Seattle Gay News
Issue 46, Volume 45, November 17, 2017
GBSA at Taiwan Pride.
by Ed Walsh SGN Contributing Writer The Greater Seattle Business Association joined thousands who packed downtown Taipei last month for Taiwan’s 15th annual Pride march, This year there was an extra cause for celebration. The country is on the verge of being the first in Asia to legalize gay marriage. In May, Taiwan’s highest court ruled legislators have up to two years to change the law to allow for same-sex nuptials. A delegation of ten from GSBA joined the march as part of a cultural outreach visit to Taiwan. The LGBT business organiza-
tion’s Public Policy & Communications Manager, Matt Landers, noted the historic nature of the group’s visit. “A cultural mission dedicated to the LGBT community had never been done before,” Landers wrote in an e-mail to SGN. He added that the group visit including meeting with government and community representatives from Seattle’s sister city, Kaohsiung, as well as Tacoma’s sister city, Taichung. The group’s visit was highlighted by marching in the Pride parade on Saturday, October 28. “The Pride march itself was
see TAIWAN PRIDE page 8
Welcome to Taichung GDi-LGBT Resource Center.
GSBA with Taichung City officials and LGBT community organizations at Taichung GDi-LGBT Resource Center.
, n e g n i B ington! h s Wa
Reasons to Visit
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Celebrating 43 Years!
With Michael Oaks, Bruce Hall and Jordan Iosua Taylor Directed by David Hunter Koch
Nov 30-Dec 17 www.acttheatre.org
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November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 3
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VisitKitsap.com 4 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
sleep, eat, drink, play, relax, enjoy
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• The Point Casino Hotel
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Celebrating 43 Years!
SGN 2017 HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR Compiled by Justin Craig SGN Contributing Writer & Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer
27th Annual Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center Holiday Tree (& Greenery) Sale. Nov. 24-Dec. 23, 9am-9pm. SASGCC, 303 17th Ave. E. www.sasgcc.org; 206-322-2437. This holiday tradition goes to benefit the organization that provides peer support services to members of the LGBTQ community. Trees range in price from $25-$300, depending on size and species. 100% of proceeds go to support the operating budget of the center. Receipts are available for tax deductions purposes. Seward Park Clay Studio Winter Holiday Show & Sale. Dec. 1-24. 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S. PREVIEW NIGHT PARTY: Dec. 1st, 6:30-9:30pm, is a great chance to get the pick of the best ceramics in town, with over 40 artists represented in the sale. $10 suggested donation at the door: light food, drink and fun. From Dec. 2-24 the sale is FREE and open to the public: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Shop for amazing holiday presents while supporting one of the Northwest’s cultural gems. What is on view and available for purchase includes an impressive range of work: including sculpture, majolica, functional stoneware, delicate porcelains, raku, wood-fire, wall hangings. Even if you aren’t in the market for purchasing (and prices are remarkably affordable!), just surveying the range of expression in clay is worth a trip to this event. www.sewardparkart.org. Arboretum Foundation’s “Gifts & Greens Galore” Holiday Sale. Dec. 2, 10am-3pm. Washington Park Arboretum Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Dr E. Don’t miss our popular annual holiday sale! It features a great selection of nature-inspired gifts including local, seasonal specialty items. You’ll also find a unique selection of botanical decorations. Buy something for everyone on your list this year, while helping support maintenance and children’s education programs at the Arboretum! Free hot drinks: Shoppers can also warm up with complimentary beverages, including ZOKA Arboretum Blend coffee, hot chocolate, and cider. All sales benefit the Washington Park Arboretum. 206-325-4510; www.arboretumfoundation.org. WISH LIST: Basic greens we’re looking for include Douglas fir, pine, cedar, and spruce. Specialty greens include incense cedar, camellia, mahonia, and red-twig dogwood. Thank you for donating! INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
If you’d like to help out at this event, please email volunteer@arboretumfoundation.org or call 206-325-4510.
South Park Arts 2017 Art Under $100 Holiday Sale. Dec. 16, 2-8pm. Seattle Design Center, 5701 6th Ave S. 70 amazing artists will convene at the Seattle Design Center. From 1-2pm, patrons who wish to be VIP can purchase a $20 ticket (all proceeds benefit South Park Arts) to get first pick of the coveted affordable artwork, along with champagne and chocolate. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets. The beloved event continues to gather momentum, celebrating its thirteenth year in a spacious venue in Georgetown/SODO. For holiday shoppers, AU100 offers an unsurpassed opportunity to discover unique, affordable art while supporting local artists. www.southparkart.org. In store this year: 1) THE ART: Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, textiles, photography, blown glass, cast glass, stained glass, wood, encaustic, dioramas, woodblock printing, letterpress and more! And nothing priced over $100. 2) There’s ART made by YOU: Create a handmade treasure with The Makery, a free art lab that runs on reclaimed materials and creativity – the perfect, kid-friendly, family fun activity. Seattle Sampling Artists’ Studio Tour. Dec. 1, 4-9pm; Dec. 2 & 3, 10am5pm. Seattle Sampling is Seattle’s most established and largest holiday arts and crafts tour celebrating over 28 years of fabulous arts & crafts! This free, self–guided tour offers holiday shoppers a relaxed and intimate opportunity to meet the artists in their own environments. The tour provides both continuity with established artists and change with new and emerging artists bringing a sense of discovery and wonder to the tour while also connecting customers with their favorite artists they have followed for years. www.seattlesampling. com. 2017 Native Art Mart. Dec. 3, Dec. 9 & Dec. 18, 10am-4pm. Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discover Park, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way. Find great holiday gifts at the Native Art Mart. Beautiful work by Native American Artists. Many styles and tribes represented. Clothing, jewelry, woodworking, drums, art prints, and so much more. Affordable, unique and fun. Support local Native artists.
Festival of Trees Celebration. Nov. 18-29. OPENING CELEBRATION: Nov. 19, 1-4pm. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St. Join our featured patients, friends and family to enjoy entertainment provided by the St. Jude Parish Sanctuary Choir and the Seattle Girls’ Choir. Also listen to Christmas stories and enjoy homemade cookies.
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One of our featured patients will start the Celebration by lighting the Fairmont Olympic’s grand lobby tree. Another featured patient, will open the Teddy Bear Suite for the season. Numerous holiday items, including wreaths, small trees, table decorations, and ornaments designed and crafted by our guild members especially for our guests will be available for sale. The Children’s Corner will carry gifts of interest to our younger guests. Children can pose with Santa for a photo taken by Yuen Lui Photography. www.seattlefestivaloftrees.com.
Sheraton Seattle Hotel’s 25th Annual Gingerbread Village – “25 Years of Cheer: A Celebration of Seattle.” Nov. 21-Jan. 1. This year, the Gingerbread Village will be located across the street from the Sheraton at the City Centre building.. For 25 years, Seattle has embraced the Sheraton Seattle’s Annual Gingerbread Village benefiting the Northwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As a tribute to the city, the theme for the 25th Annual Gingerbread Village is “25 Years of Cheer: A Celebration of Seattle.” Sheraton invites visitors to stroll through Seattle’s cobblestone past and glimpse into its future, reflecting on what makes the city special. Seattle’s top architecture firms, master builders and Sheraton Seattle culinary teams have come together to rediscover the city’s historic past and imagine the future, including its waterfront. The event is free to the public, with donations benefitting the JDRF Northwest Chapter. More information is available at www. gingerbreadvillage.org where you can view the gingerbread displays, vote for your favorite and donate online.
Macy’s Holiday Parade & Macy’s Holiday Star Lighting. Nov. 24, 9-10am. Come kick off the holiday season with the 27th Annual My Macy’s Holiday Parade. This year’s parade will feature 25 inflatable floats, local middle and high school marching bands, nearly 650 costumed characters, professional sports teams and community drill teams. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will dash in on his reindeer-led sleigh and head directly to his holiday post at Santaland® on the third floor at Macy’s Downtown Seattle. Visiting hours will begin at 11am. The Holiday Parade route begins at 7th Ave. and Pine St., then travels west down Pine St. to 5th Ave., south on 5th Ave. to University St., west on University to 4th Ave., and finally north on 4th Ave. to Macy’s front doorstep. Psst… be sure to come back later in the day for the lighting of the Macy’s Holiday Star, which celebrates its diamond anniversary! The famous 161-foot high, 3,600-bulb Holiday Star has shined brightly throughout Seattle’s downtown for 61 years. The Macy’s Star Lighting happens in conjunction with the annual lighting of Westlake Center’s tree and The Downtown Seattle Association’s Carousel at Westlake Park beginning at 5pm and will include a fireworks display (weather permitting). Argosy Cruise Christmas Ship™ Festival. Nov. 24-Dec. 23. Holiday traditions in the Northwest start on the water with Argosy Cruises. The Argosy Cruises
Christmas Ship™ Festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. Every year, the Argosy Christmas Ship™ sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, around 65 in all. Choirs on board give 20-minute performances to these communities, all broadcast via our state-of-the-art speaker system. On shore, thousands of people gather around roaring bonfires anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Ship™. For schedule, visit www.argosycruises.com.
Seattle Center Winterfest. Nov. 24-Jan. 1. Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion, Fisher Pavilion Apron and International Fountain. Connect to a world of sparkling lights, child-size amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest in Center venues and on the grounds. Five weeks of festive, fun-filled, free and affordable activities await those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday routine. Featuring Winterfest Ice Rink and Saturday ice sculpting, including a full day of ice carving mastery on December 17. The Winter Train & Village returns, along with live weekend performances and inspiring student showcases. The festival opens with Holiday Harmony and rings in the New Year with spectacular fireworks, Fountain of Light dance party and live music by premier cover band, Sway. www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest Woodland Park Zoo Wildlights. Nov. 24-Jan. 1 (except 12/24 & 25), 5:308:30pm nightly. Enter through the Woodland Park Zoo West Entrance on Phinney Ave N between N 55th & N 56th Sts. Over 600,000 energy-efficient LED lights illuminate the paths of Woodland Park Zoo through dazzling displays of wild animals and exotic destinations including “African Water Hole,” “Jungle Lights” and “Northern Lights.” Wildlights guests can enjoy brilliant indoor and outdoor displays,, a Winter Warm Up area, a ride on the zoo’s decorated Historic Carousel (additional fee) and a visit from Santa and a couple of his reindeer! Come celebrate Galactic Lights at Wildlights on Dec. 12. The zoo is including an out of this world theme night with characters from a galaxy far, far away, including an unforgettable nighttime light saber performance from Saber Guild Jet City Temple. www. zoo.org/wildlights
Magic in the Market. Nov. 25, 11am5:30pm. Pike Place Market, 1st Ave & Pike St. Celebrate the holiday season at Magic in the Market! Meet and take free photos with Santa under the clock (11am5pm). Decorate gingerbread cookies (for kids 12 and under and their family) in the Atrium Kitchen while swaying to the cheerful ukulele music of STRUM. Enjoy festive performances by caroling choirs, on the street under the clock. Purchase fresh cider, hot cocoa and other beverages from farmers and merchants on Pike Place while you shop the Market for seasonal foods and locally made gifts. Pick out the perfect holiday tree from Growing Washington and wreaths from local farmers on Pike Place. At 5pm, Santa will lead a countdown
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see HOLIDAY CALENDAR page 6
Seattle Gay News 5
HOLIDAY CALENDAR continued from page 5
to the lighting of the 20-foot holiday tree and lights throughout the Market. Join in the fun and invite your friends to the kick off to the holiday season! www. pikeplacemarket.org Providence O’Christmas Trees. Nov. 27-29. Westin Seattle Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 1900 5th Ave. Providence O’Christmas Trees raises funds for the ministries of Providence Senior and Community Services. Our signature three day event – Christmas Carnival, Silver Bells Luncheon and Gala Dinner & Auction – raises funds benefitting ministries who together serve over 20,000 people a day in need of healthcare, housing and hospice. http://washington.providence.org/donate/pscs-special-events/ ochristmas-trees/
Great Figgy Pudding Street Corner Caroling Competition. Dec. 1, 6-8:30pm. Westlake Park neighborhood on Pine St. between 3rd Ave and 7th Ave. The biggest single musical holiday event of the season and a critical fundraiser for the Pike Market Senior Center & Clinic & Food Bank, The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition kicks off the month of December with a singular evening of entertainment enjoyed by more
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than 9,000 spectators every year. 1,000 carolers and dozens of caroling teams sing their hearts out on the downtown Seattle street corners of Pine St. and 5th Ave and 6th Ave beginning at 6:15pm. The top caroling teams compete for the most donations raised in the Figlanthropy category. The categories of Best Choral performances and Most Creative teams are selected by the Famous Figgy Judges; the People’s Choice team is selected by popular vote. The top two teams in each of these categories compete in a sing-off on the Figgy Main Stage. A Seattle holiday tradition, the Great Figgy Pudding is a zany, family friendly and delightful holiday event for everyone. Caroling teams run the gamut from singing lawyers, to costumed co-workers of Seattle landmark businesses to Von Trapp-like families. KING-5 TV “Evening Magazine”’s Jim Dever and Kim Holcomb will share the spotlight as Figmasters this year. Returning caroling team crowd pleasers include the Starbucks Coffee Choir, Emerald City Voices, Emerald City Cloggers, and The Beaconettes. www.pikemarketseniorcenter.org. Volunteer Park Trust Holiday in the Park. Dec. 7, 6-8pm. Volunteer Park, 14th Ave & E Prospect St. A FREE community celebration for everyone! Walk the Volunteer Park pathways beautifully lit by hundreds of luminarias! Listen to joyful music from Holy Names Vocal Ensemble, Sing Noel, Lakeside Acafellas, Voices of Inspiration, and the Beaconettes! Launch a candlelit make-a-wish boat at the kids’ activity booth! All while enjoying free cookies and hot cocoa provided by Volunteer Park Trust! www.volunteerparktrust.org/ events. T-Mobile New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Space Needle. Dec. 31. Seattle Center. Includes a New Year’s Eve party at the adjacent Chihuly Garden & Glass. www.chihulygardenandglass.com
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"14th Annual 'Stronger Together' World AIDS Day Breakfast." 7:30am9am. Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Avenue. The World AIDS Day Breakfast is a fundraiser for Gay City, Seattle Counseling Service, and Care Teams, a program of Samaritan Center, who work together to provide crucial HIV prevention, education, support and care in the Seattle area. Hosted by Molly Shen, KOMO 4. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Marjorie Hill, New York State AIDS Advisory Council. Individuals being honored at this year’s breakfast: Kenny Joe McMullen, Project HANDLE@Navos and Kevin Patz, CareTeams. Community Partners: People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), Entre Hermanos, Lifelong, Seattle Area Support Groups. Presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo. While there is no cost to attend we are asking for donations at the event. For more information and to pre-register visit strongerstogetherseattle.com “The Monarchs’ Holiday.” Dec. 2, 6:30pm door; 7:30pm show. Kremwerk, 1809 Minor Ave #10. Join for a fabulous and hysterical show featuring past and reigning monarchs of Seattle, the reigning Imperial Family, and more for a show benefiting the Court’s charities and Lifelong! $5 suggested donation or an unwrapped toy. Presented by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic & Rainier Empire. “Snowball!” Dec. 2, 7:30pm. Bertha Knight Landes Room, City Hall, 5th Ave. at Cherry St. Join us for a celebration of our trans and gender nonconforming communities and learn what we have in
store for 2018. There will be a robust program, a local art auction supporting the work of queer and trans artists, free food, drinks, and community awards. Tickets: $25 and sliding scale. www.eventbrite. com /e/ingersoll-presents-snowball2017-tickets-39601199253 As a non-profit for 40 years, Ingersoll has provided weekly support groups, educational access, and community engagement in Seattle and beyond. Through our decades of service Ingersoll has joined with thousands of individuals, families, friends and allies in the amazing and intensely human process of discovery - a wonderfully personal and social search for complete and peaceful lives. Our goal is to assure that the best services, the most welcoming conditions, and the strongest advocacy are all here for those who visit Ingersoll 2017 has been one of our biggest years yet in that work.
“Pictures With Santa.” Dec. 8 & 9, 8pm-midnight. The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave. Seattle Men in Leather’s annual holiday event allows members of the community to get an individual or family portrait with a hunky Santa and his elves and reindeer. Sit on (leather) Santa’s lap and let him know what you really want for Christmas. The portraits are professionally printed and distributed immediately following the photo shoot. Suggested donation is $10 per print. All proceeds from the event will go to SML’s charity see HOLIDAY CALENDAR page 11
Celebrating 43 Years!
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"Taiwan’s tourism officials hope that events like Pride and its soon-to-be status as being the first Asian country to permit gay marriage will help cement its image as being a friendly destination for LGBT travelers."
Celebrating kickoff to Taiwan Pride at BFF Social GaLa in Taipei.
TAIWAN PRIDE continued from cover
powerful,” Landers wrote. “It is very different from Seattle Pride with its strict platoons and floats. Everyone in Taipei mostly just marched together as one giant mass of people with their own signs and flags and slogans. We were proud to be a part of Taiwan’s largest ever Pride parade – over 123,000 people!” The head of Taiwan Pride, Simon Tai, noted that Taiwan boasts Asia’s second-
marriage in the country is over, organizers are urging that sex education programs in school teach respect for all orientations and encourage open discussions of issues related to sexuality. Taiwan Pride began in 2003, with just 500 participants and attendance has been steadily growing ever since. Organizers said about 40,000 more people attended this year over last year. Tai said Pride is funded mostly by donations from corporations and businesses and that it gets no money from the government. The Pride chief added that donations from
rare and you won’t see homeless camped out on downtown streets. Taiwan is a 13-hour flight from Sea-Tac and is serviced with nonstop flights from the Taiwanese carrier Eva Air. The country is less than a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. Just 111 miles separate it from mainland China at the Taiwan Strait. Despite its proximity to China, Taiwanese feel closer to Japan, which had occupied the country for about 50 years until the end of WWII in 1945. The island’s status as an independent state has been in limbo since. China has not given up claim to Taiwan while the US has promised to defend its right to independence President Trump broke protocol last year when he took a
district. It got its name from the red brick building that once housed a movie theater that was popular with gay men back in the not-so-distant past when homosexuality was taboo in Taiwan. But what a difference a few decades make. Now a multi-level complex just behind the Red House is clustered with small gay bars and an open-air courtyard where people mingle. You can gay bar hop there without ever having to even cross a street. The city’s LGBT center “GisneyLand” is also based there. The city’s famed lesbian nightclub, Taboo, is about 2.5 miles from the Red House area, across from the National Taipei University and near the Songjiang Nanjing subway station.
Entry to Taiwan GDi Association.
largest Pride parade. Israel, he added, still lays claim to the continent’s largest Pride. The parade kicked off about 2:30pm from the heart of Taipei’s downtown, at the East Gate near the Presidential Office Building, and concluded about two hours later. Entertainment and speeches preceded the parade and continued for three hours after it ended. The parade took three different routes that eventually made it back to the starting point. A total of 160 groups representing colleges, non-governmental organizations and businesses made up the parade’s marchers. The theme of this year’s Pride was partially borrowed from America’s Vietnam era: “Make Love, Not War – Sex Ed is the Way to Go.” Now that the fight for gay
Japanese businesses and individual businesspeople made up a big chunk of its funding. San Francisco-based Uber was among the major sponsors. The company’s name was spelled out in big block letters at the start of the parade. Taiwan’s tourism officials hope that events like Pride and its soon-to-be status as being the first Asian country to permit gay marriage will help cement its image as being a friendly destination for LGBT travelers. The island country offers visitors a rich Asian cultural experience and with a very lively gay nightlife scene, giving tourists plenty of opportunities for visitors to mix it up with locals. Taipei is also a very safe and clean city. You will see very little graffiti on buildings or trash in the street. In sharp contrast to Seattle, panhandling is
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November 17, 2017
Presentation to Kaohsiung City Government (Seattle's Sister City).
congratulatory phone call from Taiwan’s president just after he won election. Taiwanese who support independence took that as sign that the President will be a strong ally to help it maintain the status quo as a prosperous capitalist democracy. Red House District Taiwan has a population of a little over 23 million. Taipei, on the northern end of the island, is its capital. With a population of 2.7 million, Taipei supports about three dozen gay bars, nightclubs, saunas and a gay hotel opened in the city earlier this year. The biggest concentration of gay bars in Taipei can be found in the Red House
The neighborhood where Red House is situated is called Ximending. It is also where you will find the subway station, Ximen. By the way, it is very easy to get around Taipei without a car. The city’s subway system. MRT, is excellent. Fares on the city’s transit system cost about 66 cents. It is clean, safe and fast. The Sights Taipei 101 tower gets its name from its 101 floors and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It is no longer the world’s tallest building but it is among the most beautiful. It is designed to resemble a bamboo plant. The decorative circles on the
Celebrating 43 Years!
"We were proud to be a part of Taiwan’s largest ever Pride parade – over 123,000 people!"
Matthew Polzin at the Taiwan Pride march.
side of the building are a sign of good luck and wealth. The observation levels include a view of a huge gold-colored sphere that is designed to counter the tower’s movement in an earthquake or during strong winds. Taipei’s Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) is currently showcasing an exhibition of LGBT-themed art in honor of Pride. A bunch of gray metallic booths are installed near the entrance to the museum as part of the exhibition. People are encouraged to scratch off messages on the booths revealing the rainbow colored lights that line the inside of the booths. The Golden Gate Bridge is featured in a photograph in the exhibit. It shows famed Hong Kong-born photographer Tseng Kwong Chi, in a traditional Chinese Mao jacket on the Marin Headlands overlooking the bridge. The artist was 39 when he died of AIDS in 1990. Night markets are a tradition in several cities in Taiwan and Taipei’s Shilin Market is the most famous. Located opposite the Jiantan subway station, the city’s open-air market opens at 6pm and is filled mostly with stands selling various types of food and drinks. City workers often stop there for a quick bite before heading home. Summers in Taipei are typically hot and humid. This time of year through the winter is the height of the tourist season in the city. Taipei winters are cool but the weather seldom dips below freezing. If you visit in the winter, you can have the best of both worlds. If you crave warmer weather, Kenting National Park in the southernmost point of the country features tropical beaches. Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake and one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. It is in the middle of the country and has long been popular with tourists from mainland China. Lake activities include scenic bicycle trails around the lake and boat rides on the lake that usually include a stop at an island in the middle of the lake with a couple of Buddhist temples and a landmark statue. Taichung is Taiwan’s third largest city and like Taipei boasts very modern architecture, bright store lights and electronic billboards. Scooters are one of Taiwan’s favorite means of transportation and they are particularly noticeable in Taichung. Scooters or mopeds can legally be parked on the sidewalk and in some places in Taichung the bikes line both sides of the sidewalk. For a look into Taiwan’s past, check out
the country’s oldest city, Tainan, with its myriad of narrow streets and alleyways. Landmarks there include the Confucius Temple and the nearby Treehouse, which is an abandoned business complex that was overtaken by banyan trees. Now it is a tourist attraction and includes catwalks allowing visitors to safely walk above the decaying structures. Accommodations One of Taipei’s newest hotels is a hotel for gay men. The boutique Gs Hotel Taipei (http://en.gshome.co/) has 24 hostelstyle rooms with common showers, bathroom and sauna area. The property boasts an outdoor hot tub and patio. The hotel is very clean and modern. The rooms are stylish but with just enough space to include a bed and your luggage. It’s a great place for single men to meet other guys and is just steps away from a subway station, so can be a good home base to explore the city. Rates are about $26/night including taxes. For a more traditional hotel, check out the
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AMBA Taipei Songshan. It is just steps from the city’s Raohe Night Market. If you are traveling during Pride time, be sure to check out Pride specials the hotel offers. The hotel has been open for four years and is modern and upscale. Rates start at $130/night. In the heart of downtown, the Folio Daan Taipei is a cool modern boutique hotel with small rooms with smaller prices that start about $78. For a splurge hotel with one of the best breakfasts in Taiwan, check out the Lin Hotel in Taichung, which suspiciously looks like the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas and has an amazing buffet that it has called the Las Vegas buffet. The highrise hotel is in the heart of the city’s modern downtown and includes a spa, pool and fitness center that guests can use for free. Rates start about $133. Jia-Jia at West Market Hotel is a cute hip boutique hotel in the ancient city of Tainan. A made-to-order breakfast, 24-hour coffee and snacks and free bike rentals are included. Rates start at a bargain $53.
Eats Taiwan is famous for its food that includes influences from China and Japan. It is customary to eat family-style meals in restaurants. Various courses of meat, fish and vegetables are brought to the table, often put on a lazy susan to make it easier to pass around. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese original created in 1983 and worth checking out or even making yourself. It’s sold in Seattle and around the world. It’s called bubble tea because of the foam created by shaking iced tea mixed with ingredients including powdered milk and sugar. Pearl milk tea was created four years later and is a combination of tea, milk and small tapioca balls. It was created in the Chun Shui Tang Teahouse in Taichung and the shop has branches all over the country now. Din Tai Fung is one of the city’s most famous restaurants. It has several branches throughout the city, including one in the Taipei 101 complex. There is almost always a line to get it to try its famous soup dumplings.
Post-Pride reception with Taiwanese LGBT activists in Taipei.
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 9
TRAVEL
United Together: Las Vegas Pride 2017 by Shaun Knittel SGN Contributing Writer Las Vegas, Nevada is known for many things. Neon lights, world-class entertainment, and gambling to name a few. But in recent years the “little Pride parade that could” has turned into a full-on spectacle of all things LGBTQ – and the city (from government to citizen) has embraced the annual celebration in a way that many would’ve thought impossible just a few short years ago. I grew up in Las Vegas during the late 1980’s and all through the 1990’s. If there was an LGBTQ community that existed here it would’ve been news to me. I knew there was Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), which provided support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada, nightlife was alive and well in the “Fruit Loop” (the name affectionately given to the cluster of Gay bars on Paradise Road near the Las Vegas Strip), and that being Gay wasn’t a problem in the entertainment community as folks like Siegfried & Roy made millions entertaining audiences from around the world with their white tigers at the Mirage Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard. But as far as a visible community, its services or identity were concerned, one could imagine a ghost town of sorts. The reason for this is simple. Las Vegas is a transient town, so people come and people go at a rate that most cities around the world could only imagine, let alone thrive on. That and the fact that people – tourist or resident alike – move here, visit, or work here to forget about the rest of the world and its problems. Activism gave way to alcohol, doorbelling wasn’t as therapeutic as dancing, and so on. But some, although not all, of that has changed. When my husband and I attended Las Vegas Pride 2017, “United Together,” October 20-22, we found a newly robust community that is finding its voice, sharing its culture and history, and looking towards the future with nothing but growth and excitement in sight. We saw more drag, a bigger parade full of community organizations and corporate contingents, along with a family-friendly festival and a show of allied support bigger than anything I had experienced before during Las Vegas Pride events in the past. While most of the LGBTQ Pride celebrations take place around the world in June, some communities, such as Las Vegas, take place during other months for various reasons. In Vegas, Pride is in October for one simple reason – temperatures soar downward from the blistering 110+ degrees in the summer to a comfortable 90 or 80 degrees in the fall. Another stark difference between Vegas Pride and other celebrations around the world is that the Pride parade takes place at night and kicks off the festivities, rather than a morning parade that culminates a weeks-long buildup to the main event. At 7:30pm on October 20, in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, near the famous Freemont Street Experience, the Dykes on Bikes roared up and down the parade route to officially kickoff the Pride parade. For more than three hours the parade, with many impressive floats, tons of free merchandise, and a host of community-based representation turned the streets of downtown (old town) Vegas from gritty to glamorous as thousands of people from around the world lined the sidewalks to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. You have not experienced Pride yet until you see a Pride parade with the lights of Freemont Street and all of its glowing lights as a backdrop. While the parade might be bigger and better than ever, it is important to note that the organization behind it, the all-volunteer board of directors at The Southern Nevada
10 Seattle Gay News
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Pride
Association of PRIDE, Inc., has been serving the community for 34 years and should be credited for the outstanding job they have done to not only grow the event in popularity and size, but for acting as ambassadors of the community throughout each year to expand residents knowledge about who we are as an LGBTQ community and the struggles we face. There are simply too many pre- and after-parties to list (many mainstream casinos even host an LGBTQ-themed Pride party during Pride weekend) but suffice to say that whether you like leather, ladies, twinks, bears, or whomever, there is a party waiting for you here somewhere. One beautiful thing that struck a chord with me throughout the Pride Parade and the family Pride Festival that followed was the embracing of all the different flags that
we wave as a community. Whether it be the Asexual Pride Flag, Transgender Pride Flag, Rainbow Pride Flag with the added brown and black stripes, it simply did not matter. All were welcome and all were applauded, displayed, and accepted. Las Vegas Pride President James Healey said that the various Pride flags are symbols “that truly represent what the LGBTQ and Ally community is all about.” “It shows that when you bring all colors together, you make something beautiful,” he said. Las Vegas Pride took place just weeks after the deadliest mass shooting in American history. On October 1, Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and injured hundreds more when he opened fire on a large crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. The impact of the sense-
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Pride
November 17, 2017
less killing hit hard for the Vegas LGBTQ community. During the parade, a number of touching tributes were displayed for the victims of the shooting, and a lot of money was raised during Pride parties to be donated to families of the victims and survivors of the attack. “The theme for Las Vegas Pride 2017 is UNITED TOGETHER,” Healey said. “Having selected our theme more than one year ago, we could not have imagined how important this message would be for our community.” “Our brothers and sisters at Pulse Nightclub were fresh in our minds at the 2016 festivities and this October,” continued Healey, “we find our own city touched directly by tragedy.” We have been witness to great loss and tragedy but when things get dark, the light always shines bright in Las Vegas! The Las Vegas community at large has responded with such strength!” Out of the tragedy #VegasStrong was born and Las Vegas Pride added to #VegasStrong, #UnitedTogether. Each year, following the Friday night Pride Parade kickoff, Pride revelers go to Sunrise Park (a sprawling city park complete with a giant pond you can actually fish in, sand beach volleyball courts, desert walking trails, carnival rides, food trucks and more) for a two-day, family Pride festival. Booths line the $10 admission event to table for community organizations, educate through outreach, sale Pride merchandise; a dance area is DJ’d throughout the 9am7:30pm event; a mainstage features live band, drag, dancing, and magic entertainment; and any type of food you could ever imagine is available for lunch or dinner. Las Vegas Pride has grown – and will no doubt continue to grow – but it has years to go before it reaches Seattle Pride size. The good news about that is that the hotels in Downtown Las Vegas or on the Las Vegas Strip are not sold out. You can stay, for cheap, at any of the properties or opt for the full star or presidential treatment by spending a little more (or in some cases a lot more) to experience Pride weekend in Las Vegas without breaking the bank. If you’ve never been to Vegas or you consider yourself a frequent visitor, you should consider visiting the glowing city in the desert for Pride 2018 next October. You will be glad you did!
Celebrating 43 Years!
holiday romp! A Seattle treasure since 1996, Ham for the Holidays is in its 17th incarnation, and Peggy and Lisa hope to soon be immortalized in their own Netflix original series, “Fallopian is the New Black.” “…a hysterical, tears streaming down your face YAY!” – Broadway World “Itʼs like someone put SCTV, Carol Burnett and Auntie Mame into a huge comedy blender...” – Seattle Gay Scene “Timing is everything, and theirs is perfect...” – Seattle Weekly Ham for the Holidays contains adult humor and themes recommended for ages 14+. www.acttheatre.org.
HOLIDAY CALENDAR continued from page 6
for the year, Seattle Area Support Groups (SASG). www.seattlemeninleather.org. “POCAAN’s 30th Anniversary Gala.” Dec. 8, 7pm. Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St. POCAAN (People of Color Against AIDS Network) hosts their second annual event to celebrate the contributions of communities of color within the Pacific Northwest, as well as raise money to support POCAAN’s justice work. The gala event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation and live entertainment. It’s a stellar opportunity to honor community advocates, have a great meal and experience stellar artists in an intimate setting. The event also seeks to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that continue to empower communities on the margin and fight for health and socio-economic equity. Proceeds from the gala and awards dinner will support POCAAN’s HIV/AIDS outreach work. Donations will go to funding POCAAN’s Same Gender Loving Men of Color and their Women and Girls initiatives in 2018. Tickets: $50-general; $100-VIP. Semi-formal attire requested. POCAAN is committed to fighting for health equity for communities of color in Washington state. RSVP to 206-322-7061 or www.pocaan.org.
Three Dollar Bill Cinema – Auntie Mame. Dec. 13, 6:30pm soiree; 7:30pm screening,. AMC Pacific Place Cinema, 600 Pine St. Celebrate the season with Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s 10th annual screening of Auntie Mame, the beloved 1958 film starring the incomparable Rosalind Russell, returns for one night only, a “homo for the holidays” tradition! Always armed with a colorful dress and an acerbic quip, the flamboyant, vibrant Mame Dennis (Russell) is an unconventional socialite from the Roaring Twenties. When her young orphan nephew comes to live in her madcap party pad, Mame takes him under her wing for an adventure in living life to its fullest. This is an all-ages event. Join us early for a pre-film soirée with sparkling beverages, delightful bites, entertainment and photo opportunities galore! Local celebrity Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse will host the evening and perform a special number before the show. Costumes encouraged. Film starts at 7:30pm sharp! Tickets: $20-general; $15-members; $12-low income, student,, senior, youth, those with disabilities; a limited number of complimentary Mame hospitality tickets will be available to people in need. www.threedollarbillcinema.org. “Light the Night! An LGBTQ Hanukkah Celebration.” Dec. 14, 6:309:30pm. Hillel UW, 4745 17th Ave NE. Join JConnect, Pave and Kolenu for our annual LGBTQ Hanukkah Celebration! We will gather together for delicious vegetarian tapas, sangria, and yummy latkes and doughnuts. We will all gather together for candle lighting, singing, and some lovely thoughts shared by Udi Asaraf and Rabbi Dana Benson. FREE and open to the community. Allies, friends, and family welcome! This all-ages event is made possible through the support of JConnect Seattle, Hillel at the University of Washington, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. RSVP to www.jconnectseattle.org or phone 206-527-1997.
“The Dina Martina Christmas Show 2017.” Nov. 24-25 & Dec. 1-31 @ 8pm, WEEKEND MATINEES: Dec. 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 @ 2pm. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Dina Martina is the most surreal and hilarious chanteuse you’ll ever find – “The Second Lady of Entertainment” – DINA MARTINA! Accompanied on the ivories by Stranger Genius Award winner MR. CHRIS JEFFRIES and armed with truly legendary songs, stories, costumes and audience gifts, Dina Martina will give you one of the most festive, invigorating and ingeniously funny evenings you’ve ever had! See why she’s a favorite of John Waters, Matt Stone, Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge, Graham Norton and many, many more! What a Dina Martina show is, simply put, is a smart and hilarious evening of entertainment you’ll never forget. Get your tickets now, because pretty soon they’ll be flyin’ off the wall like hotcakes! Tickets: $25 advance; $30 at the door. https://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/3077782 “Dina Martina goes way beyond drag into some new kind of twisted art.” – John Waters “The most original drag performer working in America today. A master comic!” – The Village Voice
Seattle Men’s Chorus: “A Sassy Brassy Christmas.” Dec. 10, 7:30pm (ASL interpreter will be present); Dec. 17, 8pm; Dec. 20 & 21 @ 7:30pm and Dec 23 @ 2pm & 7:30pm. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. It’s not the holidays in Seattle without the most welcoming celebration of the season - and this year, we’ve infused your favorite carols and beloved classics with the warmth of brass and a pinch of sass! Featuring a soaring gospel arrangement of “Joy to the World,” the cheeky and cheerful “Super Gay Christmas,” plus a down and dirty Dixieland styling of “Let It Snow.” IN TACOMA: Dec. 9, 3pm & 7:30pm. Rialto Theater; IN EVERETT: Dec. 16, 7:30pm. Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. www. SeattleMensChorus.org Ham for the Holidays: The Hamchurian Candidate. Nov. 30-Dec. 17. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St. Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia) return to ACT with their sassy, gender-bending holiday sketch buffoonery. With favorites like dysfunctional country duo The Spudds, the tiny Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus, and the angst-ridden Slam Poet, Platt and Koch take you on a devilishly loony
Visit us online www.sgn.org
Homo for the Holidays. Dec. 7-30. West Hall, Odd Fellows Building, 2nd Floor, 915 E. Pine St. Homo For The Holidays is a seasonal spectacle guaranteed to make even the most stubborn yuletides gay! An unforgettable all-star cast of burlesque, cabaret, dance, drag, and musical local luminaries come together in a display of glittering grandeur that’s been called “F*CKING GREAT....F*CKING HILARIOUS!” by Dan Savage. With such acclaimed talent as Stranger Genius Award winner Cherdonna, Burlesque Hall of Fame winners and #1 Burlesque Performers in the World (Burlesque Top Fifty) Kitten N’ Lou, RuPaul’s Drag Race star BenDeLaCreme, along with the noteable Waxie Moon, The One The Only Inga, Faggedy Randy, The Luminous Pariah, ilvs strauss, Rebecca M. Davis, and Danny Kam this show is one of the most star-studded feasts of queer talent you can find on one Seattle stage! http:// homofortheholidays.strangertickets.com/
Byrd Ensemble – A Classic Christmas. Nov. 25, 8pm, St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Avenue. Join the Byrd Ensemble for a festive Christmas program featuring traditional carol arrangements by the finest English composers. The main course is Benjamin Britten’s famous Ceremony of Carols and Gustav Holst’s Four Old English Carols, both with harp. Accompanying these pieces are traditional Christmas carols you and your family will enjoy! Featuring harpist Catherine Case. General Admission: $30; Seniors (65+): $25; Students: $20. www.ByrdEnsemble.com.
Encanto - Annual Holiday Concert. Nov. 25, 7:30pm. Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall - Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. The Encanto Music program, founded by José Iñiguez, in collaboration with the Camino Foundation, proudly presents an evening of unique music that pairs the beauty of Opera Aria and classical piano with the charm of Mariachi Bolero. Headlining the event is award winning Seattle opera and bolero Tenor, José Iñiguez. José will be unveiling all new music with the orchestra. The program features; Opera Soprano International renown mystery guest. Her name will be unveiled 2 weeks prior; The Ballard Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paula Madrigal; Leading us through this cultural journey is Emcee Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez & Emmy award winning Hollywood producer Diana
Rivera. Behind the scene expert Fernando Luna, from the Latino Theatre Projects will be our Stage and Lighting Director. A magical evening awaits. Highlights from the evening’s diverse program include Tosca, La Donna è Mobile, Miss Sarajevo, works from Salvatore Cardillo & Franz Shubert. For the boleros you will hear music from Javier Solis, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Vicente Fernandez, Flor Silvestre and Alejandro Fernandez. Tickets: $20-35. www.seattlesymphony.org.
Seattle Pacific University – Sacred Sounds of Christmas. Nov. 26, 7pm. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. Each year Seattle receives a special gift from Seattle Pacific University – the Sacred Sounds of Christmas. Featuring performing groups from SPU’s Music Department, this concert, now in its 18th year, is a much-anticipated event. Featuring the best of sacred Advent music from around the world, Sacred Sounds includes traditional Advent and Christmas carols, performed by the Music Department’s nationally recognized student and faculty musicians. For nearly two decades, this concert has grown in both acclaim and popularity. It is a consistent sellout. Audience members come from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond to enjoy a one-of-a-kind celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Tickets: $22-25. www.seattlesymphony.org. The Esoterics – EXCELSIS: Contemplating Extremity. Dec 1, 8pm. St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4805 NE 45th Street - Seattle. Dec 2, 8pm. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4142 42nd Avenue SW - West Seattle. Dec 3, 7pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K Street Tacoma. In the final concert of our 24th season, The Esoterics will cast our choral gaze upward, to consider the forces that propel us to greater heights of consciousness. This December, we will welcome the transforming embrace of the celestial feminine in the songs of EXCELSIS. The centerpiece of this program will be To touch the sky by the Pulitzer Prizewinning composer Kevin Puts. This tenmovement compendium of the celestial feminine include texts by Marie Howe, Mirabai, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Amy Lowell, Emily Bronte, Edna St Vincent Millay, Christina Rossetti, Sappho, and Hildegard of Bingen. The group will perform Puts’ “If I were a swan,” a setting of a poem by Fleda Brown, as well as Paul John Rudoi’s “Spheres of influence,” setting poems about comets and galaxies by Tim Togeas and Sara Dailey. For this program, the ensemble is very excited to welcome two composers from Philadelphia, who have both written works that will receive their world premieres in EXCELSIS. Kala Pierson’s Flung open, setting a poem of her own creation, has been composed earlier this year while she was on a residency at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island; Andrea Clearfield’s Khandroma sets a poem by the Dartmouth anthropologist and translator Sienna Craig, that recounts the legend of the Tibetan ‘dakini,’ the ancient Buddhist spirits that dance across the sky. The Esoterics will be offering three performances of EXCELSIS. We hope that you will join us for this celestial concert series. Tickets: $15-$22. www.theesoterics.org. see HOLIDAY CALENDAR page 21
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 11
TRAVEL
It’s always sunny in Palm Springs, seriously: With perfect weather, exploring the desert city and beyond is a winter time must
Palm Springs sunset – Photo courtesy of GPS CVB
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer It took nearly half a century of my existence to visit Palm Springs for the very first time. Over the years, I’d collected everything from postcards to keychains and other souvenirs from close friends who made frequent trips to the California city, always returning with wonderful stories and vowing to go back. Finally, it was my turn. After a two hour and fifteen minute flight, I arrived somewhere that looked and felt completely different than Seattle, which is exactly what I wanted – no chilly temperatures, no early morning drizzle, no loud city noise, no pretentious hipsters and no construction cranes in every neighborhood. It was a slice of heaven for four days. Palm Springs has long been a favorite destination of LGBT travelers, a place as easy to get around in as it is easy to get into trouble. It has elements of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Scottsdale and Key West, though its close proximity to the San Bernandino, Santa Rosa, San Jacinto and Little San Bernandino mountain ranges provides visitors with a picturesque backdrop, plus a yearround sunny climate and very laid back lifestyle that separates it from the rest. And though the city itself has everything to offer – cool hotels, trendy restaurants, vibrant nightlife, dozens of small boutique stores and even a casino – most visitors overlook the opportunity of exploring the Greater Palm Springs area, stretching from Desert Hot Springs to Coachella with a total of 9 cities linked together by Interstate 10. With a rental car, or if you don’t mind sit-
12 Seattle Gay News
ting on a public bus for a couple of hours – the #111 runs the length of California State Route 111, to and from Palm Springs – you can discover any or all of these cities on an afternoon excursion with shopping malls, sit-down restaurants, well-known fast food chains (yes, they do have In-N-OutBurger), golf courses and independently owned shops lining both sides of Route 111 along the way. Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com) flies nonstop daily between Seattle and Palm Springs, although you can also get there via other airlines with quick connections in Los Angeles or San Francisco. If you’re staying in, or close to, downtown, you won’t need to rent a car, as Uber service is dependable and inexpensive, plus there’s a city bus and a free trolley that make frequent loops in and around central Palm Springs. For further trip planning, go to www. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com. Here are my recommendations for a fun in the sun weekend in Greater Palm Springs. STAY When it comes to hotels in Palm Springs, the question is whether you want to stay in the city, or just outside of it, and that depends on your itinerary. If you’ll be spending the bulk of your time in Palm Springs, like going out to the gay bars and strolling through downtown, then I’d recommend either The Rowan (www.rowanpalmsprings.com), a new Kimpton hotel set to open this month, or the year-old Hard Rock Hotel (www.hrhpalmsprings. com), a terrific property with unique music memorabilia from Lady GaGa to the Red
November 17, 2017
Hot Chili Peppers in its main lobby; both The Rowan and the Hard Rock Hotel are located in downtown. Another option is the Ace Hotel (www.acehotel.com/palmsprings), just five minutes from downtown by car, which played host to a fun pool party during Pride weekend. But if you’re planning to attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, in April, or the BNP Paribas Open pro tennis tournament in Indian Wells, in May, or another event out in the valley, instead of in the city, then the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (www.omnihotels. com/hotels/palm-springs-rancho-las-palmas) in Rancho Mirage would be a good fit. Situated about 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, in the upscale city of Rancho Mirage, this expansive property is loaded with the amenities commonly found at brand name hotels, from flatscreen TVs and personal coffee brewing systems to work desks and private balconies, plus high quality bathroom essentials and lots of closet and drawer space for your belongings. The guest rooms at Omni are quite spacious, including my Poolside Room that overlooked “Splashtopia,” the hotel’s own mini-water park, while the bed and sofa were comfortable enough to get a good night’s rest, as well as a quick nap after a long day. On-site amenities include multiple restaurants and bars, spa, fitness center and the water park, which includes 100-foot water slides and adults-only or all-ages swimming pools; a resort fee may apply. Parking is $10 per night, but is complimentary with the resort fee, as is valet service. Since the hotel is so big, complimentary pickup and drop-off by staff-driven
carts is something to take advantage of during your stay. In the vicinity of the Omni is THE RIVER shopping complex with a great collection of department stores, restaurants and movie theaters. EAT/DRINK The culinary scene in Palm Springs is catered for tourists, so expect to see a lot of comfort food on the menus – steaks, seafood, burgers, pasta, pizza – and less gourmet fare. You’ll also find a good assortment of independent Mexican, Thai and Chinese restaurants in and around town, in addition to national chain establishments, like IHOP. But I recommend trying out the local spots and one of the best in town is The Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Seas Lounge (www.tropicale.com), in downtown Palm Springs, which offers a rather abundant menu of appetizers, entrees and signature cocktails. I’ve had spaghetti and meatballs a thousand times and there’s not much variation from restaurant to restaurant, but Tropicale’s version, the Fresh Egg Spaghetti Tossed with Marinara & Meatballs, was perfection ; the pasta was cooked just right, the homemade sauce was zesty and flavorful, while the meatballs were moist and well-seasoned. What I really loved about this place, which for some reason reminded me of The Golden Girls (I could totally picture Blanche and Rose sipping martinis at the bar) was the ambiance; it was electric. About two-thirds of Tropicale’s guests on the night I visited were gay men, having dinner with their husbands or partners, while others were dining with a group of friends, and it produced such a
Celebrating 43 Years!
lively atmosphere in the room. Other items at Tropicale I can suggest are the MisoGlazed Steelhead Lock Salmon & Black Rice Bowl, the Zatar-Dusted Charred Skirt Steak Shish Kebab and from the small plates menu, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls. As for drinks, the Strawberry Mojito was a refreshing cure to a blistering hot afternoon. Also worth noting about Tropicale is live entertainment on some nights of the week at The Copa Club, adjacent to the restaurant, featuring comedians (i.e. Judy Tenuta) and LGBT artists, such as Ty Herndon and Frenchie Davis; for a listing of upcoming performances, visit www.coparoomps.com. Also in downtown Palm Springs is Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (www. eight4nine.com), an immaculate restaurant with white-colored walls, tables and chairs, elegant chandeliers and large framed prints of our beloved celebrity goddesses, including Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis and Palm Springs resident Lucie Arnaz. The food is decent, I was content with my Eight4Nine Burger – a nice layering of all natural beef, Seattle’s own Beecher’s cheddar cheese, tomato, butter lettuce and garlic-dill thousand island dressing between two brioche buns – but the main attraction here is the decor, which is fabulous in every sense of the word. Eight4Nine is a great meeting point to start the night out on the town with drinks at the bar, or outside on the patio. Over in Rancho Mirage, at The River complex, you’ll come across Acqua California Bistro (www.acquaranchomirage. com), a busy and inviting restaurant with an ample, brightly lit dining room offering table and booth seating, plus additional seating outside. What’s memorable about Acqua is its fixed price three-course dinner, consisting of an appetizer, entree and dessert, all for just $19.99. From the multiple-page menu, I went with the Wild Mushroom soup, Meatloaf A La Arturo and Tiramisu. Each course was filling and delicious; they don’t skimp on the portions, so bring an appetite. Something also worth noting about Acqua is the service, which was friendly, attentive and prompt. As a caffeine addict, I’m always on the lookout for good local coffee everywhere I go. Fortunately, I stumbled upon Koffi (www.kofficoffee.com), a small chain of local shops that not only poured an excellent bold, dark brew on the morning I visited, but it also served a tasty wild blueberry muffin that got my day off to a really good start. There are a few Koffi shops in the area, including a location on North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs; the location I went to was directly across the street from the Ace Hotel, on South Camino Real. LGBT NIGHTLIFE & EVENTS Palm Springs doesn’t have a gay district, but there is a block in downtown housing a handful of gay bars that locals refer to as Arenas. Have your Uber driver drop you off at Hunters Nightclub (www.hunterspalmsprings.com), a popular club that draws a younger, EDM-listening crowd. You can
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Photo courtesy of GPS CVB
vacillate between Chill Bar (www.chillbarpalmsprings.com), which attracted a mostly 40s+ crowd when I was there, as did Score The Game Bar (www.facebook. com/ScorePalmSprings). A more mixed clientele seemed to prefer QUADZ Palm Springs (no website found), a sister bar to QUADZ Las Vegas where you can show off some skills on an intimate dance floor, or sit and watch music videos by the hottest pop divas. Stacy’s at Palm Springs (www. facebook.com/StacysatPalmSprings) and Street Bar (www.psstreetbar.com) are two more places to check out; most of these bars don’t charge a cover to get in. Gaymart USA (www.gaymart.com), also located in Arenas, is stocked with everything from sexy underwear to naughty greeting cards to discreet adult items, yet it’s also where you can pick up free LGBT publications and maps that will help you get around. Pride weekend attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country in early November, but equally well attended, if not more, is the famous White Party Palm Springs (www.jeffreysanker.com) in late April, drawing partygoers from all parts of the globe to the city for a Friday afternoonto-Monday morning rave, in what can only be described as an epic weekend. In September, movie buffs might consider zipping down for the annual Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (www.cinemadiverse.org) that showcases a lineup of award-winning LGBT-themed feature films, shorts and documentaries. And, if you happen to be in town when the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (www.psgmc.com) is performing, do yourself a favor and buy tickets; they are sensational. Should you need additional information
on the local LGBT scene, visit The LGBT Community Center of the Desert in person at 1301 North Palm Canyon Drive (third floor), or online at www.thecenterps.org. EXPLORE There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Greater Palm Springs, including a visit to a national landmark just an hour away, Joshua Tree National Park (www. nps.gov). Definitely ask locals for directions and tips on what to take before heading out there. For panoramic views of the city and valley, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (www.pstramway.com) up to 8,516 feet above the ground with restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails at the top. To learn about the region’s natural geography, specifically the nearby San Andreas Fault, book a three-hour tour with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events (www.red-jeep.com) that offers a brief history lesson and fascinating information about the valley as you maneuver through dirt roads up in the hills in the back of a jeep. Our tour guide Bob, who moved to Palm Springs from San Francisco with his partner, was an excellent storyteller and turned what could have been a boring evening into a captivating, fun experience with his vast knowledge of the area. Palm Springs is a small city with about 45,000 permanent residents, and for its size I was surprised to discover that the Palm Springs Arts Museum (www.psmuseum. org) was one of the coolest designed museums I’ve ever been to, not to mention it’s larger than I anticipated and therefore I wasn’t able to view everything on display
in its three-level space. Still, what caught my eye was a current exhibit titled “Kinesthesia: Latin American Kinetic Art, 19541969” that was both trippy and intriguing at the same time; it’s scheduled through January 15, 2018. Another current exhibit is “No Glass Ceiling! Women Working in Glass, Part 1” that runs through March 5, 2018. Before leaving, be sure to view the powerful and touching memorial to the victims of the Las Vegas attack in the lobby. Finally, to get your motor running – literally – venture out to the BMW Performance Center (www.bmwperformancecenter.com), just outside of Coachella and attend the Mini Monitoring School for a morning, afternoon, or all day session. Learn the proper and safe techniques of steering, slalom, emergency braking, skid pad and more inside a real Mini Cooper on a specially designed track at speeds above the normal limit. First class instructors, some of whom are former professional racers, will provide you with all the information you’ll need in a classroom setting before going out on the track. Various packages are available, including a “Mini Tricks and Stunts” experience, where instructors will cover reverse donuts on the skidpad, J-turns, reverse turns and a hot lap around the track. You must possess a valid drivers license to drive one of the vehicles; otherwise you can experience the thrill by riding shotgun. A bonus is that the instructors are easy on the eye, so there’s that, too. If you’ve never been to Palm Springs before, don’t wait as long as I did. And if you have been, though haven’t explored Greater Palm Springs, I encourage you to do so. There’s so much more to see and do outside the one city, so take some time to scope out the other parts on your next trip.
"Palm Springs has long been a favorite destination of LGBT travelers, a place as easy to get around in as it is easy to get into trouble."
BMW Performance Center – Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau (GPS CVB)
Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 13
Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect on display at SAM
Major exhibition presents radical reimagining of one of the 20th century’s most complicated artists
The Drifter, 1964, Andrew Wyeth, American, 1917–2009, drybrush watercolor on paper, 22 ½ x 28 ½ in., Collection of Phyllis and Jamie Wyeth, © 2017 Andrew Wyeth / Artist Rights Society (ARS).
SEATTLE ART MUSEUM ANDREW WYETH: IN RETROSPECT Through January 15 The Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Avenue) is currently showing Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect (through January 15), exploring groundbreaking perspectives on the art and legacy of the American painter’s 75-year career. Organized by the Seattle Art Museum with the Brandywine River Museum of Art for the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth, the exhibition brings together 110 paintings and drawings ranging from the late 1930s to 2008, including rarely seen loans from the Wyeth family. In Retrospect reflects on Wyeth’s work through the historical lens of a century in which he deviated from the American art mainstream but continued to figure prominently in much of the country’s artistic discourse. ABOUT THE EXHIBITION In Retrospect opens with a gallery of significant works introducing the cast of characters from Wyeth’s world who feature in some of his most famous portraits, such as Christina Olson of Maine and Karl Kuerner, his neighbor in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. These dream-like works complicate long-held critical notions of Wyeth as an out-of-step realist, revealing how he imbued images of the places, people, and things around him with his own mysterious temperament. “The work of Andrew Wyeth is technically dazzling, narratively riveting, and, well – weird,” says Patricia Junker, SAM’s Ann M. Barwick Curator of American Art. “His portraits, figures, and landscapes reveal a complex mind investigating the deepest human emotions: love, death, and how we experience the passing of time. We are thrilled to offer this rare opportunity to see such an impressive array of Wyeth’s work.” After the first gallery, the exhibition is organized in rough chronological order, tracing Wyeth’s development from his earliest watercolors, to more staged works of the 1940s-50s, and to deeper technical experimentation in the 1950s-60s, incorporating elements of chance. These include the artist’s little-known portraits of African Americans from the Chadds Ford community. The exhibition also offers a rare view into Wyeth’s artistic and technical process, presenting studies in a variety of media in an intimate tabletop display. A subsequent gallery presents the tran-
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sitional moment in the late 1960s when Wyeth created portraits of two favored subjects, Christina Olson and Siri Erickson. Enigmatic, unsettling paintings of Wyeth’s neighbors Anna and Karl Kuerner investigate a marriage; poignantly, these are adjacent to Wyeth’s nude portraits of the Kuerners’ nurse Helga Testorf, created in secret at the same time and kept hidden for decades. Also from this era are complex, more abstract paintings that stand out against the rest of Wyeth’s oeuvre, including “Thin Ice” (1969), an early work on loan from a private collection in Japan being shown for the first time on the West Coast. In Retrospect explores less-understood influences on Wyeth, such as popular film and images of war. On view are clips from Metaphor (1975), a filmed conversation between director King Vidor and Wyeth, including scenes from Vidor’s silent masterpiece about World War I, The Big Parade (1925), which Wyeth first saw as a child and re-watched hundreds of times. Also playing in the exhibition are clips from Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (1957), another film that deeply influenced Wyeth. While his contemporaries were expressing the modern age through abstraction, these clips reveal how Wyeth found his own way to a powerful symbolism through the experimental, modern art form of film. The exhibition closes with increasingly surreal late works and reflections on mortality, ending with Wyeth’s last painting, Goodbye (2008), seen in this exhibition for the first time since it was briefly shown to those who attended the artist’s memorial service in 2009. In conjunction with the exhibition, Seattle Art Museum presents “Wyeth’s Black Paintings with Gwendolyn Dubois Shaw” on Thursday, November 30, 7-9pm. Art historian and curator Gwendolyn Dubois Shaw, featured in the exhibition catalogue, discusses issues of representation in relation to Wyeth’s numerous paintings of African American subjects. EXHIBITION CATALOGUE A 240-page exhibition catalogue (including 170 color photographs) copublished by Yale University Press will be available for purchase in SAM Shop ($55.00). Also titled Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect (ISBN: 978-0-300-22395-8), it is edited by SAM curator Patricia Junker and Brandywine curator Audrey Lewis. Intended to be the foundation for subse-
November 17, 2017
Braids, 1977, Andrew Wyeth, American,1917–2009, tempera on hardboard panel, 16 ½ x 20 ½ in., Private collection, © Pacific Sun Trading Company, Courtesy of Frank E. Fowler and Warren Adelson.
quent Wyeth studies, it features Junker’s insightful analysis of four periods in Wyeth’s career, as well as seven provocative essays on key aspects of Wyeth’s work by scholars from the US and Japan. It features a foreword by Thomas Padon, James H. Duff Director of the Brandywine River Museum of Art, and Kimerly Rorschach, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum. RELATED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Art Beyond Sight and docent tours, as well as programs for educators and school groups, will be offered in conjunction with the exhibition in addition to a series of public programs. EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION AND SUPPORT Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect is coorganized by the Brandywine River Museum of Art and Seattle Art Museum. Special exhibitions at SAM are made possible by donors to SAM Fund for Special Exhibitions. Presenting Sponsors are ArtsFund and Microsoft. Lead Sponsors are Delta and 4 Culture. Major Sponsors are Christie’s and the National Endowment for the Arts. Addition Support comes from Contributors to the SAM Fund. ABOUT SEATTLE ART MUSEUM As the leading visual art institution in the Pacific Northwest, SAM draws on its global collections, powerful exhibitions, and
dynamic programs to provide unique educational resources benefiting the Seattle region, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. SAM was founded in 1933 with a focus on Asian art. By the late 1980s the museum had outgrown its original home, and in 1991 a new 155,000-square-foot downtown building, designed by Robert Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates, opened to the public. The 1933 building was renovated and reopened as the Asian Art Museum in 1994. SAM’s desire to further serve its community was realized in 2007 with the opening of two stunning new facilities: the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park (designed by Weiss/Manfredi Architects) – a “museum without walls,” free and open to all – and the Allied Works Architecture designed 118,000-square-foot expansion of its main, downtown location, including 232,000 square feet of additional space built for future expansion. The Olympic Sculpture Park and SAM’s downtown expansion celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2017. From a strong foundation of Asian art to noteworthy collections of African and Oceanic art, Northwest Coast Native American art, European and American art, and modern and contemporary art, the strength of SAM’s collection of approximately 25,000 objects lies in its diversity of media, cultures and time periods. http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/ Courtesy of Seattle Art Museum
Installation view of Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect at SAM – Photo by Natali Wiseman
Celebrating 43 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 15
16 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Join us for a fun and fabulous LGBTQ Night at The 5th Avenue Theatre for Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn on November 28 at 7:30pm! We’re excited to announce that the talented Lorna Luft, daughter of Hollywood film darling, Judy Garland, will star alongside the amazing cast of this holiday classic!
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November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 17
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November 17, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
MOHAI presents Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith
An ambitious exhibition that chronicles the African-American community in the Pacific Northwest UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS RELATED TO SEATTLE ON THE SPOT EXHIBIT
MUSEUM OF HISTORY & INDUSTRY SEATTLE ON THE SPOT: THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF AL SMITH November 18-June 17 Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) presents Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith opening November 18, 2017 and continuing through June 17, 2018. An in-depth exhibit of legendary Seattle photographer Al Smith, this special show illustrates how Smith used photography to document the African-American community in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-20th century. A retrospective of Smith’s work, Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith honors the collection of more than 40,000 photographs generously donated to MOHAI by the Smith family. This irreplaceable work serves as a unique example of capturing history through the lens, film and flashbulb. The exhibit also provides an entry point into national discussions about the history and changing character of Seattle and its evolving neighborhoods. Curated by Howard Giske, MOHAI’s Curator of Photography and a long-time friend of Al Smith, this important exhibit uncovers a collection as unique as the man who created it. “Al was as comfortable in church on Sunday morning as he was in a nightclub on Saturday night,” said Giske. This inclusive attitude inspired Smith to create lively documentary photographs of diverse subjects. For more than half a century, Smith documented African-American community life in his hometown of Seattle. During that time, he amassed thousands of prints and negatives (taken between 1930 and 2005), which he stashed in drawers and cabinets and grocery bags in his home. “I remember helping him develop pictures in his darkroom,” said Al “Butch” Smith Jr., Al Smith’s son and collaborator on the exhibit. “My job was to move new prints from tray to tray on a precise schedule. It was quality time, even without conversation. The camera was like a universal key that opened doors and gave my father license to go anywhere. He prided himself in knowing Seattle’s streets and what was happening around town and in the black community. He seemed to know everyone.” Born in 1916, Al Smith received his first camera as a gift as a teenager. He fell
Opening Day Saturday, November 18 10am - 5pm Included with admission Celebrate the opening of Seattle on the Spot with a photographic journey through Seattle’s vibrant past. Tour the exhibit and see artifacts from legendary photographer Al Smith’s darkroom. Go behind the scenes in an immersive nightclub that includes a video, dance floor, music, interactives, games and artifacts on display, and more. Telling the Story of Al Smith: An Evening with the Curators Tuesday, December 5 7pm $5 MOHAI Members / $10 General Public How do you tell the story of Seattle’s Central District, vibrant jazz scene, and much more through the lens of one man’s camera? Join Vivian Phillips, Seattle Arts Commission chair, as she hosts a conversation with curators Howard Giske, Al “Butch” Smith, Jr., Paul de Barros, and Quin’Nita Cobbins. Gain insights into the life and legacy of Al Smith and the development of MOHAI’s new exhibit, Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith. Seattle on the Spot Family & Community Day January 13 10am - 5pm Enjoy music, performances, craft activities, and more! Please check the website soon for updated details.
Al Smith SS President Grant, 1930s. MOHAI, Al Smith Collection.
in love with photography as he began to capture images of the Central District community where he was raised. After working as a steward on steamships, and sailing to Hawaii, Japan, China, and the Philippines, he returned to Seattle with a professional camera and began to explore his own city with the curiosity that had carried him around the Pacific. He brought his camera wherever he went, capturing friends and family, meeting and gatherings, and the
vibrant social life, focusing on the Central District in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. “Al Smith’s photos capture the transformation of this changing and vibrant African American community between 1940 and the 1970s,” said Quin’Nita Cobbins, historian, BlackPast.org webmaster and collaborator on the Seattle on the Spot exhibit. “The steady rise in postwar migration fueled local civil rights campaigns of the 1960s and dramatically altered African American experiences in the Pacific Northwest.” Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith is accompanied by an illustrated book with contributions by Jacqueline E. A. Lawson, Howard Giske, Al “Butch” Smith Jr., Paul de Barros and Quin’Nita Cobbins. The book is distributed by the Museum of History & Industry and the University of Washington Press. Generous support for Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Boeing Company, Laird Norton Wealth Management, MOHAI Exhibits Fund, Mike Repass, 4Culture, The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, ArtsFund, Washington State Arts Commission, Wyman Youth Trust, and Gordon & Celia Bowker. Up-to-date information about Seattle on the Spot and related programming can be found in the MOHAI online calendar at mohai.org, on Facebook or by calling (206) 324-1126.
About MOHAI MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington; the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. For more information about MOHAI, please visit mohai. org, or call (206) 324-1126. Facebook: facebook.com/seattlehistory Twitter: @ MOHAI. Courtesy of MOHAI
Duke Ellington, 1949, Civic Auditorium. MOHAI, Al Smith Collection
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Location, Hours and Admission MOHAI is located at 860 Terry Ave. in Seattle. Exhibit gallery hours are 10am to 5pm daily. Admission is free on first Thursdays to MOHAI’s regular galleries and open until 8pm. (Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith and MOHAI’s popular miniature Hammons House, will be accessible at a special rate on first Thursdays of $8 for adults, $6 for student/ senior/military). Admission to Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith is included with regular MOHAI admission of $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors (62 and above); $13.95 for students and military (with ID); free for children 14 and under (when accompanied by an adult) and MOHAI members. As part of the Museums For All program, low-income families can visit MOHAI for a minimal fee of $2 per person with the presentation of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. For more information, call (206) 324-1126. (A free Seattle Public Library museum pass can also be obtained at http://www.libraryinsight.net/mpbymuseum.asp?jx=y9.)
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December 15 • 8 pm Holy Rosary Church West Seattle December 17 • 7:30pm Chapel of St Ignatius Seattle University
Tickets & information:
seattlegirlschoir.org
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Celebrating 43 Years!
different settings of the Magnificat by
HOLIDAY CALENDAR W.A. Mozart, Richard Nance and Chriscontinued from page 11
Seattle Symphony – The Snowman. Dec. 2, 11am. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. Raymond Briggs’ children’s book The Snowman comes to life on the big screen! The Seattle Symphony performs Howard Blake’s memorable soundtrack while the animated classic plays above the orchestra. A holiday favorite! Classical KING FM Family Concerts are designed for ages 5 to 12. Come early for pre-concert activities in the Samuel & Althea Stroum Grand Lobby, featuring crafts and instrument exploration. Tickets: $15-20. www.seattlesymphony.org Kirkland Choral Society – Joyful Tidings. Dec. 2, 7:30pm and Dec. 3, 3pm. Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore. Kirkland Choral Society’s well-loved holiday concert features selections from J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” with orchestra partner Philharmonia Northwest. In addition, the program includes holiday gems by German composers Praetorius, Mendelssohn, and Biebl; and a medley of favorite holiday music by local composer Reginald Unterseher. Tickets: Adults $25; Seniors and Students $20. www.kirklandchoralsociety.org
Roosevelt High School Jazz Band – Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Jazz Nutcracker. Dec. 2, 7:30pm and Dec. 3, 2pm. RHS Performing Arts Theatre, 1410 NE 66th St. Roosevelt High School’s nationally award-winning Jazz Band presents this fanciful take on the Tchaikovsky suite that’s sure to get you swinging into the holiday season. Enjoy a smörgåsbord of homemade treats at intermission. Tickets: General: $18; Student/Senior: $13. Visit www.rooseveltjazz.org/events/jazz-nutcracker for ticketing information.
Northwest Chamber Chorus – Mother and Child. Dec. 3, 3pm & Dec. 10, 3pm. Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N. To celebrate the Christmas season, we focus on the composers who have taken their inspiration from stories of Mary and the birth of her son. We sample three very
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tine Donkin, and spanning four centuries. Some favorites from our choral library are blended with new music by composers from Spain, Poland, Norway, Canada, Missouri, and Kennewick, Washington. Guest oboist Ursula Sahagian returns to join us for this beautiful program. Tickets: Adult $25; Seniors & active singers $20; Youth (under 18) Free. www.northwestchamberchorus.org
Dianne Reeves – Christmas Time is Here. Dec. 6, 7:30pm. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Grammy Award-winner, Dianne Reeves returns to KPC for a holiday concert with Billy Childs, Romero Lubambo, Reginald Veal, and Terreon Gully. She is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world today; her arsenal of talents is richly on display in each and every song of her limitless repertoire. This evening, Reeves will focus on selections from Christmas Time is Here, a recording so musical and pleasurable that it falls into that rare category of Christmas albums—it’s simply a great record. “I love the big gray December sky hovering outside my kitchen window when it’s Christmas,” said Reeves. “Inside, I’m cooking for about thirty people with mellow music in the background. It’s the time for me to cook, sit back, relax and float.” Well, sit back and relax, because tonight, Christmas time is…here. Tickets: $68. www. kpcenter.org
A Celtic Christmas with Affiniti & Howard Crosby. Dec. 8, 8pm. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Affiniti, the powerhouse Irish female trio, will present their Celtic Christmas Concert and feature Howard Crosby, nephew of Bing Crosby on both traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. The trio is made up of Ireland’s finest young vocalist, Emer Barry, classical harpist, Aisling Ennis and Mary McCague on violin. The set includes music from their popular holiday CD, The Gift of Music. Affiniti brings new arrangements to songs like “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland” and Mel Torme’s “Christmas Song.” They will join Crosby on his uncle Bing’s biggest hit: “White Christmas.” Tickets: $25. www.kpcenter.org Christmas with the Gothard Sisters. Dec. 7, 7:30pm. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave. N, Edmonds. The Gothard Sisters return to Edmonds for their fourth annual hometown Celtic Christmas celebration with holiday music, song, dance, fun and sibling shenanigans for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets: Adult $22; Senior or Student $18; Under 12 $10. www.ec4arts.org. Pacific MusicWorks – Light in the Darkness: Bach Cantatas for Advent. Dec. 8, 7:30pm - Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood; Dec. 9, 7:30pm, Emmanuel Episcopal Church - Mercer Island; Dec. 10, 2pm, St. Mark’s Cathedral - Seattle. Four dramatic Advent cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach trace the journey to Christmas through prophecy, anticipation, and, ultimately, hope. The story comes to life through some of Bach’s most beautiful music, from the contemplative to the celebratory, full of memorable melodies and colorful musical tapestries. This extraordinary program features the voices of soprano Tess Altiveros, alto Laura Pudwell, tenor
Zachary Finkelstein, and baritone Zachary Lenox along with Stephen Stubbs and the Pacific MusicWorks orchestra. Ticket prices vary by location. www.pacificmusicworks.org
Seattle Symphony – Holiday Pops! Dec. 8-9, 8pm; Dec. 10, 2pm. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. A holiday tradition! Conductor Stuart Chafetz and the University of Washington Chorale return for another fun-filled Holiday Pops program. Featuring holiday classics, traditional favorites and that WOW you’ve grown to love, this year’s Holiday Pops kicks off the season with humor, joy and the heartfelt warmth of the season. Tickets: $34-77. www.seattlesymphony.org Medieval Women’s Choir – Nowelle Sing We. Dec. 9, 8pm. Saint James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave. With roots in antiquity and beyond, winter celebrations have a long history in European culture. Early Christians chose a date close to the Roman festival of Saturnalia to celebrate the birth of Christ, and by medieval times Christmas had generated a huge outpouring of music in every European land. The Medieval Women’s Choir provides a uniquely medieval musical celebration of one of our biggest holidays. Tickets: Adults $25; Student $15. www.medievalwomenschoir.org Seattle Choral Company – Buon Natale. Dec. 9, 8pm. Saint Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E. Buon Natale is the way they say Merry Christmas in Italian. Take a musical tour to Italy this holiday season, no passport needed! From sheepcovered hillsides to majestic cathedrals, let the glorious voices of the Seattle Choral Company take you through centuries of Italian masterworks singing Renaissance motets, popular carols, and works by Italian and Italian-American opera composers. You’ll be transported by the works of Italian masters, including Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Giovanni Gabrieli, Giuseppe Verdi, Luca Marenzio, Gioacchino Rossini, as well as Italian-Americans Gian Carlo Menotti, and Dominick Argento. Tickets: Adults $25; Seniors $20; Students $5. www.seattlechoralcompany.org Seattle Pro Musica – Winter Rose. Dec. 9, 3pm & 7:30pm. Seattle First Baptist, 1111 Harvard Ave.; Dec. 16, 3pm & 7:30pm. Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore. The “winter rose” – also called the “Christmas rose” or “snow rose” – is known for blooming during the darkest days of winter in the mountains of Central Europe. Our holiday concert celebrates the light and hope symbolized by the winter rose with such favorites as Lo, how a rose e’er blooming by Praetorius and A spotless rose by Herbert Howells. Tickets: $12-38. www.seattlepromusica.org Bellevue Chamber Chorus – Winter Song. Dec. 9, 7:30pm; Dec. 10, 3pm. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue; Dec. 17, 3pm. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Avenue SE, Mercer Islan . Fill your holiday celebrations with beautiful music from around the world for winter and the yuletide season. Our joyous program includes the luminous “Stars” (accompanied by tuned water glasses) by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, “River see HOLIDAY CALENDAR page 22
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HOLIDAY CALENDAR continued from page 21
Snow” by Chinese composer Ying Zhang, “A Glimpse of Snow” and “Evergreen” by Washington composer Vijay Singh, delightful arrangements of traditional carols by choral titans Robert Shaw and Alice Parker, Dale Warland, and Gregg Smith, and much more. Tickets: Adults $50, Seniors $38, Students $25. www.bellevuechamberchorus.org Northwest Associated Arts – ChristmasSounds in Burien. Dec. 9-10, 2pm. Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S 152nd St., Burien. The entire NWAA family is delighted to present their annual holiday extravaganza, ChristmasSounds in Burien! Featuring nearly 200 singers, ages 8 to 80, it is one of Burien’s most unique holiday shows. All seven NWAA ensembles will share a single stage, combining beloved traditional Christmas carols, like “The Holly and the Ivy,” with festive favorites, like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” to get you in that merry mood. Join us as we continue this magical and funfilled holiday tradition, from our family to yours! Sponsored by 909 Coffee & in Burien. Tickets: $20-25. www.nwassociatedarts.org
day classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, played in its entirety. Now in its seventh year, Charlie has jammed its way onto the list of the region’s most hip holiday traditions. Sip your cocktails at the Cornish Playhouse. Dress in your favorite jazz threads and step back into 1965, when the music was fly, and Snoopy was still just a drawing on the comics page. Featuring a silent auction of holiday gifts, and the uniquely fine chocolates of Meg Maggie Margaret. The Trio plays twice on Dec. 10. The Main Event features a 6pm cocktail hour, two hours of music, a sales table of fine chocolates, and a silent auction. Earlier, the Trio plays a 1pm Family Matinee with a lower ticket price, discounts for youth, and a shorter set list for families who don’t want to stay up late. Both events are at the Cornish Playhouse and both feature the brilliant grooves of Vince Guaraldi. This year, for the first time, Strawshop is offering a limited number of reserved seats for the 7pm performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Patrons holding Ringside VIP passes will enjoy these benefits. All proceeds to benefit Strawberry Fabulously Theatre Workshop programs forFESTIVE! 2018. DECEMBER 10-23 Tickets: $15-75. www.strawshop.org BENAROYA HALL SEATTLECHORUSES.ORG
Northwest Boychoir – A Festival of Lessons and Carols. Dec. 9-22. (See website for locations and times.)The Northwest Boychoir celebrates its 39-year tradition with the presentation of its 2017 A Festival of Lessons & Carols concert series featuring eight regional performances in December. These holiday concerts showcase the 90-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle. Patterned after the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England, A Festival of Lessons & Carols is a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region. This classical performance consists of nine holiday readings, each followed by a traditional carol performed by the choir, and another carol sung by the choir and audience. While we’re on the subject of the holidays, let’s all admit that nothing says “Christmas” quite like the angelic voices of children. That’s why the Northwest Boychoir’s annual Festival of Lessons and Carols is a Northwest holiday staple. The 90-voice choir performs its traditional carols, interspersed with readings and a sing-a-long, all around the Puget Sound region in sold-out halls. There’s nothing jollier than a concert the whole family can enjoy, from grandparents to in-laws to little ones. For a complete listing of dates, times and locations please visit www.nwboychoir.org. Strawberry Theatre Workshop – A Charlie Brown Christmas. Dec. 10, 1pm & 7pm. Cornish Playhouse Studio, 201 Mercer St. at Seattle Center. “Linus and Juicy” is back! The Jose “Juicy” Gonzales Trio returns to Straw berry Theatre Workshop for the jazziest Christmas party in Seattle. Groove to the fresh sounds of Vince Guaraldi’s holi
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Sassy H O L ID AY
Seattle Men’s Chorus – A Sassy Brassy Christmas. Dec. 10, 7:30pm (ASL interpreter will be present); Dec. 17, 8pm; Dec. 20 & 21 @ 7:30pm and Dec 23 @ 2pm & 7:30pm. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. It’s not the holidays in Seattle without the most welcoming celebration of the season - and this year, we’ve infused your favorite carols and beloved classics with the warmth of brass and a pinch of sass! Featuring a soaring gospel arrangement of “Joy to the World,” the cheeky and cheerful “Super Gay Christmas,” plus a down and dirty Dixieland styling of “Let It Snow.” IN TACOMA: Dec. 9, 3pm & 7:30pm @ Rialto Theater; IN EVERETT: Dec. 16, 7:30pm @ Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. www.SeattleMensChorus.org Cascade Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops. Dec. 10 & 11, 7:30pm. Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Due to popular demand, the Cascade Symphony Orchestra is offering two performances of the tradition, Holiday Pops. A variety of holiday and pops favorites will feature the music of Strauss, Anderson, Smetana, and more with Maestro Michael Miropolsky on violin. Tickets: $10-27. www.cascadesymphony.org
November 17, 2017
Cappella Romana – A Byzantine Christmas: The Sun of Justice. Dec. 15, 7:30pm, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Boyer Ave E. Cappella’s Associate Music Director John Michael Boyer directs exhilarating Byzantine chants for Christmastide in Greek, Arabic, and English. Featuring Lebanon-born guest soloist, Rev’d Deacon John (Rassem) El Massih, and the release of a new CD of the program. Tickets: $24-$49. www.cappellaromana.org.
ize that iconic works like his “Gloria” and “Magnificat,” which are now usually sung by mixed voice choirs, were originally written for his own women’s ensemble singing even the lowest parts. Beloved violinist Monica Huggett leads readings of these masterworks as they were originally heard, performed by an all-female orchestra, soloists, and chorus. Seattle Girls Choir joins the ensemble for this joyous celebration! Tickets: $20-45. www.earlymusicguild.org.
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies – World War II Christmas Canteen. Dec. 15, 8pm. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies has always prided itself on its craft and musicianship, superior skills that have allowed them to excel in whatever format they choose to tackle. From swing to jazz, and the great American songbook, this band will make you want to get up and dance. Tickets: $53. www.kpcenter.org
Geoffrey Castle’s 10th Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration. Dec. 22, 8pm. Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland. Castle’s Celtic Christmas has become a new Northwest tradition! For his 10th anniversary year, Castle is pulling out all the stops, with new material, an All-Star Band, special guests from the Seattle Opera, performances by the award winning Seattle Irish Dance Company, and lots more! Tickets: $40. www.kpcenter.org
Seattle Symphony – The Coats: Holiday Extraordinaire – Shine On!! Dec. 15-17, times vary, Benaroya Hall, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, 3rd Ave. & Union St. The Coats holiday show is an evening filled with laughter, joy and love. This fabulous quartet displays an awe inspiring vocal range with harmonies and catchy music that even gets Santa dancing! Discover why so many people of all ages make this their annual holiday tradition! Shine on!!!! VIP Seating – Front Row Tickets include a VIP Pre-concert MEET and GREET with The Coats. NOTE: In person and phone sales only for VIP seating. Tickets: $42.50 (see box office for VIP pricing). www.seattlesymphony.org/beneroyahall Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers – Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 16, 7:30pm, Seattle First Free Methodist Church, 3200 3rd Ave W; Dec. 17, 3pm @ Everett First Presbyterian Church, 2936 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. No other work has become more closely associated with OSSCS than Georg Frideric Handel’s most celebrated oratorio, Messiah. For four decades, audiences have delighted in our complete and uncut performances. Tickets: up to $25. www.osscs.org/concerts. Ensign Symphony & Chorus – Hosannah! Dec. 18-19, 7:30pm. S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & University St. Start your Christmas season with the Ensign Symphony & Chorus! You’ll hear traditional Christmas favorites that truly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Tickets: $18-$36. www.seattleensign.org/performances. Northwest Baroque Masterworks Project – Venetian Women: Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and “Magnificat.” Dec. 19, 7:30pm, Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore; Dec. 21, 7:30pm, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA Celebrate the holidays with a new perspective on some old favorites. Vivaldi worked at the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls in Venice, as a violin teacher and then later as maestro de’ concerti. Many people do not real-
Byron Schenkman & Friends – An Evening of Viennese Classics. Dec. 28, 7pm. Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave. & Union St. Prepare for the new year with fabulous chamber music by the four masters of Viennese Classicism: Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert, including trios for piano and strings as well as Schubert’s gorgeous “Sonata in A Major” for violin and piano featuring rising star (and Seattle native) Rachell Wong. Tickets: $10-42. www. byronschenkman.com.
5th Avenue Theatre – Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Nov. 24-Dec. 31. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Avenue. The West Coast Premiere of this recent Broadway hit! Holiday Inn is a wonderful new musical inspired by the Oscar-winning film featuring lavish sets and costumes, spectacular choreography and 20 Irving Berlin songs. Jim leaves the bright lights of show business to settle down on a farm in Connecticut – but he finds the simple life is not as simple as he thought. This is a heartwarming treat, sure to put your whole family in the best of holiday spirits. The lowest priced tickets can be found during our preview performances on November 24-30. Looking for great seats? Check out Wednesday, November 29. As an added bonus, $20 of your ticket purchase for this performance will be donated to The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy. “Heartfelt musical eggnog!” – NY Observer Ticket prices vary widely by date and time. www.5thavenue.org.
see HOLIDAY CALENDAR page 29
Celebrating 43 Years!
SEE ECA’S FULL 2017–2018 SEASON ONLINE!
The NEW Premier South Sound Venue for Live Entertainment
STORM LARGE’S HOLIDAY ORDEAL Thursday, November 30, 2017 7:30 pm | $24–$59
STORM LARGE
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with Storm Large? Storm will love you, leave you, and delight you with a wicked charm and stunning vocals that will have you begging for more.
FRIDAY, DEC 1 8:00 PM
ECA SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT
WILLIE K
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 7:30 pm | $29–$64
The Hawaiian phenomenon Willie K is undoubtedly the only artist in the world who can go into an Irish pub in the middle of Maui and play anything from indigenous acoustic Hawaiian music to jazz, reggae, rock, country, and even opera — and not only get away with it, but leave everyone within earshot slack-jawed in astonishment.
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA CHRISTMAS SHOW
Musician, actor, playwright, author, awesome. Sometimes known as the lead singer for Pink Martini, "Storm Large delivers each song with an unwavering, exhilarating intensity and passion that pierces the air with a controlled recklessness sure to send shivers down your spine throughout this beautiful storm of a show." − Edinburgh Festival Magazine PRESENTED BY
ft. Preservation Hall Legacy Horns
Thursday, December 21, 2017 7:30 pm | $34–$69
The Blind Boys of Alabama have the rare distinction of being recognized around the world as both living legends and modern-day innovators. They will be joined by Preservation Hall Legacy Horns for a special Christmas program.
LIL BUCK & JON BOOGZ
TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.fwpaec.org 253-835-7010 | info@fwpaec.org
Thursday, January 11, 2018 7:30 pm | $24–$49
31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South, Federal Way
ECA is proud to present the world premiere of Love Heals All Wounds, a collaboration between internationallyrenowned choreographers and dancers Lil Buck and Jon Boogz. Love Heals All Wounds addresses current social issues in America, while also seeking to promote diversity, inclusion, and empathy as a uniting force.
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 7:30 pm | $19–$44
International Guitar Night is North America’s premier mobile guitar festival, bringing together the world’s foremost guitarists for a special evening of solos, duets, and quartets. The tour’s ECA engagement will feature Lulo Reinhardt, Calum Graham, Marek Pasieczny, and Michael Chapdelaine.
ROSANNE CASH DUO Thursday, January 25, 2018 7:30 pm | $34–$69
Rosanne Cash has earned four GRAMMY® Awards and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2015. Her latest release, The River and The Thread, is a collaboration with husband John Leventhal, who will be joining her on the ECA stage.
ec4arts.org 425.275.9595 410FOURTHAVENUENORTH EDMONDSWA98020
ECA is just one of the many reasons to visit!
snohomish.org Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 23
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24 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
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Celebrating 43 Years!
TRAVEL
PRIDE JOURNEY: San Antonio, Texas by Joey Amato Special to the SGN My recent visit to San Antonio began with my not knowing if I was even going to be able to go. It was at that time in the path of Hurricane Harvey, which ultimately took a turn towards Houston as we all now know, and I was debating whether or not I should even attempt to visit San Antonio. If I did go, would I be able to visit all of the attractions I wanted to see? Would it be raining and miserable? Would the city be flooded as predicted? Well, I decided to roll the dice and flew into San Antonio a day early to arrive before the storm hit. It would be my first time visiting the city, so I didn’t want to miss this opportunity. My home for the next few days was the beautiful Westin Riverwalk, located along one of the city’s most stunning features. The San Antonio River Walk stretches for miles, dotted by hotels, shops, museums, and cafes. Walking along the trail is one of the most beautiful ways to see the city. My room at The Westin Riverwalk was spacious and luxurious, but still felt like home. A separate sitting area boasted a sofa and armchair in addition to a large desk situated beneath a flat screen television. The views off the balcony were breathtaking and the bathroom was large enough to have a cocktail party in. The first day in San Antonio was a bit rainy, so I chose to visit The Shops of La Cantera, a beautiful outdoor shopping center about 25 minutes north of the city. At the time, they were exhibiting the works of iconic pop artist, Peter Max. This month they are welcoming renowned Miamibased artist, Romero Britto. The indooroutdoor experience was the perfect way to spend the day and escape the sporadic outer bands of Hurricane Harvey as they travelled through the region. The following afternoon, I decided to check out the much talked about Sunday drag brunch at Paramour Bar. Paramour offers stellar views of downtown San Antonio. My friend Joey and I decided to go all out and ordered a bottle of Prosecco along with a few items off their small but tasty menu curated by local chef, Jason Dady. Drag brunch at Paramour takes place the last Sunday of every month. The theme of that afternoon was Broadway Babes, and the babes brought it. It was really a fun experience. Without a doubt, one of the city’s most popular sites is The Alamo. Most people know the story of The Alamo, but what is interesting is that British rocker Phil Collins amassed one of the largest privatelyowned collections of Alamo artifacts. In the summer of 2014, Collins generously donated his collection to the Texas General Land Office, guardian of the Alamo on behalf of the people of Texas. Collins built the collection over several decades, purchasing some items and even discovering some others just steps away from the Alamo itself. Collins fell in love with the Alamo’s inspiring story as a 5-year-old boy, when he saw the Disney production of Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. When other children were out playing cops and robbers or other childhood games, Collins says that he was re-enacting the Battle of the Alamo. Not too far away is the city’s tallest attraction, the Tower of the Americas. Located in Hemisfair Park, the 750-foot structure was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and offers panoramic views of the city. One floor below the observation deck is a great restaurant which offers one of the best happy hours in town. For dinner, I walked to Market Square, a three-block outdoor plaza and currently the largest Mexican market in the United States. There was no shortage of restaurants to choose from. I actually visited Market Square two nights in a row for dinner, opt-
ing to try Mi Tierra on the first night and then Viva Villa Taqueria the second night, where I had one of the best tacos I’ve ever had in my entire life. On the way to Market Square, be sure to stop by San Fernando Cathedral. Gay nightlife in San Antonio is abundant. One of my favorite spots was Pegasus, a friendly neighborhood bar, or should I say complex of bars, all under one roof. There really is something for everyone here and after a few shots, I built up enough liquid courage to jump on stage for some karaoke. Luckily, to my knowledge there is no video recording of me rocking Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart.” On my final day in San Antonio I visited The Pearl District, a historic brewery that’s been transformed into a mixed-use complex filled with chef-owned restaurants and independent retail stores. Pearl has a rich history dating back to 1883 and is one of the coolest neighborhoods I visited during this trip. My lunch guest and I decided to stop by Cured, a beautiful restaurant featuring the widest selection of cured meats I’ve ever seen. We began our meal with a selection of three meats, my favorite being the Smoked Duck Ham. For my entree, I opted for something a bit lighter, the Crabmeat Ravigote with avocado, tomato, citrus and beets. The sweet crab paired very well with the creaminess of the avocado and firmness of the beets to make for a healthy, but filling dish. Finally, I had time for one last stop before my journey home. I heard that the Witte Museum had a cool dinosaur exhibit, so of course I had to visit. While there, I got a chance to see the skeleton of Acrocanthosaurus, Deinosuchus (giant crocodile), and a full-size Tyrannosaurus Rex. San Antonio really does have a little bit of something for everyone. It’s great for budget-conscious travelers and the people are extremely warm and friendly. My friends told me about a cave system which I didn’t have time to explore this time around, so I guess that will warrant another visit. Time to plan my next visit back to San Antonio, Texas! Pride Journeys is an LGBT travel website dedicated to sharing travel reviews and news of interest to the LGBT community. For more info, visit www.PrideJourneys.com
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Photos courtesy of Joey Amato.
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 25
This year, give your inlaws something to talk about.
Gargoyles Jewelry Cards Unique Lamps Candles Classy Hats T-shirts Local Art and More!
4550 University Way NE 98105 206-632-4940 www.gargoylestatuary.com Open 7 days a week since 1992!
26 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
PEOPLE IN GLASSHOUSES SHOULD THROW PARTIES Ring in 2018 under Seattle’s most iconic fireworks display as Chihuly Garden and Glass transforms into the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration. DECEMBER 31, 2018 | 8 PM – 1 AM Party includes: • Entrance to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition (between 8 PM and 10 PM). • Dancing to the Michael Benson Band. • A delicious array of bites and desserts. • DJ and photo booth in Collections Café. • Two drink tickets, party favors and a celebratory sparkling wine toast at midnight.
$
250
inclusive of tax and gratuity
NEWYEARSATCHIHULY.COM Call 206.905.2100 for more information. No host bar – Limited seating. Please remember the party is 21+, there is no entry without ID and all guests should arrive by 10pm.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 27
MAME. The beloved 1958 film starring the incomparable Rosalind Russell returns for one night only of festive revelry, a ‘homo for the holidays’ tradition!
AMC PACFIC PLACE
28 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
AMC PACIFIC PLAC E
6:30 PM Soirée 7:30 PM Film
WEDNES DA DECEMBER 1 7:30 mp
Wednesday December 13th
Mark you r holiday calenda r for anening ev wit h
Celebrate the season
with Thee r Dolla r Bill Cinem a
with Three Dollar Bill Cinema and AUNTIE
and AUNTIE MAM E. Th e
Celebrate the season
the in comp arable Rosalin d
o
Auntie Mame!
Rus sellreturns for
one night only f
festiv e revelry,a
‘homo for th e
holida ys’
tradition !
Mark your holiday calender for an evening with
Celebrating 43 Years!
HOLIDAY CALENDAR continued from page 22
ACT Theatre – A Christmas Carol. Nov. 24-Dec. 30. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St. Join us for a Seattle tradition: a ripping good telling of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeonly businessman who requires the intervention of a few spectral guides to understand the true meaning of Christmas and life. Well over a century after its writing, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating – at the holidays, or any time! www. acttheatre.org. ACT Theatre – Ham for the Holiday: The Hamchurian Candidate. Nov. 30-Dec. 17. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St.. Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia) return to ACT with their sassy, gender-bending holiday sketch buffoonery. With favorites like dysfunctional country duo The Spudds, the tiny Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus, and the angst-ridden Slam Poet, Platt and Koch take you on a devilishly loony holiday romp! A Seattle treasure since 1996, Ham for the Holidays is in its 17th incarnation, and Peggy and Lisa hope to soon be immortalized in their own Netflix original series, “Fallopian is the New Black.” “…a hysterical, tears streaming down your face YAY!” – Broadway World “Itʼs like someone put SCTV, Carol Burnett and Auntie Mame into a huge comedy blender...” – Seattle Gay Scene “Timing is everything, and theirs is perfect...” – Seattle Weekly Ham for the Holidays contains adult humor and themes recommended for ages 14+. www.acttheatre.org. Bainbridge Performing Arts – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Dec. 1-17, Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30pm, Saturday Early Matinees @ 2:00pm, Sundays @ 3:00 p.m. Bainbridge Performing Arts, 200 Madison Ave. N, Bainbridge Island. Everyone’s favorite flying car comes to life in this adventure for all ages! Take a fantastic musical adventure with an outof-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.” An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher. Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a high-flying, fun-filled adventure for the entire family. Family-friendly fun for the holidays. Special event dates/pricing available at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org. Burien Actors Theatre – The Christmas Carol Rag. Nov. 24-Dec. 17, Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Sunday matinees 2 pm. Burien Actors Theatre, 14501 4th Ave
SW. In this delightfully irreverent musical take on the Dickens classic, Ebenezer Scrooge has been recast as an embittered woman named Evelyn and moved to 1911 New York City. Evelyn runs her New York City sweatshop with an iron fist, but slowly opens her heart when visited by a Yiddish-spouting Ghost of Christmas Past and a gospel-wailing Ghost of Christmas Present. www.burienlittletheatre.org
Can Can – Wonderland: A Carnival of Winter Wonder. Nov. 2-Jan. 28. Seattle’s classic winter show is back at Can Can Kitchen & Cabaret in the Historic Pike Place Market. 94 Pike St. B. Celebrate the holidays as our cast of A-list performers swing from the chandeliers into a new show full of classic beauty and flirtatious artistry. It’ll be a glittering parade of nostalgia, exploding with dance, laughter, and all the cheer of yesteryear. This carnival of merriment will mesmerize audiences as soon as they enter Can Can’s intimate theater turned whimsical winter chalet, making this a holiday entertainment spectacular to remember. In the kitchen and behind the bar you’ll find a variety of food, wine, and spirit menus carefully crafted with local market-fresh winter ingredients, prepared to tantalize even the most refined palates. ‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry in a wintry Wonderland where theater and cabaret meet. Consider this your invitation to the holiday soiree that you’ve always dreamed of! Tickets vary by date and show time. www.thecancan.com. Jet City Improv – Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas. Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Fridays & Saturdays 10:30pm. Jet City Improv, Historic University Theatre, 5510 University Way NE. You better watch out. You better not cry. It’s the 10 year anniversary of Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas. This obscene improv comedy show centers on Uncle Mike, a vulgar perverted monstrosity of a man, who twists cheerful Christmas stories into disgusting clusterf*cks. You write down a heartwarming holiday memory. We re-enact it. Then Uncle Mike ruins it. “Bawdy retellings of of audience members’ anecdotes… for those whose hearts are two sizes too small.” – Seattle Met “A foul, perverted, and often funny satire of family dysfunction.” – Seattle Weekly Tickets: $17-14. www.jetcityimprov.org
Pacific Northwest Ballet – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® . Nov. 24-Dec. 28. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St. George Balanchine’s The Nutracker® promises the magic that makes the holidays. Tchaikovsky’s cherished score played live by the PNB Orchestra, gorgeous scenery and costumes by celebrated author and illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Pig), brilliant
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dancing by PNB’s incredible dancers, a snowfall every performance, and Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall all dressed up for the holidays. www.pnb.org Seattle Children’s Theatre – Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St. After a successful run on 42nd Street in New York, Kenny Wax Entertainment and TC Beech bring us this fantastic adaptation of the beloved book by Richard and Florence Atwater. Make your way to SCT this holiday season for a wintry treat, fit for the whole family. Fans of A Year with Frog and Toad and Harold and the Purple Crayon will love what is sure to be a new holiday classic. Tickets vary by date. www.sct.org. Seattle Public Theater – Christmastown : A Holiday Noire. Dec. 8-24. Seattle Public Theater, 7312 W. Greenlake Drive N. In this film noir-inspired holiday thriller by Seattle playwright Wayne Rawley, hard-boiled detective Nick Holiday investigates some un-holiday-like shenanigans taking place in Christmastown. Add a glamorous elf, a used-Christmas-tree salesman, a muckraking reporter, and a quick-thinking cab driver, and you’ve got the “best new holiday romp of the year!” (Seattle Times). www.seattlepublictheater.org. Seattle Public Theater – The Flight Before Xmas. Dec. 1-24. Seattle Public Theater, 7312 W. Greenlake Drive N. With all the stress of the holidays, spending Christmas Eve stranded in an airport with a bunch of strangers is the last thing anyone needs! With endless delays, kids shuttling between stepfamilies, a rogue cat on the loose, an important business deal at stake, and missing your grandson’s first Christmas morning, the holiday spirit can disappear quicker than your lost luggage. But sometimes, all you need is to be a little late in order to truly appreciate what you’re rushing toward. The Flight Before Xmas is a heartwarming new holiday show about finding your way home and the family we discover for ourselves. www.seattlepublictheater.org.
Town Hall Presents – Short Stories Live: A Rogue’s Christmas. Dec. 10, 6pm. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St. A Town Hall tradition, the holiday edition of Short Stories Live (curated by Jean Sherrard) brings together unconventional holiday tales for an afternoon of short stories, poems, and seasonal music by returning house band Pineola (comprised of Leslie Braly, John Owen, Josh Woods, Dirk Lebsack, and Ed Woods). Favorite Northwest actors, including Kurt Beattie, Marianne Owen, and Bill Ontiveros, will take turns sharing the gleeful, carousing nature only A Rogue’s Christmas can hold. This year’s story selections include the irreverent and witty “You Better Not Cry” from Augusten Burroughs, “Three Wise Guys,” Sandra Cisneros’ story of a wellintentioned but misbegotten clash of cultures, the funny and bittersweet “Home for the Holidays” by Chris Radant, and a selection from Jeanette Winterson’s “Christmas Days” encompassing the childlike and spooky wonder of Christmas. Plus, poetry and shorts by Calvin Trillin, Dave Barry, and others. Tickets: $15-10. www.townhallseattle.org/events. Unexpected Productions – A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol. Nov. 24-Dec. 24. Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley (down the cobblestone alley or down the stairs next to Rachel the Pig at the Pike Place Market). We all know the story of Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Or do we? Unexpected Productions brings back its holiday favorite, A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol. Based on audience suggestions, our improvisers bend and twist Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in all sorts of hilarious directions – and each show is different. Where does Scrooge work? What ails Tiny Tim? Does Scrooge even get reformed? It’s all up to you in this wild, hilarious, holiday ride. A holiday tradition for countless locals since 1985, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends or family. www. unexpectedproductions.org.
Taproot Theatre – A Charlie Brown Christmas. Nov. 30-Dec. 27. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St. A Christmas Tradition Reinvented. Charlie Brown is depressed by the never-ending commercialism surrounding the holidays. Thankfully, Linus is there to help him find the true meaning of Christmas in this musical adaptation of the cartoon classic. www. taproottheatre.org. Taproot Theatre – A Civil War Christmas: An American Music Celebration. Nov. 22-Dec. 30. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St. It’s a bitterly cold Christmas Eve on the banks of the Potomac River where the lives of abolitionists, assassins, soldiers, enslaved and free are woven together in an American tapestry. In their darkest hour, when peace seems impossible, the promise of Christmas breaks through despair in this musical celebration of compassion and hope by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel. Age recommendation: 12 and up. www.taproottheatre.org
Village Theatre – Disney’s Newsies, The Broadway Musical. Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah. Sure to be one of the most spectacular dance shows in Village Theatre history, this high-energy Disney musical combines Broadway-caliber entertainment with the story and tunes from the beloved cult-classic film. “Seize the Day” with the newsboys of New York as they become unlikely heroes and stand up for what’s right in this Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated hit full of classic Disney magic and theatricality. (Run continues Jan. 5-28 at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett). www.villagetheatre.org.
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Seattle Gay News 29
Good news: The guest bed is comfortable. Bad news: The guests may never leave. November Guest Bedding Sale 10% off Balsa Mattresses, Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets, Holy Lamb Fleece Wool Toppers and Wool Comforters.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
November 17, 2017
Seattle Gay News 31
32 Seattle Gay News
November 17, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!