* Events that are $15 or less
PNB's Concerto DSCH and Season Encore Performance
It’s felt bittersweet sitting through a Carla Körbes performance at McCaw Hall knowing that her retirement is inching closer. I still miss Ariana Lallone's impossibly long lines. Last year, Kaori Nakamura said good-bye. Now it's Carla, whose dancing is so exquisitely graceful it almost hurts to watch. Watch this video and see for yourself. Better yet, catch Carla live one last time.
She’ll be dancing Friday’s performance of Concerto DSCH, which cements Alexei Ratmansky's place as one of the smartest and most inventive choreographers ever. Sunday’s Encore performance will feature Körbes in The Calling, a new work by Jessica Lang; and in Balanchine's Serenade and in Diamonds. I’ve never rushed the stage to throw flowers at a ballet; I might have to for Carla. (Note: Sunday's show will be live streamed here).
If you go: PNB’s Season Encore Performance, McCaw Hall, 6:30 p.m. June 7 (Tickets start at $35) — F.D.
The Weepies
There isn’t an abundance of husband-wife bands out there, but the few couples that do manage to make music together often achieve incredible results. The Handsome Family, The White Stripes and The Weepies are all successful examples; the Weepies play the Neptune this week. With 14 years and five studio albums behind them, Deb Talan and Steve Tannen (they kept their ironically similar last names) create understated, bittersweet folk pop, often replete with string arrangements. A good example: their excellent 2015 release, “Sirens,” which takes a darker tone than their early work.
If you go: The Weepies, The Neptune, June 4 ($30.50). All ages — J.S.H.
National Donut Day *
Seattle has endless room in its heart for happy hours, brunch spots, poodle mixes and — add to the list — donut shops. We have that reliable and delicious local chain Top Pot, and Mighty-O, which concocts amazing creations both vegan and organic (Lemon Poppyseed is my favorite). Ballard Cupcake Royale’s pop-up Rodeo Donut is here to stay AND expanding to the Capitol Hill, along with its menu, which now offers (among about a dozen rotating flavors) Salted Pistachio rings and Peanut Butter N Berry filled donuts, all on brioche dough. Head to either Rodeo Donut location on Friday for a free Stumptown coffee with your donut purchase ($2.50- 3). Look for treats as well from other shops participating in National Donut Day too; free donuts even. It's worth rearranging your schedule or commute this Friday to swing by one of the city's many donut emporiums. (Or is it emporia?)
If you go: National Donut Day, donut shops everywhere, June 5 (Free) — N.C.
Under Construction *
This Bangladeshi film — by a female director — tells the story of an actress named
Roya who is getting too old for the starring role in a play. Her husband is angry about her career (he wants to start having children); her mother thinks all actors are whores. When a European producer arrives with an invitation to tour the play, Roya reconstructs the role and steps back in. Director Rubaiyat Hossain is scheduled to attend both screenings of this world premier.
If you go: Under Construction, SIFF Cinema Uptown, 5:30 p.m. on June 6 and 3 p.m. on June 7 ($13) — F.D.
Tig *
Comedian Tig Notaro is one of those lovely people whose genuineness radiates from her every word, action and very presence. Performing right after being diagnosed with cancer, she, as a very scared person on a stage, managed to create a recording (live) that is powerful and, at times, even funny. This documentary follows Tig over the year following her diagnosis as she deals with her family, her health and her burgeoning career. I love every Tig Notaro bit I can get my hands on, from her deadpan specials to her appearance on The Moth to her segments on This American Life. Spending 90 minutes with her on-screen can only be a treat. Tig and director Kristina Goolsby are scheduled to appear at both screenings.
If you go: Tig, SIFF Cinema Uptown, 6 p.m. June 6 and 1:30 p.m. June 7 ($13) — N.C.
Reintroducing “Food Ethics” to Agriculture *
Paul Thompson, professor, author and former advisor with the U.N.’s Food and Agricultural Organization comes to Town Hall to discuss the ever-relevant topic of Food Ethics. His new book, From Field to Fork “analyzes the world’s farms, eating habits, and diet-related diseases, sharing the social justice issues present in all sectors of the industry.” These are topics we should all be thinking and talking about, and Thompson's lecture gives us an idea of the steps we can take to reverse current Big Food, Big Ag trends.
If you go: Paul Thompson, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m. June 8 ($5) — N.C.
BIG BLDG BASH *
The second annual BIG BLDG BASH goes down this Saturday, and the micro-festival’s five stages will host an armada of local DIY talent. The ethereal Youryoungbody will cast (artfully) clubby Darkwave spells, and local rock group/percussion maniacs Kithkin are sure to make the collective energy level soar. Cabana will also play, adding its blend of garage rock, psychedelia and good old-fashioned pop rock to the commotion. The Spider Ferns, Great Dads, Zoolab, Charms, Cloud Person, Low Hums, Sun Blood Stories and many more also get stage time. Count on an abundance of local beer and food — the latter served out of trucks, as is the fashion these days. Since the forecast is for sun and summer temperatures, this is surely the best way to kick off the summer music season a little early.
If you go: BIG BLDG BASH, 3600 E Marginal Way S, June 6 ($15). All ages — J.S.H.
Neon Trees
This band got its big break opening for The Killers in 2008, which says a lot about the music they make. Both bands make their living on greased-lightening pop rock songs about breakups, seduction, gossip and other universal matters of the heart. Musically, Neon Trees leads with guitars; The Killers’ prefer to put synths and keyboards in the forefront. Additionally, Trees' lead singer Tyler Glenn’s delivery is more anxious, more deliberately frayed around the edges than the dulcet croon of Killers’ Brandon Flowers. Neon Trees is known for enthusiastic live performances, making them a dependably good time.
If you go: Neon Trees, The Showbox, June 6 ($25). All ages — J.S.H.
