by Emerald Staff
Wed., Jan. 22:
Indigenous Reparation and Recognition in Seattle
“Seattle is one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing cities in the nation, but that growth has come often at the expense of the Indigenous people who first lived here. In a forthcoming piece in Bitterroot and the South Seattle Emerald, writer Marcus Harrison Green examines how Native citizens in Seattle are pushing for greater representation, and how non-Native Seattle residents and officials can improve the relationship with Indigenous residents of this traditional Coast Salish territory.
“Green joins us along with Fern Renville and Russell Brooks for a panel discussion moderated by Bitterroot editor Maggie Mertens, exploring ways the city can best recognize its Indigenous roots and residents, and whether reparations should be a component of that process.
“Russell Brooks (Southern Cheyenne) is the executive director of Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre in Seattle. Marcus Harrison Green is the publisher of the South Seattle Emerald [this publication]. Rachel Heaton (Muckleshoot) is the co-founder of Mazaska Talks, a tool that supports community divestment from banks that finance fossil fuel development. Maggie Mertens is the managing editor of Bitterroot magazine. Fern Renville (Dakota) is the CEO of SNAG Productions. Robin Little Wing Sigo is the director of the Suquamish Research & Strategic Development Department and a member of the Suquamish Tribal Council.”
The piece our own Marcus Harrison Green wrote, From Si’ahl to Seattle: Does a Wealthy City Owe Its First Residents Reparations?, is live on our website now. Go read it! (Then go to this talk.)
Also consider attending another upcoming event, Calling All Allies to Stand with the Duwamish Tribe! Hosted by Real Rent Duwamish, this event is an opportunity to demonstrate that “ally” is a verb.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30)
Where: Town Hall Seattle — 1119 8th Ave
Cost: $5 (FREE for Youth, 22 & under)
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Laugh Rehab Live at the RAC
“The Emperors Group presents the return of the critically acclaimed, rawest, most unlawful stand-up urban comedy, ever – Laugh Rehab!
“Featuring Jaylee ‘DoShe’ Thomas fresh off his second movie set. Chocolat Chi, coming to burn up the Laugh Rehab stage after her January 9th performance at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, AND, the street demon himself, Washington D.C.’s comedy legend, Lawrence Owens.
“Hosted by veteran Comedian Justin Hayes and spinning the disc of sound…TheRealDJ24K, with after party basement jam downstairs featuring DJ Mr. Nyice Guy, included with ticket purchase. Show starts promptly at 6pm. After party until 11pm (included with ticket purchases).”
If you love comedy, here’s another comedy show, benefitting the UW’s fabulous Experimental Education Unit (the EEU), at the Royal Room on Thurs., 1/23.
Time: 6–11 p.m. (includes after party)
Where: Rainier Arts Center — 3515 S. Alaska St
Cost: $15 adv. / $20 door
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Claire Rudy Foster – Shine of the Ever
“By turns tender and punk-tough, Shine of the Ever is a literary mixtape of queer voices out of 1990s Portland. This collection of short stories explores what binds a community of queer and trans people as they negotiate love, screwing up, and learning to forgive themselves for being young and, sometimes, foolish.
“CLAIRE RUDY FOSTER is a queer, trans writer from Portland, Oregon. Their work on sex, identity, relationships, and recovery appears in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and McSweeney’s, among others. Foster is the author of I’ve Never Done This Before. Their essays and fiction have been recognized for excellence, including four nominations for the Pushcart Prize. Foster holds an MFA in creative writing and teaches writing workshops in Portland.”
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Third Place Books — 5041 Wilson Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend
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Thurs., Jan. 23:
Nosretep, Crystal Beth and the Boom Boom Band, Redshift
Nosretep, Crystal Beth and the Boom Boom Band, and Redshift rock the Columbia City Theater. 21+
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Columbia City Theater — 4916 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $8 adv. / $10 door
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Fri., Jan. 24:
Tish’s Red and Black Birthday Party
“On Friday, January 24th, we will be celebrating the One and Only Tish! Tish has been a staple in the Columbia City neighborhood for many years. Growing up, Tish was raised in Renton, Seattle and South-Central Louisiana and is very proud of her Creole roots. She loves to cook and eat delicious food! Gumbo and étouffée are two of her favorite meals to make. She loves watching sports, especially football. Tish has been told on many occasions that she has an infectious laugh that can be heard a block away.
“Tish is an avid animal lover and loves pet sitting. Tish is known for being the “Dog Whisperer” of Columbia City, where many of her furry clients reside. Tish has a huge heart, and during the day she works with chronically homeless individuals with mental health issues. She has also participated in and conducted fundraisers. This past year, she curated fundraisers for the Columbia City Beatwalk, as well as for a local diabetes camp for children. If you have attended any of the Columbia City Beatwalks in the last 3 ½ years, Tish is on the Steering Committee and has been the Beatwalk Booking Coordinator for most of the participating venues. Tish is also an Event Coordinator and Promoter for artists throughout the Seattle area. This past summer she coordinated several fun, popular and successful Day Parties in Columbia City and Georgetown.
“Tish LOVES to dance and feels like she missed her calling being a DJ. She has an ear and eye for great talent and music, which is why she has booked three of Seattle’s best DJs to play at her Birthday Party: Vitamin D, Sean Malik and Funk Daddy. To start the party off right, saxophonist Carlos Overall and the Overall Express will be playing some funky jazz tunes and R&B at 8pm. Your host for the night will be DJ. G. Prez, who is also the Beatwalk resident DJ.
“Tish is known for throwing AMAZING and FUN dance parties, so you do not want to miss this one! Put on your dancing shoes and come out to help her celebrate!” The Royal Room is all ages before 10 p.m.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (doors)
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $10 adv. / $12 DOS
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Sat., Jan. 25:
Impact 2020: Central District Community Conversation
“Hosted by Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, Northwest African American Museum, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
“SHARE YOUR TRUTH ABOUT CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT
“City of Seattle department directors want to hear directly from you. Share your stories on how the African-American community has been impacted by the drastic changes in the Central District and how the loss of community and culture has affected your life.
“If you are unable to attend or need more information, please contact us at Laura.Jenkins@seattle.gov or (206) 684-0320.” Breakfast will be served (9:30–10 a.m.).
Time: 9:15 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Langston Hughes PAI — 104 17th Ave S.
Cost: FREE
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Lunar New Year Celebration & Fair
“Within the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Rat officially starts the first day of the new lunar year, which follows the phases of the moon. In 2020, Lunar New Year day is Saturday, January 25. The Chinese and Vietnamese zodiacs are represented by 12 animals. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals of his kingdom to enter a race through the countryside. The first 12 to first finish the long race would each rule over one year every 12 years. The 12 animals are: pig, ox, tiger, rabbit (or cat in Vietnam), dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and rat. Each zodiac animal brings its own personality and characteristics to the year.
“Can you imagine what a rat year might be like? Ratyears: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 Famous Rat: The Rock, RuPaul, James Baldwin, Laverne Cox, Donna Summers, Lebron James, Trevor Noah, Hailee Steinfield, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Bella Hadid, Jennie Kim. Characteristics of people born in the Year of the Rat: Clever, energetic, optimistic, kind, outgoing, adaptable, observant, diligent, sociable.
“FREE admission for kids and students (with ID), sponsored by the Bellevue Collection and the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington.” Family-friendly
Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Wing Luke Museum — 719 S. King St
Cost: Museum Admission is $15–17 (event is FREE for kids & students w/ ID)
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January Open House at the NVC Hall
“For the January 25, 2020 Open House, we will be showing the film, Children of the Camps. This 1991 film, produced by well-known psychotherapist and social activist from the San Francisco area, Satsuki Ina, is painfully relevant today. To honor and promote healing for those incarcerees, origami paper we will be provided to fold paper cranes. There will be no formal program, but we hope the film will encourage discussion among those that attend. The event is free and open to the public.”
Time: 12–4 p.m.
Where: NVC Memorial Hall — 1212 S. King St
Cost: FREE
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Community Circles
“Adults can take advantage of this chance to build relationships, have conversations that really matter, build conflict resolution skills and intention setting. Tweens/teens have all the same opportunities as well as volunteer hours for participating, and if they attend 6 sessions or more they can be paid interns in the Fall!” This event takes place on Saturdays at the same time and is meant for tweens/teens (5th grade and up) and a connected adult (parent or caregiver). See event for future dates.
Time: 2–3:30 p.m.
Where: Skyway Library — 12601 76th Ave S.
Cost: FREE (RSVP)
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West African Home Cooking with Tina
“Cooking West African Food with Tina! Demonstration style class with some opportunity for hands-on participation. Includes dinner.
“I am a storyteller, cook and owner of Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen- which started as a pop-up project with the mission of sharing West African food and culture with Seattle but is growing into so much more! Join me as I teach you how to make some of my favorite dishes and share my culture all through colorful storytelling.
“I was raised in Ghana and migrated to the US with my family in 2001 due to the civil war in our native homeland Liberia. Having lived in Philly and St. Paul, MN there were so many options for West African food and having moved to Seattle, I found that wasn’t the case. Currently residing in Seattle where African Foods is scarce, I decided to start this journey and would love for you all to join me. Menu will be released to ticket(s) holders a few days before class. Menu will include dairy, meat. and seafood. Class is limited to 12 students. Please note that class reservations are non-refundable.
Thank you,
Tina”
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Where: Cafe Avole — 6630 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $80 (includes dinner)
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Sun., Jan. 26:
Harvest: Autumn Club Activation
“Harvest is a partnership between Northwest African American Museum and Autumn Club, a Black and Brown collective of Seattle artists focused on creating transformative experiences and building community through the support, development, and elevation of creators and artists. This day of activations we will produce creative pop-up labs and programs that combine cultural presentations and innovative installations, skill-building opportunities, radio/music industry exposure, and educational awareness.”
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St
Cost: $30 / $20 for members
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FOCS January Gathering: POC ABC! Authors Books & Children’s Lit
“January 2020 FOCS Gathering: #RepresentationMatters! POC Authors, Books + Children’s Lit
“Blessed 2020, beautiful FOCS community! We welcome you to join FOCS for our January Gathering on Sunday, January 26 from 2:30 to 4:30pm in Beacon Hill. We are welcoming the new year by celebrating children’s books and youth literature by Black and Brown authors, remembering that #Representation(ALWAYS)#Matters and our stories continually need to be told, retold, reread, rewritten, and reimagined!
“We are so fortunate to be hosted by Edwin Lindo, Dr. Estell Williams, and Estelita! of Estelita’s Library – Justice Focused Community Bookstore & Library, and joined by Jeffrey L Cheatham II, local author, advocate & Seattle Urban Book Expo founder.
“Please RSVP now! All ages are welcome, from babes in arms to teens / young adults, so bring your kids and come connect with the FOCS community.” Kid-friendly
Time: 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: Estelita’s Library — 2533 16th Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend (potluck!)
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Wed., Jan. 29:
Film Screening: Fujitaro Kubota and his Garden
“Fujitaro Kubota came to the United States in 1907. He settled in Seattle and founded a landscaping business based on principles of Japanese gardening while using many local plants. Kubota Garden began as a place to showcase Fujitaro’s work for future clients, but grew into a community gathering place. Even through the horror of internment, Mr. Kubota stayed true to his principles.
“This documentary focuses on the early days of the garden through 1986, when it was purchased by the City of Seattle. It features former colleagues, family members, clients, and community members who share their thoughts about Fujitaro Kubota and his development of the garden. The story is told through skillfully knitted-together interviews and photos from the Kubota Garden Foundation archives and other sources.”
Read more about Fujitaro Kubota and the history of Kubota Garden in our recent article about the documentary’s premiere: Premiere of Kubota Garden Documentary Draws Huge Crowd, Prompts Second Showing, by Sharon H. Chang.
Time: 7 & 8:30 p.m. (two showings!)
Where: Rainier Beach Community Club — 6038 S. Pilgrim St
Cost: FREE (RSVP)
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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):
Royal Esquire Club Open Mic Tuesdays (Tuesdays)
*The Original Open Mic (Tuesdays; *new open mic at the CCT Bourbon Bar!)
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.)
Freshest Roots Presents: Expresso Open Mic (First Fridays)
Legacy Fridays Open Mic / Showcase (Second Fridays; might be on hiatus, contact event host for more info.)
Inspired Child’s Children Open Mics (Fourth Saturdays)
The Salute Sessions (Mondays; technically an open jam session vs. a typical open mic)
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And check out these comedy-specific open mics:
Joketellers Union (Wednesdays)
Comedy on Broadway’s Open Mics (Multiple days per week!)
Stand Up Comedy Open Mic at Tippe & Drague (First Saturdays)
NW Peaks Comedy Open Mic (Tuesdays)
*Here’s a monthly comedy showcase too: Cafe Red’s We Got Jokes (Second Wednesdays, intermittently; see venue calendar). And here’s a new weekly radio comedy show on RainierAveRadio.World featuring local comedians in-studio: Got Funny? (Download their new app on the Google Play store or the App Store to listen on mobile.)
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If karaoke is more your speed, check out these venues:
Bush Garden (Daily)
Clock-Out’s ggnzla Karaoke (Mondays)
Backyard’s Drag Queen Karaoke (Last Saturdays)
**They also have karaoke at Marco Polo Bar & Grill in Georgetown on the weekends.
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THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE Glossary:
*NOTAFLOF = “No one turned away for lack of funds”
DOS = Price on the day of the 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 / No fee = 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).
suggested = Suggested donation. (There’s technically no ticket price or cover for this event, but you are expected to make a cash donation at the door and this is the suggested donation amount. These events are often “NOTAFLOF” events.)
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. 🙂
N/A = Not applicable. In other words, it’s not a thing (e.g. “Time: N/A” means there is no specific time associated with this event.)
Family-friendly = This is an event for the whole family. “Kid-friendly” is another term often used by event hosts. We use “family-friendly” only when we know the event is geared toward adults and children specifically. “Kid-friendly” means kids can come, but the event is not for kids, per se.
All-ages = People under 18- / 21-years may attend, but young children won’t necessarily enjoy this event. Usually noted when it might not otherwise be clear.
Please follow individual event links and follow up with event venues / organizers to verify crucial event details.
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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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