by Amanda Ong
September is here, and with it, a fantastic lineup of arts happenings in Seattle. In addition to shows, exhibitions and performances, there are also open houses, literary talents, parties, theater and musical events indoors and outdoors.
The emerald put together some of these incredible events to make this September a memorable month for you. Check them!
Know of something that should be on our list? Let us know at Arts@SeattleEmerald.org.
September 1 to 29
4Culture Gallery, 101 Place Préfontaine
Free
This month, 4Culture Gallery hosts a new exhibition featuring Tyna Ontko, an artist who uses natural and industrial materials as well as yellow cedar carvings in The form of proof. The resulting compositions are intended to look like useful objects.
September 9-10
Central Area Senior Center, 500 30th Ave. S
Free (opening gala $25)
The ninth annual Jackson Street Jazz Walk is a downtown Seattle celebration of the city’s rich jazz history. Drawing from deep black musical traditions, icons like Ernestine Anderson, Ray Charles and Quincy Jones began their iconic careers here.
The celebration kicks off with a black and white gala on September 9, featuring two live bands, dancing and appetizers, and continues on September 10 with the 12-band, seven-stage Jackson Street Jazz Walk. Performances include: Eugenie Jones, Alex Dugdale Fade Quartet, Jovino Santos Neto, E. Pruitt & Maureese Itson Band, Peter Adams Quartet, Jennifer Mellish, Jeremy Shaskus Quartet/with Nathan Breedlove, Kim Maguire, Jean Chaumont Group, Trifecta, Tim Kennedy Trio, Good Company and Fundamental Focus by Rik Wright.
Tickets for the Opening Gala can be purchased on CASC & Jackson Street Jazz Walk’s Eventbrite page. The following day is free, but patrons are encouraged to donate to the Northwest Harvest Food Bank. Donations can be made online through Shunpike. Black and white outfit suggested.
September 10, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
1902 Main Street S.
Free
The Pratt Fine Arts Center Open House is September 10, 2022, 6-9 p.m., featuring live artist demonstrations, youth and teen arts activities, four Jackson Street Jazz Walk performances , food trucks and a beer garden in Pratt Park. A free event, the Pratt Fine Arts Center invites all to take advantage of the center’s resources and explore new artistic mediums, courses, and programs at Pratt.
In other Pratt news: The Center recently announced that 17 artists will receive the largest scholarship opportunity ever, with total funding of $49,700. These artists also have access to Pratt’s classes and studios. Learn more about the fellows in the Pratt Fine Arts Center press release.
September 10, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Historic C-ID, near 423 Maynard Ave. S
Free
Since 2006, the C-ID Night Market has offered an outdoor market experience similar to those popular in Asia. Live bands and breakdance groups perform and streets are segmented for street vendors to offer food, crafts, shopping and entertainment. This night market celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival popular throughout East and Southeast Asia that celebrates the full moon and autumn harvests.
September 11, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hing Hay and Donnie Chin Parks, Chinatown-International District
Free
This one-day festival in the CID is the brainchild of Korean American artist Che Sehyun and features food, fashion, storytelling and performances from local and global cultural workers. The “future ancient” aspect includes harnessing ancient cultural practices and bringing them into our future, sharing them within a framework of collective liberation. Experience performances by Vietnamese elders, a Samoan fire knife dancer, capoeira and martial arts performances, yoga classes, food, and more. There will also be an outdoor screening of the film A Different Mirror: Community Building and Resilience in the Seattle IADC.
Follow The Future Ancient on Instagram for more updates.
September 11, 7:30 p.m.
The Royal Hall, 5000 Rainier Avenue S
$15 to $20 tickets
Jun Iida moved to Seattle, Washington in 2020 where he quickly established himself on the jazz scene, performing with Xavier LeCoutier, Martin Budde, Dylan Hayes, etc. Tickets are available on The Royal Room website.
September 16-17
City Hall, 1119 8th Ave.
Free for young people aged 22 and under; adult pass from $35 to $250
City Hall presents the 2022 Writers Festival, Volume I: Humble Beginnings. The first literary festival in Seattle in 15 years, the lineup includes many notable fiction and non-fiction authors: Siddhartha Mukherjee, Lan Samantha Chang, AM Homes, David Quammen. Oscar Hokeah, Leila Mottley, Joyce Carol Oates, Ted Chiang and Sloane Crosley. Elliott Bay Book Company, Third Place Books, Hedgebrook, Hugo House, SAL, Seattle Writer, SUBE, Clarion West and other local businesses will also be in attendance. Purchase passes on the Seattle City Hall website.
September 16 to 25
Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave.
Limited free passes for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or people with disabilities
Passes from $60 to $150
The Northwest Film Forum presents the 25th annual Local Sightings film festival, a collection of shorts and features from Pacific Northwest creators and filmmakers. The Fest offers virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Discover films from new and established filmmakers, as well as workshops, panels and events. Browse the program on the official website of the Northwest Film Forum.
September 17, 9:30 p.m.
The Royal Hall, 5000 Rainier Avenue S
$15 to $20 tickets
The Highsteppers are Seattle’s soul-inspired classical dance group, a nine-piece band specializing in classic soul and ’60s and ’70s R&B. Unique among modern dance groups, the Highsteppers boast a full horn section and three lead singers, and their soul makes everyone dance! Tickets are available on The Royal Room website.
Sept. 17, 7 p.m.
Wing Luke Museum, 719 S King Street
Tickets from $25 to $60
The Wing Luke Museum’s After Hours House Party is an opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits and enjoy performances, interactive visuals, music and dance by artists from AANHPI and the QTBIPOC. Bring your friends and family, the House Party is a fun night for all ages. Tickets are available for purchase on the Wing Luke Museum website.
September 23, 9:00 p.m.
Clock-Out Lounge, 4864 Beacon Ave. S
Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Clock-Out Lounge presents LIVt’s Pink and Orange EP Release, with special guests Ava Dasar and B3Lina. Olivia Thomas, stage name LIVt, is a local, Renton-based Washingtonian whose music is filled with the joy of self-expression and love. LIVt talks through their music about what it means to be proudly yourself as a black and queer person, or whoever you are, to embrace and love each other. Pacific Northwest sunsets are the inspiration for his new EP, Pink and Orangewhich she celebrates with the Clock-Out Lounge.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Clock-Out Lounge website and at the door.
Amanda Ong (she) is a Chinese-American writer from California. She is currently a master’s candidate in the University of Washington’s Museology program and graduated from Columbia University in 2020 with degrees in Creative Writing and Ethnic and Racial Studies.
📸 Feature Image: Artist and printmaker Jite Agbro (left) at a previous open house at the Pratt Fine Arts Center. (Photo: Alec Miller)
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