Ongoing
Block by Block Yes, it’s a show about LEGOs, containing architectural replicas and cityscapes created by Tacoma’s Dan Parker from the plastic toys. Ends April 20. EMP Museum, emp museum.org
Katinka Bock In A and I, the German conceptual artist creates site-specific sculpture out of ordinary and found objects made of clay, wood, stone, steel, and other urban discards. One room is filled with dirt from a Belltown construction site. Ends May 4. Henry Art Gallery, henryart.org
Crafting a Continuum: Rethinking Contemporary Craft
Making its Northwest stop, this big traveling show show features over 60 American artists. Ends April 27. Bellevue Arts Museum, bellevuearts.org
•
LaToya Ruby Frazier The talented young photographer chronicles her dying rust-belt town of Braddock, Penn., in Born by a River. Ends June 22. Seattle Art Museum, seattleart museum.org
A Fuller View of China, Japan and Korea SAM’s founder, Richard Fuller, is honored with a big survey of the museum’s Asian holdings. Ends April 13. Seattle Asian Art Museum, seattleart museum.org
Andy Graydon The filmmaker gets lost in the woods in his Super-8 movie The Findings. Ends Feb. 23 Frye Art Museum, fryemuseum.org
•
Liu Xiaodong The Chinese painter creates roughhewn, realistic scenes of his empty old village in Hometown Boy. Ends June 29. Seattle Asian Art Museum
•
Danny Lyon:
The Bikeriders His classic black-and-white images of the Chicago Outlaw Motorcycle Club, taken while he was a member during the ’60s, were a huge influence during that decade—Easy Rider being but one example. Ends May 4. Henry Art Gallery
Agnes Martin The late painter specializes in abstract, organic forms in The New York–Taos Connection (1947–1957). Ends April 20. Tacoma Art Museum, tacomaartmuseum.org
•
On the Air
Teatro ZinZanni’s dinner-theater salute to radio days. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 10. Ends June 1. Teatro ZinZanni, zinzanni.com
Camille Patha A veteran Northwest painter who traffics in bright-colored surrealism and Pop Art, her six-decade retrospective is called A Punch of Color: Fifty Years of Painting. Ends May 25. Tacoma Art Museum
Pull, Twist, Blow: Transforming the Kingdom of Glass Cheeky young Swedes mess with the traditional medium. Ends April 26. Nordic Heritage Museum, nordicmuseum.org
Joseph Gregory Rossano He uses tar, a petroleum extract, to address climate change and endangered species in Whitewashed. Ends March 16. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, biart museum.org
Anna Skibska The Seattle artist’s work goes way beyond glass in Coastal Alchemy, with additional elements of collage and photography. (Also on view: big neon letters by Jen Elek and Jeremy Bert.) Ends Sept. 28. Museum of Glass (Tacoma), museumofglass.org
Venus in Fur Gillian Williams stars as the temptress in this sexy import from Broadway. Ends March 9. Seattle Repertory Theatre
Wan Qingli
Inked combines traditional scroll and calligraphy art with sly political commentary. Ends June 29. Seattle Asian Art Museum
February
12 Amy Chua Tiger Mom is back! She and her unfortunate husband, Jed Rubenfeld, will discuss The Triple Package: How Three Unlikely Traits Explain the Rise and Fall of Cultural Groups in America. Seattle Central Library, spl.org
12 Sharon Salzberg She shares from Real Happiness at Work: Meditations for Accomplishment, Achievement, and Peace.
Elliott Bay Book Co., elliottbaybook.com
12 Gabriel Sherman Let’s all boo the FOX News founder we love to hate! Sherman’s controversial new biography of Roger Ailes is The Loudest Voice in the Room. Town Hall, townhall seattle.org
12–March 9
Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus David Quicksall adapts and directs this new stage adaptation. Book–It Repertory Theatre, book–it.org
13 Robert Gates He dishes on W and Obama in his political memoir Duty. Town Hall
• 13 Peter Mountford The local author reads from his second novel, The Dismal Science. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 19. Richard Hugo House, hugohouse.org
13–15 Paul C. Morrissey He’s known for his several appearances on The Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson.
Laughs Comedy Spot (Kirkland), laughscomedy.com
• 13–16 Kate Wallich + The YC Wallich has been doing her homework, spending time experimenting in the studio, as she’s been working on choreography for her first full program. Her style has an inner motor that drives the movement along through a series of moments both lovely and strange. For Super Eagle, she’s been working with Andrew Bartee, who’s branching out from his work with Pacific Northwest Ballet to explore some other options. Sandra Kurtz
Velocity Dance Center, velocity dancecenter.org
• 13–May 25 Miro: The Experience of Seeing The Spanish postwar titan of abstract and often whimsical art is examined for his later output, created during the last two decades of his life before 1983. Seattle Art Museum
• 14 XVIII Eyes Don’t Google this band—you’ll only generate results for the latest Super Bowl. Just know the psychedelic shoegaze of this Seattle group kicks ass. With Fox and the Law, Sea Cats. Sunset Tavern, sunsettavern.com
14 Sarah Churchwell
Careless People: Murder, Mayhem, and the Invention of The Great Gatsby is her new history work. Elliott Bay Book Co.
• 14
Harold and Maude Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Robert Altman’s May/December romance/suicide-com is screened. SIFF Film Center, siff.net
14 Brian McKnight He brings his deep–voiced R&B ballads to a concert of love songs. Emerald Queen Casino, emeraldqueen.com
14–15 Jamie Lee/Joe Derosa You know these comics from MTV and Comedy Central. The Parlor Collection (Bellevue), parlorlive.com
• 14–16 Mark Morris Dance Group SEE THE PICK LIST, PAGE 43.
• 14–March 5 Woody Allen in the ’80s Six repertory titles include Hannah and Her Sisters, The Purple Rose of Cairo, and Radio Days. Grand Illusion Cinema, grandillusioncinema.org
14–Sept. 21 At Your Service Ten contemporary artists re-examine plates, cutlery, and other household objects. Bellevue Arts Museum
15 Katherine Boo She of the acclaimed Behind the Beautiful Forevers appears at the Search for Meaning Book Festival with Isabel Wilkerson (The Warmth of Other Suns) and three dozen other writers. Seattle University, seattleu.edu
• 15 Mudhoney The legendary local grunge rockers help celebrate the Tractor’s 20th birthday. Tractor Tavern, tractortavern.com
15 Presidents of the United States of America Their latest album, Kudos to You, delivers more of the same silly alternative rock. The Showbox, showboxpresents.com
• 15–16
Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, & Before Midnight All three installments of Richard Linklater’s beloved trilogy are screened, with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as the quarrelsome central couple. SIFF Film Center
• 15–16 Chop Shop: Bodies of Work This annual showcase has been growing like a weed—this is its seventh year, and producer Eva Stone has snagged a great mix of local talent and artists from elsewhere. This edition adds ballet to the contemporary dance that has been its main focus, including a visit by the Grand Rapids Ballet, directed by former PNB dancer Patricia Barker. SK
Meydenbauer Center, chopshopdance.org
15–16 Genre Bender The loss last year of City Arts Fest was a blow to the arts community, but the decision by organizers to continue this particular event from that annual affair is a boon. Ten exciting, diverse, and incredibly talented Seattle artists will break into pairs and present a new interdisciplinary work. Of particular note are the pairings between designer Mark Mitchell and theater standout Marya Sea Kaminski; composer/trumpeter Ahamefule Oluo and slideshow artist ilvs strauss; and dancer Ezra Dickinson and filmmaker Shaun Scott. Whatever happens, it will be original and, likely, mind-bending. MARK BAUMGARTEN
Cornish Playhouse, Seattle Center, cityartsonline.com
16 The Commodores The oldies act is touring behind such perennial hits as “Brick House” and “Three Times a Lady.” Emerald Queen Casino, emeraldqueen.com
16 Miley Cyrus She rides her wrecking ball to Puget Sound. Tacoma Dome, tacomadome.org
16 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe The veteran sax man has been creating funky dance music for three decades. With The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The Neptune, stgpresents.org
16 Mick Foley The former pro wrestler tells “Tales From Wrestling Past” rather than a conventional stand-up set. The Parlor
16 Band of Horses This South Carolina-by-way-of-Seattle indie band returns for an all-acoustic set. The Moore, stgpresents.org
16 & 22 Octava Chamber Orchestra Mozart and Rossini from this lively ensemble. Maple Park Church, octavachamberorchestra.com
• 16 Philharmonia Northwest Julia Tai conducts Elgar’s elegiac Cello Concerto, plus Corigliano and Brahms. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 17. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, philharmonianw.org
16 Ed Schultz Preaching to our liberal Seattle pews, the popular MSNBC host tells you what’s wrong with the red states. The Moore
17 Harlem Globetrotters Their dribbling is bound to amuse your kids. KeyArena, seattle center.com
18 Feel like a failure? Megan McArdle is here to help with her The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well Is the Key to Success. Town Hall
• 18 The Pixies Black Francis and company are now making do without Kim Deal. Is their music still any good? You decide. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 53. The Paramount, stg presents.org
• 18 Matthew Quick The author of The Silver Linings Playbook returns with his new novel The Good Luck of Right Now.
Elliott Bay Book Co.
• 18 Sun Kil Moon Best known for his brooding ballads with former group Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek is touring behind his new album Benji. The Neptune
18 Henry Winkler The Fonz has become a noted children’s-book author, aided by Lin Oliver, with his Here’s Hank series. University Book Store, bookstore.washington.edu
18–19 Sweet Honey in the Rock On the heels of its new live album, A Tribute: Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center, this all-woman, all-African American a cappella troupe continues to share its soulful rhythms, as it has since the ’70s. Triple Door, tripledoor.net
• 18–March 1 NT Live:
Coriolanus
Nobody does Shakespeare like the Brits. This production stars reluctant Internet heartthrob Tom Hiddleston. SIFF Cinema Uptown
19 Susanne Antonetta The Bellingham author’s new adoption memoir is Make Me a Mother.
University Book Store
19
Rowing Into the Son No, that’s not a typo; it’s Jordan Hanssen’s account of four guys rowing across the Atlantic. Third Place Books, third placebooks.com
• 19 Paul Simon & Sting How did they decide who gets top billing? By comparing net worths? KeyArena
• 19 Chris Ware and Chip Kidd The eminent cartoonist and book designer/author talk about graphics and design for the modern age. Town Hall
19 Joyce Yang The pianist makes her Seattle debut. with Bartok, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff. Meany Hall, uwworldseries.org
19 Suzy Bogguss One of the most popular country singers of the ’80s and ’90s, she recently released Lucky, an album of Merle Haggard tunes. Tractor Tavern, tractortavern.com
19–March 9 Odysseo The dancing horse show from traveling circus troupe Cavalia performs under a giant tent. Marymoor Park, cavalia.net
20 Sharon Corr The sultry chanteuse takes the spotlight. Snoqualmie Casino, snocasino.com
20
The Last Bath This made-in-Seattle porno was concocted by the old Apple Theater back in 1973. See it if you dare! Grand Illusion
20 Hot Tuna The enduring Jefferson Airplane side project and eternal jam band returns. Triple Door
20–21 Seattle Modern Orchestra Two nights (and two separate programs) with guest cellist Severine Ballon. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 17. seattlemodernorchestra.com
20–22 Ryan Singer His “mindcast” project, Me & Paranormal You, has the comedian talking about/with people with otherworldly abilities and experiences. Laughs Comedy Spot
21 Anthony Doerr The visiting noted fiction specialist (All the Light We Cannot See) leads a panel discussion called “Must the Gun Always Fire? And Other Rules of Writing” with fellow scribes Natalie Diaz and Karen Finneyfrock. Richard Hugo House
21 The English Beat Let’s travel back to the ska sounds of the Thatcher era! Original member Dave Wakeling fronts this configuration. The Showbox, showboxpresents.com
21 Erika Hayasaki She draws on her experience teaching at Berkeley in The Death Class: A True Story About Life.
Elliott Bay Book Co.
• 21 Keb’ Mo’ Born Kevin Moore, the guitarist and three-time Grammy award winner turns out the blues with soul-filled singing and an instinctual sense of rhythm. Edmonds Center for the Arts, edmondscenterforthearts.org
21 Khambatta Dance Company If you’re into dance, cello, and moral or ethical dilemmas, KDC’s Vice and Virtue might be just the show for you. Kirkland Performance Center, phffft.org
• 21 Elizabeth Kolbert Staff writer for The New Yorker, her latest is The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.
Town Hall
21 Smokey Robinson Mr. “Tears of a Clown” comes to T-Town. Emerald Queen Casino
21
A Little Night Music The Sondheim musical combines heartache and discontent, as usual. Ends March 9. SecondStory Repertory, second storyrep.org
21 Doc Severinsen The former bandleader for The Tonight Show can still hit some high notes on trumpet. Skagit Valley Casino, theskagit.com
21
7 Boxes It was a favorite during SIFF last year; now it’s back for a weeklong run. SIFF Cinema Uptown
21
The Wind Rises Hayao Miyazaki’s last animation effort—he promises!—celebrates aviation before World War II; some have criticized the film for that very reason. Seven Gables, landmarktheaters.com
21 Lake Union Civic Orchestra An all-Russian program, including Scriabin’s Second Symphony. Town Hall, luco.org
21–22 The Head and the Heart Seattle’s much lauded neo-folkies released their sophomore album, Let’s Be Still, last October. Friday with Rose Windows, La Luz; Saturday with the Moondoggies, Mikey and Matty. The Paramount
• 21–22 & March 1–2 J.S. Bach Passions Project Bach’s two powerful oratorios on the life of Jesus. Ludovic Morlot conducts the St. Matthew Passion this weekend with the Seattle Symphony; Stephen Stubbs leads the St. John Passion in March with Pacific MusicWorks. Benaroya Hall, benaroyahall.org
21–23
Dante’s Inferno: The Ballet
Ronald Tice and Jennifer Porter have created a new dance based on the medieval tale. Meydenbauer Center, meydenbauer.com
21–26 Independent of Reality The Czech filmmaker Jan Nemec is honored with selections from his 50-year career. Northwest Film Forum, nwfilmforum.org
21–March 1
The Telephone Book Screened late on weekends, this is a 1971 porno/trip movie hybrid—rarely seen, perhaps for good reason. Grand Illusion
• 22 The Pimps of Joytime The funk band from Brooklyn and New Orleans blends soul and funk into effortlessly groovy beats. Neumos, neumos.com
• 22 Ani DiFranco With scores of awards, one Grammy, and loads of feminist cred, the prolific Buffalo, N.Y., songwriter released her latest studio album, Which Side Are You On?, featuring the late Pete Seeger, in 2012. With Jenny Scheinman. The Moore
• 22 DJ Spooky Paul D. Miller’s electronic persona is renowned for his “trip hop” and “illbient” sounds. He’ll screen his Rebirth of a Nation in recognition of Black History Month tomorrow at the Moore. Barboza, thebarboza.com
22–March 7 Seattle Opera
The Consul, Gian-Carlo Menotti’s timely 1950 drama about life in an Orwellian, totalitarian state. McCaw Hall, seattleopera.org
22–May 25 Isamu Noguchi and Qi Baishi: Beijing 1930 Essentially a biography show, this exhibit relates how the Japanese-American Noguchi met the older Chinese calligraphy artist during his world travels. Frye Art Museum
22–May 25 Mark Tobey and Teng Baiye: Seattle/Shanghai Another meeting of cultures: Northwest icon Tobey and visiting Chinese UW student Teng were buddies during the ’20s and ’30s. See how their work influenced each other. Frye Art Museum
• 23 Rosanne Cash After a long pause from the music biz, she mines her family and geographical roots on The River and the Thread.
The Moore
23 Mardi Jo Link Her Great Recession memoir is Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm.
University Book Store
23–May 18
Truth Like the Sun Local writer Jim Lynch set this recent novel during our 1962 World’s Fair. Now see the stage adaptation. Book–It Repertory Theatre
• 24 10th Annual Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition Women compete to represent Seattle in Kobe, Japan, in May. Jazz Alley, jazz alley.com
25 Jennifer Ouellette The noted science writer considers online avatars and other topics in Me, Myself & Why: Searching for the Science of Self.
Town Hall
25–26 Ron Reid’s Graduation Class Students from his North Seattle Community College “Beginning Stand–up Comedy” course will make their debut. Laughs Comedy Spot
25 We Were Promised Jetpacks The Scottish indie-rock quartet blasts into town. Neumos
25 Langhorne Slim The soulful, funky rocker released his sixth album, The Way We Move, in 2012, and is gearing up to play Conan again. Sunset Tavern
26 Emily Parker She’ll discuss her Now I Know Who My Comrades Are: Voices of the Internet Underground.
Town Hall
26 Seattle Rock Orchestra Hits from Michael Jackson’s huge catalogue from this all-star ensemble. The Moore
26 Matt Zoller Seitz The veteran film writer helps you prepare for The Grand Budapest Hotel (opening next month) with his tribute book The Wes Anderson Collection.
Third Place Books
• 26 Throwing Muses Kristin Hersh and band—minus original member half-sister Tanya Donnelly (Breeders, Belly)—released last year’s Purgatory/Paradise as a combination book and album. The Triple Door
26–March 9
The Arabian Nights The UW School of Drama mounts Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the traditional fantasy tales. Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse, depts.washington.edu/uwdrama
27 Jim Jefferies The FXX’s Legit star and creator is on a 31-city comedy tour, “Day Streaming.” The Moore
27–28 Nate Bargatze The son of a clown-turned-magician keeps up the family business with his stand–up routines. Laughs Comedy Spot
27 & March 1 Seattle Symphony Mozart??s last three symphonies—dashed off, amazingly, in six weeks in 1788, and no one knows exactly why— are led by returning conductor Gerard Schwarz. Benaroya Hall, seattlesymphony.org
27–March 1 Hal Sparks Known for appearing on various VH1 countdown series. (And for playing Zoltan, the leader of the bubble-wrap-clad nerds in Dude, Where’s My Car?)
The Parlor
27–March 2 En Vogue Original members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron will reprise hits like “Hold On” and “Free Your Mind.” Jazz Alley
27–March 6
Winter in the Blood Sherman Alexie produced this new Montana-set drama, directed by Alex and Andrew Smith. Northwest Film Forum
28 Glasvegas The Scottish indie band returns with openers the Ceremonies. Columbia City Theater, columbiacitytheater.com
• 28 Lisa Lampanelli Comedy’s “Queen of Mean” has received praise from both Jim Carrey and Howard Stern—which is good, right? The Moore
28
Non-Stop Liam Neeson wields his AARP card as a deadly weapon. Do we care about the plot? He’s on a plane, he’s Liam Neeson, and that’s all you need to know.
28 Sy Safransky The founder and editor of the old The Sun newspaper joins various contributors for a group reading from its annals. Elliott Bay Book Co.
March
1 Anjelah Johnson Bon Qui Qui’s in the house and will likely be rocking a full set of nails that look “so pretty, like model.” The Paramount
1 Greensky Bluegrass In 2011, the Michigan–based ensemble released the excellent Handguns. The Neptune
1 B.B. King The blues legend is joined by Ayron Jones and The Way. The Moore
• 1 Chuck Palahniuk The Fight Club author is in town for the national conference of The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (aka AWP Week), here joined by fellow authors Lidia Yuknavitch, Chelsea Cain, Monica Drake, and Suzy Vitello. Tickets will go fast. Elliott Bay Book Co.
• 1 Tom Baker Three premieres by this active and multivalent Seattle composer. Chapel Performance Space
1 & 5 Met Opera at the Movies You know the fragrant “Polovtsian Dances”; now hear the rest of Borodin’s rarely staged Prince Igor.
See met opera.org for participating theatres.
• 1–9 Seattle Jewish Film Festival Various food, music, and cultural activities also attend the annual fest, which begins with the coming-of-age tale The Zig Zag Kid, based on the novel by David Grossman. Pacific Place and other venues, seattlejewishfilmfestival.org
1–June 8 Parallel Practices: Joan Jonas & Gina Pane The American (Jonas) and the late Frenchwoman (Pane) had parallel careers in sculpture, photography, and other media. See how they compare. Henry Art Gallery
1–June 15 Anne Fenton Recent winner of the Henry’s Brink Award, the local artist shows work in photography and video. Henry Art Gallery
1–?
Nirvanov The producers haven’t set exact dates yet for this new musical by Nandi Johannes and David Karl Lee, which juxtaposes the last days of Kurt Cobain with the Chekhov play Ivanon. Balagan Theatre, balagantheatre.org
2 Mark Russell The political humorist finds plenty to mock back in Washington, D.C. Kirkland Performance Center, kpcenter.org
2 Trilogy Dance Company The local dance–makers present an afternoon omnibus of new and repertory work. Meydenbauer Center, turningpointedancecentre.com
3 Angela Day And you thought coal trains were bad. Revisit an earlier environmental calamity with her Red Light to Starboard: Recalling the Exxon Valdez Disaster. University Book Store
3 Pat Metheny His new prog-jazz band is called Unity Group. The Moore
4 Svante Paabo He explores our dirty little genetic secret in Neanderthal Man: In Search of Lost Genomes.
Town Hall
4–April 17 Ann Gardner
Variations presents her sinuous new sculpture, made of glass, bronze, and other materials. Also on view, the ersatz (and satirical) fashion photography of Jessica Craig-Martin. Winston Wachter Fine Art, winston wachter.com
• 5 Dr. Dog The Beck-lite indie band released B-Room in October. With Saint Rich. Neptune
5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. No connection to NASCAR here, just a headlining tour across the nation for this indie-pop duo. Neumos
5 Jennifer Ringer The retired New York ballerina discusses her memoir, Dancing Through It, with PNB’s Peter Boal. Town Hall
5–22
Third A professor is pitted against her student, possibly a plagiarist, in Wendy Wasserstein’s campus drama. ArtsWest, artswest.org
6
Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the ’70s
Venture back to the era of glorious mustaches, Red Brigade terrorists, and gold chains in this new doc. Grand Illusion
• 6 First Thursday It’s time to march around Pioneer Square and sample all the great galleries at the Tashiro Kaplan Building and beyond. firstthursdayseattle.com
6 Paul Revere and the Raiders The Boise garage rockers promise lots of “Kicks” and plenty of hits tonight. Snoqualmie Casino, snocasino.com
6–8 Young Playwrights Festival Eight new works by authors aged 12–18. ACT Theatre, acttheatre.org
6–8 Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan The first contemporary-dance company in a Chinese-speaking community makes its Seattle debut with 3.5 tons of shimmering golden grains of rice. Meany Hall
• 6–8 Seattle Symphony Gerard Schwarz leads an all-Strauss program; few conductors bring out the composer’s opulence quite so intoxicatingly. Benaroya Hall
6–9 Sergio Mendes With over 35 albums and three Grammys, the bossa nova legend brings his signature latin style to Jazz Alley
6–9 Miguel Gutierrez and the Powerful People From New York, the avant-dance troupe performs And lose the name of action.
On the Boards, ontheboards.org
6–30 Robert McCauley Bears! He paints our ursine friends and other critters. Also on view: the hyperrealistic suburban scenes painted by Terry Leness. Linda Hodges Gallery, linda hodgesgallery.com
6–30 Mitchell Albala He paints bomb blasts and other scenes of destruction in Acceptance. Also on view, work by John McCormick. Lisa Harris Gallery, lisaharrisgallery.com
6–April 5 Soly Cisse The Senegalese artist makes his Seattle debut with a show of brightly colored paintings, called DREAMS. M.I.A. Gallery, m-i-a-gallery.com
6–April 6
The Boy at the Edge of Everything A bored 12-year-old meets his doppelganger— in space! Seattle Children’s Theatre, sct.org
6–April 12 Tangible Evidence This group show features members of the Northwest Designer Craftsmen group, now a half-century old. Schack Art Center (Everett), schack.org
6–April 12 Thuy-Van Vu She paints small watercolors of mundane and overlooked objects, sometimes including ruined houses. G. Gibson Gallery, ggibsongallery.com
7
Stranger by the Lake A predatory killer stalks a gay vacation spot in this new French thriller. SIFF
7–9 The Esoterics Music evoking the seas opens this a cappella choir’s nature-inspired season. Various venues, theesoterics.org
• 7–13
Alien Boy: The Life and Death of James Chasse A fine, infuriating Portland documentary about a schizophrenic man, off his meds, who was killed by the cops. You will think of it every time you walk through Pioneer Square. Northwest Film Forum
7–13
Cousin Jules Directed by Dominique Benicheti, this 1972 French rural drama never received a U.S. release. Grand Illusion
7–22
Black Vengeance Now they’ve gone and made Othello into a punk opera, created by Nathaniel Porter. Ghost Light Theatricals (Ballard Underground), ghostlighttheatricals.org
7–June 15 Fragile Fortress: The Art of Dan Webb He specializes in intricate wood carvings of unlikely subjects—including shoes, balloons, and ominously shrouded figures. Bellevue Arts Museum
7–June 15 Kathy Venter The Canadian ceramics artist creates big figurative works in LIFE. Bellevue Arts Museum
8 Tudor Choir Devotional music from their namesake era. Blessed Sacrament Church, tudorchoir.or
>8–9 Seattle Pro Musica Choral music for Lent, including David Lang’s modern reworking of a medieval mystery play. St. James Cathedral, seattlepromusica.or
>8–June 15
Little Shop of Horrors The giant man-eating plant returns in this reliably funny musical based on the Roger Corman movie. Co-produced with ACT. 5th Avenue Theatr
>9 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Party like it’s 1996 with these pinstripe-suited hepcats. Snoqualmie Casino
>9 Onyx Chamber Players All Beethoven: The “Archduke” Trio and more. First Church Seattle, onyxchamberplayers.co
>9–May 6 National Geographic Live The popular lecture series brings several visiting naturalists, filmmakers, and scientists. Benaroya Hall, seattlesymphony.org/benaroy
>• 10 This event is sold out, but you can stand outside on the sidewalk and cheer Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who shares from her memoir My Beloved World.
Town Hal
>11 Dave Barry One journalist (or ex-journalist) who’s survived the newspaper collapse quite nicely, he reads from You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty: Dave Barry on Parenting and Other Topics He Knows Very Little About.
Town Hal
>11 Patty Duke Yes, that Patty Duke shares from her memoir Call Me Anna.
Washington State Convention Center, wscc.co
>12–April 6
The Lion King From beloved cartoon feature to Broadway behemoth, there’s no denying the touring power of this Disney stage musical. The Paramoun
>13–April 12 Alwyn O’Brien creates intricate ceramics, often with a mesh-like method of construction. (Also on view: embroidered work by Claire Cowie.) James Harris Gallery, james harrisgallery.co
>13 Mike Veseth Is “Two-Buck Chuck” a good value or not? Ask the oenophile and author of Extreme Wine.
University Book Store (Bellevue)
> 14
Particle Fever Intrepid physicists search for the elusive Higgs boson particle, using really cool, huge-ass machinery. Varsity, landmark theaters.co
>• 14
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson’s much-anticipated droll-com features Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, and a host of other quirky stars. Various theater
>14 Trentalange Her vocals call to mind Sarah McLachlan’s, but there’s a dark edge to her latest, Same Illusion. With Golden Gardens. Barboza
> 14 Northwest Sinfonietta Bach’s St. John Passion is popular this season. Seattle First Presbyterian Church, northwestsinfonietta.org
> • 14–20
Northern Lights This 1978 drama by John Hanson and Rob Nilsson recounts bleak events in North Dakota during the Progressive Era, when farmers battled the railroads and trusts. Grand Illusion
> • 14–23 PNB: Director’s Choice The diverse and crowd–pleasing repertory will get you grooving one moment and holding your breath the next. Imagine a solo to the riot-inducing music of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring following a sentimental aerial duet set to a haunting score by Arvo Part right after a playful, Dave Brubeck–infused jazz ballet. On the list are Susan Stroman’s Take Five . . . more or less (set to Brubeck’s famous “Take Five”), Susan Marshall’s Kiss, Molissa Fenley’s State of Darkness, and a new work by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s resident choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo. Imana Gunawan
McCaw Hall, pnb.or
>• 15 Billy Connolly The renowned Scottish comic and sometime actor (Mrs. Brown) has been doing stand-up for four decades, and this is a rare Seattle gig. The Moor
>15 JACK Quartet The adventurous New York–based string quartet teams with composers from the UW School of Music and DXARTS. Meany Hal
>• 15 Sandrider One of the first bands to sign to hard-rock label Good to Die, Sandrider shreds and slays in epic form on its latest, Godhead. Columbia City Theater
>15 Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers Mozart’s Requiem and other elegiac music by Liszt and Samuel Jones. First Free Methodist Church, osscs.or
>15 Northwest Symphony Bruckner’s vast Symphony no. 8 in West Seattle’s similarly vast Holy Rosary Catholic Church. northwest symphonyorchestra.or
>
15–March 2015 Sol Lewitt The famed conceptualist will create a year-long installation in the PACCAR Pavilion. Olympic Sculpture Park, seattleartmuseum.or
>16 Kyle Eastwood Son of Clint, the bass player and jazz-band leader swings into town. Kirkland Performance Cente
>16 Byron Schenkman and Friends Chamber music (this time, by Rameau) from this expert keyboardist and hand-picked colleagues. Benaroya Recital Hall, byronschenkman.co
>19 Paula Cole “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone” was one of the most depressing songs of the ’90s. Cole continues to mine the darker side of life in Raven, independently released last year. The Triple Door
>19–April 6
The Suit A restaging of Peter Brook’s adaptation of the South African apartheid tale. Seattle Repertory Theatr
>• 19–April 13
The Importance of Being Earnest Victor Pappas directs Oscar Wilde’s classic drawing-room comedy. Seattle Shakespeare Company, seattleshakespeare.or
>19–May 1 Red Renewal: Seattle’s Socialist Spring Comrades! Let us all strike at the heart of the capitalist beast with this retrospective of old activist, labor, and solidarity films! Northwest Film Foru
>20 Rebecca Goldstein She contrasts the digital and the Hellenic in Plato at the Googleplex: Why Philosophy Won’t Go Away.
Town Hal
>20 Richard Goode A pianist’s pianist: not quite a household name, but revered by his colleagues. He’ll play Debussy and more. Meany Hal
>20–22 Steve Rannazzisi The funnyman stops by on his “Man–Child” tour. The Parlo
>20–23 Seattle Symphony A piano concerto, “Night Butterflies,” by contemporary composer Alexander Raskatov. Benaroya Hall
> • 20–April 13 Moisture Festival Burlesque breaks out in Fremont, with programs for families and evening shows with a more risque bent. Live music, comedy, and acrobats are just some of the attractions on the rotating menu. Hale’s Palladium and other venues, moisturefestival.or
>20–April 27
The Tutor This new musical by Andrew Gerle and Maryrose Wood has a New York writer trying to balance difficult teen clients with his blocked novel. Village Theatr
>• 21 Seattle Symphony “Celebrate Asia” includes a new work by UW composer Richard Karpen; Julia Tai conducts. Benaroya Hall
> 21 An Evening With Mike Gordon There is no Mike Gordon without Phish, and no Mike Gordon show without Phish fans. You know what to expect. The Neptune
>• 21–27
The Great Flood From Bill Morrison (Decasia), this is the latest found-footage experiment, depicting the catastrophic 1927 Mississippi River flood via old, decaying newsreels. Bill Frisell supplies the new score. Grand Illusio
>22 Maz Jobrani The comic is on his “My Lion Is Moist” tour. The Neptun
>• 22 Leo Kottke The veteran guitarist mixes music and recollections from his long, distinguished career. Benaroya Hal
>22–23 Circa The Australian contemporary circus group pushes the boundaries between circus and dance. Meany Hal
>• 22–23 Music of Remembrance Hans Krasa’s allegorical musical fable Brundibar was created for performance by Terezin inmates; Tony Kushner adapted the English libretto for this revival. Seattle Children’s Theatre, musicof remembrance.or
>• 23 ZZ Top Can these gray beards still twirl their guitars? Who cares, as long as they still crank out hits like “Legs,” “Pearl Necklace,” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” The Moore
>• 23 Vikesh Kapoor The modern answer to Pete Seeger was recently listed as one of six artists “to carry us forward.” His growing catalog is filled with finely rendered working-class anthems set to guitar and harmonica. Tractor Tavern
>• 23 Hawaiian Slack Key Festival Summer is still months away, but this cultural showcase is sure to shower rays of island sunshine, at least for a day. Edmonds Center for the Arts
>23–24 12 Minutes Max Local talent, in all disciplines, fills On the Boards’s spring omnibus. Washington Hall, ontheboards.or
>• 24 Lorde The teenage sensation from New Zealand is joined by Lo-Fang. WaMu Theater, ticketmaster.co
> • 24 George Saunders His latest story collection, Tenth of December, is new in paperback, and it’s our favorite, weirdest, most dystopian gathering of short fictions from last year. Not to be missed. Presented by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Town Hall, lectures.or
>24 The Straits Alan Clark and Chris White of Dire Straits play the music of their former band with the help of a few friends. Neptune
>• 24–25
Los Angeles Plays Itself A rare chance to see Thom Anderson’s nearly three-hour study of his hometown, its history, and its architecture as depicted by the movie biz. Northwest Film Foru
>• 24–30 NT Live:
War Horse Featuring giant puppet horses, this is the World War I equine drama that brings men to tears, recently filmed by Steven Spielberg. SIFF Cinema Uptow
>25 Widespread Panic This Southern-rock jam band continues to draw stoners and music geeks alike. Moore
> • 25 Wanting Born Wanting Qu, this Vancouver-based singer/songwriter was inspired by the music of Sarah McLaughlin and Dido; through her dogged efforts, she is now their labemate. Triple Door
>• 26 St. Vincent The ultimate darling of indie rock charms with her epic guitar shred as much as with her demure looks. She’s touring in support of February’s self–titled release. The Moore
>
26 Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd Kidnapped by the Iranian government, they relate their ordeal in A Sliver of Light: Three Americans Imprisoned in Iran.
Town Hall
27–29 David Alan Grier Best known as an alum of the ’90s sketch-comedy series In Living Color.
The Parlor
• 27–29 Seattle Symphony Hear two showpieces they’ll take to Carnegie Hall in May by Varese and Debussy. Benaroya Hall
• 27–30 zoe | juniper Choreographer Zoe Scofield and visual artist Juniper Shuey are taking the title of their newest work, BeginAgain, quite literally, as they’ve been developing it for over a year, presenting “in progress” slices at the Frye, Velocity Dance Center, and several other out-of-town venues. These performances at OTB are its official premiere, before it begins yet again, on tour around the country. SK
On the Boards
27–April 3
Journey to the West Chinese funnyman Stephen Chow plays a Buddhist monk on a quest to India. Grand Illusion
28 Rebirth Jazz Band The New Orleans brass band performs to get you in the mood for Jazz Fest. Which you’ll be missing, because you live here. Jazz Alley
28 The Black Lips The single “Boys in the Wood,” from their new album Underneath the Rainbow, is getting some play. Neumos
28 Kings of Leon The Family Followill released its sixth album, Mechanical Bull, last year. With Local Natives. KeyArena
28
The Lunchbox An epistolary romance breaks out between two residents in overcrowded New Delhi, each unknown to the other. Landmark Theaters, TBD
28–April 3
Je t’aime, je t’aime Alain Resnais’ rarely seen 1968 time-travel romance. Northwest Film Forum
28–April 13
Kiss of the Spider Woman Two unlikely cell mates fall in love, or something, in this revival of the Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical. SecondStory Repertory
28–April 14
The Edge of Our Bodies Adam Rapp’s one-woman show sends a vulnerable teenage girl into big, bad New York City. Washington Ensemble Theatre, washington ensemble.org
• 28–April 19
Seattle Vice Our own Rick Anderson penned the down-and-dirty crime-history book upon which this cabaret show is based; comedy, live music, and burlesque are part of the naughty fun. ACT Theatre
28–April 20
Gideon’s Knot Censorship erupts in school in Johnna Adams’ new drama. Seattle Public Theatre at the Bathhouse, seattlepublic theater.org
28–April 26
In the Book Of An Afghan translator, sheltered in the U.S., has her immigration status disputed. Taproot Theatre Company
29 Mary Daheim The local mystery writer returns to familiar woods with The Alpine Yeoman. Seattle Mystery Bookshop, seattle mystery.com
29
I Love Lucy Yes, it’s a live stage show of the old sitcom. Would Lucy approve? The Moore
29
Miranda Sings Colleen Ballinger brings her satirical YouTube series, featuring the overly confident Miranda, to the stage. The Parlor
29–30 Seattle Men’s Chorus Tunes from the Broadway musical in “Totally Wicked.” McCaw Hall, flyinghouse.org
29–July 6 Paint: The Works of Lyle Wilson The Native American artist draws on his Haisla heritage in this career retrospective. Whatcom Museum (Bellingham), whatcommuseum.org
• 30 Neil Finn Split Enz is long gone, Crowded House is off and on, but his gift for melody remains intact. The Neptune
30 Seattle Philharmonic Paul Dukas’ thrilling symphony belies his one-hit-wonder reputation as the composer of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Meany Hall, seattlephil.org
April
> • 1 Garrison Keillor Lots of stories, and a little music, with the Minnesota radio bard. Benaroya Hall, benaroyahall.or
>2 Camille Patha She gives a lecture associated with her ongoing exhibit A Punch of Color.
Tacoma Art Museu
>• 3 Charles R. Cross The veteran music journalist, who’s written for Seattle Weekly and every other publication in town, discusses his Here We Are Now: The Lasting Impact of Kurt Cobain with KEXP DJ John Richards. Town Hal
>• 3 First Thursday Be sure to hit Greg Kucera, Platform, Roq La Rue, and other galleries on this monthly art walk. firstthursdayseattle.co
>• 3–5 Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve This Swiss company is trained in classical ballet, but its repertory ventures far afield. For their first Seattle appearance, members will dance Preludes et Fugues by Israeli choreographer Emanuel Gat, which turns Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier (played live) into a backbone for extreme kinetic exploration. At first it seems like so much snaky fun, but then you see how Bach’s patterns are reflected in the movement—it’s a contemporary version of baroque complexity. SK
Meany Hall
> 3–5 Bobby Lee Fans will know this comic from Mad TV and Chelsea Lately. The Parlo
>3–6 Shen Yun The gaudy touring Chinese dance extravaganza is back. McCaw Hal
>3–6 David Sanborn Trio w/Joey DeFrancesco and Byron Landham Since releasing his first solo album, Taking Off, in 1975, the inimitable saxman has garnered gold and platinum records—not to mention six Grammys. Jazz Alle
>3–6 Seattle Symphony That ever-popular choral blockbuster, Carmina burana, plus Haydn. Benaroya Hall
> 3–27
Tails of Wasps A politician gets caught in a sex scandal in Stephanie Timm’s new drama, presented by New Century Theatre Company. ACT Theatre, wearenctc.or
>3–30 Gayle Bard She paints dark landscapes and topiary scenes. Also on view: Timea Tihanyi’s small ceramic depictions of ruined buildings. Linda Hodges Gallery
> 3–May 17 Darren Waterston Flowers and other natural forms recur in the watercolors presented in Cadence. Also on view: photos and supporting materials by Chris Engman. Greg Kucera Gallery, gregkucera.co
>• 4 Neutral Milk Hotel The lasting impact of Jeff Mangum’s beloved indie act extends far beyond his band’s two LPs, released in the ’90s. With Elf Power. Neptune
>4 Bruce Cockburn The Canadian folk rocker always brings a political bite to his tunes. The Neptun
>• 4
Finding Vivian Maier The amazing Chicago street photographer of the postwar era, discovered soon before her 2009 death, is the subject of this new doc. Seven Gables, landmarktheaters.co
>• 4 G. Love & Special Sauce We will always have a soft spot for the performer of “Cold Beverage.” The Showbox
>• 4–5 Fisher Ensemble Two nights of new work from the brother/sister team of composer Garrett and choreographer Christy, inspired by Satie and the Mahabharata. Chapel Performance Space, fisherensemble.or
>• 4–10
The Thin Man
and
After The Thin Man Nick and Nora return, along with their crime-fighting dog Asta. Grand Illusio
>• 4–13 BOOST Dance Festival Seattle’s a supportive place for emerging dance artists. Here’s another opportunity for them to showcase new work, to be performed by local dancers and curated by BOOST directors Marlo Martin and Kristen Legg. This year, the festival is set to up its game with BOOSTmeUP!—a mini-festival for aspiring young dancers, choreographers, and directors. I.G. Erickson Theater, boostdance festival.co
>5 Michael McDonald The former Doobie Brother is still going strong. Emerald Queen Casin
>5 Dum Dum Girls Sub Pop’s lo-fi girl pop group released its third full-length, Too True, in January. Neumos
>5 Byrd Ensemble This chamber choir pairs with the Seattle Baroque Orchestra for Bach, Handel, and more. Trinity Parish Church, byrdensemble.co
>5–6 Gallery Concerts A Haydn symphony, a Mozart concerto, and more, repurposed as chamber music. Queen Anne Christian Church, galleryconcerts.or
>7 Jeremy Rifkin Is Amazon.com a good thing or a bad thing? Ask the author of The Zero Marginal Cost Society: The Internet of Things, the Collaborative Commons, and the Eclipse of Capitalism.
Town Hal
>• 7 Bryan Ferry Last year, the former Roxy Music co-frontman (and recent H&M poster boy) contributed music to Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. With Dawn Landes. McCaw Hal
>8 Walter Kirn The staff writer for The New Yorker got conned, somewhat willingly, by the subject of his new true-crime story Blood Will Out, about a guy who claimed to be a Rockefeller heir. He was not. Town Hal
>8 Trio con Brio
Copenhagen Two Korean sisters and one Danish pianist play NØrgard, Beethoven, and more. Meany Hal
>10 Yonder Mountain String Band This bluegrass jam band released a new EP last year. The Showbo
>10 The Spinners Groove to their hits including “Working My Way Back to You.” Snoqualmie Casin
>10–12 Holcombe Waller
Wayfinders is the Portland singer/composer’s new song cycle. On the Board
>11 Wailin’ Jennys This Canadian roots ensemble is not a Waylon Jennings cover band, but its acoustic leanings do have a certain country side. Edmonds Center for the Arts
>11 Adrianne Harun Girls go missing in British Columbia in her debut novel, A Man Came Out of a Door in the Mountain.
Elliott Bay Book Co
>
11
Jodorowsky’s Dune The new doc relates how the Mexican art-house director tried to film Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel long before David Lynch. Harvard Exit, landmarktheaters.co
>• 11–13 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Hold your breath as extraordinary dancers couple African-American cultural expressions with American modern-dance traditions. The Paramoun
>• 11–19 George Balanchine’s choreography for A Midsummer Night’s Dream
includes a surprising number of Shakespeare’s nested plots, which makes for plenty of juicy roles for dancers of all levels. If you’ve been following some favorite PNB dancer’s career lately, chances are they’ll be featured somewhere here—as a lover, a fairy, or even a bug. SK
McCaw Hall, pnb.or
>11–May 4
Bethany In Laura Marks’ recession-set recent drama, a divorced saleswoman is reduced to squatting in an empty, foreclosed house—which turns out not to be empty after all. ACT Theatr
>12 Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks The former Pavement frontman and Portland resident has a new album out, Wig Out at Jagbags. With Speedy Ortiz. The Neptune
>12 Soweto Gospel Choir The Grammy-winning troupe presents colorful harmonies, costumes, and music. Meany Hal
>12 George Strait The country veteran rides into town. Expect to see plenty of tobacco- spitting in the crowd. Tacoma Dom
>• 12 Cappella Romana A re-premiere of a choral work lost for decades, the 1932 Passion Week by Maximilian Steinberg. St. Joseph’s Parish, cappellaromana.or
>12–26
Peter Pan Lyric Opera Northwest presents this very kid-friendly musical. Kirkland Performance Center
>• 13 Women in Music One could write a provocative thinkpiece on whether this kind of concert is still necessary. Just sayin’. Nevertheless, it’ll be fascinating music: chamber works by Janice Giteck, Sofia Gubaidulina, and others. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish.edu
>13 Thalia Symphony BEE-THO-VEN’S FIIIFTH! BEE-THO-VEN’S FIIIIIIIIFTH!!!! Town Hall, thaliasymphony.or
>14–May 17 Negar Farajiani The Iranian-born artist will attend this exhibit of new work; she last visited Seattle in 2012, with work both at M.I.A. and SAM. M.I.A. Galler
>15 Andre Watts Scarlatti sonatas, Chopin etudes, and much more from this pianist, now starting his second half-century onstage. (He started young.) Meany Hal
>• 15–16 Fatoumata Diawara To avoid pressure to marry from her parents, Diawara ran away from her native Mali and started her music career in Paris, where she has worked with everyone from Herbie Hancock to Bobbie Womack. Jazz Alley
>15–May 11
A Room With a View Yes, the beloved 1985 Merchant-Ivory movie, based on E.M. Forster’s love story, is now a musical, created by Jeffrey Stock and Marc Acito. 5th Avenue Theatr
>• 16 Diana Krall The jazz chanteuse (Elvis Costello’s better half) released Glad Rag Doll in 2012, a collection of surprisingly contemporary jazz tunes. The Paramoun
>17 Gillian Flynn Seattle Arts & Lectures presents the noted mystery writer (Gone Girl, etc.). Town Hall, lectures.or
>• 13 Claire Chase Varese, Glass, Reich, and more from this avant-flutist. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish.edu
>17 The Infamous Stringdusters This pop bluegrass ensemble is set to release Let It Go April 1. With the Boston Boys. Neptune
>17–19 Erik Griffin A comedian known for his mixed-race-based observational humor and his role as Montez on Comedy Central’s Workaholics. The Parlo
>17–May 17 Amir Zaki & Jason Hirata The two locals open separate exhibits. James Harris Galler
>17–June 7 Joey Veltkamp The local artist stitches together many words and phrases in This Is Not a Protest. It’s a Celebration.
ArtsWes
>• 18
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa How could Steve Coogan’s British hit have taken so long to reach us? In the action-movie lampoon, Norfolk’s worst radio host is caught in a hostage crisis. Varsity
>18 Velocity Annual Bash This gala fundraiser is always a good party, with choreographer Mark Haim receiving a special award this year. Axis, velocitydancecenter.or
>18 Chelsea Handler The current femme fatale of comedy and late night brings her tongue-in-cheek humor to town. The Paramount
> 18–24
The Final Member Yes, there is a penis museum in Canada. Yes, this is a documentary about that museum. Grand Illusio
>18–24
The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden This new thriller combines archival footage with the voices of Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger, and others to create a fresh crime tale. SIFF Film Center
>18–27
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare’s romantic fantasy, al fresco. Seattle Center lawn, cornish.ed
>18–May 4
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me Balagan Theatre presents a new musical by Valerie Vigoda, Brendan Milburn (of the band GrooveLily), and Joe DiPietro about a modern-day woman who improbably meets—and possibly falls for—the famous Antarctic explorer. Seattle Repertory Theatr
>18–May 17
Chaos Theory In Courtney Meaker’s new play, her heartbroken heroine builds a kind of alternate-reality machine; using it, unsurprisingly, has unexpected consequences. Annex Theatr
>• 18–May 18
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? In Edward Albee’s marital/martial classic, the combatants include R. Hamilton Wright, Pamela Reed, Aaron Blakely, and Amy Hill. Braden Abraham directs. Seattle Repertory Theatr
>19 Rick Springfield The ’80s heartthrob returns to fluster your mothers. Skagit Valley Casin
>
19 Music Northwest Modern American music (by Rorem, Previn, and others) for cello, piano, and soprano. Olympic Recital Hall, music northwest.org
• 19–May 11
King Lear Ungrateful daughters, divided affections, the fool whispering in your ear, the windswept heath—what could possibly go wrong? Seattle Shakespeare Company
20 The Temptations Motown’s popular R&B group have retained just one original member—Otis Williams—but the new configuration still delivers with soul, and continues to record, releasing Still Here in 2010. With the Four Tops. Snoqualmie Casino
20 Dark Star Orchestra They continue touring with their popular program of Grateful Dead songs. On 4/20, naturally. The Showbox
• 20–Aug. 17 Radical Repetition: From Albers to Warhol Multiples, prints, and obsessively repeated patterns figure in this group show, also featuring work by Chuck Close, Red Grooms, and Robert Rauschenberg. Whatcom Museum
• 21 Juana Molina The Argentinian actress-turned-experimental electronic musician has released an exceptional body of work, most recently with Wed. 21. The Triple Door
22 Jenny Milchman Murder and kidnapping figure in her Ruined Falls.
Seattle Mystery Bookshop
23 Drive-By Truckers Patterson Hood’s “indie Skynyrd” will release its 12th album, English Oceans, in March. With Shovels & Rope. Showbox SoDo
23 Ellie Goulding The British songstress has the fire to “Burn” the house down in support of her 2012 release Halcyon Days, a new edition of her sophomore album Halcyon. The Paramount
23–27 Marcus Youssef and James Long In Winners and Losers, the two Vancouver, B.C., theater artists pretend to have a furious, escalating argument. On the Boards
23–May 4
The Beggar’s Opera UW students and faculty present Vaclav Havel’s non-musical take on John Gay’s 18th-century slum story (not the usual Weill/Brecht version). Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse
• 23–June 7
Hair The smash ’60s musical is full of hippie goodness and song. ArtsWest
24 Franz Ferdinand The Scottish group stops by with its latest, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action.
Showbox SoDo
24 Jefferson Starship Because the ’60s never end. Snoqualmie Casino
24–May 31 Trail of Cedar, Stone & Canvas Native-American painter Chris Hopkins is featured in this group show. Schack Art Center
• 25 Nate Silver Why did you leave The New York Times, Nate?!? Why, why, why? Our favorite political math/statistical guru has shifted his focus back to sports (on ESPN), reflected in his new book Ahead of the Curve: Predicting Baseball, Politics, and Everything in Between.
Meany Hall
25 Cameron Carpenter “The Liberace of the organ,” his fans call him. His skeptics, too. Benaroya Hall
• 25–27 SCUBA On the omnibus bill, representing several cities, are Elia Mrak, Nichole Canuso Dance Company, NAKA Dance Thea- ter, and SuperGroup. Velocity Dance Center
25–27 Simple Measures The Northwest Boychoir joins this chamber-music series to sing Bernstein and Britten. simplemeasures.org
25–May 10
Gone Wild! A Savage Romp Through the Animal Kingdom Local performance troupe the Libertinis add music, burlesque, and comedy to this tongue-in-cheek zoology lesson. Annex Theatre
• 26 Jake Shimabukuro Commonly referred to as a wizard, genius, and virtuoso—often in the same sentence—this Hawaiian ukulele player is a true innovator of the instrument. The
Paramount
26 Seattle Baroque Music from Handel’s Italian years—when he was getting his ya-yas out, before he settled down to become London’s respectable purveyor of operas. Town Hall, early musicguild.org
26–27 Auburn Symphony Cheeky symphonies by Haydn (#45) and Shostakovich (#9), both written to twit the powers that be. Auburn Performing Arts Center, auburnsymphony.org
26–May 3 Langston Hughes African American Film Festival In its 11th year, the fest will offer at least a dozen features and docs, plus various shorts and panels. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, langstoninstitute.org
27 McCabe Larionoff Duo Checking off three more as this duo plays their way through Beethoven’s 10 violin sonatas. Brechemin Auditorium, music.washington.edu
• 29 Hilary Hahn From this incomparable violinist, an eclectic program: Schoenberg’s uncompromising Phantasy, an umaccompanied piece by Telemann, and more. Meany Hall
• 30 Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers We may have lost her to Austin, but this hometown country crooner never stays away too long. Treehouse Cafe, treehousebainbridge.com
30 John Lill “Beethoven’s “Appassionata” and more from this pianist. Benaroya Hal
>
May
> • 1 First Thursday During the Pioneer Square art walk, don’t overlook James Harris Gallery, A Gallery, and events in Nord Alley—especially now that the weather’s nicer and the evening is longer. firstthursdayseattle.co
>1–3 Alonzo King LINES Ballet This renowned contemporary ballet troupe draws inspiration from India, Turkey, and Italy. Meany Hall
> • 2–25
Returning to Albert Joseph Satori group member Spike Friedman has written a new show. SEE RELATED STORY, PAGE 12. Inscape Building, satori–group.co
>3 Maria Doyle Kennedy OMG! It’s Vera Bates from Downton Abbey! And she can sing! Kirkland Performance Cente
>• 3–17 Seattle Opera Offenbach’s weird and fantastical Tales of Hoffmann returns in one of SO’s most admired productions of recent years. McCaw Hal
>4 Trio Brasiliero Brazil’s melting-pot cultural influences break loose in the genre called choro. With Anat Cohen and Jovino Santos Neto. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish.edu
>• 4 Ira Glass Everyone’s favorite NPR host talks about reinventing radio. He has some credibility there. Pantages Theatre (Tacoma), broadwaycenter.or
>4–5 12 Minutes Max Yet another eclectic showcase for local stage talent, running the spectrum from dance to cabaret. Washington Hall, ontheboards.or
>6 Stephen “Ragga” Marley Of the famous reggae clan. He now leads his own band. Showbox in the Marke
>8–11 Kenny G The Grammy–winning Seattle saxophonist comes home for an intimate show. Jazz Alley
>8–11 Alain Buffard The choreographer sets his work Baron Samedi to the music of Kurt Weill, performed live. On the Board
>8–11 John Pinette The portly comedian pokes fun at his weight. The Parlo
>9 Seattle Rock Orchestra They perform The Beatles (aka “The White Album”) in its entirety. The Moor
>9 More Music at the Moore Meshell Ndegeocello once again directs this showcase of talented young musicians.
> • 9 Carol Burnett One of television’s pioneering comediennes, still going strong at 80—and still up for doing her Tarzan yell, as she proved at Leno’s farewell. The Paramoun
>9–25
Keely and Du The abortion wars are dramatized in Jane Martin’s wrenching ’90s play. SecondStory Repertor
>• 10–Oct. 19 Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920–1945 Before, and despite, Japan’s rightward lurch and World War II, the country was surprisingly receptive to Western design trends; there are some amazing posters and costumes in this traveling show. Seattle Asian Art Museu
>11 American String Project Chamber Players Quintets by Brahms and Dvorak. Brechemin Auditorium, music.washington.ed
>• 11 Seattle Youth Symphony Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloe Suite no. 2 is one of those “Are you kidding? Kids can’t play that!” pieces that the orchestra breaks out now and then to shut skeptics up. Benaroya Hall, syso.or
>• 11 Rodrigo y Gabriela Each song on the Latin guitar duo’s new album, 9 Dead Alive, is dedicated to a history-making individual: Hanuman, Viktor Frankl, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, to name a few. The Paramount
>• 12–15
Pulp Fiction Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar winner (for its script) turns 20. How do we know which wallet belongs to Jules Winnfield? Grand Illusio
>13 Seattle Arts & Lectures presents Canadian classics professor Anne Carson, who collaborates with composers Eyvind Kang and Jessika Kenney for a reading and musical performance inspired by classical Greek statuary. Town Hall, lectures.or
>14–18 UW MFA Dance Concert UW’s “world–class” MFA candidates showcases original choreography. Meany Studio Theater, depts. washington.edu/uwdanc
>• 15–24 Whim W’him Olivier Wevers continues to experiment with movement so slippery you need rubber gloves to catch it. For this mixed-repertory show, he’s invited back choreographers Andrew Bartee and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to make new works, as well as inviting himself to do the same. This fifth-anniversary year, the company is putting its dancers on contract and adding another week to its usual run—two big steps for a group that excels at fancy footwork. SK
Erickson Theatre Off Broadway, whimwhim.or
>• 15–June 8 Seattle International Film Festival The 40th edition of SIFF will feature roughly 250 features and docs, many of them fresh from Sundance, plus a hundred-odd short films. As always, myriad visiting directors and performers will attend. It’s 25 days of celluloid insanity at SIFF’s two venues and a half–dozen other cinemas. siff.ne
>15–July 6
Funny Girl The popular 1960s musical, forever associated with Barbra Streisand, uses Jule Styne’s memorable score to relate the life of vaudeville legend Fanny Brice. (Casting is not yet announced.) Village Theatr
>• 16 Seattle Symphony Stockhausen’s creepy Gesang der Junglinge—an electronic collage of children’s voices—and more on the SSO’s final [untitled] concert of the season. Benaroya Hall
> • 16–17 Mean, acerbic, Canadian. That’s what we like about Norm MacDonald, who’s long past his bitterness over being fired from SNL. The Parlo
>16–18
Gigi The Lerner and Loewe musical gets a stripped-down chamber performance: just the songs. 5th Avenue Theatr
>• 16–18 UW Opera Stephen Stubbs conducts Handel’s Semele. (We get Handel operas so rarely, it’s a shame this is the same one Seattle Opera’s doing next February.) Meany Hall, music.washington.ed
>• 16–June 8
Arcadia Tom Stoppard’s dense history play is revived. Seattle Public Theatre at the Bathhous
>16–June 14
Diana of Dobson’s This 1908 English comedy about a class-jumping young heroine during the Edwardian period appears to be cashing in on the Downton Abbey craze. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Taproot Theatre Compan
>
16–June 15
Terre Haute Edmund White’s prison drama is based on the actual letters between Gore Vidal and homegrown domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh. ACT Theatr
>16–Sept. 21 Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami Not only Japan, but more than a dozen other countries are represented in this exhibit of roughly 150 works by dexterous fingers. Bellevue Arts Museu
>• 19 UW Modern Music Ensemble Works by guest composer Brian Ferneyhough, pioneer of what’s been called the “New Complexity” movement; music doesn’t get any more intimidating. Meany Hall, music. washington.ed
>20 Suzanne Vega With hits like “Tom’s Diner” and “Luka,” the alternative darling of the ’80s celebrates the release of her latest album, Tales From the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles. With Ari Hest. Triple Door
>21 David Finckel, Wu Han, Phil Setzer Dvorak, Beethoven, and Schubert piano trios. Meany Hal
>22 Seattle Secret Music Showcase #14 Talented yet largely unknown singer/songwriters come together semiannually. Triple Door
>22–June 28 Marie Watt She makes elaborate sculptures out of old blankets and other textiles. Greg Kucera Galler
>22–June 30 Fabrice Monteiro & Gorean Summer These two young photographers show new work. M.I.A. Galler
>• 23–25 Sasquatch! All the best indie bands (and more) converge at the Gorge—including Outkast, The National, M.I.A., Kid Cudi, Foster the People, and Haim. sasquatchfestival.co
>23–25 Rain Fest On the bill are Gag, Expire, and Holy Land, with more acts pending. (And note the pre-festival concert on May 22 at the Vera Project.) Neumo
>• 23–26 Northwest Folklife Drum circles! Kilts and Tevas! Bandannas on dogs! (Actually, don’t bring your dog. Or guns.) Epic hacky sack! Folklife dwarfs Bumbershoot in attendance, and the weekend fest can make Lower Queen Anne a madhouse. But it’s nominally free (donations are encouraged), and it’s a family-friendly overture to summer. Seattle Center, nwfolklife.or
>24 Christina Perri The alternative singer/songwriter rose to success with her hit ballad, “Jar of Hearts.” With Birdy. Neptune
>28 Lady Gaga She’s on a world tour with something called “artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball.” Lock up your daughters. KeyAren
>28–June 1 Bellevue Jazz Festival The lineup for this seventh fest is TBA. Meydenbauer Center (and other venues), bellevuejazz.co
>29–31 Robert Moses’ Kin The Bay Area contemporary ballet troupe mixes 30 dances and invites 30 choreographers and Seattle-area dancers for its Seattle debut. Meany Hal
>29–June 1 Joan Osborne and the Holmes Brothers The soulful ’90s alternative star released Love and Hate last year. Jazz Alley
>• 30–June 8 PNB:
Giselle There is arguably no better way for a ballet troupe to close a season than with this romantic-era masterpiece about a girl dying of a broken heart and rising from the grave. The last time Giselle was performed (in 2011), artistic director Peter Boal, his assistant and program manager Doug Fullington, and leading Giselle scholar Marion Smith reconstructed the ballet from a dance-notation score that beats almost any other scores in age. It received international buzz and accolades. Now it’s back with newly adorned 19th-century costumes and scenery. IG
McCaw Hal
>30–June 22
The Price From 1968, Arthur Miller’s drama has two grown brothers fighting over their father’s estate. ACT Theatr
>31 Ron Lovell The Oregon writer visits with Murder Times Two.
Seattle Mystery Booksho
>• 31 James Taylor
Portlandia recently did a brilliant sketch about NPR types tailgating before a Prairie Home Companion show, and we’d like to believe similar throngs will congregate outside the Key, blasting folk music from their Subarus and sharing soup recipes. Can you feel the mellow?!? KeyArena
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