cost, and a link to more information. Thank you!

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