Geek About Town – May 2015
Tuesday, May 5 – SFWA Presents: Cat Rambo, Fonda Lee, and Janine Southard
From the website: “In celebration of the many science fiction and fantasy readers and authors who live in the area, we’re delighted to partner with the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) to present this spring’s Pacific Northwest Reading Series gathering. The event will feature readings and discussions with authors Cat Rambo, Fonda Lee, and Janine Southard, as well as time for networking and conversation with fellow attendees.
For additional event and registration details, visit the SFWA website.”
Friday, May 8 – GeekGirlCon Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido,The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”
Saturday, May 9 – Spirit of West Africa
From the website: “Seattle Center Festál presents Spirit of West Africa, Saturday, May 9. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of West Africa through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games and a tempting marketplace. This lively and colorful festival features traditional dance and music as well as hip hop, jazz and rock with world-class local and touring artists from Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Mali Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Presented in partnership with Spirit of West Africa Committee.”
Saturday, May 9 – Basic Puppet Building – Animals
From the email announcement: “Walk in with a sad, naked hand and walk out with a fabulous new puppet friend in this beginning class. Spend your day immersed in the hands-on experience of basic puppet construction: cutting, sewing (hand and machine) and hot gluing your way to a finished puppet. Seattle-based puppeteer Chad Allers will guide you step-by-step as you create one of five animals: Dog, Cat, Bear, Bunny or Unicorn…or any animal your imagination can devise. (Classes recommended for ages 15 and up. Class sizes limited to 8.)”
Saturday, May 16 – The Gauntlet – Tabletop Games for a Cause!
From the website: “The Gauntlet: Moxtropolis is a fundraising tournament for the benefit of Hopelink, a charity whose mission is to support homeless and low-income families on their way to self-sufficiency. On May 16th, 2015, teams will gather to compete in a contest of skill and chance at Mox Boarding House in Bellevue, WA. Teams of four,from local community groups and businesses, will raise donations for Hopelink. These donations will unlock power-ups to aid them as they compete in a series of tabletop games to win glory, and victoriously hoist the Gauntlet!”
Saturday, May 16 – A Glimpse of China: Chinese Culture and Arts Festival
From the website: “Seattle Center Festál presents A Glimpse of China – Chinese Culture and Arts Festival, Saturday, May 16th. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of China through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Learn Chinese folk dances, create delicate artworks, and share in cultural traditions covering 5,000 years of Chinese history.
A Glimpse of China is presented in partnership with the Washington Chinese Art and Culture Committee.”
Saturday, May 16 – Beginning Stage Puppeteering
From the email announcement: “In this fun, dynamic class, you’ll learn the foundations of good stage puppetry – focus, physical commitment and basic puppet operation. Seattle-based puppeteer Rachel Jackson will teach you how to make your puppet seem alive and connect with your audience. You’ll get lots of hands-on time with professional arm-and-rod puppets plus a simple practice puppet to take home so you can keep working on your skills. (Classes recommended for ages 15 and up. Class sizes limited to 8.)”
Friday, May 22 – Labyrinth Comes to Life – Bowie, Puppets, and Burlesque in Goblins and Glitter
From the press release: “SEATTLE – Some stories never end – they grow in our minds, taking on mythic proportions. Some stories have Muppets, David Bowie as pinnacle 1980s kitsch, and catchy soundtracks – all things that stick in our heads and inspire gorgeous, ridiculous art. Goblins and Glitter, a strip-tastic nerdlesque tribute to Jim Henson’s classic fantasy tale, is just that. Produced by Gossamer Wing Productions and the Theatre Off Jackson, the return toLabyrinth will take place on May 22nd and 23rd.
Full of magic and crawling with goblins, this immersive burlesque production is led by Hoggle, heroine Sarah’s unlikely dwarf escort. He leads the audience through the maze, where creatures ranging from whimsical to sinister lurk at every turn. With wit, glamour, and sass, the all-star cast bares all to reveal the sensuous secrets of the labyrinth!
Goblins and Glitter features top-notch burlesque entertainers, including award-winning performer Dangrrr Doll (New York, NY) and prolific performer and producer Nina Nightshade (Portland, OR). The show also features a special cameo from Vox Fabuli Puppets. Come see why the Seattle Times calls them “mad and masterful!”
Join us in the glitter-filled maze of illusion and discover what your favorite characters have been doing while you were away! Come in costume and be part of the fun!
Gossamer Wing Productions and Theater Off Jackson Present
Goblins and Glitter: A Nerdlesque Tribute to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
When: 6:00 PM, May 22nd and 23rd
Where: Theater Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Featuring: Dangrrr Doll (New York, NY), Candy Apples, Cirquesse, Eva Fairwood, Nina Nightshade (Portland, OR), Titania Teaseblossom, Verity Germaine, Vox Fabuli Puppets, Whisper De Corvo, Absurdity Belle, Artemis Lark, Carlotta Shakin, Redd Kryptonite, and Val Challah
Emceed by Mister Bawdy”
Friday, May 22 – GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido,The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”
Friday – Monday, May 22-25 – 44th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival
From the website: “One of the largest free folk festivals in the country, the 44th annual Northwest Folklife Festival celebrates the music, dance, stories, and art of the people of the Pacific Northwest. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to participate in the many traditions of our diverse region featuring over 7,000 performers, participatory dances, workshops, crafts, food, and more.”
Saturday, May 23 – “Finding Your Puppet’s Character”
From the email announcement: “You know how to make your puppet talk, but what does she sound like? You can make him move, but where is he going? And how does he get there?
“In this fun, intermediate puppeteering class, you’ll learn the basics of characterization – voice, physicality and emotion – and how to apply them to your puppet. You’ll get tons of tips for making character choices and see what a big impact they can have on your puppet’s performance. (Classes recommended for ages 15 and up. Class sizes limited to 8.)
“*Beginning Puppetry class or equivalent puppet experience required.”
Saturday, May 30 – Spirit of Indigenous People
From the website: “Festál presents Spirit of Indigenous People. Explore and experience the rich culture of the original people of North America with music, food, dance and activities.
Presented in partnership with Seattle Indian Health Board.”