Buzz about Seattle’s NHL team, upcoming music wins + ways to beat Viadoom.

Change is hard (and everywhere we look these days…), so we’re aiming to focus on the positive side of progress. Here are some topics giving us hope about what lies ahead.

SPORTS EXCITEMENT

The Sounders and Mariners seasons are suddenly just around the bend (late February), and we’re still excited about the National Hockey League approving an expansion team in Seattle—with a unanimous vote, making it the 32nd franchise in the league. Although NHL Seattle won’t begin its inaugural season until the fall of 2021, there’s already been much speculation about selecting a team name that might tie into city culture.

VIADOOM AVOIDANCE

It’s no surprise that #viadoom has been a hot conversation starter these past few weeks. And it’s also no surprise that local businesses have found clever ways to lure patrons into their enticing downtown venues during this time. For example, Thompson Seattle hotel hopes to ease the pain of the “Seattle Squeeze” with its “Mute the Commute” overnight package. Locals and visitors can avoid construction and traffic chaos by entering promo code “MUTE” when booking to receive 30% off rates, daily breakfast and 50% off laundry services. Sounds good to us!

Seattleites are also advised to “Keep Clam” knowing that Ivar’s and Kidd Valley are offering free chowder and fries at its downtown Seattle waterfront locations, along with other freebies from businesses in The Seattle Historic Waterfront Association (including the Seattle Aquarium, The Edgewater Hotel, Seattle’s Great Wheel and others). Through February 4, Ivar’s Acres of Clams, Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar and the Pier 54 Kidd Valley location treats guests to a cup of Ivar’s famous clam chowder or Kidd Valley’s hand-cut French fries.

ARTS ESCAPES

If you’re in need of uplifting spurts of culture, we recommend checking out upcoming talks at Elliott Bay Book Company and Benaroya Hall (like internationally celebrated journalist Katherine Boo on January 28). On Sunday January 20, August festival lineup announcements will be made at the Pickathon 2019 Kickoff Party in Portland’s Revolution Hall. In February, Guster plays the Showbox (2/16), while My Brightest Diamond headlines Tractor Tavern (2/23).

Yet with all this emphasis on looking ahead, Moth storytellers do just the opposite on January 18 when they speak to the theme of “Backwards.” The event takes place at St. Mark’s in Capitol Hill; doors open at 7 p.m. and stories begin at 8.

Finally, on February 28, Ignite Seattle, “an evening of fast-paced talks on a wide range of interesting, inspiring and challenging topics” comes to SIFF Cinema – Egyptian Theatre (Capitol Hill). After several successful seasons at Town Hall, the popular series continues its simple premise: “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” We hope that these events help you gaze ahead with excitement, optimism and a sense of non-road-rage-tinged calm.