ByGD
One of the first times I visited Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park was for a special performance of site-specific ballets commissioned by Pacific Northwest Ballet. The event, called Sculptured Dance was such a big hit that it became an annual event for several years. I’m not sure if I’m remembering correctly, but I think this was also the first time I saw Donald Byrd’s choreography.
ByGD
I’ve missed the big arts organizations’ live performances in world-class spaces during the pandemic. But I’ve discovered a lot of small, innovative projects that I would have missed in normal years. Many of them might not even have happened during business as usual. One of them is “We’re All in This Together: An (almost) Post-COVID Ballet.” It’s a six-minute ballet video filmed at Vashon Center for the Arts. And it’s really beautiful.
ByGD
I was pretty bummed when the Neptune converted from a movie theater to a live venue. I mean, it’s way better than getting torn down for condos. But I had a lot of movie memories there. Then I saw Thao and the Get Down, Stay Down there. Car Seat Headrest played that night, too. I already liked both bands, but seeing Thao live I realized she is a legitimate rock star. (I later saw her at Doe Bay Fest, where the folky aspect of the band was on more prominent display). Really, you couldn’t put that space to better use.
ByGD
Bookstores might be my Tiffany’s. This look back at the haul from my very first Independent Bookstore Day reveals the severity of my tsundoku problem. I still haven’t read any of the books pictured. But Independent Bookstore Day remains one of my favorite holidays. This year they’re doing things a little differently to accommodate pandemic safety precautions, and I’m still not sure how much I’m going to participate. But I think next year will be the year I actually fill my passport.
ByGD
The Secret Garden was one of my favorite books growing up. So I was delighted to discover a garden hidden away on the top level of the parking garage at McCaw Hall. Years ago, rather than wasting time looking for a “good” spot, I always drove straight to the rooftop when I came to see the ballet or the opera. Somewhere along the line (probably when I started wearing high heels?) I changed my strategy and started parking elsewhere. When I heard that the roof had been converted to a P-Patch, I had to confirm it for myself. And there it was, the UpGarden, a secret garden right across the street from the Seattle Center.