Here are a few highlights of what’s happening in the neighborhood this weekend. Check our Events calendar for more.
It’s Artwalk night in Phinney Ridge and Greenwood. Dozens of galleries and other businesses will host artists in a variety of mediums from 6-9 p.m. throughout the neighborhood. Check out the Artwalk website for a complete list of participating businesses and artists, plus a map. Seven-year-old artist Jesse Ballnik is showing her work that was inspired by the March 9 natural gas explosion, and how the neighborhood came together, at Nutty Squirrel Gelato, 7212 Greenwood Ave. N. She is donating all proceeds to the Greenwood Relief Fund.
Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., continues its run of “Cotton Patch Gospel” through April 23.
Tim’s Tavern, 602 N. 105th St., presents Joshua Miller at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by Echo Texture at 8 p.m., The Pop Cycle at 9 p.m. and Reanu Keeves & the Funky Falcons at 10 p.m. On Saturday, it’s Sit Kitty Sit, Elizabeth Better and Dopemine, starting at 9 p.m.
Couth Buzzard Books, 8310 Greenwood Ave. N., presents Morgan & Graves in a Pacific NW Folklore Society concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Stew’s Folk Music Corner at 12 p.m. Saturday, and Little Sara and Night Owls in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Asian and Global Arts Treasure sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N.
The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas is hosting its grand book launch party for “Encyclopedia Greenwoodia” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
JRA Bike Shop, which just moved from Greenwood and 84th Street a few blocks west to 1120 NW 85th St., is having its grand reopening party all day Saturday with food and beverages, and drawings for bike gear.
Empty Sea Studios, 6300 Phinney Ave. N., presents Mouths of Babes in concert at 7 p.m. Friday (tickets are $18 in advance, $22 at the door).
Seattle Folklore Society presents Sam Baker at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., in the Brick Building. Tickets in advance are $18 general; $16 SFS/PNA members, seniors and students; kids half price. All tickets are $2 more day of the show.
Sam Baker might be the most captivating songwriter in America. You’ll probably never catch yourself singing one of his songs in the shower – because his melodies generally tend to be as bare-bones serviceable as the raspy scratch of his singing – but, by God, you listen to what he has to say, hanging on for every line like a baby bird at feeding time. Sometimes his words come out haltingly, one by one; others tumble out of his mouth in spurts of nursery rhyme cadence (“Copper penny for your thoughts / Copper jacket full of lead / They wanted little Jimmy Cagney dead”). By the time he sing-speaks them all, he’s burned a black-and-white image, or sometimes even a whole movie, in your mind that lingers long after each song ends.
This is a rare visit for Baker to Seattle. As engaging as his music is, his live shows are amazing treats, full of self-effacing humor, superior writing that uniquely describes experiences we have all had, and great, great acoustic Texas music. Veteran sideman, Chip Dolan, will join for this performance.
If you’re heading downtown this weekend:
- Emerald City Comicon is happening at the convention center through Sunday, with more than 80,000 people expected.
- The Mariners host Oakland at 7:10 p.m. Friday, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, and 1:10 p.m. Sunday.
- Walk MS/Run MS starts at the UW Sunday morning, then heads to Gasworks Park and back to the UW via the Burke Gilman Trail. About 4,000 people are expected.