THIS WEEK IN SOUTH SEATTLE — Blacks Making History, “Young, Gifted, & Black,” Lunar New Year Festivities, and More!

by Emerald Staff

Thurs., Feb. 6:

Blacks Making History: The Politics of Possibility

“In celebration of Black History Month, we’re partnering with the King County Library System and visual artist Michael B. Maine for the Blacks Making History Series! Every Thursday in February will feature a different event honoring the past, and looking towards the future in celebration of our local Black community. Join us this Thursday (Feb 6th) at 7pm for our first event, an all-star panel discussion at the Skyway Library about the evolution and endurance of Black political and social movements.

“Featured panelists include Kirsten Harris-Talley, Kelle J Brown, Dominique Davis, Brianna Thomas, and Michael Charles. The panel will be moderated by Marcus Harrison Green and Bridgette Hempstead (Founder of Cierra Sisters and Vice-President of The Emerald Board of Directors). All events are free and open to everyone! Read full panelist bios in the Facebook event description. 

Time: 7–8 p.m.
Where: Skyway Library — 12601 76th Ave S.
Cost: FREE

Celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday! (With DJ Just Jordan 7pm)

“Come celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday with us on February 6th! DJ Just Jordan will be DJing from 7pm-9pm and who knows… we may have specials for the day!

Time: 3–9 p.m.
Where: Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack — 4869 Rainier Ave S
Cost: Menu item prices vary

Young, Gifted, & Black

“The Rainier Beach High School Black Student Union, NAACP Youth Coalition (N-YC) and Social Equity Educators (SEE) are proud to co-sponsor this year’s ‘Young, Gifted, & Black,’ the keynote event of the 2020 Black Lives Matter at School week February 3-7.

“Centering the creative and intellectual brilliance of African-American students at Rainier Beach High School and throughout Seattle Public Schools, these youth—dancers, poets, filmmakers, singers, speakers, and more—follow in the footsteps of Nina Simone.

“Many considered her 1969 song ‘To Be Young, Gifted and Black,’ dedicated to the late Lorraine Hansberry, to be an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. These students today carry on the tradition of her and other civil rights activists by making the case for how to uproot institutional racism in education!

“The four national demands of the Black Lives Matter at School movement are:

1.) End “zero tolerance” discipline, and implement restorative justice
2.) Hire more Black teachers
3.) Mandate Black History and Ethnic Studies in K-12 curriculum
4.) Fund counselors not cops

“For more national information on the week:
https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com. Check out Nina Simone’s song ‘To Be Young, Gifted and Black,’ the inspiration for the event’s title.

Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Rainier Beach High School — 8815 Seward Park Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend

Dear Iconic Black Sista: Your Healing is History Making

“NAAM invites you to join a creative and culturally therapeutic letter writing experience led by Art Therapist Dalisha Phillips, that explores and intentionally intersects healing, Black history, and words inspired by the Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman art exhibition by Hiawatha D.” 

*Also check out The Soul of Seattle on Friday night.

Time: 6–8 p.m.
Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St
Cost: $15.00, non-members | $10, members

Fri., Feb. 7:

Caixa (more like Caixinha) plays at Cafe Red

“With Seva in the Azores and Dave in Mexico, Caixinha (the little Caixa) consisting of Renata, Will and Onur invite you for a night of samba, bossa, and drinks at Cafe Red. Come early, as the space fills up quickly! As before, $8 cover. Kid-friendly

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cafe Red — 7148 MLK Jr Way S.
Cost: $8

Image: Caixa (source: Caixa Seattle Facebook page).

J Dilla Birthday Party and Tribute, featuring Vitamin D and The Carlos Overall Quartet

“The Carlos Overall Quartet, including Vitamin D on the rhythms, pay tribute to one of the music industry’s most influential Hiphop artists, Record Producer and Rapper J Dilla on his birthday, February 7th. Come out to the Birthday Party Tribute and celebration! The Carlos Overall Quartet will be performing J Dilla songs, crafted and arranged by Seattle’s own Vitamin D. This special tribute was curated by your Hostess, Tish. Read more about the performers on the event page. The Royal Room is all ages before 10 p.m.

Time: 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $15 adv. / $20 DOS

Sat., Feb. 8:

Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Rat

“Save the date and celebrate the Year of the Rat with lion dances, cultural performances, and the $3 Food Walk! Event Entertainment Schedule: 11 AM — Lion & Dragon Performance | Mak Fai Washington Kung Fu Club Lion Dance Team. 12 PM — Hawaiian Hula Dance | Halau O Makanaokalani. 12:15 PM — Korean Traditional Cultural Performance | Oolleemm Korean Traditional Performing Arts. 12:45 PM — Children’s Book Reading | Ping Pong Panda. 1 PM — Adult & Children Costume Parade | Northwest Asian Weekly. 1:30 PM — Martial Arts Demonstration | Northwest Wushu. 2 PM — Hula Kahiko & Auwana | Hui O Nani Hawai‘i. 2:15 PM — Martial Arts Performance | International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy. 2:45 PM — Chinese Cultural Dance | Tanya Woo. 3:15 PM — Traditional Hmong New Years Dance | Hmong Association of Washington. 3:30 PM — Japanese Taiko Drums | Seattle Kokon Taiko (SKT).

Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Hing Hay Park — 423 Maynard Ave S.
Cost: FREE

2020 NWAW: Lunar New Year Costume Contest

“Contestants’ attire should be culturally relevant to the Lunar New Year Celebration
Prizes. First ($75), Second ($50), Third ($25). 10 honorable mentions, each winner get a stuffed mouse (below). MC: Nella Kwan.NOTE: Registration for this event is over, but you can see the costume parade schedule and more on the event page

Time: 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Northwest Asian Weekly — 412 Maynard Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend

Lantern Festival

“Please join us for this special celebration at the Seattle Chinese Garden! Activities will include:

• Traditional Chinese music
• Riddles
• Tai Chi demonstration
• Tongyuan (sweet dumpling) making demonstration
• Tea tasting 2–4 pm
• Kids activities (origami & lantern making)

“The traditional Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Come and visit your local Chinese garden on this special day! The Seattle Chinese Garden is located at the north end of the South Seattle College Campus, at 6000 16th Ave SW. Dogs on leash are welcome. Admission is free but a $5 donation is welcome.

“西華園庚子年元宵燈節
西華園位於南西雅圖社區大學北閘
節目
• 傳统音樂
• 燈謎
• 太極示範
• 做湯丸
• 賞茶
• 兒童活動 (摺纸及做燈籠)

Time: 2–6 p.m.
Where: Seattle Chinese Garden — 6000 16th Ave SW
Cost: FREE ($5 donations appreciated)

*Find additional Lunar New Year-related events on Northwest Asian Weekly’s Community Calendar page.

BeastMode Barbecue’s Family Feast (Pop-Up)

“BeastMode Barbecue combines elements of different culinary traditions into a multi-ethnic, multi-sensory dining experience where flavors clash on purpose to enhance your taste buds, expand your palate and elevate your dining experience. Join us for BeastMode Barbecue’s family feast interactive BBQ dining experience! We’re running a series of pop-up events before we officially launch and highlighting Tex-Mex-Viet BBQ for our upcoming event.

“1. Central Texas Smoked Brisket 2. Candy Caramel Pork Ribs 3. Smoked Chicken w/ Bacon Crumbles 4. Fritos Mac and Cheese 5. Andouille Fried Rice 6. Smoked Brisket Pho 7. Tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled red onions, dill pickles and sauces! 8. Beer, Wine and Liquor are for sale!

“** Seats are limited to 60 guests! Tickets will sell out! $40 General Admission Tickets Per Person (Get’s you the BeastMode BBQ Platter!). ** Bring cash for tips and gratuity! Thanks to our partners for collaborating with us! Venue Partner: Rainier Restaurant & BBQ.

Time: 1–6 p.m.
Where: Rainier Restaurant & BBQ — 6400 MLK Jr Way S.
Cost: $40

Rhythm & Rhymes Vol.2 : HDN, Chase Henny, Jay Fiddy, Gifted Youngstaz, ArtBySeven & Carter Wilson

“Rhythm & Rhymes returns to Columbia City Theater! We’ve got HDN(@im_hdn) headlining the show! Other performers include: Jay Fiddy (@RealJayFiddy), Gifted Youngstaz (@giftedyoungstaz), Seven (@ArtBySeven) & Carter Wilson (@carterinunilalia)! Special guest appearance by Chase Henny (@Chasehenny)!” 21+

Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Columbia City Theater — 4916 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: $15

Sun., Feb. 9:

Love2020 February Pop-Up

“Kick off the new decade with us as we celebrate love, and joy as an act of resistance. Enjoy celebratory cocktails, Italian snacks, funky Sunday vibes, and cool art. Find sweet things for your sweet thangs, made by local artisans. Get a mini makeover!

“This is the first of our 2020 pop-ups, and we are looking forward to bringing you some great events this year.

“MUSIC: DJ Illogicalogic; ARTISTS: Dova Casteneda Zilly, Walter Heller, Angelina Tolentino (10% of art sales will be gifted to The Sierra Club). VENDORS: Anne Johnston (EPICENE) – jewelry, Erin Johnston – ceramics ,Sarah Hansen (LANCOME) – makeup, Anne Espo – knits, Meg Maggie Margeret – chocolates, Day Moon Press – letterpress, Matthew Jenkins – book, Grant Basile & Melanie Torvi (BOOTSIE’S) – hot sauce.

Time: 12–4 p.m.
Where: Bar del Corso — 3057 Beacon Ave S.
Cost: Free to attend

Celebration of 4 Ethiopian/Americans elected as Council Members

“የጥቁሮችን ታሪክ የምናስብበት ወር ላይ 4 አሜሪካዊ ኢትዮጲያውያን ካውንስል ሜምበር ሆነው መመረጣቸውን አብረን ለማክበርና ከተሞክሯቸው ለመማር በኢትዮጲያ ኮሚኒቲ ፕሮግራም ተዘጋጅቷል፡፡ ፌብርዋሪ 9 ላይ ከ2:00-5:00pm እንድትገኙ በትህትና እንጠይቃለን፡፡

“Save the date on February 9th! On this day, we celebrate the election of 4 Ethiopian Americans who are elected as council members in Seattle, SeaTac, and Federal Way.

Time: 2–5 p.m.
Where: Ethiopian Community in Seattle — 8323 Rainier Ave S.
Cost: FREE

Tues., Feb. 11:

Power to Heal

“Power to Heal takes place during the Civil Rights Movement but focuses on a topic whose history is rarely told: segregation in institutions of medicine. People were dying because African-Americans were refused admission to many hospitals in the U.S., even in case of emergencies, and they were unequally served in institutions that did serve African-Americans.

“The new federal program, Medicare, was an opportunity to use federal funds to face inequalities in healthcare. With the introduction of Medicare, civil rights activists were able to join the federal government in working together to desegregate hospitals.

“We are honored to have Lembhard G. Howell as our guest for the evening. Howell is a prominent Seattle attorney practicing in Seattle since 1966. His career has been dedicated to seeking justice for individuals who have been injured and unfairly treated. Howell was the first African American to serve on the board of governors of the Association of Trial Lawyers. In 1984 he was elected chairman of the Washington State Delegation to the Democratic National Convention. He has also argued cases in the Washington Supreme Court and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

“This film is free to the public. Donations are appreciated to help cover costs.

Time: 7–9 p.m.
Where: Centilia Cultural Center — 1660 S. Roberto Maestas Fest St
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated!)

Image: promo image for Power to Heal Facebook event.

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 Childs Children Open Mics (Fourth Saturdays)

The Salute Sessions (Mondays; technically an open jam session vs. a typical open mic)

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 Reds 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.)

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.

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. (Theres 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.

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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