Tag Archives: Victor Simoes

Arts & Culture

Fueling Artistic Growth: The Annual Soul Café Awards Uplifts the South End Artistic Community

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by Victor Simoes

The stage is set and the red carpet is rolled out for the Third Annual Soul Café Awards. With 21 categories and more than 50 nominees, the award ceremony will take place at Rainier Arts Center on Sept. 9 from 6–10 p.m. The award show honors the very best in the South End performing arts community, from breakthrough artists to seasoned veterans. This event showcases the talent and contributions of community leaders’ achievements, personal accomplishments, influence, creativity, and leadership.  

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Arts & Culture

‘Our Stories’ Spotlights the Power of Personal Narratives and Artistic Expression

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“We need to tell our stories; that’s what’s going to heal us.”

by Victor Simoes

Sheila Kay, local singer, songwriter, and the founder of Inspirational Productions, is hosting the second edition of “Our Stories” on July 29 at Rainier Arts Center. The show that combines storytelling and artistic expression to uplift and motivate people in the creative community and beyond is returning to the South End, with DJ sets, food, and live band performances.

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Community

Empowered Minds Unleashed: ILPS’ Solidarity School and WA-BLOC’s Summer Freedom Schools

Local activists and organizers subvert classic approaches to education.

by Victor Simoes

The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) Solidarity School and Washington Building Leaders of Change (WA-BLOC) Freedom Schools are redefining the learning experience offered by academic institutions. Organized by a collaboration of passionate educators, grassroots organizations, and community effort, these two programs extend the educational journey beyond the standardized curriculum, drawing inspiration from the historic Freedom Schools of the Civil Rights Movement. 

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Community

Lavender Rights Project Centers Black Trans Joy at Second Annual Comedy Showcase

by Victor Simoes

For their second annual Black Trans Comedy Showcase fundraiser on June 10, Lavender Rights Project (LRP) is going even bigger than in their first edition. With a stellar lineup of performers and comedians, the event hosted by activist and reality TV star T.S. Madison will showcase trans magic and laughter in a space dedicated to building community and learning how to protect Black trans lives. 

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Arts & Culture

‘Elevators Ep. 1’ Pays Homage to the Seattle Dance Scene in Its First Edition

by Victor Simoes

Editors’ Note: “Elevators Ep. 1” was slated for last December, but inclement weather forced the show to reschedule. “Elevators” will now take place Friday, June 2, at the Clock-Out Lounge

“I want people to feel that cinematic, nostalgic, déjà vu-type sensation. I hope people meet there and fall in love because of a moment they had dancing with somebody at our event. I want there to be that tangible and indescribable magic.”

This is how Aaron Walker-Loud, artist, band director, composer, producer, educator, and one-third of Elevators, described his hopes for the Big World Breaks and Vinyl Sound production “Elevators Ep. 1,” kicking off at the Clock-Out Lounge on Friday, June 2.

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Arts & Culture

Columbia City Beatwalk Is Back for Its 28th Year, With Live Music and the First Full-Fledged Pride Edition

by Victor Simoes

Happening every second Sunday of the month from June through September, Columbia City Beatwalk returns, bringing live music and local vendors according to monthly themes, along with the first-ever dedicated Pride Beatwalk. 

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Arts & Culture

‘BLEAK!’, a Satirical, Anti-Capitalist Song Cycle, Arrives in Seattle on May Day

by Victor Simoes

This May Day, the cabaret duo John Coons and Matt Aument are bringing BLEAK! Songs for the Not-Quite End of the World to Town Hall Seattle. The anti-capitalist satire that discusses humankind’s dystopian present will be a one-night-only event, with additional songs, instruments, guests, and new material specially crafted for a Seattle audience. 

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Arts & Culture

The Works of Local Black Women Artists Shine at Gallery Onyx’s ‘Embrace Equity’

by Victor Simoes

From March 7 to May 12 the Onyx Fine Arts Collective celebrates Black women artists with “Embrace Equity.” The 48 works by 28 artists not only celebrate artistic excellence but create a discussion on equity and equality. It is the first gallery opening for many of these artists, whose artwork includes paintings and mixed-media compositions that incorporate collage and textile work into the canvas. 

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Community

Seattle Public Library Announces More Hours and New Services to South End Branches

by Victor Simoes

Fulfilling promises made in 2019, this year The Seattle Public Library (SPL) plans to add 10,000 new hours to the 27 Seattle library branches and implement new youth services. The levy fund approved by 76% of Seattle voters enabled branches to provide additional services, eliminate overdue fines, and increase open hours, which will continue to expand starting this spring.  

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Arts & Culture

Newly Elected Shermona Mitchell Comes Full Circle as Sound Theatre’s New Co-Artistic Director

by Victor Simoes

The Sound Theatre Company (STC) recently announced Shermona Mitchell would become its new co-artistic director. A multifaceted theater artist and the first Black woman to lead the Sound Theatre board, Mitchell assumed the new position in January. Working with the founder and the other co-artistic director of the STC, Teresa Thuman, Mitchell will support the company’s mission to uplift local actors, directors, and audiences while bringing attention to stories often silenced by systemic oppression.

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