Seattle Center Festál: Tibet Fest, highlights a unique culture that lives in Himalayan arts, music and a craft bazaar. Tibet’s ancient and modern history are woven into Tibet Fest through a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, a children’s corner, foods and films, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 22 – 23, in Seattle Center Armory and on Fisher Roof.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Tibet Fest at Seattle Center. Tashi Khamshitsang, a member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, will attend as the festival’s special guest, and four alumni of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Sonam Tsering, Sherab Wangmo, Sonam Pelmo and Tashi Tsering, will present traditional Tibetan music and dance. Local Tibetan language and culture students, Trisong Group and Choesum Group will offer a view of contemporary Tibetan performance.
Film screenings include: “Miss Tibet: Beauty in Exile” by Norah Shapiro, “SEEDS” by Tenzin Dazel and Tenzing Dakpa, “Almost Tibetan” by João Inada and “Tainted Freedom” by Khenrab Palden. Two photography exhibitions, “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama: A Journey for Peace and Secular Ethics” and “America and the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet,” celebrate the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama and his worldwide efforts to spread peace and compassion.
Momos (steamed dumplings with meat or vegetarian fillings), jewelry, clothing, art, rugs and books are among the Tibetan and Himalayan specialties available for purchase in the bazaar. Festival-goers can pose in traditional Tibetan dress for pictures in a free photo booth. A children’s corner offers coloring activities.
Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Tibet Fest and other Seattle Center public programming, click on Seattle Center or call 206 684-7200.
