Highlights
The WA State China Relations Council hosts a reception for John Pomfret, author of “Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China” at Preston Gates & Ellis at 925 Fourth Ave., Suite 2900 on Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. The book is a fascinating yet sobering account of Pomfret’s Chinese classmates he roomed with at a college dorm when he was one of the first foreign exchange students in China and where their lives have taken them to the present. The history of modern China is mirrored in their paths through life as movements and government policy turn the soul and body of ordinary citizens to the distorted shapes of human pretzels just to survive. www.wscrc.org.
Violinist Kotoka Suzuki with Eric Rynes presents “Sift,” a live performance of music for violin and computer-realized sound. Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Jack Straw at 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E. (206) 634-0919.
Hiroshi Matsuda & Kazuko Ota from Aomori, Japan present the music of the three stringed lute, the “Tsugaru” shamisen. This music resonates with the chill of the deep north and the bluesy twang of rural folk music made in a once-isolated distant area of Japan known for its harsh winters. Sept. 12 at Seattle Asian Art Museum. A music workshop on the shamisen takes place at 3 p.m. The concert is at 7:15 p.m. 1400 E. Prospect in Volunteer Park.
Seattle Symphony kicks off their new season with a bang presenting an opening night concert and gala with Lang Lang, the young Chinese piano sensation. He performs with Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Benaroya Hall. The Italian-inspired program features works by Rossini, Rachmaninov, Verdi and Respighi. The optional gala begins at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby. Following the concert, there will be a celebration with dinner and dancing. (206) 215-4834.
Visual Arts
The artwork of Hung Pham is on view at La Rousse located at Fourth & Virginia through September. 430 Virginia. (206) 448-1515.
“Coexistence: Kyo Zon” is a outdoor art installation at Yashiro Japanese Garden in Olympia by digital painter Barbara McConkey and calligrapher Chiyo Sanda. Through Sept. 15. (360) 709-2678.
Two contemporary Chinese artists, Xiaoze Xie and Ying-Yueh Chuang will have a show together at Davidson Contemporary. Opening reception is Sept. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m. 310 S. Washington. On view through September. (206) 624-7684. www.davidsongalleries.com.
A Chinese painting exhibit will be on view Sept. 11 – Oct. 6 at the Tacoma Community College Gallery. Work will feature the traditional Gong Bi Style. Artists represented include Xu Xue Fwa, Yan Feng and Zhao Xiao-wei along with local students Evelyn Chan, Amy Sie and Patsy Surh O’Connell. Opening reception Sept. 9, 2 – 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Cultural Center. Free. 6501 S. 19th St. (253) 460-4306. www.tacomacc.edu.
Chinese artist Long Gao shows a variety of work including ink paintings, oils, wood carvings and “image seal cuttings” at the Roosevelt Hotel. On view through September. 4531 Seventh Ave., Second Floor. (206) 467-6951.
The work of Gerard Tsutakawa is in the West Edge Sculpture Invitational on view through Oct. 29 in Benaroya Hall and the Harbor Steps. Gala party & silent auction on Sept. 15 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Library Bistro in the Alexis Hotel. For tickets, go to [email protected] www.westedgesculpture.com.
Across from the Maryhill Museum in Goldendale, Wash. will sit “Maryhill Double,” artists Annie Han & Danial Mihalyo’s (Lead Pencil Studio) full-scale architectural double of the museum, made entirely out of scaffolding and construction netting. On view Sept. 10 & 24. On Route 14 just west of U.S. 9 in Goldendale. (509) 773-3733. www.leadpencilstudio.com.
“Textures of Contemporary Vietnam: New Work in Lacquer by Khanh Bui & Phong” combines the traditional technique of layering lacquer with textural elements and a savvy, modern edge. Opens Sept. 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. ArtXchange at 512 First Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org
Film & Video
MAVIN Foundation screens: “Chasing Daybreak: A Film About Mixed Race in America.” Central Cinema, 1411 21st Ave., on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $10. Call (206) 622-7107.
911 Media Arts Center presents Yuki Nakamura and Robert Campbell’s “Floating Plaster/City Motion,” a new work that integrates sculptural formal aesthetics with architectonic video projections of animated imagery. Sept. 12 – Oct. 27. Opening night reception from 6 – 9 p.m. 402 – 9th N. (206) 682-6552.
Performing Arts
Visiting composer and Cornish College former faculty member, Bun Ching Lam, visits and talks to students about composing on Sept. 11 at noon. Poncho Concert Hall on the Cornish Capitol Hill campus. 710 East Roy St.
The puppet troupe, Snap Dragon, presents a show on “Paul Bunyan” on Sept. 16 at 11 p.m. at Alki Bathhouse. 2701 Alki Ave. S.W. (206) 684-7430.
Written Arts“Writing a Ten-Minute Play” class taught by local playwright Nu Quang is offered at Bellevue Community College/Art Zones on North Campus. It is an eight-week class every Thursday beginning Sept. 21 – Nov. 9 from 7 – 9 p.m. Cost: $149. www.gotobcc.com. (425) 564-2263.
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