Readers, welcome to our Fall Arts Preview, an expanded edition of ARTS, Etc. that will give you some idea of the arts activities to expect in the fall and into next year. With this issue, our lead stories take you behind the scenes where art is molded into creative form. We introduce you to the world of the Chinese puppet masters in Ping Chong’s “Cathay” currently at Seattle Rep. We also chat with Roger Shimomura about the ideas behind his art at Greg Kucera Gallery. We look at Stephanie Syjuco’s “Black Market Series” at James Harris Gallery and see how she takes the commonplace scenes of the Philippine marketplace and gives it new meaning. We welcome Seattle’s newest public art installation at Seattle Center by Sarah Sze and get details on how it got constructed. Beyond that, there is a rich feast of arts events listed here. I have added an asterik* to events that seem promising. Get out and do something. Enjoy the arts!
– Alan Chong Lau
VISUAL ARTS
*The gentle yet vibrant woodblock prints of Naoko Matsubara are on view Sept. 23 – Oct. 11. Mentored and encouraged by the great Japanese printmaker Shiko Munakata, her work combines elements of Expressionism, abstraction, folk art and literature from East and West. Reception for the artist is Sept. 24 from 2 – 5 p.m. Azuma Gallery. 530 – 1st Ave. S. (206) 622-5599.
Stephanie Syjuco’s “Black Market” at James Harris Gallery through Oct. 1. See related article. 309A Third Ave. S. (206) 903-6226.
“Mistaken Identities” is a suite of six lithographs by Roger Shimomura loosely inspired by images of the illegal internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Ends Oct. 1. Greg Kucera Gallery at 212 Third Ave. S. (206) 624-0770.
*On view through Nov. 20 is Annie Han & Daniel Mihalyo’s Lead Pencil Studio installation entitled “Minus Space” in which they attempt to trace the past designs of Henry Gallery’s space by different architects. Their installation is kind of a map of previous excavations and half-completed plans. A mini-survey of Lead Pencil Studio’s previous projects will also be on view. “150 Works Of Art” lets the Lead Pencil Studio fashion a show out of the museum’s collection. Oct. 1 – Feb. 26. Opening celebration is Sept. 30 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. There will also be a lecture by Lead Pencil Studio at 7 p.m. Also a show of new work by architect/sculptor Maya Lin* entitled “Systematic Landscapes” opens April 15, 2006. Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington on 15th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 41st.
Bay Area artist Rene Yung has an installation at Jack Straw Media Gallery entitled “The Four Dignities” with sounds collected by Janice Giteck. On view through Sept. 30. 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E. (206) 634-0919.
The Bellevue Arts Museum presents “The Artful Teapot – 20th Century Expressions from the Kamn Collection” which includes work by local artist, Akio Takamori through Oct. 2. Opening Sept. 29 – Jan. 1, 2006 is “form follows MOXIE,” a group show of craft and design. (425) 519-0770. 510 Bellevue Way N.E. www.bellevuearts.org.
Bryan Ohno Gallery presents a summer exhibition of work by Noguchi, Kazutaka Uchida, Kentaro Kojima, Richard Hestekind and Alexandra Morosco at the Marenakos Stonarium Gallery through Sept. 24. 3220 First Ave. S. (206) 667-9572.
A group show of recent acquisitions consisting of both ukiyo-e and modern prints is on view at Carolyn Staley Fine Japanese Prints. Till Sept. 31. 314 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 621-6493. Can also be viewed online at www.carolynstaleyprints.com.
The work of Paul Horiuchi is included in a group show at Woodside/Braseth Gallery through Sept. 30. 2101 Ninth Ave. (206) 622-7243.
“IlluminEssence” is the title of a show by Kathy Manthei, an artist who teaches art to HIV-positive women at the Life Home Project in Phucket, Thailand. Through September. The Nature Of Thai at 117 S. Main. Ste. C (Lower Level) (206) 779-8424.
The Senke School of Japanese Flower Arrangement Exhibit takes place Oct. 8 – 9 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish Hall at 1610 S. King. St. Free. (206) 850-1342.
“Studios Part 2: International District” is part of a series that spotlights Seattle neighborhoods. This show includes work by Tram Bui, Yuki Nakamura & other artists from Noodleworks and the Rainier Oven Building, two artist buildings in the I.D. Through Oct. 15. Also on view till Oct. 1 are artists from Platform Gallery including the work of Saya Moriyasu. SAM Rental/Sales Gallery. 1220 Third Ave. (206) 343-1101.
Seattle photographer Ron Reeder shares his images of “Timeless Kyoto” at the Wall Space Gallery. Through Oct. 15. 121 Prefontaine Place. S. (206) 624-7059.
A group show of contemporary prints from the modern print movement entitled “20th Century Japanese” is on view through Oct. at Davidson Galleries. 313 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 624-7684.
Painter Hiro Yokose is part of a group show from Oct. 19 – Dec. 3 at Winston Wachter Gallery. 203 N. Dexter Ave. (206) 652-5855.
*William Traver Gallery has a show for mixed media artist Masami Koda Oct. 7 – 30. Koda’s work gets better with each show. Her uncanny knack for combining disparate materials into a poetic whole can work magic. The massive ceramic sculptures of Jun Kaneko fill the room Nov. 4 – 27. 110 Union St. (206) 587-6501.
The glasswork of artists Boyd Sugiki and Takuya Tokizawa will be on view at Vetri International Glass. 1404 First Ave. (206) 667-9608.
*“Paper” by sculptor Kazuo Kadonaga is on view Nov. 2 – Dec. 9. Opening Nov. 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. Kadonaga takes his time to investigate a particular medium until the inherent qualities of that material reveals itself and comes to the surface. Set for next fall is the Seattle debut of Taiwanese-born Chinese American painter, Yu-Wen Hu. Solomon Fine Art. 1215 First Ave. (206) 297-1400.
The delicate paintings of Chen Lin are on display at Linda Hodges Gallery through November. 316 First Ave. S. (206) 624-3034.
The Burke Museum on the U.W. campus shows “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land” by photographer Subhankar Banerjee. Through Dec. 31. Located on the corner of N.E. 45th and 17th Ave. N.E. (206) 543-5590.
“Charming Sichuan” is a photo exhibit of the people and landscape of Sichuan, a sister state of Washington in Southwest China. On view through Sept. 30 in Room 2B, Level 2n. Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Located at 800 Convention Place in downtown Seattle.
Wing Luke Asian Museum. The show, “Asian and Pacific Islander Adoptees: A Journey Through Identity” extended through Oct. 2. Two new shows open in October. *“Sikh Community: Over 100 Years in the Pacific Northwest” is one of the first looks at this community through photos, oral history collections and historic & educational materials. Oct. 21 – April 16, 2006. Opening & reception on Oct. 20 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. RSVP required by calling (206) 623-5124 x106. *“30 Years After the Fall of Saigon” looks at how the end of the Vietnam War affected both old and young. Oct. 21 – Dec. 18. Opening is Oct. 13 from 5 –7 p.m. RSVP required. The Family Saturdays program for Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. is “Kimchee.” Learn how to make several kinds of this crunchy, refreshing Korean delicacy. Pre-registration required. RSVP to [email protected]. Wing Luke Asian Museum is at 407 – 7th Ave. S. (206) 623-5124.
*Howard House starts the fall off strong with the work of painter, Mark Takamichi Miller and sculptor Yuki Nakamura. Miller pushes paint around his canvases like cake frosting, almost swallowing up the unexpected human shapes. Nakamura puts a bare bones poetic sheen to her forms. Oct. 6 – Nov. 12. 604 Second Ave. (206) 256-6399.
*Korea’s “National Living Treasure” artist Kim Man Hee has a show of his shamanistic inspired work Oct. 18 – Nov. 30. His style preserves the traditional “folk art” style of Korea. On view at both Ming’s Asian Galleries in Seattle at 519 – 6th Ave. S. and in Old Bellevue at 10217 Main St. In addition, certified feng shui consultant Bobbie Izuo will give a seminar on ‘Feng Shui – Balance & Harmony” on Nov. 5. She will discuss the history and philosophy of feng shui and how it can improve your personal life. This seminar is RSVP and you must call (425) 462-4008 to make a reservation.
*“The Simple Cup” is an invitational exhibition devoted to the handmade ceramic cup with over 40 examples from North American & Japanese artists such as Beth Lo, Akio Takamori, Ayumi Horie, Ryuzo Toda and Hida Takayama. Opening Nov. 12 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. On display through Dec. 30. A separate teapot show featuring N.W. artists will also be on view. KOBO at Higo. 604 – South Jackson. (206) 381-3000.
The Seattle Art Museum downtown closes for renovation next year but closes with one last show entitled “Louis Comfort Tiffany – Artist For The Ages” Oct. 15 – Jan. 4. 100 University St. (206) 654-3100. The Seattle Asian Art Museum, presently closed for roof repairs will re-open on Jan. 14 with a pair of shows specializing in Chinese painting and calligraphy. *“The Orchid Pavilion Gathering – Chinese Painting from the University of Michigan Museum of Art” is on view Jan. 14 – April 2. This is the first show of Chinese painting at the museum in 15 years. Masterpieces from the Ming and Ch’ing dynasties will be on view. *Paired with this show will be “Fragrance of the Past – Chinese Calligraphy and Painting by Ch’ung-ho Frankel,” an important calligrapher, painter and collector. “A Northwest Summer” runs May 4 – Oct. with a series of five separate exhibitions. “A transparent Legacy” looks at glass from the Shirley Collection. “Made in Seattle” is a group show of current work by Northwest artists. *”Elegant Earth: Photographs by Johsel Namkung” honors the work of this Seattle-based Korean American photographer whose large scale images evoke the mystery and majesty of nature. The last show in this grouping will be “Richard Fuller and American Art Deco.” 1400 E. Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100. The new Olympic Sculpture Park opens in the late summer of 2006. The grand reopening for the renovated Seattle Art Museum downtown happens in the spring of 2007.
Northwest artist Z.Z. Wei continues his exploration of our state’s terrain with new paintings focused on the coastline. Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 118 Central Way in Kirkland. (425) 889-4627.
The work of Paul Horiuchi is included in the show, “A Sense of Place” through Jan. 15. *”Between Clouds of Memory: Akio Takamori” opens June 10, 2006. This mid-career retrospective shows the full panorama of this UW ceramic professor’s whimsical, yet earthly ceramic sculpture. Tacoma Art Museum. 1701 Pacific Ave. (206) 272-4258.
*The functional beauty of Boyd Sugiki’s cool, refreshing glass vessels are on view Dec. 10 – 31 at Traver Gallery in Tacoma. 1821 East Dock St. #100. (253) 383-3685.
*“Frank Okada: The Shape Of Elegance” is a long over-due retrospective of this late N.W. abstractionist whose paintings shimmer and resonate with the pure beauty of color. Opens Oct. 8 – Jan. 8, 2006. Former student, friend and painter, Victor Sandblom speaks about the artist on opening day, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. followed by a reception from 2 – 5 p.m. Museum Curator Susan Parke gives a tour of the show on Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m. The MoNA Forum presents Larry Fong, Paul Havas, Greg Kucera and Victor Sandblom in a panel discussion entitled ColorForm: Frank Okada’s Creative Restlessness on Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. with a booksigning with Fong to follow. Poet Lawson Inada does a reading with live jazz entitled “Poetry and Painting – A Tribute to Frank Okada” on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner. (360) 466-4446. Related programs in Seattle at the Seattle Public Library downtown include a repeat performance of poet Lawson Inada’s “Tribute to Frank Okada” on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. Kazuko Nakane, who wrote the essay in the exhibition catalogue “Frank Okada: The Shape of Elegance” (MoNA/UW Press) will join him to speak about the artist. Microsoft Auditorium. The Seattle Central Library is at 1000 Fourth Ave. In addition, an exhibition entitled “Contributions of Japanese American Artists from the Collections of The Seattle Public Library” will be on view from October to December on Level 10 of the library.
Glasswork by Takuya Tokizawa is included in a group show entitled, “Still Life and Other Things” Nov. 6 – Dec. 3. ArtsWest Gallery at 4711 California Ave. S.W. in West Seattle. (206) 938-0339.
“Mysterious Spirits, Strange Beasts, Earthly Delights” is a major exhibition of early Chinese art from the Schnitzer Collection on view at Portland Art Museum through Oct. 1. Look for this museum to compete its expansion this fall. More exhibition space for shows. (503) 226-2811.
*The Hallie Ford Museum of Art has a show of Maori weaving entitled “Toi Maori: The Eternal Thread” on view Sept. 24 – Dec. 22. 700 State St. (503) 370-6855. Salem, Ore.
*Heading north? Check out a show curated by Alice Ming Wai Jim for Centre A (Vancouver International Centre For Contemporary Asian Art) entitled “Neighborhood: Video Works.” Asking the question, “What do neighborhoods mean today?” local Vancouver artists scour the city and document scenes from many neighborhoods including Africatown, Chinatown and Japantown. On view through Oct. 15. Includes work by Karin Lee, Lynda Nakashima and others. 23 W. Pender. (604) 683-8326.
*For those of you heading to Southern California, don’t miss “Big Drum: Taiko In The United States,” the latest exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum on view through Jan. 8. This is the first major exhibit about the phenomenal growth of taiko in North America. 369 East First St. in the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles. (213) 625-0414. www.janm.org.
*Respected Northwest ceramic sculptor Patti Warashina gives a talk about her work on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the University of Washington Suzzallo Library. Free but reservations required. (206) 543-0540.
*Come to the 10 year anniversary of SOIL, the local artist-based collective on Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. – midnight. A fun bash with art auction of local artists’ works, music, food and a book release party for the new book entitled “SOIL: Artist Run Gallery 1995 – 2005.” This event held at Western Bridge at 3412 Fourth Ave. S. www.soilart.org/auction.
Seattle Arts & Lectures presents “An Evening with Subhankar Banerjee, Terry Tempest Williams and David Allen Sibley” on Dec. 6 at Benaroya Hall. Banerjee is the Bellevue-based photographer who took award-winning photos of the arctic wilderness. This evening will be about protecting endangered wilderness environments. (206) 621-2330 or log on to www.lectures.org.
Performing Arts
*“Around Words” is an evening of choreography by Christy Fisher, Ines Andrade, Ying Zhou and Archana Kumar with Composers Garrett Fisher, Byron Au Yong and the writer, Anna Maria Hong. Visual artist/costume designer Michelle Kumata did the costumes for one of the pieces in this series. It is inspired by language and its kinetic possibilities. Sept. 30 – Oct. 1. 915 E. Pine on the 4th floor. 8 p.m. (206) 300-3445.
REACT presents Jason Robert Brown’s captivating modern musical of bittersweet romance entitled “The Last Five Years” through Oct. 2. Directed by David Hsieh. Look for Emjoy Gavino in a starring role. East Hall Theatre on the 2nd floor of the Oddfellows Building. 1525 – Tenth Ave. (206) 364-3283.
*Pacific Northwest Ballet kicks off their new season with a concert entitled “Director’s Choice,” a preview of the season with excerpts from four PNB premieres chosen by new PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal. Kaori Nakamura is one of the principal dancers in this company and will perform in Balanchine’s “Symphony in Three Movements. Sept. 22-24, 29-30 and Oct 1-2. McCaw Hall at 321 Mercer St. in Seattle Center. (206) 441-2424.
*Seattle Repertory Theatre presents Ping Chong’s “Cathay: Three Tales of China” performed in collaboration with the Shaanxi Folk Art Theater of Xian China ongoing through Oct. 9. 155 Mercer St. at Seattle Center. (206) 443-2210.
The Empty Space Theatre opens their season with Bryon Lavery’s drama “Frozen,” a look at three lives changed by the disappearance of a young girl. Directed by playwright/director Chay Yew who was last in Seattle as Artistic Director of NWAAT. Sept. 16 – Oct. 22. 3509 Fremont Ave. N. (206) 547-7500. www.emptyspace.org.
East Indian comic Russell Peters appears at the Moore Theatre on Oct. 1. 1932 Second Ave. (206) 292-ARTS. www.themoore.com.
In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, four Hawaiian children ponder the future in “Nothing Is The Same” which opens Oct. 7 at Seattle Children’s Theatre at Seattle Center. (206) 441-3322. www.sct.org.
*The Builders Association (“Alladeen”) return to On The Boards with “Supervision,” a collaboration with DBOX, a visual art/architecture troupe that delves into the fact that every moment of our lives can be digitally tracked. Nov. 11 – 13. 100 W. Roy. (206) 217-9888. www.ontheboards.org.
Enjoy an evening of island humor as Hawaii’s award-winning comedian Augie Tulba appears in a performance with Seattle own Kermit Apio in “Na Mele O Hawai’I” on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. (206) 292-ARTS.
The UW World Series presents a world of music, theatre, classical music and dance to enchant Seattle audiences at UW’s Meany Hall. Highlights include the following. International Chamber Music Series has the Miro Quartet on Oct. 6, the Claremont Trio on March 15, 2006 and the Daedalus Quartet on April 18, 2006. *The World Music & Theatre Series has the Peking Acrobats performing ancient folk art & acrobatics from China on Jan. 14, 2006 and *Warabiza from Japan performing regional songs and dances on Feb. 11, 2006. (206) 543-4880.
www.uwworld
series.org.
The Pork Filled Players return with a slam at the media in their new sketch comedy show, “K-SPAM: Yellow Journalism and Other Jaundiced Media” through Oct. 8. Targets this time around include Seattle’s first South Asian superhero, singing Zen Buddhist monks, Asian American new anchors and the Bush Administration’s final solution for NPR funding. Northwest Actors’ Studio Cabaret Space at 1100 East Pike St. (206) 325-6500.
*Don’t miss the Earshot Jazz Festival Oct. 20 – Nov. 6 which yearly offers some of the best jazz and world music from local to national to international at venues around the Puget Sound. Some highlights include the duo of Vijay Iyer on piano and Rudresh Mahanthappa on sax re-tooling jazz with the music of their ancestral South Asia. This smoking double-bill also features Art Ensemble veteran Roscoe Mitchell performing a solo set. Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. at Consolidated Works. *Cuong Vu, the superbly talented trumpeter who came out of a Bellevue jazz program, returns home with a jazz rock trio that should burn the house down much like his previous visit at the Tractor. Vu has also gotten raves touring with guitarist Pat Metheny. Nov. 1 at Edmonds Woodway High School and again on Nov. 2 at Consolidated Works at 8 p.m. Also catch inventive local violinist *Eyvind Kang as he joins the stage with some of the best NW improvisors entitled “Seattle Chamber Players: Seattle Mavericks” on Nov. 6 at Benaroya Hall at 7 p.m. For complete details on this amazing music festival, call (206) 547-9787.
*Kaoru Watanabe, a Japanese American member of world famous KODO taiko drum ensemble will give a solo performance on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. He will perform and discuss the various forms of the fue (Japanese flute) and present traditional and original compositions. KOBO at Higo located at 604 S. Jackson in the I.D. (206) 381-3000.
SouthEast Effective Development (SEED) presents as part of their “Arts Gumbo” series, a concert by Gloria Fujii’s Halau Hula’O’Napualani performing Hawaiian, Tahitian and Maori dances and rhythms. After performing, Fujii will teach tapa-cloth making and provide a pupu-style luau to give audiences a real flavor of Polynesia. Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. Rainier Valley Cultural Center at 3513 S. Alaska St. (206) 725-7517. “Satiailemoa: Searching Between the Stars” is a new production based on Maori myths and folktales. Performances Oct. 13 – 30. 3515 S. Alaska St. (206) 725-7517.
UW Women’s Center & Planet Guru in association with Center for Orissa Performing Arts for Americans presents a recital entitled “Sensation Odissi 2005” on Oct. 16 at UW’s Kane Hall at 6:30 p.m. (206) 229-1155 or log on to ww.planetguru.com.
*Local cellist Amos Yang holds a chair in Seattle Symphony’s cello section but he is making a name for himself as a soloist playing luminous concerts as a guest with Seattle Chamber Music Festival and on his own. Catch him Oct. 28 at the Vancouver (B.C.) Academy of music, Oct. 30 at Central Washington University’s new concert hall and closer to home, Nov. 20 at Tacoma’s Second City Chamber Series. He may be performing additional concerts in the area.
The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company presents “The King and I” Sept. 20 – Oct. 9 with Stephanie Powers and Ronobir Lahiri. Directed by Baa York Lee with choreography by Susan Kikuchi. 1308 – 5th Ave. (206) 625-1418. www.5thavenuetheatre.org.
*Indian violinist L. Subramaniam and American cellist Nancy Lesh headline Ragamala-Pratidhwani’s USTAV 2005 – 2nd Festival of Indian Performing Arts presented with Town Hall’s “India in America,” Sept. 30 – Oct. 2. The festival takes place on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in UW Brechemin Auditorium and all day Oct. 1 and 2 at Town Hall. Participants take place in a discussion on the impact of Indian culture on America the first night at UW’s Brechemin Auditorium. Subramaniam gives a concert Oct. 1 at Town Hall at 8 p.m. All day Oct. 1 & 2 showcases artists from the NW and other parts of America performing classical music of South India, classical vocal music of North India, Stories of India as well as Odissi & Bharatanatyam dance. Nancy Lesh performs in the dhrupad style on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. (425) 736-4652.
*Jake Shimabukuro, coined the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukelele” for his speed, dexterity and musical inventiveness on that smallest of instruments from Hawai’i comes to Puget Sound for a pair of concerts. On Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. he plays the Kirkland Performance Center at 350 Kirkland Ave. (425) 893-9900. On Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m., he plays the Kent Meridian Performing Arts Center at 10020 S.E. 256th St. in Kent. (253) 856-5050. www.kpcenter.org.
*Classical pianist Wonny Song who wowed audiences in his previous concert with cellist Amos Chang performs a solo recital on Oct. 5 at Washington Center for the Performing Arts at 512 Washington St. S.E. in Olympia. (360) 753-8586. www.washingtoncenter.org.
The Bellevue Philharmonic under the baton of Fusao Kajima performs “Unfinished Business,” a concert of Weber, Schubert and Tchaikovsy on Oct. 22-23 at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. 11100 N.E. Sixth St. (425) 455-4171. www.bellevuephil.org.
The continuing mis-adventures of Asian American singles in Seattle are back for more fun and mirth, this time stumbling on the way to the altar. “Sex in Seattle, Episode 12: My Ultra Quirky Asian American Wedding” Oct. 28 – Nov. 19. Get your tickets early as this series sells out fast. At Richard Hugo house. 1634 – 11th Ave. (206) 325-6500. www.sexinseattle.org.
Some of the highlights of Seattle Symphony’s 2005-2006 season include the following. Violin virtuoso Sarah Chang performs with the Seattle Symphony Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Thrill to the purity of Counter-tenor Brian Asawa as he sings in a Holiday Festival program of Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 15, 16, 17 & 18. Violinist Kyung-Wah Chung appears as part of the “Distinguished Artist Recital Series” on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call (206) 215-4747 or log on to www.seattlesymphony.org.
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra performs Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Benaroya Hall. 200 University in Seattle. (206) 362-2300. www.syso.org.
Yong Hi Moon performs on Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Western Washington University Performing Arts Center in Bellingham at 516 High St. (360) 650-6146. www.pacseries.wwu.edu.
Seattle’s Indonesian percussion orchestra, Gamelan Pacifica performs on Nov. 18 at Benaroya Hall at 200 University. (206) 343-0445. www.nwco.org.
London-based Sri Lankan born pop act M.I.A. opens for Gwen Stefani Nov. 21 at Key Arena at 305 Harrison. (206) 628-0888. www.ticketmaster.com.
*The Degenerate Art Ensemble led by Artistic Director, Haruko Nishimura perform a new music/movement, dance work entitled “Cuckoo Crow” inspired by the cuckoo bird who lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. March 11 at 8 p.m. Moore Theatre. Presented by Seattle Theatre Group. (206) 812-1114. www.theparamount.com.
“The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow” is the odyssey of a Chinese girl adopted by American parents who when adult, decides to go back to China to seek out her real birth parents. Set for Seattle Public Theatre’s new season at the Bathhouse Theatre by Greenlake.
“An Tua and The Comerford Irish Dancers” perform in concert. This band is led by flute/whistle player Hanz Araki (formerly of The Paperboys) joined by champion Comerford Dancers for a concert of Irish dance and music. April 7, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Auburn Performing Arts Center. 700 E. Main in Auburn. (253) 931-3043.
For those heading down to Portland, don’t miss the following events. Portland Taiko’s fall concert entitled “Trading Thunder” includes a collaboration with great African percussionist Obo Addy. Sept. 23 – 25 at the Newmark Theatre at SW Broadway & Main. Log on to www.portlandtaiko.org for details.
Talented choreographer Minh Tran (who got his degree in dance from UW) performs with his company in concert on Sept. 23 & 24 at Portland State University’s Lincoln Hall. Log on to www.mtdance.org for details.
Written Arts
*Fall starts off with a bang with world citizen Salman Rushdie reading from “Shalimar the Clown,” a tale that deals with the clash of religion and culture along the border between Indian and Pakistan. Sept. 22 at Town Hall at 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255.
Local writer Martin Limon does a booksigning for “The Door to Bitterness” at noon on Sept. 24. This is the latest in a series of detective novels centered on two cynical, wise-ass U.S. Army investigators whose beat is that netherworld of the military base always tripping over the fine line that serves as a boundary between base and civilian world that is post-war South Korea. Seattle Mystery Bookshop at 117 Cherry St. (206) 587-5737.
The Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch downtown along with the Washington Center for the Book is an exciting venue for literary readings this fall. Stan Sakai, creator of the popular comic book series, Usagi Yojimbo, a rabbit bodyguard samurai who wanders through 17th century Japan seeking adventure. He discusses his work at the Rainier Beach Branch located at 9125 Rainier Ave. S. on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. and again on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Central Library. *On Oct. 15 the library joins hands with the International Examiner in presenting “Taking The Journey – Vietnamese American Authors Explore The Journey of Writing.” Join award-winning writers, Kien Nguyen (“The Unwanted”) and Aimee Pham (“We Should Never Meet”) who will do readings in English and Vietnamese as well as conducting writer’s workshops. Nguyen’s fiction workshop runs 10:30 a.m. to noon and Pham’s fiction workshop runs 1 – 2:30 p.m. on Level 4. The readings start at 4 p.m. in the auditorium on Level 1. Although workshops are free, advance registration is required by calling (206) 624-3925×3 or e-mailing [email protected]. James Yee, the former U.S. army Muslim chaplain at Guantanamo Bay will read from “For God And Country: Faith and Patriotism Under Fire” written with Aimee Molloy (Public Affairs) on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Microsoft Auditorium. Wrongfully accused of spying, Yee spent 76 days in solitary before being released. In partnership with Elliott Bay Book Company, the Library brings Amy Tan to read from “Saving Fish From Drowning” (Putnam), her new novel of a group of American tourists who disappear while on a tour of Burma. Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Microsoft Auditorium. As part of “Faces – Filipino American History Celebration,” local writer Peter Bacho will read from his latest novel entitled “Entrys” (UH Press) about a returning “Indipino” (half Yakima Indian/half Filipino) Vietnam War veteran who must face his demons back home on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
The reading series at Elliott Bay Book Company always heats up come fall and this year is no exception. *Catch University of Hawai’i Professor and writer Gary Pak as he reads from “Language of The Geckos & Other Stories” (UW Press) on Oct. 1. Pak reveals the grime and pathos behind this island paradise with characters crossing cultures and accents in an effort to communicate. Ha Jin reads from “War Trash,” his award-winning novel about stranded Chinese soldiers in Korea after a war on Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Amy Tan reads Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in an event co-presented with the Seattle Public Central Library in their Microsoft Auditorium (see Library schedule elsewhere in these listings for details). Later, in November, respected historian Peter Kwong will read from his new book entitled “Chinese America: A History in the Making” (The New Press) co-written with Dusanika Miscevic. Vikram Seth reads from a memoir of his surrogate parents in London entitled “Two Lives” on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. 101 South Main. (206) 624-6600.
The University Book Store in Seattle’s University District has a full schedule of readings for fall and beyond. Anne Liu Kellor reads from “Waking Up American: Coming of Age Biculturally” on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. Martin Limon reads from “The Door to Bitterness” on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. *Tram Nguyen reads from “We Are All Suspects – Untold stories from Immigrant America After 9/11.” Nguyen follows the stories of global terror in our own backyard as Muslims and Arabs in America scatter for cover. Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. *Gary Pak comes to Seattle to read from “Language of The Geckos & Other Stories” (UW Press) on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. *Yi Yun Li reads from “A Thousand Years of Good Prayers” (Random House) on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. A book of short stories on the effects of cultural revolution on modern China. Mary Matsuda Gruenwald reads from her autobiography, “Looking Like The Enemy: My Story of Imprisonment in Japanese American Internment Camps” (New Sage) on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. Angela Jane Fountas, Anne Liu Kellar and Maliha Masood read again from “Waking Up American: Coming of Age Biculturally” (Seal Press) on Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. A book of essays by women born to at least one foreign born parent or immigrant to the United States. This last reading is at the University Book Store at 1754 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. (253) 272-8080. Jung Chang and Jon Holliday read from their new biography, “Mao: The Unknown Story” on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. All the rest of the above readings take place at the Seattle store. 4326 University Way N.E. (206) 634-3400.
“Shifting World Powers” is a panel discussion moderated by Gary Locke. UW faculty discusses how worldwide advances in technology, education and economy are doing to shift the world’s power centers. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at UW Kane Hall 130. (206) 634-3400.
*Ha Jin reads from his award-winning novel, “War Trash” just out in paperback on Oct. 14 at UW’s Parrington Hall. (206) 634-3400.
*Newberry Award winner Linda Sue Park reads from her delightful new children’s book about a Korean food staple of homecooking, “Bee-bim Bop!” on Oct. 24 at a 7 a.m. breakfast reading at Tacoma Main Library in Tacoma at 1102 – Tacoma Ave. S. (253) 591-5666. She reads the same day at 6:30 p.m. at Lynnwood Barnes & Noble. 19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway. (425) 771-2220.
*There will be a reading and booksigning by David Niewert from his book, “Strawberry Days,” a history of Japanese Americans in Bellevue on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. Wing Luke Asian Museum. 407 – 7th Ave. S. RSVP to [email protected].
Anjali Banerjee reads from “Imaginary Men” and “Rani and the Fashion Divas” while Bharti Kirchner reads from her novel, “Pastries” on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Bellevue. 626 – 106th N.E. (425) 451-8463.
*If you are looking for something a little more provocative than just a writer reading from a book, try “Trapdoor 62: The Dream Interpretation Panel.” Using words, a guitar and a charcoal pencil – as panel of writers, musicians and artists will interpret the meaning of your dreams. Emceed and produced by Hugo House writer-in-residence Anna Marie Hong featuring artist Saya Moriyasu and others. Location to be announced. www.trapdoor62.org.
Awards / Opportunities
Applications are available for the 2006 Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs, which include the Artist Support Program, the Jack Straw Writer’s Program and The Jack Straw New Media Gallery Program. www.jackstraw.org. 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E. A free application workshop takes place at Jack Straw on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Gallery 110 has a juried show set for early 2006 entitled “Restating Empire.” Open to all artists 18 and older. Deadline is Oct. 31. Juror will be Deborah Paine. If you have questions, you can log on to www.gallery110.com or call (206) 624-9336 or visit the gallery at 110 S. Washington St. in Pioneer Square.
Hugo House “writer-in-residence” Anna Maria Hong teaches two classes this fall. “Super Sonnets: Creating Poems in Form” Oct. 3 – Nov. 14 at Hugo House in Seattle. She will also be teaching a class entitled “Writing Poems” Oct. 25 – Nov. 29 on the Eastside in partnership with Parkplace Books and The Publishing Institute at Parkplace Books in Kirkland. (206) 322-7030.
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