Entries from March 2017
March 28th, 2017 by WK Leigh
When was the last time you stopped by Stone Way Cafe, the little black building spilling with people day and night? It’s the one that’s been there for ages, way before all the development and awesome new eateries popped up over the past couple of years. Stone Way Cafe used to be pretty much on its own there, known as a great little place for breakfast amongst the strip of electric companies, lumber and paint stores, etc. Like most of Stone Way, it’s evolved, but has stayed surprisingly close to its earthy-hippie roots. That includes its commitment to local food, art and music – and to its Thursday open-mic nights. The stage is cozy, sound system professional, and a steady stream of acoustic artists sing their hearts out from about 7 – 11 p.m, every single Thursday.
Anyone can participate; just sign up by 6:45 and wait for your time. Slots do fill up pretty quickly, so show up as early as you can. It’s a very low-key thing, but popular with Fremont locals sipping beer, cider, wine and espresso drinks (hot tip: the spicy Mexican mocha).
No cover charge, and kids are more than welcome. Pop in and support your local Seattle musicians, poets and artists!
March 10th, 2017 by WK Leigh
Gas Works Park Play Area Closed for Studies
We all have a stake in our neighborhood’s play areas – because happy families make happy communities. So it’s time to let Fremont voices be heard. Everyone has until March 17, 2017 to sound off in the comment period allotted by Seattle Parks and Recreation for the Gas Works Park Play Area Renovation and Cleanup Investigation.
SPR plans to install new play equipment at Gas Works, while Puget Sound Energy hops on the bandwagon to conduct studies of contaminated groundwater – specifically where arsenic is impacting groundwater under the play area. They’ll also install part of a system of pipes and monitoring wells to cleanup the contamination that’s already in place there. It’s not just the park that’s impacted by this; it’s also crucial to prevent more contamination from caching Lake Union. Elevated concentrations of arsenic were first detected in soil and groundwater samples collected beneath the Play Area in 2013. [Read more →]
March 7th, 2017 by WK Leigh
SPU Percussion Ensemble
Seattle Pacific University continues its Winter 2017 Concert Series with a free performance by its Percussion Ensemble tonight, March 7, at 7:30 pm. The student ensemble is well known for its interpretations of traditional, classical and historic compositions using drums and eclectic percussive instruments.
The SPU Percussion Ensemble is multi-faceted, with several distinct groups performing a wider range of music. The “ethnic group” performs traditional drumming from West Africa, Cuba, Brazil and the South Pacific, while the “chamber groups” focus on classical works, and the “historical group” brings to life the traditional drumming of the American Revolution and Civil War, using period instruments.
March 3rd, 2017 by WK Leigh
Gasworks Gallery Founder Matt Jones, Photo Courtesy of Seattle PI
Three months rolls back around pretty quickly – it’s time again for the free quarterly “Passion for Mashin” open studio event at Gasworks Gallery! Head over there tonight, March 3rd, from 8 to 10 pm for some fun with some of Seattle’s most creative and earthy working artists. Tour the individual studios, chat with the artists, sip a bit of wine, and bring a storable food donation to benefit Mashed Potatoes. This nonprofit donates non-perishable food to those in need, in conjunction with Northwest Harvest.
The event takes place in 3 locations at the gallery complex: the Gasworks Gallery, the Underground Studios and The Warehouse (which is accessed through the gallery). The gallery, located in the big blue Jones Building on Lake Union spreads across 12,000 square feet, with 50 working artists and rentable photography studios. Get directions on the gallery’s Facebook page: http://GasworksGallery.com/map.htm
There’s a limit of 50 people, so get there early! If you can’t make it tonight, mark your calendar for these quarterly events on the first Friday of December, March, June and September.
March 2nd, 2017 by WK Leigh
Seattle is chock-full of world-focused entrepreneurs and international connections – but Fremont has a way of reflecting that in simple ways: through the art and cuisine we embrace every day. There’s no better way to deep-dive into the world-at-large than a stroll through Fremont Market on a Sunday afternoon. Here’s a couple of images showing just why we love reaching across the borders, oceans, hills and valleys to embrace the world from fresh perspectives. Head over there this Sunday to pick up some vibrant cultural treasures for Spring.
