(This article was originally published on Dan’s Tunes and has been reprinted under an agreement.)
Sunday night, March 28, was cold. The wind was whipping at 40–50 mph, and the rainstorm from earlier in the day had given the air that true kind of PNW-Seattle cold that nips right down to your bones. By 8 p.m., even though I was wrapped in a wool coat and a wool blanket, my toes had gone completely numb. But it didn’t matter because — for the first time in just over a year — I was at a real-life concert.
“Mothers For Police Accountability will present to the Community the
History of Weed and Seed in CD, that lead to People Remover or Gentrification. More information call 206-380-1710 Rev. Walden.” Kid-friendly
Time: 6–8 p.m. Where: Liberty Bank Building — 1405 24th Ave Cost: Free to attend
“In partnership with the Association of Black Social Work Students at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, this community dialogue series invites and highlights voices and ideas from across the Black diaspora on important topics that inform the individual and collective Black experience. These moderated conversations center the voices of performing artists, mental health professionals, spiritual and body workers, writers, authors and more from across the northwest.
“February’s topic is Loving Black – Discussing the interpersonal and intimate relationships between Black people. Examining love between Black families in a historical context and how it connects to now. An open space to talk about stigmas, challenges, and the sweet parts of loving each other.”
Time: 7–9 p.m. Where: NAAM — 2300 S. Massachusetts St Cost: FREE (register via the Facebook event)
“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.
“Hip hop cypher backed by live jazz musicians. Hosted by SCRiBE the Verbalist with King Dre on drums and Dennis Blockman on keys. Bring your raps and your friends. Totally free and all ages. Food and drink specials all night.” All-ages
Time: 6–9 p.m. Where: Cafe Red — 7148 MLK Jr Way S. Cost: Free to attend
“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.”
“Vanishing Seattle is excited to launch its series of short films that take a deeper dive into the stories of legacy, resistance, and resilience behind the #VanishingSeattle hashtag!
“We are premiering with a film about Wa Na Wari – a 5th-generation Black-owned home in the Central District that creates space for Black ownership, possibility, and belonging through art, historic preservation, and connection.
“Come join us at the Wa Na Wari house for the film screening (directed by devon de Leña + Chimaera Bailey) — plus art, food, & community. The event will also feature music and performances by Yirim Seck and Ebo Barton. Learn more about WNW at www.wanawari.org.
“The Vanishing Seattle film project is supported, in part, by 4Culture/King County Lodging Tax and the Northwest Film Forum.” All-ages
Time: 7–9 p.m. Where: Wa Na Wari — 911 24th Ave Cost: FREE
“An intimate evening in conversation with artist Hiawatha D. for insight behind the ‘Iconic Black Women: Ain’t I a Woman’ art exhibition at Northwest African American Museum.”
This week, there’s not a whole lot happening outside of New Year’s Eve festivities, so we rounded up the best of South Seattle’s NYE events. Scroll down for a few post-NYE events!
“Party like it’s 1939! The Royal Room Big Band, led by Steve Treseler, brings you the swing of yesteryear, with a jazz dinner and swing dancing. Prix fixe menu and a cover charge for the musicians are included in the [prix fixe] price. The evening’s entertainment will include sonic renderings of pieces by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Sun Ra, and more!”
Time: 7 p.m. (doors)–1 a.m. Where: The Royal Room — 5000 Rainier Ave S. Cost: $25–75 (to guarantee seating, make a reservation)
Because TWISS usually comes out on Wednesdays, and this week, Wednesday happens to be Christmas, we decided to highlight a fabulous annual Christmas-day event that’s sure to bring cheer to all who attend…
“Chef Tarik Abdullah is calling a CITY WIDE ‘Chef Challenge’ asking chefs, local business, and restaurants to donate a large hotel pan of food to our ALL DAY holiday community feast on Christmas Day.
“We’re hoping to feed our community all day–breakfast, lunch and dinner!
“The annual event focuses on community organizing to provide meals, warmth, and community for any South Seattle residents (especially our community experiencing housing instability, vulnerability and homelessness).
“Come eat, build relationships and show love to one another!