* Events that are $15 or less
The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps *
Gaman is a Japanese expression about enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity. It was also the subject of an art book written by Delphine Hirasuna, a third-generation Japanese American shortly after Sept. 11. Upon her mother’s death, Hirasuna was sorting through her mother’s belongings when she found a bird pin. It was a handmade trinket leftover from her mother’s time in a U.S. internment camp during World War II. The author started to wonder whether other internees coped with their imprisonment by making art.
Turns out they did, fashioning furniture and sculpture from found items. More than 120 of these pieces are on display in an exhibit which has toured San Francisco and Japan. It was curated by Hirasuna, who will be giving a talk at the museum on July 3.
If you go: The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, Bellevue Arts Museum, Through Oct. 14. ($10) — F.D.
METZ
Metz is opening for Cloud Nothings this week, the noteworthy punkish noise rockers. But I prefer the opener to the headliner in this instance. Hailing from Canada and signed to Seattle’s legendary Sub Pop records, Metz caught my ear in 2012 with their first LP, mostly because the production on the record is some of the best I’ve ever heard on a hardcore album. The drumbeats assault the ears with intimidating power, while the bass subtly fills in the spaces on that lower end. Guitarist Alex Edkins’ vocals are clearly punk-influenced, but modified with effects more commonly heard in screamo or post-hardcore. It all makes METZ a bit of a medley. If this show is on the level of their performance at Sub Pop’s Silver Jubilee festival last summer — and I suspect it will be — it’s well worth your money.
If you go: METZ, Neumos, July 3 ($15). 21+. — J.S.H.
Future
Future is one of the latest stars rising out of the Dirty South — he grew up in Georgia, though he's originally from Haiti. Following in the footsteps of southern luminaries Dungeon Family (which includes Outkast) and Gucci Mane, Future finds titillating ways to talk about life on the streets and in the club. His particular shtick is using the “ringtone rap” sound, aka hyphy club ready beats, as well as a heavy dose of autotune, in ways that are surprisingly un-annoying. There are thosey who would label him another T-pain knockoff, but the reality is a lot more original (and a lot less obnoxious.)
If you go: Future, The Neptune Theater, July 3 ($18). All ages. — J.S.H.
Free Summer Yoga in the Park *
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a newcomer, getting to practice yoga in the sunshine (for free!) is too good to pass up. I’m particularly partial to these classes led by Friends of the Samarya Center. In a local yoga scene where studios charge $18 drop-in class rates (plus mat rental fees), the Samarya Center is a welcome (and reasonable) diamond in the rough. When you attend free yoga in the park, you’ll also get a pass for a class at the Samarya Center (Central District at 17th and Jackson), so you can experience its community-based vibe for yourself.
If you go: Free Summer Yoga in the Park, 11 a.m. Saturdays in Pratt Park and Sundays in Cal Anderson, All Ages (Free) — N.C.
Seattle Chamber Music Society’s 2014 Summer Festival
The Seattle Chamber Music Society is launching what it’s calling its most ambitious festival ever. New people. New works. And, according to artistic director James Ehnes, audience favorites. I’ve always thought “chamber music” meant mostly strings. But throughout the summer, the SCMS series will feature artists on clarinet, trumpet and trombone. The 12-concert series kicks off July 7 with works by Saint-Saens, Rachmaninov and Schubert. And there are free pre-concert recitals an hour before each performance. Another freebie for your calendar: The Chamber Music in the Park concert at Volunteer Park on July 30. Nothing says summer like listening to Beethoven — barefoot and outdoors.
If you go: Seattle Chamber Music Society’s 2014 Summer Festival, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, July 7 through Aug. 2 ($48; entire series passes also available). — F.D.
Amy Pennington *
The local cook and cookbook author (and host of KCTS 9’s Check Please! Northwest) will be talking about her new book Fresh Pantry at Book Larder. As a home cook with high standards and limited funds —and space — I’ve found her earlier books (Urban Pantry and Apartment Gardening) both inspiring and indispensable and I’m super excited about her latest. Fresh Pantry is a guide to eating both seasonally and locally, featuring 124 recipes centered around 12 fruits and vegetables (including, of course, kale!). Here’s one of my favorite Pennington recipes, for an awesome and versatile coconut-date breakfast shake.
If you go: Amy Pennington, Book Larder, 6:30 p.m. July 8 (Free)- N.C.
The Antlers
Frontman Peter Silbermen is one of the best contemporary rock lyricists, and also one of the best singers. His gossamer falsetto and heartwrenching songwriting, made famous in the Antlers’ 2009 concept album “Hospice,” easily rivals the formidable abilities of Radiohead’s Thom York. The Antlers newest album, 2014’s “Familiars,” boasts Silbermen’s most cohesive lyrical effort. He has also greatly expanded his vocal range since “Hospice,” no longer singing primarily in falsetto. Musically, the Antlers have also shifted away from the overwrought, ocean-of-noise sound of their earlier work towards a more polished, grandiose style — and a better horn section than ever!
If you go: The Antlers, Neumos, July 9 ($18). All ages. — J.S.H.
