THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE — Skyway Festival, Hai! Japantown 2019, Future Ancestors Festival, and More!

by Emerald Staff

Thurs., Aug. 15:

A Living Legacy Artist Talk

“Edwin T. Pratt: A Living Legacy Artist Talk Presented by Northwest African American Museum and Pratt Fine Arts Center. The Edwin T. Pratt: A Living Legacy exhibit at NAAM is coming to a close on August 28th and we want to invite our community into a conversation between the artists of the exhibit. Tara Tamaribuchi, Jite Agbro, and Marilyn Montufar will be in discussion about how their art practices are informed by the work and legacy of Edwin T. Pratt. Nancy Rawles will open the conversation with a reading from her essay, Edwin T. Pratt: Excellence and Opportunity.

Time: 6:45–8 p.m.
Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St
Cost: FREE

*Also at Northwest African American Museum this week on Fri, Aug. 16: Let Us Tell It film Series: Daughters of the Dust.

Fri., Aug. 16:

The Griot Party Experience

“The Griot Party Experience Directed by Logic Amen—Featuring: Chelsey Richardson, Koramaism, Princess Shareef, Elijah Muied, Christian Paige, Jamaar Smiley, Ibrahim Arsalan, Logic Amen, Supreme Understanding, Xavier Henderson. Musical guests: DJ Seabefore, Michah Turner, Phil Hines, Tiffany Wilson.” 21+

Time: 7 p.m., doors
Where: Columbia City Theater — 4916 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $20

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Sat., Aug. 17:

Big Day of Play 2019

“Big Day of Play is the day to play your way as we celebrate our city’s diversity, build relationships, and get active together! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a day full of healthy activities, outdoor sports, water activities, food and tons of fun.

“Go to bigdayofplay.com to pre-register! The first 500 pre-registered people to check-in at the information booth the day of the event will get a prize.

Be sure to check out the Big Day Of Play 3 on 3 (Basketball) Tournament. Free entry!

Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Rainier Community Center — 4600 38th Ave S.
Cost: FREE

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Hai! Japantown 2019

“Street theatre and Butoh dancing, yukata lessons and laid-back beats — it’s all part of how Seattle’s Japantown mixes it up to celebrate Japanese culture in a uniquely Northwest way. During the third “Hai! Japantown” summer festival, the shops, galleries, restaurants and other creative spaces in this re-surging historic district will be buzzing with music, eats and activity.

“Long-time locals, Seattle newbies, area residents and visitors alike are invited to take part during a summer celebration for the entire family. Take a look at our line up.

Time: 3–7 p.m.
Where: 6th Ave S. & S. Jackson St
Cost: FREE

Future Ancestors Festival

“You’re invited to FUTURE ANCESTORS – a free, all-ages interactive art & music festival celebrating west coast artists of the Asian diaspora!

“Live music by local hip hop duo Sendai ERA, the “Beatbox Panda” EVMB, multimedia performance by poet-producer-singer-songwriter Nic Masangkay, and orchestral-folk artist Brenda Xu. Also featuring Los Angeles-based DJ, percussionist and vocalist Gingee whose global bass productions are accompanied by the kulintang (gongs native to the Philippines). Miss TANGQ and Jyun Jyun bring an multi-sensory interactive performance showcasing live global electronic music with projected animations, shadow dancing and puppetry. Hosted by Yun SuYoung.

“Interactive altar installations by local artists Kalu Luwa Buhat of Sad Ancestor, installation artist and sculptor Hanako O’Leary, installation artist Enn Bee, new media artist Jarel Baz and painter Nikita Ares.

“Future Ancestors is an outdoor arts celebration inspired by the Hungry Ghost Festival, a holiday which honors ancestors that are believed to visit the living during this time. This multi-sensory arts festival represents artists from across the Asian Diaspora, featuring an exciting lineup of west coast artists, performers, musicians and a night market of interactive installations and experiences.All-Ages

Time: 6–10 p.m.
Where: Pritchard Island Beach Park — 8400 55th Ave S.
Cost: FREE

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On the Road — Razia Said — Madagascar’s Daughter

“Malagasy fusion reflecting the singer/songwriter’s nomadic life and multicultural background. Despite the use of upright bass and viola, the songs–by turns wistful, upbeat and personal–remain inexorably tethered to Madagascar.

“Razia is a singer/songwriter/bandleader from Madagascar who has made her home in New York City. Razia Said’s nomadic life has taken her across Africa to France, Italy, Ibiza, Bali and New York City, but despite these wanderings, her heart and soul remains inexorably tethered to Madagascar, the land of her birth. Her musical explorations have also been wide ranging, and over the years Razia has experimented with French chanson, rock, jazz and even smooth, Sade-style R&B. But it took reaching back to her cultural roots for Razia to uncover her true artistic calling as one of African music’s most promising talents.

Time: 7 p.m., doors
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $20 Adv. / $25 DOS

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Sun., Aug. 18:

Skyway Festival

“The Skyway Community Festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 18th from 12pm to 5pm at our very own Skyway Park. This family friendly event will be free/open to the public and will include music, entertainment, recreational activities, children’s activities, community resource fair, food vendors/trucks and much more.

“As you may know, in 2017 and 2018 we brought back our neighborhood tradition with the Skyway Parade and Block Party. It was a great opportunity to create a greater sense of community as well as to celebrate our Skyway/West Hill neighborhood. This year, we will continue the tradition except with new opportunities and new location which will activate our neighborhood Skyway Park.

Also check out Aquaman at Skyway Outdoor Cinema tonight!

Time: 12–5 p.m.
Where: Skyway Park — 12098 71st Ave S.
Cost: FREE

End Of Summer Chess Park Pop Up

“This will be our final chess pop up event for this summer! We will have a dj playing music, free t shirt give away (has our new logo!), food and of course chess games to play. Ezell’s Famous Chicken is a proud sponsor and will provide some food! Come on out and join us for some fun!!!

Time: 1–3 p.m.
Where: S. Barton St & Rainier Ave S.
Cost: FREE

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2nd Annual Columbia City Stroller Brigade Fundraiser

“Please join us for a fundraiser for Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), a non-profit organization that defends and advances the legal rights of immigrants in Washington State and throughout the country. Each year, NWIRP provides direct legal representation to over 10,000 low-income immigrants through four offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Granger, and Wenatchee. NWIRP hosts regular community education events including Know Your Rights legal trainings and Immigration 101 Orientations, and works to challenge and change systems of injustice through targeted litigation. They are currently coordinating representation for detained parents separated from their children at the border who are currently detained in Washington State.

“Hill City Tap House has graciously donated the use of their space again! They will also be donating $1 per beer sold. The bake sale will have a ton of delicious homemade treats! Family portraits this year will be by Opal Fenn, a CCSB parent who is generously donating their time and talent! Members of CCSB have also donated wonderful prizes that will be raffled off. We will also have a variety of postcards available for writing to our representatives that we will stamp and mail after the event!

We hope to see you there! Spread the word, share the event, and check out nwirp.org for more information about their incredible work. If you are unable to make it to the event but would still like to show your support, here is a link to the virtual fundraiser!

Time: 2–5 p.m.
Where: Hill City Tap House & Bottle Shop — 5303 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend

We Like to Party

“It’s a party yall! The Congregation is hosting a party. We want to dance, eat, laugh and be with you (oh and raise some money). We will share who we are and what we have going on in the next few months.

“Not only is this a dance party it is a fundraiser. We are growing and want to make sure we are employing and paying artists from the African Diaspora and other POC artists. We want to continue with our free community classes (keeping it 100% free), and making sure our guest teachers get paid.

Time: 4–9 p.m.
Where: Northwest Tap Connection — 8732 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: This is a fundraiser

Wed., Aug. 21:

Live Jazz at Cafe Red ft. Ed Taylor & Friends

“Come enjoy live performances by local jazz musicians including phenomenally accomplished guitarist Ed Taylor. All Ages // Beer & Wine available for 21+; Full food menu available until 10pm.

Time: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Cafe Red — 7148 MLK Jr Way S.
Cost: No Cover (Suggested donation $10–20)

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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 Facebook for next date)

Legacy Fridays Open Mic / Showcase (Second Fridays)

Tuesday Night Music Club (TNMC) 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 (Second Wednesdays)

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

Bush Garden (Daily)

Clock-Out’s ggnzla Karaoke (Mondays)

Venus Karaoke (Room rentals)

**They also do karaoke at Marco Polo Bar & Grill in Georgetown on the weekends. 

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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