Seattle - Art & Entertainment

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The patriarchs of the local art scene, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and its brother the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM), have been pushing steadily away from exclusively showing antiquities toward more contemporary art. At SAM, look for rotating modern art shows, and be sure to check out the Native American and African galleries. At SAAM, the vibe is quieter but expectant, since longtime curator William Rathbun recently retired, leaving the path open for new vision.

The contemporary art shows at the Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington always have an academic background and a flair for challenging conceptions. The Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) and a host of edgy galleries like Houston, James Harris, Greg Kucera and others, showcase young, impoverished, enthusiastic local talent. Check it all out during the monthly neighborhood Artswalks, during which galleries stay open late and offer wine and cheese to strollers. The Pioneer Square area holds its Artswalk on the first Thursday of every month, Capitol Hill follows suit on the first Saturday, Kirkland opens its doors on the second Thursday and Ballard rounds out the cycle on the second Saturday.

Cinema

Hollywood glitz rules the downtown scene at Pacific Place and the Meridian. Art-house funkiness lords over Capitol Hill at the Egyptian Theater and the Harvard Exit, and over the University District at the Neptune, the Varsity, the Seven Gables and the Grand Illusion. Those with catholic tastes can have it both ways at the various annual film festivals, where sneak previews of blockbusters play alongside obscure Yugoslavian flicks. The biggest festival is the Seattle International Film Festival, which takes the town over for three weeks in May and June. Also keep a lookout for the Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Polish Film Festival, the Scandinavian Film Festival, the Women in Film Festival . . . you get the idea.

Comedy

Admittedly, there are those who think watching nerdy Seattleites try to negotiate downtown with flapping rain ponchos and lattes in recycled, unbleached cups is comedy enough. But if you want something a bit more organized, try the Comedy Underground in Pioneer Square, where open-mike nights trade off with national headliners, or visit Giggles in the University District, where professionals hold forth on the weekends. There's also The Drink on the eastern side of Lake Union, which has an open mic on Tuesdays and comedy on Wednesdays.

Dance

Apart from the deservedly renowned Balanchine-school Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the beloved contemporary dance house On The Boards, good dance in Seattle is hard to come by on a regular basis. The best pickings include the University of Washington's excellent World Music & Dance Series, which brings top-notch groups such as the Paul Taylor Dance Company into town every year. And homegrown dancers, most notably Mark Morris, often come through the city trailing clouds of glory and winning new fans.

Museums

The Frye Art Museum has a pleasant collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings, while the Museum of History and Industry covers the same time period but with its focus on Seattle's history. The Burke Museum and the Museum of Flight offer glimpses of natural history and Boeing science respectively, with towering artifacts (dinosaurs and airplanes, naturally) at both.

The history of Seattle's ethnic minorities gets a thoughtful, detailed look at the Wing Luke Asian Museum. The Seattle Children's Museum and the Pacific Science Center, both at the Seattle Center, are paradises of activities for kids. Further afield, the Bellevue Art Museum has a good collection of 20th-century art, while the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum are Tacoma's newest answers to the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of History and Industry.

Classical Music

The Seattle Symphony just moved into its new, acoustically crisp home at downtown's Benaroya Hall, which also provides much-needed concert space for the excellent Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the Seattle Men's Chorus and other classical groups. The 1990s have also seen the rise of an early-music movement, with several period ensembles garnering acclaim and audiences under the aegis of the Early Music Guild. Churches around town and the Seattle Art Museum often stage lovely chamber music concerts.

Opera

The Seattle Opera is internationally famous today for its Wagner productions, most notably its four-day Ring cycle. The company was actually founded in the 1960s specifically to present Wagner's warhorses. Under the steady guidance of erudite Texan Speight Jenkins, the opera has broadened its range considerably, from sparkling Mozart to serious Prokofiev. The much-used Opera House is due for a renovation.

Of dozens of choral groups in Seattle, two of the better ones are the Seattle Men's Chorus and the Tudor Choir.

Rock/Pop/Jazz

Okay, so grunge is dead. But that doesn't mean that the local rock scene is dead with it. The scene is just a bit more upbeat, with international groups finding a warmer welcome. Experimental rock groups and other combinations of world, funk and pop music play most frequently at the Showbox, Sit 'n' Spin, Art Bar, the Bohemian Cafe and the Crocodile Cafe. Jazzmen and blues masters hold down regular gigs at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, Tula's, the New Orleans, the Tractor Tavern and the Baltic Room. There's also a lively Irish scene in town, with live traditional and modern music at Conor Byrne's, the Owl 'n' Thistle and Kells Irish Pub. For those who prefer to sit and listen to sophisticated tunes, the elegant Pampas Room or the worn but fervid Sorry Charlie's may be the place.

Clubs

If moving more than listening is your thing, there are plenty of dance houses to choose from. The Last Supper Club and Re-Bar are the tops in the hearts of cool house-music aficionados, while Catwalk and The Vogue rule the goth-industrial scene. Swingers head for the Century Ballroom, while unrepentant 80s music fans head for Neighbours. There are even a few temples to country music, including the Timberline. Downunder offers late-night dancing for a young, energetic crowd in Belltown.

Theater

Mainstream houses include the Seattle Repertory Theater, the Intiman, A Contemporary Theater and the Empty Space Theater. These companies put on strong seasons every year, usually comprised of modern classics and premieres. Fringe theater groups, such as the Annex Theater, the Book-It Repertory Theatre and Theater Schmeater, provide well-produced, eclectic alternatives. There's also a manic fringe festival in early spring, when dozens of groups materialize out of nowhere to put on shows. In the niche bracket, Seattle Children's Theatre presents extremely professional, creative productions for kids aged 4-14, while the 5th Avenue Theatre brings Broadway musicals to town.







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Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub


Two bars!
 1916 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 728 1916
http://www.kellsirish.com
Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub
Seattle Opera


Sell-out shows
 1020 John St
Opera House/Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 389 7676 / +1 800 426 1619
http://www.seattleopera.org/
Seattle Opera
Contemporary Theater (A) - ACT


Original plays
 700 Union Street
Kreielesheimer Place
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 292 7676 (Box Office)
http://www.acttheatre.org/
Contemporary Theater (A) - ACT
Annex Theatre


Annex Theatre
 1100 E Pike St
(11th Ave. at E. Pike St.)
Seattle, WA 98122
+1 206 728 0933
http://www.annextheatre.org/
Annex Theatre
Intiman Theatre


Nationally acclaimed
 201 Mercer Street
Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 269 1901 /+1 206 269 1900 (Box Office)
http://www.intiman.org/
Intiman Theatre
5th Avenue Theatre Company


A touch of yesteryear
 1308 Fifth Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 625 1418
http://www.5thavenuetheatre.org/
5th Avenue Theatre Company
Seattle Children's Theatre


Workshops and shows
 201 Thomas Street
Charlotte Martin Theater/Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 443 0807 / +1 206 441 3322 (Box office)
http://www.sct.org/
Seattle Children's Theatre
Seattle Repertory Theatre


Seattle's oldest theater
 155 Mercer St
Bagley Wright Theater/Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 443 2222 / +1 877 900 9285
http://www.seattlerep.org
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Crocodile Cafe


Up-and-coming bands
 2200 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
+1 206 448 2114
http://www.thecrocodile.com/
Crocodile Cafe
Pacific Science Center


Family fun and learning
 200 2nd Ave N
Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 443 2001
http://www.pacsci.org
Pacific Science Center
Bellevue Art Museum


Northwest artists and handicrafts
 510 Bellevue Way NE
Seattle, WA 98004
+1 425 519 0770
http://www.bellevueart.org
Bellevue Art Museum
Frye Art Museum


American and European paintings
 704 Terry Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 622 9250
http://www.fryeart.org
Frye Art Museum
Henry Art Gallery


Modern and contemporary art
 15th Avenue North East and 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 543 2280 / +1 206 543 2281 (Administrative Office)
http://www.henryart.org
Henry Art Gallery
Seattle Art Museum


Internationally recognized museum
 100 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 654 3100
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org
Seattle Art Museum
Burke Museum


Exhibits of the Pacific Northwest
 Northeast 45th Street and 17th Avenue
(University of Washington)
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 543 5590
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum
Burke Museum
Museum of History and Industry


Learn the story of Seattle
 2700 24th Avenue East
(McCurdy Park)
Seattle, WA 98112
+1 206 324 1126
http://www.seattlehistory.org
Museum of History and Industry
Museum of Flight


Soar through history
 9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA 98108
+1 206 764 5720
http://www.museumofflight.org
Museum of Flight
Wing Luke Asian Museum


The Asian-American experience
 407 Seventh Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 623 5124
http://www.wingluke.org
Wing Luke Asian Museum
Children's Museum


Everything for kids
 305 Harrison Street
(Seattle Center)
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 441 1768
http://www.thechildrensmuseum.org
Children's Museum
Pacific Northwest Ballet


A top ballet company
 301 Mercer St
Phelps Center
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 441 2424
http://www.pnb.org
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)


Hundreds of films
 911 Pine St (office)
(film showings at various locations)
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 324 9997
http://www.seattlefilm.org
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)
Ballard
Seattle
Ballard
Capitol Hill
Seattle
Capitol Hill
Pioneer Square
Seattle
Pioneer Square
Re-Bar


Outrageous and eclectic nightclub
 1114 Howell Street
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 233 9873
http://www.rebarseattle.com/theatre.php
Re-Bar
Seattle Symphony


World-class classical
 200 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 215 4747
http://www.seattlesymphony.org
Seattle Symphony
Grand Illusion Cinema


Independent Theater
 1403 NE 50th Street
(at University Way)
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 523 3935
http://www.grandillusioncinema.org
Grand Illusion Cinema
Giggles Comedy Club


Popular comedy club
 5220 Roosevelt Way
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 526 5653
http://www.gigglescomedyclub.com
Giggles Comedy Club
Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA)


Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA)
 6413 Seaview Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
+1 206 728 1980
http://www.cocaseattle.org
Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA)
James Harris Gallery


International contemporary art
 309A 3rd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 903 6220
http://www.jamesharrisgallery.com
James Harris Gallery
On the Boards


Contemporary performances
 100 West Roy Street
Seattle, WA 98119
+1 206 217 9888
http://www.ontheboards.org
On the Boards
Harvard Exit Theatre


Unique Elegance
 807 East Roy Street
Seattle, WA 98102
+1 206 781 5755
http://www.landmarktheatres.com
Harvard Exit Theatre
Egyptian Theatre


Stylish Cinema
 805 E Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98122
+1 206 781 5755
http://www.landmarktheatres.com
Egyptian Theatre
Neptune Theatre


Movies to 'Sea'
 1303 NE 45th
(At Brooklyn Ave)
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 781 5755
http://www.landmarktheatres.com
Neptune Theatre
Conor Byrne's Public House


Guinness and Gaelic tunes
 5140 Ballard Avenue Northwest
Seattle, WA 98107
+1 206 784 3640
Conor Byrne's Public House
Baltic Room


Chic nightclub
 1207 Pine St
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 625 4444
http://www.thebalticroom.com
Baltic Room
Tractor Tavern


Eclectic music temple
 5213 Ballard Avenue Northwest
Seattle, WA 98107
+1 206 789 3599
http://www.tractortavern.com/
Tractor Tavern
Showbox


Cavernous dance and concert venue
 1426 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 628 3151
http://www.showboxonline.com/
Showbox
Neighbours


Friendly gay dance haven
 1509 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
+1 206 324 5358
http://www.neighboursonline.com/
Neighbours
Pacific Place Cinema


Upscale multiplex
 600 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
+1 206 652 2404
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/movietimes/showtimes.asp?theaterID=AAIYA
Pacific Place Cinema
Downunder


Late-night dancing in Belltown
 2407 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
+1 206 728 4053
http://www.downundernightclub.com/
Downunder
Vogue


Famous nightclub
 1516 11th Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
+1 206 324 5778
http://www.vogueseattle.com
Vogue
Book-It Repertory Theatre


Book-It Repertory Theatre
 305 Harrison St
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 216 0877 / +1 206 216 0833 (Box Office)
http://www.book-it.org
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Theater Schmeater


In your face theater
 1500 Summit Avenue
Seattle, WA 98102
+1 206 324 5801
http://www.schmeater.org/
Theater Schmeater
UW World Music & Dance Series


Year-round arts series
 Meany Hall for the Performing Arts
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 543 4880
http://www.uwworldseries.org/
UW World Music & Dance Series
University of Washington


University of Washington
 022 Odegaard
UW Information & Visitors Center
Seattle, WA 981095
+1 206 543 9198
http://www.washington.edu
University of Washington
Early Music Guild


Focal group for early music
 2366 Eastlake Avenue East
Suite 335
Seattle, WA 98102-3399
+1 206 325 7066
http://www.earlymusicguild.org/
Early Music Guild
Tudor Choir


Historically focused choir
 2366 Eastlake Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
+1 206 322 3118
http://www.tudorchoir.org
Tudor Choir
Seattle Men's Chorus


Beloved Seattle institution
 319 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122-5504
+1 206 323 0750
http://www.seattlemenschorus.org
Seattle Men's Chorus
Seattle Center


Gathering place
 305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
+1 206 684 7200
http://www.seattlecenter.com
Seattle Center
Century Ballroom


Swinging dance locale
 915 East Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98122
+1 206 324 7263 / +1 325 6500 (ticket window)
http://www.centuryballroom.com/
Century Ballroom
Owl 'N' Thistle


Irish pub near Pioneer Square
 808 Post Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 621 7777
http://www.owlnthistle.com
Owl 'N' Thistle
Last Supper Club


Trendy and hip nightclub
 124 S Washington St
Seattle, WA 98104
+1 206 748 9975
http://www.lastsupperclub.com
Last Supper Club
University District


Home neighborhood to the UW
 4114 University Way NE and 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98105
+1 206 526 9000
University District
Seattle
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