Does Your Mother Know: A Candid Discussion with Sassy Mama Donna

Mamma Mia Fox TheaterAs an 80’s baby, I subconsciously became an ABBA fan long before I could comprehend an acronym, or the impact Agnetha, Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid would have on Pop music. My parents blared that Gold: Greatest Hits on repeat throughout my childhood, and it didn’t take long for me to realize, I was THE Dancing Queen. When the MAMMA MIA! musical first went into production several years

Photo Courtesy of Michael Doucett
Photo Courtesy of Michael Doucett

If you’ve been on the prowl for a fun date night, or evening out with the ladies, Teatro Zinzanni offers a spiced up rendition of dinner theater unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. In production since 1998, guests will get cozy with fellow diners seated around a booth family style, and expect surprisingly satisfying cocktails and dishes throughout the three hour evening, paired with the Teatro cast carefully crafting a tale filled with many laughs,  cirque trapeze acts, festive cabaret,

Howard Finds Himself in I Forget Where We Were

ben howard

Who: Ben Howard established himself as a prominent UK folk artist with the release of his first album Every Kingdom back in 2011, a beautiful reflection of positivity,  and collection of catchy love lyrics sure to appeal to audiences everywhere. Each song on the album felt as if you were sharing a personal moment with the artist, yet just when you thought he might dive deep and reveal something bigger, he ended the trance and brought you back up with his cute hums, whistles, and winks. The album was a quintessential catch 22; I loved everything about it, the transition from Old Pine, to Everything and what

A Very Naughty Christmas with Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann

What:  In its ninth year running, Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann’s rendition of the Land of Sweets Burlesque Nutcracker offers Seattleites an exciting twist on the classic holiday production. With promises of stunning choreography, skillfully designed costumes and playful banter, you’re sure to wind up on the naughty list after attending a 2014 showing.

land of sweets triple door
Photo Courtesy of Scott Butner

As the Land of Sweets approaches it’s 10th anniversary at the Triple Door, we were curious what has evolved in production over the past several years. “One of my absolute favorite moments to illustrate the evolution of the show is that the first year, Jasper and I sat on the floor for endless hours,

Musication to Reykjavik’s Iceland Airwaves 2014

The Flaming Lips In Concert - Iceland Airwaves Music Festival 2014What: Itching for a vacation to escape Seattle? Picture journeying to a brisk European destination with a geothermal beach in the heart of the city, and a peace tower conceived by Yoko Ono to honor the late John Lennon. Music is at the heart of the Icelandic culture, and the Iceland Airwaves Festival is the perfect reason to mark your calendar, and explore Reykjavik. The 16th annual festival

Ásgeir Breaks the Silence at Columbia City Theater

Asgeir

Who: When 20 year old Ásgeir Trausti released his first album In the Silence in his native Icelandic tongue and country, he became somewhat of a boy wonder phenomenon overnight. Many of the songs had been written by his father, a seasoned local poet, and the deeply rooted connection and alluring radiant voice were felt and welcomed by critics immediately. The album has since become the largest grossing

Dexter Studio Now Offering Classes For Inspired Creative Professionals

OAR In studio
OAR Live in studio at CreativeLive

Who: Seattle is a city filled with a deep appreciation for everything music, from inspiring artists, band managers, teachers and recording professionals. We even have a department within the City of Seattle dedicated to the innovation of the local Film + Music industry, but where does one inspired young professional go to seek education in the field? CreativeLive has been offering video-centralized classes in their Dexter studio for creative types since they launched back in 2010. Students who prefer to learn from the comfort of their pajamas at home or  a coffee shop can opt to take classes live online, without

Hilltop hoods

Who: MC’s Suffa and Pressure met in high school in  the hills of Southern Australia and were later introduced to DJ Debris, whom they found  had a common appreciation and love for hip-hop music that was not prevalent in their local music scene. The trio joined forces as Hilltop Hoods, and soon became breakout leaders in the Australian music industry. After the release of their 2003 album The Calling, the Hoods have demanded a loyal following, and paved the way for rap and hip hop artists in their country, while established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the International stage. After many successful albums, touring Australia with Eminem, and creating a huge following from their eye opening festival performances, the Hilltop Hoods have finally landed in Seattle, where a love and appreciation of talented rappers goes hand in hand with a freshly brewed latte, and finely rolled legal blunt. Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of hanging out with the kings of Australian hip-hop before their epic performance at the Crocodile Cafe. The venue was brimming with excitement before their set, as an audience of young and seasoned concert goers stood in anticipation for an evening on their feet.

Frankie Valli is Just Too Good To Be True at Ste Michelle This Week!

Frankie Valli

Who: After attending the uber successful Broadway musical Jersey Boys at the 5th Avenue a few years back, I downloaded the soundtrack before walking out of the theater, and fell in love with all of the hits my mother’s generation grew up on, all over again. You’ve bounced the balls of your feet to hits like Sherry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You at recent weddings this summer, and now you can see Frankie Valli in the flesh, perform at one of the summer’s final concerts at Cheateau Ste Michelle. Frankie Valli

Don’t Miss This Enlightening Documentary Screening on Thursday August 7th

Black Beauty Breed

If Hollywood were any indication of what to expect in real life, we would believe boosting cars like Vin Diesel was cake, and having our vehicles morph into our best friend Optimus Prime at dusk was an average Tuesday night. If we know these cinematic dreams aren’t reality,  why is it that when we see an angry rottweiler attack the mailman on a sitcom, we laugh knowingly, and assume the bully breed got its name for a reason. Director/Producer Angie Ruiz created the documentary Black Beauty Breed to