Welcome to $15 or Less, our eclectic, weekly events calendar for cash-strapped devotees of arts and culture.
Luis Negron
Elliott Bay Book Company, Thurs. 5/23 at 7 p.m., FREE
Spanish language author and queer activist Luis Negron reads from Mundo Negron, his debut collection of short stories. With humanity and humor, Negron grapples with the question of identity in his homeland of Puerto Rico.
We Are Wisconsin
Capitol Hill Public Library Branch, Thursday 5/23 at 6 p.m., FREE
This film, part of MayWorks (an annual month-long celebration of workers' culture and history), tells the story of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s 2011 overhaul of the state budget — and the teacher protests and new-fangled revolution that ensued. As a former Wisconsinite, I’m super excited about this film. But for anyone who cares about education and how Wisconsin's story fits into the greater political narrative, We Are Wisconsin is beyond exciting — it’s powerful, and downright vital.
Shortsfest Opening Night
SIFF Cinema Uptown, Thurs. 5/23 at 7 p.m., $10 SIFF members, $12 non-members
SIFF is in full swing and this week brims with shorts, which happen to be my favorite, and thus the focus of this week’s $15 or Less calendar recs. Shortsfest kicks off tonight with six films from around the world that celebrate the art of short storytelling. For tonight, embrace that short attention span under the guise of art appreciation!
WTF!
SIFF Cinema Uptown, Fri. 5/24 at 10 p.m., $10 SIFF members, $12 non-members
At this super marathon fun night, you’ll see eight different short films, each with a twist ending. Festival organizers say the inspiration for WTF! was totally worthy films that wouldn’t fit into any other category. Last year, WTF!'s lineup was uproarious. This year… sheep! Sexual Mermaid fantasies! Something called “Honk If You’re Horny!” Expect to have a great time AND vote on your favorite WTF! film at the end.
Folklife
Seattle Center, Friday 5/24 to Monday 5/27, FREE
Touted as the nation’s largest free community arts festival, Folklife is now in its 42nd year. Each day and night will feature an array of music performances and interactive events, from Friday night's Bollywood Show to Saturday’s Balkan Misfits (with energizing brass bands like the Bucharest Drinking Team!) to Sunday's Vamos!: A Latin Dance Party.
