September
Ongoing–Sept. 21
When Sparks Fly A zany show featuring a flying femme fatale and oddball characters. Teatro ZinZanni, zinzanni.com
•
Ongoing–Sept. 21
Waiting for Godot The story of vagabonds Vladimir and Estragon from Samuel Beckett. ACT Theatre, acttheatre.org
Ongoing–Sept. 27This Is the Way Seattle artists Flynn Bickley, Serrah Russell, and Joana Stillwell showcase their works in handmade dolls, collage, and video. Arts West, artswest.org
Ongoing–Sept. 28
Don Quixote & Sancho Panza: Homeless in Seattle An interpretation of the classic novel that explores chronic inebriation and mental health among the homeless Latino population. ACT Theatre
Ongoing–Sept. 28
The Invisible Hand An American is held captive in Pakistan and is forced to raise his own ransom money. ACT Theatre
•
Ongoing–Sept. 28
A Chorus Line A group of hopefuls chase their dreams in the long–running Broadway musical. 5th Avenue Theatre, 5thavenue.org
Ongoing–Oct. 5
The Mountaintop A re–imagining of the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Arts West
Ongoing–Oct. 29Richard Renaldi:
Touching StrangersHis work breaks down barriers of physical intimacy by asking strangers to pose together. Photographic Center Northwest, pcnw.org
Ongoing–Nov. 9
Pitch Black: African American Baseball in Washington This original exhibit honors African American contributions to the sport. Northwest African American History Museum, naamnw.org
14–Jan. 4
Reaching Beyond: Northwest DesignersCelebrating a range of crafts that cross time, media, and borders through 60 years of Northwest history and culture. Whatcom Museum, whatcommuseum.org
•
17 Lykke Li The Swedish indie-pop singer just released her new album I Never Learn, in May. The Moore, stgpresents.org
17 Daniel Kehlmann He discusses his new novel, F, about a father who abandons his children and the effect it has on them. Elliott Bay Book Co., elliottbaybook.com
17 Emma Campion Her A Triple Knot is a compelling sequel to The King’s Mistress, about a woman in the court of Edward III. University Bookstore, bookstore.washington.edu
17 Aaron Becker His Quest continues to engross readers with his wordless children’s stories. Seattle Public Library, spl.org
17–Oct. 12
I Am of Ireland A stage adaptation of a Irish cultural favorite. Book–It Repertory Theatre, book–it.org
17–Oct. 18
The Fabulous Lipitones Four middle-aged men sing together and attempt to create harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. Taproot Theatre, taproottheatre.org
18 Caitlin Doughty The mortician discusses Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, her new memoir about her first year in the funeral industry during college. University Bookstore
18 Seattle’s Favorite Poems Read by Robert Pinsky, Heather McHugh, Lynn Shelton, and others. Town Hall, townhallseattle.org
18
Jeremy Jones’ Higher A film about a big mountain snowboarder. The Neptune, stgpresents.org
18 Wil Anderson From Chelsea Lately and Just for Laughs.
Parlor Live Seattle, parlorlive.com
18 What the Griot Said Storytellers engage children and adults with stories told through oral traditions. Northwest African American History Museam
•
18 Heart Expect Seattle’s original sister act to go “Crazy on You” in celebration of the Showbox’s 75th anniversary. The Showbox
•
18
Wait Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me! NPR’s Peabody Award-winning weekly radio game show takes its comic review of the news to Seattle. The Paramount, stgpresents.org
•
18–Oct. 26
In the Heights is “a hip-hop musical with a salsa beat.” Village Theatre, village theatre.org
•
18–21 Women in Cinema Discover 12 features and documentaries at this four–day festival celebrating incredible filmmakers. SIFF Cinema Uptown, siff.net
18–28 Super Circus Heroes Brought to you by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, with no special effects and no stunt doubles. Comcast Arena (Everett), ringling.com
19 Meshell Ndegeocello The renowned bassist and collaborator returns to the Triple Door. thetripledoor.net
19–Nov. 16
The Color of Time: Ballard from Dusk to DawnLocal photographer Tod Gangler surveys the maritime neighborhood, in all its rusty, Scandinavian glory. Nordic Heritage Museum, nordicmuseum.org
19 90 Minutes With Will Ferrell Approximately. With some other people, too. A charity event benefiting Cancer for College. Meany Hall, meany.org
19
The Maze Runner Thomas wakes up in a maze with a group of boys with no recollection of the world outside. A dystopian sci–fi story based on the popular young adult novel. Opens wide
•
19–20
LOVE A look at the complexities of intimate relationships. Magnuson Park, spectrumdance.org
19–Jan. 11
Onyx Fine Arts Collective: A Decade of Art An exhibit featuring prize-winning artists of diverse styles and media. Northwest African American History Museum
20 Gay Romance Conference Panels, workshops, and pitch sessions to support LGBTQ romance authors. Seattle Public Library, spl.org
20 Third Annual Downtown Seattle Rocks the Runway Put on the ritz, walk the red carpet, and prove that Seattle can be fashionable—all for a good cause! The Paramount
20–21
Lights Camera . . . ACTION!A new show featuring dancers outfitted in LED lights at DASSdance’s new home. Martin Luther King F.A.M.E Community Center, dassdance.org
22 Joshua Wolf Shenk & Jess Van Nostrand They discuss their book How Collaboration Fuels Creativity.
Town Hall
•
22 Die Antwoord Ninja and Yo-Landi are the South African freaky hip–hop equivalent of the ’80s boy/girl synth-pop duo. The Paramount
22
ChildbirthMembers of Chastity Belt, TacocaT, and Ponytime join to sing humorous songs about sexual empowerment. Neumos, neumos.com
22
Night Moves In a one-night return engagement, Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning star as Oregon environmental activists who plot the bombing of a hydroelectric dam. SIFF Film Center
23 Nancy Kress In her new Yesterday’s Kin, aliens have descended upon Earth. University Bookstore
23
David Bowie IsA one-night-only theatrical retrospective of the pop legend’s life. SIFF Cinema Uptown
23 Bob Mould Band The songwriter and Husker Du frontman has a new one, Beauty and Ruin. The Neptune
•
23–24 Hari Kondabolu This rising-star stand–up will be back in his favorite city trying out new material. The Comedy Underground, comedyunderground.com
24 Frank Portman The author discusses his darkly funny cult-popular teen book, King Dork. University Bookstore
24 Dave Rawling Machine Gillian Welch’s famed collaborator tours with his own project that includes John Paul Jones and Welch, too. The Moore
24–28 Decibel The 11th annual festival of electronic music, visual art, and new media. dbfestival.com
•
24–Oct. 4 Local Sightings Film Festival This showcase for cinema from Washington state and the greater Northwest has been extended to eoncompass even more screenings and panel discussions. Northwest Film Forum, nwfilmforum.org
25 Taylor Davis This classically trained violinist took her love for video games and film music to the Internet and became a YouTube sensation. The Triple Door
•
25-Dec. 18 Live by Night SAM’s annual noir series noir series begins with The Maltese Falcon and includes The Big Combo and Out of the Past. Seattle Art Museum, seattleartmuseum.org
25 Taking Back Sunday The emo revival continues. With The Used. Showbox SoDo, showboxpresents.com
25
The Universality of Noh: Crossing Borders on Stage Traditional Japanese Noh theater. Seattle Japanese Garden
•
25 David Mitchell The author of Cloud Atlas discusses his new book, The Bone Clocks. Town Hall
25 Christopher Sandford
Harold and Jack draws on letters and telegrams to give readers a look at the interesting relationship between JFK and British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. University Bookstore
25 Kazu Kibuishi & Raina Telgemeier The authors discuss their YA graphic novels, Amulet #6: Escape from Lucien and Smile. University Bookstore
25 Sam Smith The 22-year-old soul singer/songwriter released his debut album, In the Lonely Hour, earlier this year and won both the 2014 BRIT Critics’ Choice Award and the BBC’s Sound of 2014 poll. The Paramount
25–27 Twisted Flicks Live improvised redubbings of old B-movies. This month’s film is Westworld. Jet City Improv, jetcityimprov.org
25–28
Germinal Four actors begin on a black stage and rebuild life using things like microphones, guitars, and harmonies. On the Boards, ontheboards.org
25–28
Gifts of War A play about a weekend of debauchery celebrating the end of the 10-year Trojan War. Velocity Dance Center, velocitydancecenter.org
25–28 Schack–toberfest A harvest-themed weekend with a glass pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and glass-blowing. Schack Art Center, schack.org
25–Oct. 13
Slip/Shot In 1963, a white security guard accidentally kills an innocent young black man. Plus ca change, amirite? Seattle Public Theater, seattlepublictheater.org
25–Nov. 9
The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi Friendship and cooperation are the messages in this adaptation of a classic tale. Seattle Children’s Theatre, sct.org
26 Old Crow Medicine Show This group’s gone from busking on the streets of New York, through Canada, to a pharmacy in North Carolina where it got discovered, to a residency at the Grand Ole Opry. The Paramount
•
26-Oct. 2
20,000 Days on EarthNick Cave stars in an echt-memoir of sorts, with more fiction than facts to it. Grand Illusion, grandillusion cinema.org
26 First Look Gala A lavish cocktail party, dinner, and dance party to celebrate the PNB’s 42nd season. Pacific Northwest Ballet, pnb.org
26
The EqualizerDenzel Washington stars in an adaptation of the old TV series. Because, why not? Opens Wide
•
26 Mark Wilson This guitarist’s annual late-summer recital in the cool of the Chapel at St. James Cathedral
•
26 Stefan Litwin Ives’ “Concord” Sonata, his grand pianistic evocation of the New England transcendentalists. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, music.washington.edu
•
26–28
Tomoe & YoshinakaA Noh double-bill: a traditional opera and a modern take on the form by Seattle’s Garrett Fisher. ACT Theatre, fisherensemble.org
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26–Oct. 5 George Balanchine’s
Jewels Three separate ballets (Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds) are linked by gestures and themes, set to music by Faure, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. Pacific Northwest Ballet
26–Jan. 31
Beaumount & Caswell in Hacienda Holiday The comedy duo returns for a slapstick holiday adventure. Teatro ZinZanni, zinzanni.com
•
26–Oct. 5 Men in Dance The only rule for this biannual event is that men need to be involved in some aspect of each work, as performers, choreographers, or producers. Everything else—from style to substance—is up for grabs, so that you can get a slick Broadway number next to an esoteric kinetic exploration. It’s the movement equivalent of a really great potluck. SANDRA KURTZ
Broadway Performance Hall, menindance.org
•
27 Octava Chamber Orchestra Opening their season with Handel, Beethoven, and Greg Bartholomew’s Sunshine Music. Maple Park Church, Lynnwood, octavachamberorchestra.org
27 Elton John The iconic piano man will play just 10 cities on his All The Hits tour. Key Arena, keyarena.com
27–28 Caspar Babypants Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America performs children’s music under this silly moniker. Town Hall
27–Jan. 4 #
SocialMedium Paintings from the Frye’s collection that get the most likes on its social media, with accompanying comments. Frye Art Museum, fryemuseum.org
27–June 21
Pomp & Circumstance: The Clothing of Transformation A look at Washington’s rich history through the significance of ceremonial clothing and accessories, starting in the 1800s. Washington State History Museum, washingtonhistory.org
28
Last Comic Standing
Showcase Local comedians compete for a chance to be on the next season of Last Comic Standing. Parlor Live Seattle
28 17th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival A cinematic celebration that occurs simultaneously around the world. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, biartmuseum.org
28 Gayle Forman & Jandy Nelson discuss their books If I Stay (now a film) and I’ll Give You the Sun.
University Bookstore
29 The Kooks Self-described as pop and drawing influences from bands of the British Invasion. The Showbox, showboxpresents.com
29 Slow Club A charming English duo that plays indie pop with pretty harmonies. Barboza, thebarboza.com
29 Living Colour ’80s band best remembered for its hit “Cult of Personality.” The Triple Door
29-Dec. 19
Never Finished Local artists Etta Lilienthal and Ben Zamora will fill the atrium with a new site-specific instalation. Suyama Space, suyamaspace.org.
29
Palo Alto Directed by Gia Coppola, based on James Franco’s collection of short stories; a one-night return engagement. SIFF Film Center
30 Puddles Pity Party “The sad clown with the golden voice” gets his own show. Teatro ZinZanni
30 Pam Binder She sets her love The Inscription near mysterious Loch Ness. University Bookstore Bellevue
30 Lauren Oliver The best-selling young adult author tries her hand at adult fiction with Rooms. University Bookstore
30 Tavis Smiley If you’re not getting enough of him on Dancing With the Stars, he’ll discuss his new book, Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year.
Town Hall
30 Conor Oberst Gone solo for a few years, the musician’s recently released Upside Down Mountain. The Showbox
October
1 Diane Muldrow
Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From a Little Golden Book offers cheeky advice for having fun and making it through the holidays. University Bookstore
•
1 Chris Taylordiscusses his book How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, chronicling the franchise’s origins and why it’s here to stay. Town Hall
1 Justin Townes Earle The roots rock revivalist just released his fifth album, Entitled Single Mothers. The Neptune
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1–4
Burlesco DiVino: Wine in Rome It’s hard to imagine an over-the-top version of Federico Fellini, but burlesque artist Lily Verlaine has managed to channel La Dolce Vita in this fantastical combination of 1960s Italian indulgence and classic “sword and sandal” epic films. With her producing partner Jasper McCann, Verlaine’s work is an homage to vintage burlesque, a combination of irony and sweetness. SK
The Triple Door, burlescodivino.com
1–5 REPRESENT A festival celebrating the old and new works of playwrights of color. ACT Theatre
•
2 Broken Bow Ensemble This new-music chamber orchestra premieres John Teske’s min. Chapel Performance Space, waywardmusic.org
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2–4 Seattle Symphony Ludovic Morlot conducts Korngold’s luscious violin concerto, derived from his Warner Bros. film scores, plus Adams and Dvorak. Benaroya Hall, seattle symphony.org
2 Bishop Allen Seen onscreen in Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, catch the band offscreen. The Lo-Fi, thelofi.net
2 Ladies Musical Club Kicking off a full season of recitals with vocal and flute music. Seattle Art Museum, lmcseattle.org
2 Jon Lovitz of Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio performs. Parlor Live Seattle
2 Lucinda Franks discusses her Timeless: Love, Morgenthou, and Me about meeting and falling in love with a 53-year-old district attorney at age 26. Town Hall
2–29 George Rodriguez: Here After Seattle–based ceramic artist showcases Day of the Dead artwork. Foster/White Gallery, fosterwhite.com
2–31 Qwalsius Shaun Peterson: A House, the Moon and the Salish Sea New works in various media (laser-cut aluminum, limited-edition prints, and wood and glass sculpture). Stonington Gallery, stoningtongallery.com
3
TGR’s Almost Ablaze Meet the athletes of this ski and snowboard film after the screening! The Neptune
3 Scrape New music for strings from this cleverly named group. Chapel Performance Space
3 The Dandy Warhols Formed in Portland and gained mainstream exposure through cult television shows Veronica Mars and The O.C.
The Showbox
•
3
Gone Girl David Fincher directs this thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s bestseller, with Ben Affleck accused of murdering his wife, Rosamund Pike. Opens wide
3–9
Pacific AggressionLocal filmmaker Shaun Scott makes a love story of sorts, infused with history and Western themes. Grand Illusion
3 Kirk Smith champions a new genre called “lab lit” that tells the stories of realistic scientists doing realistic science-y things. Vanessa’s Curve of Mind is one such book. University Bookstore
•
3–5 The Esoterics From this adventurous choir, music evoking the air and sky. Various venues, theesoterics.org
3–March 1 Jason Walker: On the River, Down the Road The Northwest artist explores nature and the city with new ceramics created for this show. Bellevue Arts Museum, bellevuearts.org
•3–5 SIFF Cinema Egyptian Opening Weekend SIFF comes to Capitol Hill, taking over the lease on the Egyptian. The weekend is packed with the biggest films from the historic theatre’s history (My Neighbor Totoro, Amelie, O Brother Where Art Thou, etc). SIFF Cinema Egyptian
3–13
The Wolf and the Witch Classic fairy tales mashed up with details (painful, we hope) from your life in this improv show. Ballard Underground, seattleexperimentaltheater.com
3–18
The Pillowman An author’s short stories contain creepy resemblances to a series of child murders in this edgy drama. SecondStory Repertory, secondstoryrep.org
3–Nov. 1
SupraliminalSeattle Immersive Theatre’s interactive tale about the paranormal, both set in and staged at the Georgetown Steam Plant, seattleimmersivetheatre.org
•
3–Nov. 2
The Vaudevillians Two 1920s musicians are frozen in time and thaw out a century later to perform songs by Janis Joplin and Gloria Gaynor. It’s being called a “vintage cabaret with a twist of drag.” Seattle Rep
4 Do You Know Bruce?An exhibition of Bruce Lee’s life and the significance that Seattle played in it. There’s no set end date for the show, likely to last into next year. Wing Luke Museum, wingluke.org
4 Brandon Boyd The frontman of Incubus combines photographs, poetry, sketches, creative writing, and journal entries in his book So the Echo. University Bookstore
•
4 The Thurston Moore Band with Sebadoh Sonic Youth’s man-child and Lou Barlow’s lo-fi alt-band together on one bill. ’90s nostalgia forever! Neumos
4 Byrd Ensemble Choral music from the Spanish renaissance. St. Mark’s Cathedral, byrdensemble.com
4 Branford Marsalis From this sax master, baroque works with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Meany Hall, uwworldseries.org
•
4 Trio Pardalote Their ongoing series of Shostakovich’s 15 string quartets (they’re up to number 12) makes room for Britten and Irving Fine too. Kenyon Hall, triopardalote.wordpress.com
•
4 Garfunkel and Oates This comedy/folk duo—actresses Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci—slays with cuteness and wit. The Neptune
4 Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers A curious miscellany; Bach, Wagner, Johann Strauss, and more. First Free Methodist Church, osscs.org
4 Lily Allen English pop singer who looks tough but sounds like an angel. The Paramount
•
4–5 Clarinettissimo Recitals, master classes, vendors, and more. Seattle Pacific University, osbornmusic.com
4–5 Basie Bash The 17-piece Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra honors Count Basie. Benaroya Recital Hall, srjo.org
4–Jan. 18 Pan Gongkai: Withered Lotus Cast in Iron The master ink painter is showcased in his first solo exhibition in the U.S. Frye Art Museum
5 Seattle Symphony Chamber Music Mahler, Brahms, and more from SSO players. Benaroya Hall
•
6 The New Pornographers The Canadian indie rockers play with Neko Case. The Showbox
•
6 Steven Pinker
The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century is the new manual by the cognitive scientist. Seattle University
6 Nicholas Carr The journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist discusses his new book The Glass Cage: Automation and Us.
Town Hall
6 Ryan Adams He emerged from the alt- country scene and defied and blurred genres. The Paramount
6
Waiting in the Wings The Endangered Species Project gives life to plays that seldom get full productions. This month features a funny and bittersweet story about former stage actresses living in a not-so-fancy retirement home. ACT Theatre
6 King Crimson The definitive prog-rock band. The Moore
7 Bombay Bicycle Club Dubbed by NME “the hottest band to come from North London for quite some time.” The Showbox
7 Ignite! Seattle A fast–paced speaking series where presenters are limited by time. Town Hall
7 Katherine Applegate
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla is an age-appropriate introduction for children to issues of captivity and the welfare of animals. University Bookstore
7 Queer Russia Meet the LGBTQ figures that shaped the country’s culture and destiny. ACT Theatre
Kinky Boots, coming to the 5th Avenue. Photo by Matthew Murphy
•
7–26
Kinky Boots Inspired by a true story (and movie), with a score by Cyndi Lauper. 5th Avenue Theatre
8 Sara Farizan & Rebea Brown discuss issues of sexuality and identity in their new books, Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel and Gifts of the Body. UW Q Center
•
8 Tai Murray From this violinist, Part’s Fratres and sonatas by Debussy and Corigliano. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish edu.
8 Jacqueline Carey returns with Poison Fruit: Agent of Hel, part of an urban fantasy series about a paranormal tourist town. University Bookstore
•
8 DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist Cult hip-hop djs play vinyl culled from Afrika Bambaataa’s historic collection. The Neptune
8 The Color of Time: The History of Early Photography and Process Tod Gangler discusses his success in carbon printing and early photography after 20 years. Nordic Heritage Museum
8 Sheila Weller
The News Sorority draws on interviews with close friends and colleagues to weave a narrative of how Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric, and Christiane Amanpour broke into the boys’ club of news. Simpson Center for the Humanities, bookstore.washington.edu
8–26
A Lesson From Aloes Set in South Africa during apartheid, the play explores the psychology of survival and politics. Taproot Theatre
9 Cornel West He analyzes six influential people from the 19th and 20th centuries and the revolution in black society in Black Prophetic Fire. Town Hall,
•
9–12 UW Chamber Dance Company The mission of this resident company is to explore the history of modern dance, but sometimes they’re looking at very recent developments. This time out they’re starting in 1983, with Nacho Duato’s ballet and modern hybrid Jardi Tancat and finishing in 2011 with excerpts from Susan Marshall’s postmodern classic Cloudless. Shapiro and Smith’s 1989 To Have and to Hold sits in between, for a trio of works exploring what it means to find support from your community during hard times. SK
Meany Hall, dance.washington.edu/events
9 Antoinette Wills & John D. Bolcer
University of Washington provides a comprehensive history of the institution. University Bookstore
9 Marcelo Gleiser His book The Island of Knowledge questions and explores whether there is an “ultimate truth.” Town Hall
9–12
The Man Who Can Forget Anything A blend of film, music, theater, and dance; Greg Lachow and Megan Murphy create the show. On the Boards
•
9–19 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival The 19th year of showcasing the latest and best in queer cinema. Northwest Film Forum (and other venues), threedollarbillcinema.org
•
9–Jan. 11 Pop Departures An exhibit on the decades following the pop art of the 1960s and what it says about consumer culture and the cult of celebrity. Seattle Art Museum
10 Justin Wadland
Trying Home is his new nonfiction book about the town of Home, Washington. University Bookstore
10
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Sing-Along The cult film based on the off-Broadway hit returns with free tambourines and gummy bears for all attendees. Costumes and big hair encouraged! SIFF Cinema Egyptian
10
Wetlands The adventures of an eccentric teen with strange attitudes toward hygiene and sexuality, who longs for the reunion of her divorced parents. Sundance Cinemas, sundancecinemas.net
10 Mammoth Mania Your last chance to see Lulu’s tusk before it gets sent away. Also on display is a full mammoth skeleton. Burke Museum, burkemuseum.org
3–Feb. 1 Nick Mount From Australia, he shows an array of new works in glass. Bellevue Arts Museum
3–Feb. 1 John Economaki
Quality Is Contagious displays the fanciful tools created in his studio Bridge City Tool Works. Bellevue Arts Museum
10 Lodro Rinzler The author of The Buddha Walks Into a Bar is back with The Buddha Walks Into the Office, giving young professionals advice on applying Buddhism in the workplace. University Bookstore
10 twenty one pilots Indie-pop duo known for electrifying live performances. The Neptune
10–19 Seattle Polish Film Festival One of North American’s oldest and largest. Polish film festivals, that is. SIFF Cinema Uptown
10–26
Little Shop of Horrors Dweeby Seymour may have changed his luck when he befriends a carnivorous plant from space. Bainbridge Performing Arts, bainbridgeperformingarts.org
10–26
A Lesson From Aloes Athol Fugard’s drama is set in South Africa in 1963. Taproot Theatre, thaliasumbrella.org
•
10-Nov. 26 Earshot Jazz Festival Seattle’s premier jazz fest this year celebrates the “Masters, Monsters, and Mentors” of the genre at venues across town. A related film program runs at Northwest Film Forum. earshot.org
•
11 Gabriel Campanario
Seattle Sketcher is a selection from the Seattle Times column of the same name: essays on everyday moments and people in Seattle. University Bookstore
11–Dec. 7 American Art Masterworks New additions to SAM are featured, including Raphaelle Peale’s Still Life With Strawberries and Ostrich Egg Cup and Winslow Homer’s Lost on the Grand Banks. Seattle Art Museum
11 Whose Live Anyway? Games from the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway, with many new ones. The Moore
11 Opus 7 Choral works by Northwest composers. Trinity Parish Church, opus7.org
11 Cuong Vu Trio Innovative jazz from this trumpeter and friends. Meany Hall, uwworld series.org
11–12 Auburn Symphony Mendelssohn’s atmospheric The Hebrides, plus Prokofiev and Beethoven. Theatre at Auburn Mountainview, auburnsymphony.org
11–April 26 Ann Hamilton: the common sense A special media preview of her new works that explore human and nonhuman animal relationships. Henry Art Gallery, henryart.org
•
12 WORDLESS! Art Spiegelman and Philip Johnston Slides, talk, and musical performance covering the pair’s first graphic novels and silent picture stories. The Moore
12 Shonen Knife have been around since the ’80s, and are heavily influenced by ’60s girl groups and early punk. Tractor Tavern
•
12 Philharmonia Northwest Part (his Fratres—second time this week!) Sibelius, and Peteris Vasks’ flute concerto with soloist Paul Taub. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, philharmonianw.org
12 Tri Minh Quartet A contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese music. PONCHO Concert Hall
12 Angus & Julia Stone If you haven’t heard this brother/sister folk duo’s cover of “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease, you need to. Neumos
12 Seattle Children’s Festival Free all-day event with music, workshops, and international dance performances. Seattle Center, nwfolklife.org
12 of Montreal has evolved from psychedelic pop to funk/glam/afrobeat. The Neptune
13 Beckett on the Radio The radio plays of Samuel Beckett, with an all-star cast, from Seattle’s Sandbox Radio LIVE! ACT Theatre
13 Greg Bear He discusses his new sci-fi book War Dogs, about humans partnering with an alien race. University Bookstore
14 Nas: Time Is Illmatic Tour In celebration of Illmatic’s 20th anniversary, there will be a screening of a new Nas documentary followed by a live performance of Illmatic in its entirety. The Moore
14 Marlon James
A Brief History of Seven Killings follows a fictional investigation of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley. University Bookstore
•
14 Mark Bittman
Cooking Quickly in a Fast-Paced World offers time-saving tips for those of us with hectic schedules. (He’s a columnist for The New York Times.) Town Hall
•
14 Mary Randlett and Frances McCue: Images of the Northwest The PNW photographer shares her collection of photographs, Mary Randlett Portraits, with essays by the founding director of Hugo House. Town Hall
16 Nick Swardson Known for his work on Reno 911! and his sketch-comedy series Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time.
The Moore
17 Cory Doctorow
In Real Life is a graphic novel, with a female protagonist, about adolescence, gaming, and poverty. University Bookstore
17
Dear White People A satirical comedy about race, set in colleage. Opens wide
17 Big Freedia The New Orleans sensation made Bumbershoot twerk its butt off. Neumos
•
17 Seattle Symphony The first “Untitled” concert of the season (new music in the Benaroya lobby) includes excerpts from Ligeti’s Dadaist opera Le grand macabre. Benaroya Hall
17–18
The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes A funny musical comedy about cancer. Stone Soup Theatre, stonesouptheatre.org
•
17–19 Bob Dylan For more than five decades, the singer/songwriter has influenced music and social movements. The Paramount
17–19
Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures Based on Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. Seattle Public Theater
17–26
The Cherdonna Show: Worth My Salt The LGBTQ, burlesque, and drag icon’s first evening-length solo show. Velocity Dance Center
•
17–31 All Monsters Attack! The GI’s annual Halloween tribute indcludes Cat People and I Walked With a Zombie, plus a healthy handful of oddities chosen by the folks at Scarecrow Video. Grand Illusion
17–26 New Play Festival Seattle Rep’s showcase of new work by Denis O’Hare, Lisa Peterson, Cheryl L. West, and Arlitia Jones. PONCHO Theater, seattlerep.org
•
18 Lena Dunham
Not That Kind of Girl, a collection of personal essays, is the first book from the star and creator of HBO’s Girls. University Temple United Methodist Church, bookstore.washington.edu
18 Phish Its latest, Fuego, was produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel). Key Arena
18 Ex HexAll-girl punk band from D.C. Barboza
18 The Horrors English garage/shoegaze/post-punk band. The Neptune
18 Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers have racked up millions of hits with their covers—all recorded in the tour van—of songs like Hall and Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do).” Showbox SoDo
18 The Not–Its! The Seattle–based “Kindie Rock” band teaches children about haircuts, love, bugs, and cat videos through ’80s–inspired music. Town Hall
18 Sing It Forward Soiree Support Village Theatre’s Youth Education and Outreach Program at this elegant evening. Village Theatre
18 Ensign Symphony & Chorus More joy with Beethoven’s Ninth. Benaroya Hall, seattleensign.org
18–19 Showtunes Theatre Company Try to remember what a hit The Fantasticks was when this musicals-in-concert troupe revives it. Benaroya Recital Hall, showtunestheatre.org
•
18–Nov. 1 Seattle Opera Mozart’s gran seduttore is back in Don Giovanni. McCaw Hall, seattleopera.org
19 Barry Lieberman and Friends Double-bass solos from the Tacoma Symphony’s Chris Burns. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, music.washington.edu
19–Nov. 16
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, the story follows four siblings, commenting on age and entitlement. ACT Theatre
20 MO She’s causing a stir in the blogosphere for prompting a bidding war with no albums and only two online tracks. The Neptune
20 Placebo The English ’90s alternative rockers have released seven studio albums, all reaching the UK’s top-20 charts. Showbox SoDo
21 Bonobo The British producer and DJ tours his latest album, The North Borders, and will be recording it for a live album. Neumos
21–26
Beauty and the Beast Disney’s animated classic–turned–hit Broadway musical comes to Seattle. The Paramount
21–Dec. 27
Appalachian Christmas Homecoming A touching story of three generations warms hearts for the holidays. Taproot Theatre
22 The Psychedelic Furs and the Lemonheads The two alternative bands come together for a nostalgia-laden tour. The Showbox
22 Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness From Something Corporate to Jack’s Mannequin, he now writes and tours under his own name. The Neptune
22 Jacky Terrasson “The most widely traveled of all jazz pianists” and his trio. PONCHO Concert Hall
•
22 Seattle Philharmonic An all-American program with music by Gail Kubik, Bernard Herrmann, and others. Benaroya Hall, seattlephil.org
23 Ballard: Best Place Ever Come together for a community event celebrating the best of old and new Ballard. Nordic Heritage Museum
•
23–25 Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenco Barrio is reaching far beyond the standard flamenco presentation for this tour, turning instead to Sophocles’ Antigone for a dramatic framework that can stand up to the heightened theatricality of the dance form. The innate power of flamenco should be a wonderful match for Sophocles’ examination of honor and duty. SK
Meany Hall, meany.org
23 Jacqueline West Her fantasy book Still Life opens a magical world inside of antique paintings. University Bookstore
23 Jaime Lerner The Brazilian healer discusses his book Urban Acupuncture. Town Hall
23 Jess Walter with Mary Ann Gwinn: LitCrawl Seattle The Spokane author of The Financial Lives of the Poets joins the books editor of The Seattle Times. Town Hall, litcrawl.org
•
23 Domingo Martinez Also part of the same citywide LitCrawl schedule, the local memoirist will read from his My Heart Is a Drunken Compass. Then his brother Derek, prominent in the book, gets to read a rebuttal of sorts. Richrd Hugo House
23 Chris Kattan Of Saturday Night Live and A Night at the Roxbury.
Parlor Live Seattle
23–Nov. 1
Ghost Game VIII The local purveyors of strange stage magic continue their spooky explorations. Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, cabiri.org
•
23–26
Opposing Forces Choreographer Amy O’Neal gets her B-Boy on. On the Boards
23–Nov. 16
The Pride A play about self-discovery in the midst of a love triangle. ArtsWest
•
23–Nov. 22
DogfightA musical based on the 1991 film about three young Marines on the night before their deployment to Vietnam in 1963, produced by Balagan Theatre and ArtsWest. ArtsWest
24 Chris Guillebeau
The Happiness of Pursuitsuggests that the key to lifelong happiness is undertaking a quest. Town Hall
•
24 Alejandro Escovedo & Peter Buck The duo, featuring R.E.M.’s co–founder and lead guitarist, plays a special one-night-only performance. Benaroya Hall, benaroyahall.org
24 Jodi Picoult She reads from Leaving Time, a story about love and loss that incorporates her research on elephants. Seattle Public Central Library, elliottbaybook.com
24 Lake Union Civic Orchestra Premiering PLU student Taylor Whatley’s Fanfare Giocoso.Town Hall, luco.org
24 Cappella Romana Sacred choral works from the Serbian Orthodox tradition. St. Joseph’s Parish, cappellaromana.org
24 Patty Griffin This folk singer/songwriter has been covered by musicians including Emmylou Harris and the Dixie Chicks. The Moore
24
LaggiesLynn Shelton filmed her latest comedy right here in Seattle; it stars Chloe Grace Moretz, Keira Knightley, and Sam Rockwell. Theater TBD
24
Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn Jack Black’s character in High Fidelity would have a serious problem with you if you said you hadn’t seen Evil Dead 2 yet: “Because it’s a brilliant film. It’s so funny, and violent, and the soundtrack kicks fucking ass.” SIFF Cinema Egyptian
•
24–26 Simple Measures Celebrating 10 years of top-notch chamber music in informal places with Mendelssohn’s thrilling Octet. Various venues, simplemeasures.org
24–26 Seattle Symphony Lots of Bach and Handel with conductor Nicholas McGegan. Benaroya Hall
24–26
Servant of Two Masters Double the pay and double the hijinks in Goldoni’s comedy. Seattle Public Theater
24–30 Irish Reels Film Festival The annual fest offers a sampler of contemporary Irish cinema, usually with a few guests. SIFF Film Center
24–Nov. 1
Stories for Bad ChildrenCautionary tales from the Vox Fabuli Puppets and others. Richard Hugo House, voxfabuli.com
25 Perfume Genius Mike Hadreas is a Seattle–based solo artist. The Neptune
•
25 Loudon Wainwright III 20 albums, three Grammy nominations. Benaroya Hall
25 HOME: Leaning on a Moment Left Behind The life of dancer Kate Lounsbury is celebrated through a performance of solo dance and poetry. Washington Hall, deborahbirranedance.org
25 Paula Poundstone Stand-up known for her on-the-spot observational comedy. The Moore
25 Metronomy This English electronic music group has remixed artists like the Gorillaz and Franz Ferdinand. Neumos
25 Northwest Symphony Holst’s Planets (with high-def space images) plus Hovhaness and Wagner. Highline Performing Arts Center, northwestsymphonyorchestra.org
•
25 Paul Kikuchi Chamber music from this Seattle composer. Chapel Performance Space, paulkikuchi.com
25
Cabin in the Woods From the mind of Joss Whedon. You think you know horror films, but you have no idea. SIFF Cinema Egyptian
26 Music Northwest Vocal chamber music from Northwest composers. First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, musicnorthwest.org
26 Onyx Chamber Players Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. First Church Seattle, onyx chamberplayers.com
27 Jane Smiley
Some Luck follows the lives of an Iowa farmg family. Seattle Public Library
27 Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays Catch the original 1925 Phantom of the Opera in celebration of the upcoming Broadway musical. The Paramount
28 William Gibson His suspenseful novel The Peripheral alternates between the near and distant future. University Bookstore
28 Heatwarmer This indie group collaborates with musicians from UW’s Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media. Meany Hall, music.washington.edu
•
28 & Nov. 1 Jonathan Powell From this British pianist, outragesouly challenging works by Sorabji. PONCHO Concert Hall (Cornish College)
30–Nov. 9 5 By Beckett Five short plays: Act Without Words I and II, Rough for Theatre I and II, and Catastrophe. ACT Theatre
30 D.L. Hughley of The Original Kings of Comedy and The Hughleys.
Parlor Live Seattle
30 UW Symphony Strauss’ jaunty Horn Concerto no. 1 (with the Seattle Symphony’s Jeff Fair) plus Dvorak and Mendelssohn. Meany Hall, music.washington.edu
•
30–Nov. 2 Seattle Symphony Mozart’s Requiem and Strauss’ Metamorphosen—a requiem in its way, too, written in Germany as WWII was ending. Benaroya Hall
31 Global Rhythms Los Texmaniacs with Flaco Jimenez. Town Hall
31 Halloween Organ Concert An anuual tradition from students of Carole Terry. Kane Hall, music.washington.edu
•
31 Courtney Barnett She’s something like Australia’s Cat Power, with pipes to match. The Neptune
31–Nov. 20
Endgame/NDGM Ghost Light Theatricals expands on Beckett’s one-act with their own new work. Ballard Underground, ghost lighttheatricals.org
•
31–March 29 BAM Biennial 2014: Knock on Wood Two dozen artists, including John Grade, mess with timber. Bellevue Arts Museum
•
31
NightcrawlerJake Gyllenhaal is getting strong buzz for his portrayal of a bottom-feeding L.A. paparazzi who trains his video camera on car crashes and celebrity wrecks. Opens Wide
November
•
1 Lewis Black Comedian and social critic known for his angry face and comedy style. The Paramount
1 Seattle Baroque Music from colonial Boston, from theater to church. Town Hall, earlymusic guild.org
•
1 The Black Keys Rock duo with a raw blues sound. Key Arena
1 Minus the Bear Seattle indie-rock band formed in 2001. The Crocodile, thecrocodile.com
1 Pissed Jeans Sub Pop’s hardcore punk band help will help you rage, but in a good way. Barboza
1 Jeffrey Lewis Singer/songwriter of the anti-folk genre; kind of the male Kimya Dawson. Chop Suey, chopsuey.com
1
Bjork: Biophilia Live A concert film capturing her multidisciplinary multimedia project. The Neptune
1–2 Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra “Quincy and Ray on Jackson Street” salutes 1940s jazz on the Seattle street where Jones and Charles got their starts. Benaroya Recital Hall
1–22
Fast Company“Meet the Kwans: a Chinese-American family of expert con artists” in Carla Ching’s comic crime caper. Theatre Off Jackson, porkfilled.com
2 Dia de los Muertos Community Festival Celebrate the traditional Latin American holiday honoring life and death. Tacoma Art Mueseum, tacomaartmuseum.org
2–Feb. 22 Leo Adams: Eastern Light A showcase for the renowned Yakima-based artist and designer. Whatcom Museum
4 The Lives of the Great Russian Composers Music and prose is blended to celebrate the works of Pushkin, Lermontov, and Shakespeare. ACT Theatre
4 Mary Black Catch this acclaimed Irish singer in her Benaroya debut. Benaroya Hall
4 Yoram Bauman Learn while you laugh with The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change.
University Bookstore
5 Jana Harris
You Haven’t Asked About My Wedding or What I Wore is a reconstruction of the lives of North American pioneer women based on research from their letters and diaries. University Bookstore
•
5 Deltron Conceptual hip-hop supergroup Del The Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala, and Dan “The Automator” Nakamura reunite for the long-anticipated Deltron 3030: Event II. The Showbox
5 NOW Ensemble Music by Judd Greenstein and Derek Bermel, part of the Town Music series at Town Hall, townhallseattle.org
6 Inverted Space UW’s new-music ensemble plays Steve Reich, Alvin Lucier, and more. Jones Playhouse, music.washington.edu
6-8 Three Yells
Moon Falling is the local dance troupe’s new work. Velocity Dance Center, velocitydancecenter.org.
•
6 Cafe Nordo The projected opening date for their new culinary/theater show in their new home, the former Elliott Bay Book Co. The first show promises to be a lampoon of Don Quixote. cafenordo.com
6–8 Seattle Symphony Conductor/composer Esa-Pekka Salonen’s violin concerto, plus Barber and Tchaikovsky. Benaroya Hall
6–29 Joan Tenenbaum:
50 Playful Things A showcase of her new collection of non-indigenous jewelry. Stonington Gallery, stoningtongallery.com
6–29 Scott Jensen:
MasksNew human faces in alder and cedar. Stonington Gallery
6–27 Allison Collins:
Another Turn The Northwest artist’s timeless landscapes. Foster/White Gallery
6–Dec. 20
Well Read: Visual Explorations of the Book Explore the conceptualization of the book and its internal landscapes. Photographic Center Northwest, pcnw.org
7 Relient K Commercially successful and prolific Christian rock/pop punk band. The Neptune
7 Seattle Composers Salon A bimonthly new-music open-mike night, curated by John Teske. Chapel Performance Space, composersalon.com
7 Pacific MusicWorks Monteverdi madrigals in “Songs of Love and War.” Benaroya Recital Hall, pacificmusicworks.org
•
7
Interstellar Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain ventur through a wormhole in space (or something) in this highly anticipated sci-fi movie from Chris Nolan (of the recent Batman movies). Opens Wide
7–8
Moon Falling Catch an opening rehearsal for the anticipated new work of Lee-Baik. Velocity Dance Center
•
7–16 Pacific Northwest Ballet: Director’s Choice PNB’s November production is usually designed as a contrast to the family-friendly sweetness of its Nutcracker, which comes right after, and this program fits that need. David Dawson’s neoclassical powerhouse A Million Kisses to My Skin, Nacho Duato’s Haitian-inspired Rassemblement, and a new-to-us duet by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa,join a world premiere by rising star Justin Peck, recently named the resident choreographer at New York City Ballet. There’s not a sugarplum among them. SK
McCaw Hall, pnb.org
7–22
tick, tick . . . BOOM! Jonathan Larson’s semi-memoirish precursor to Rent tels of a young composer of musicals. SecondStory Repertory, secondstoryrep.org
•
7
Rosewater Jon Stewart directs his first movie, a true story about journalist (Gael Garcia Bernal) detained and tortured in Iran. It’s based on the memoir by Maziar Bahari, who was a guest on The Daily Show. Opens Wide
8
King Corn This food doc combines the best parts of King Lear, Children of the Corn, and The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
Seattle Public Theater
•
8 Chris Hadfield The famed Bowie-singing Canadian astronaut discusses his new book Around the World in 92 Minutes: Photographs From the International Space Station.
University Bookstore
•
9 Music of Remembrance Spectrum Dance Theater premieres new dances set to Arnold Schoenberg’s Verklarte Nacht to mark the 76th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Benaroya Hall
•
10 Elissa Washuta
My Body Is a Book of Rules is a memoir that weaves pop culture and neurobiology with memories of sexual trauma. University Bookstore
•
11 Hardworking Americans Singer/songwriter Todd Snider’s new project with friends. The Showbox
•
11 Fidelio Trio This Irish piano trio plays works by local composers as part of the Washington Composers Forum’s “Transport” series. Chapel Performance Space, washingtoncomposers.org
12 GWAR Outfitted in grotesque costumes, this thrash-metal band is themed around an elaborate sci–fi mythology. Showbox SoDo
13 David Alan Grier of In Living Color et al. Parlor Live Seattle
•
13 Anthony de Mare Rethinking Sondheim songs as piano solos. PONCHO Concert Hall
•
13–16 Seattle Symphony A musical voice new to Seattle: Colors of the Southern Cross by Argentine composer Esteban Benzecry. Benaroya Hall
13–23 Fail Better: Beckett Moves UMO A play based on the prose of Samuel Beckett deals with existential questions of life and love. ACT Theatre
13–Dec. 23
Dick Whittington and His Cat Poor orphaned Dick finds himself in the big city of London, where he meets a remarkable cat. Seattle Children’s Theatre
•
14 Joan Baez Ever the voice of the ’60s, the singer/songwriter/activist still advocates for social and political causes. The Moore
14
Dumb and Dumber To Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels search for long-lost children in a sequel taking place 20 years after the first adventure. Opens wide
14 The Symphony Guild Mateo Messina’s annual benefit concert for Children’s Hospital. Benaroya Hall, thesymphonyguild.org
•
14 Northwest Sinfonietta Julian Schwarz plays the cello concerto written for him by Seattle composer Samuel Jones. Benaroya Recital Hall, nwsinfonietta.org
• 14 Jon Kimura Parker Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata, plus piano fantasies based on Hitchcock scores and The Wizard of Oz. Meany Hall, uwworldseries.org
24 Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra Bach, Elgar, and Mozart’s 35th. First Free Methodist Church, seattlemetropolitanchamber orchestra.com
•
14 Mudhoney A big player in Seattle’s grunge roots. Neumos
Jack Willis (left) as LBJ and Kenajuan Bentley as MLK in All the Way. Photo by Jenny Graham
•
14–Jan. 4
All the Way A play chronicling LBJ’s tumultuous first year in office. Local playwright Robert Schenkkan won a Tony for the recent production starring Bryan Cranston. Seattle Repertory Theatre, seattlerep.org
•
15 Shakey Graves He’s a one-man band from Austin known for his bluesy guitar work. Ladies think he’s pretty cute, too. Neumos
15 Cat Winters
The Cure for Dreaming follows a young girl in 1900’s Oregon, a suffragist at a time where girls were meant to be docile. University Bookstore
15 Play Date A husband-and-wife children’s-music duo. Town Hall
•
16 Grand Expansion at Tacoma Art Museum Come check out the museum’s new wing and renovations, showcasing the Haub Family collection of Western American Art. Tacoma Art Museum
•
16 John Cleese The actor and comedian reads from his new memoir So Anyway. University Temple United Methodist Church, bookstore.washington.edu
16 Cornish Early Music Faculty Baroque sonatas and opera arias. PONCHO Concert Hall
16 The 1975 These English art-rockers thrill critics and fans alike. The Paramount
18 Flying Lotus Experimental music producer/electronic musician/rapper from L.A. The Neptune
•
18 Mir
o Quartet Haydn and Beethoven, plus a new piece by American composer Gunther Schuller. Meany Hall, uwworldseries.org
•
18 Gordon Mumma A lecture/demo from this electronic-music pioneer and Merce Cunningham collaborator. PONCHO Concert Hall
19-25
PULP: A Film About Life, Death & SupermarketsThe ’90s British rockers reonvene for a concert in Sheffield. Grand Illusion
20 Makana Singer, activist, and pioneer of “slack–rock.” Benaroya Hall
20–22
Bleed, Poem, and Secret Mary Choreographer Tere O’Connors blends three dance pieces into one singular fluid piece. On the Boards
20–22 Seattle Symphony Beethoven’s Fifth, plus Rossini and Respighi. Benaroya Hall
20–22
Touch Me HereDancers Peggy Piacenza and Scott Bell join forces. Washington Hall, squidmgmt.com/events
21
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Katniss Everdeen reluctantly becomes the symbol of a rebellion against the autocratic Capitol. Opens wide
22 Adam Carolla Podcast Catch a taping of the comedian/host’s new gig. The Neptune
22–March 29 Live On: Mr.’s Japanese Neo-Pop The contemporary Japanese artist known as Mr. delves deeply into anime and manga. Seattle Asian Art Museum
21 Funky Turns 40: The Black Character Revolution A look at animation art from classic cartoons of the 1970s. Northwest African American History Museum
21–30 Taj Mahal Trio Prolific and award-winning blues musicians for almost 50 years. Jazz Alley, jazzalley.com
23 Seattle Youth Symphony
Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsakov’s colorful musical evocation of the tales of A Thousand and One Nights. Benaroya Hall, syso.org
23 Thalia Symphony Arias by Gounod, Lehar, and others. Town Hall, thaliasymphony.org
•
23 Byron Schenkman and Friends Chamber music by Mozart and Weber. Benaroya Recital Hall, byronschenkman.com
•
23 Cornish Piano Trio Works old and new from pianist Cristina Valdes, cellist David Requiro, and violinist Michael Jinsoo Lim. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish.edu
23 Auburn Symphony Chamber Series Schoenberg’s ravishing Verklarte Nacht for string sextet. St. Matthew Episcopal Church, auburnsymphony.org
•
23 John Oliver You love this Brit (now an American citizen, actually) on HBO; now see him live. The Paramount
25–26
King Lear Broadcast from the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare’s tragedy. The Moore
•
25–Dec. 28
Pride and Prejudice A stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s comic novel about courtship, decorum, and not making snap judgments. Book–It Repertory Theatre
25–Dec. 31
A Christmas Story This year instead of catching it on TBS’ 24-hour broadcast, see the musical version onstage! 5th Avenue Theatre
26 Usher The soulful singer/songwriter promises special guests and surprises on the UR Experience tour. Key Arena
28 Noah Gundersen This Olympia singer/songwriter has released three EPs and one studio album as a solo artist. The Moore
28–30 Brandi Carlile returns to her hometown with the Seattle Symphony, performing both fan favorites and new material from her upcoming album. Benaroya Hall
28–Dec. 28
A Christmas Carol He may be a miser onstage, but Scrooge’s been very generous to ACT over the years. ACT Theatre
•
28–Dec. 28 Pacific Northwest Ballet:
Nutcracker Catch the much-loved Maurice Sendak production in its final season after 31 years. McCaw Hall
29–Dec. 22 Seattle Men’s Chorus For many, it wouldn’t be Christmas without their holiday show. Benaroya Hall, flyinghouse.org
December
2–7
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the Musical Based on the original animated special? Or the Jim Carrey vulgarization? Guess we’ll find out. The Paramount
4 Jessimae Peluso From MTV’s Girl Code and Chelsea Lately.
Parlor Live Seattle
4–7
Now I’m Fine An experimental pop opera led by comedian/musician/storyteller Ahamefule Oluo. On the Boards
4–21
Ham for the Holidays: Fear the Bacon Celebrate the absurdity of the holidays with this gender-bent holiday sketch show. ACT Theatre
4–24
Christmastown A holiday noir. Seattle Public Theater
5 Meat Puppets Blending punk, country, and psychedelic rock since the ’80s. Neumos
•
5
WildReese Witherspoon stars in this hiking/rehab tale, based on the bestselling memoir by Cheryl Strayed. People are already saying nice things about her performance. Opens Wide
5 UW Symphony Puccini’s comic one-act Gianni Schicchi in concert. Meany Hall, music.washington.edu
•
5–Jan. 4
The Great Society A look into LBJ’s life as a politician and fall from grace, the sequel to local playwright Robert Schenkkan’s All the Way. Seattle Repertory Theatre
6 Couch Fest 2014 Take part in a film crawl throughout the living rooms of your Seattle neighbors. couchfestfilms.com
•
6 Rufus Wainwright A tour supporting the release of Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright.
The Moore
6 & 13 Seattle Pro Musica French Christmas music. Various venues, seattlepromusica.org
7 Gamelan Pacifica Cornish’s resident Indonesian percussion orchestra. PONCHO Concert Hall, cornish.edu
9 Tim Federle
Hickory Daiquiri Dock: Cocktails With a Nursery Rhyme Twist is perfect for new parents. University Bookstore
•
9 A John Waters Christmas Spreading holiday fear with his one-man show. The Paramount
10 Steve Hackett: Genesis Extended The tour features a large selection of classics and fan favorites. The Moore
•
11–13 Seattle Symphony Joshua Roman premieres Mason Bates’ cello concerto. Benaroya Hall
•
11-27
Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque NutcrackerLily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return for the ninth-annual staging of this festive and titillating tradition. The Triple Door
•
13 Metropolitan Opera It still aches that Seattle Opera had to cancel the Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg they’d planned as Speight Jenkins’ send-off—but you can see this Met production in a movie theater near you. fathomevents.org
13–24
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Six delinquent children take over and tell the Christmas story. Seattle Public Theater
17
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies The Company of Thorin has reached the lair of Smaug; will they reclaim the treasure? Opens wide
17–18 The Piano Guys The musical group gained popularity through posting videos of piano and cello renditions of popular songs. The Paramount
•
19–31
It’s a Wonderful LifeThe GI screens Frank Capra’s holiday classic for the 44th year. (Exact dates still pending.) Grand Illusion
20 Duke Ellington Sacred Music Concert Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra recreates the Sacred Music jazz concerts that began during the 1960s. Benaroya Recital Hall
25
The Interview Seth Rogan and James Franco star as two journalists who attempt to assassinate Kim Jong–un. Opens wide
25
Paddington A young bear and British travel enthusiast seeks a home in London. Opens wide
•
25
UnbrokenAngelina Jolie directs the true story of runner/war hero Louis Zamperini, the subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s bestselling book, which relates an almost incredible tale of WWII hardship. (Fun fact: the Coen brothers helped write the screenplay.) Opens wide
25
Into the Woods Sondheim’s dark collation of fairy tales reaches the big screen, after a few aborted attempts. Opens wide
25
Hot Tub Time Machine 2 Lou becomes the “father of the Internet.” When he gets shot, his friends fire up the time machine. Opens wide
26 Straight No Chaser The 10-member a cappella group sings Wonder, Mraz, and more. The Paramount
31–Jan. 4 Seattle Symphony The traditional year-end Beethoven’s Ninth, prefaced by Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony. Benaroya Hall
