Scarecrow Video provides a unique service. While the media landscape has transformed into a virtual domain, Scarecrow remains firmly planted in the physical world. And because of the vastness of their collection, along with their commitment to preserving cinema history, your selection won’t be limited to popular titles. Why is that important? For the same reason representation is important: we need to see ourselves reflected in our art. Otherwise, we become monstrous to ourselves. 

Keen-eyed (read Chronically Online) Seattle Artists know that something has been up lately at 18th & Union, the beloved Central District arts space.

I sat down with marketing director, Jazz Flora, for an exclusive inside scoop:

This week, I wanted to focus on honoring the Native American Tribes who originally lived on and took care of the land I occupy. After spending my Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day weekend visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, I knew I wanted to review a book that furthered my goal to honor and educate myself about Indigenous peoples.

And Seattle happens to be home to one of the most coveted LGBTQ+ places: the city’s first, and only, lesbian bar—The Wildrose. Located in Capitol Hill, Wildrose opened on New Year’s Eve in 1984 and still remains open today. I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the owners, Martha Manning. We delved into topics ranging from troubles staying open during COVID to what the Wildrose means to lesbians today.

In early November, On the Boards unveiled a briefly-run but awe-inspiring performance: Indian School by ritualist Timothy White Eagle (he/him) and co-created with Hatlo (they/them) White Eagle. White Eagle is quick to confirm that Indian School is a collaborative effort, and not a solo show.

Shelly’s Leg (1973-1977) was Seattle’s first openly gay bar and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. The popular nightclub got its start in a rather unique way. Shelly Bauman, the founder of Shelly’s Leg, lost her left leg in a parade accident in the early ‘70s. She used the money from her settlement to open the nightclub in 1973. Bauman chose to create something that was groundbreaking for its time. Her decision to open the club was about more than just business; it was about creating a community.

“NebTech has tracked energetic anomalies in the geographic vector that houses the Georgetown Steam Plant. It’s almost as if their spirits are stirring in the air around us. We believe, with the right number of souls present, we may be able to finally discover what happened to these intrepid mystics, and even open the portal itself. Will you be one of those souls?”

Pronouns matter. They have become a means to explore and expand the nature of identity in today’s culture; and, as history continually teaches us, culture is always ahead of politics (and, lest we forget, the arts are the vanguard of culture). The demographic shifts in the United States are changing the culture of our democracy—making it richer, more diverse, and more equal.

Steampunk can be treated in a really serious fashion, as any genre can be. There is very serious steampunk fiction—I really recommend reading Everfair by Nisi Shawl if you want some very beautiful serious steampunk fiction—but also there’s a certain element to steampunk that is absurd. It’s ridiculous! And we are leaning into that. And sometimes people need to be reminded as adults, especially in this hard, hard world, that you can laugh! You can just come and as the English say, take the piss out of something.

Kirsten McCory is a Seattle-area actor, playwright, voice artist, and model. Several months ago I had the pleasure of acting in a stage reading of a play she wrote called In The Garden. A few months later, I was invited to do a table read of another play she is creating: 100% Solution. I realized later that being immersed in Kirsten’s writing gave my inner artist lessons about creativity and self-expression that anyone can benefit from. Always diligently moving through some part of the creative process, she dares to dream—and all the better for the dynamic worlds and multifaceted characters she manifests into theaters near you. Kirsten McCory is currently playing the character of Amanda Wingfield in a local production of the Tennessee Williams play The Glass Menagerie.

SketchFest Seattle—the world’s original comedy festival—returns this weekend, celebrating 25 years of comedy gold. Nestled sweetly smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market’s Gum Wall, the historic Market Theater (owned and operated by Unexpected Productions) will once again serve as the headquarters of Seattle’s sketch comedy resplendence. From Friday through Sunday, this iconic venue will host Seattle’s annual sketch comedy festival, bringing together some of the brightest comedic minds from across North America. Performers from Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, and more major cities will gather alongside Seattle teams for three glorious days of comedic sketch excellence… Sketchellence? Sure, why not.

One of the things that I think makes us really unique in the steampunk space is that our events are in general designed to be us as hosts or facilitators and the guests are the stars. They get to be performers. We have what I call the Big 3 competitions that we run, which is Tea Duelling, Splendid Teapot Racing (RC cars shaped to look like teapots that you run through an obstacle course), and Madame Askew’s creation: Compliment Duelling.

Through the magic and glory that is Capitol Hill queer life, I happened to meet a wonderfully nerdy fellow named Glenn via a mutual acquaintance. During our chat, I discovered he was half of a performing duo versed in steampunk spaces. Ever the nerd myself involved in a myriad of geeky realms, I was instantly intrigued. How does one perform Steampunk? What’s so special about the genre, and how are they bringing something new to the niche? The answers may surprise and titillate you. I present to you: Madame Askew and The Grand Arbiter.

The park itself consists of a series of paved walkways that meander among the trees and foliage, offering lovely views of the shoreline and Elliott Bay. The paths have gentle slopes that are accessible by both stairs and ramps. The aforementioned beach offers a nice place for picnics and relaxing. At the end of the walkway is your big reward, an observation tower that gives you an unobstructed view of Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, and the Port of Seattle. This vista point is very popular whenever there are fireworks at the Space Needle.

When all construction on the freeway was completed in 1966, many public-spirited Seattleites and King County officials began talking about constructing a “lid” over the portion of I-5 between Union and Seneca Streets to reconnect First Hill to Downtown.

The City of Auburn’s Juneteenth event at Les Gove Park in Auburn, WA, promised to be a vibrant celebration of freedom and culture. Located right in downtown Auburn, adjacent to the King County Library Auburn Branch, the event was set against a backdrop that should have been inviting and accessible. My experience, however, revealed several areas that needed improvement.

How does film production help a city’s economy? Production for a single movie can include a team of hundreds of people (cast, crew, and staff). During a several months-long film shoot, this large team of personnel would infuse money directly into the local economy for food, transportation, lodging, entertainment, services, equipment purchases and rentals, and patronizing the many tourist attractions or outdoor activities that the Pacific Northwest boasts.

ACT Theatre and the Seattle Shakespeare Company recently announced that its respective boards are exploring a merger between the two Seattle theater companies. The prospective forging of the two would produce a new entity in the Seattle theater community as well as create an arts center that focuses on both classic and contemporary works housed in the historic Eagles Auditorium Building at 700 Union Street.

Image: The Human Library via Folio