As the region and the world continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19, Seattle Center resident organizations and public programming partners have shown their mettle in adapting to an environment completely alien to their purpose and process. While some campus residents, such as Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Space Needle, have reopened on a limited basis (and AN/T Gallery will follow in October), most others have gathered their creative and financial resources to turn toward virtual experiences.
Virtual events planned for the month of October include ethnic cultural festivals, educational forums, panel discussions and theatrical, opera and dance presentations. Some are free of charge and others help to support these valued organizations.
OCTOBER
Seattle Center Festál
This engaging ethnic cultural series features several streaming festivals during the month including: CroatiaFest, 7 p.m., Oct. 2; 11 a.m., Oct. 3 and 4 at www.croatiafest.org. Turkfest, 12 noon on Oct. 11 at www.facebook.com/TurkfestSeattle/. Diwali: Lights of India, 12 noon-6 p.m., Oct. 21 at www.facebook.com/events/seattle-center/diwali-lights-of-india/352028608576215. Dia de Muertos Festival Seattle, 12 noon, Nov. 1 at diademuertosseattle.org/es.
A/NT Gallery
Virtual monthly art shows at revisionexhibitions.com and the gallery will reopen beginning Oct. 9, with a group show, Touching Moments: Art From the Heart, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., closed 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. for cleaning, Friday-Sunday. Masks required. antgallery.org.
Book-It Repertory Theatre
This season, new Artistic Director Gus Menary goes all-audio to play with the form, structure, and genre of book adaptations in five “mainstage” audio dramas including Childfinder, The Canterville Ghost, Manaland, The Effluent Engine and Mandala of Sherlock Homes. Learn more and subscribe at book-it.org/2020-2021-season.
Cascade Public Media
Crosscut, in partnership with Centrum, presents Communiversity. The all-ages art and lecture series seeks to inspire thought-provoking conversations highlighting a wide range of topics affecting our world. The events feature selected experts in dialog with journalists and reporters from Crosscut and KCTS public media. Marian Maxwell speaks 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m., Oct. 26 at www.facebook.com/events/415928399350818.
Classical KING FM
KING FM has partnered with Seattle Children’s Theatre on Saturday Morning Stories, vividly told tales for children accompanied by classical music. Famous narrators bring beloved characters and classic stories to life, 8:30 a.m., Saturdays, through October:Carnival of the Animals, narrated by Jack Prelutsky, with music by Camille Saint-Saëns; Oct. 3; The Firebird, narrated by Natalia Makarova, with music by Igor Stravinsky; Oct. 10; andHaleakala: How Maui Snared the Sun, narrated by Richard Chamberlain, with music by Dan Welcher, Oct. 17. More at: https://www.king.org.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center
In Community We Flourish: Art & Creativity Now, 12 noon,Oct. 28, invites artists and arts organizations to address what is inspiring them now and the challenges and opportunities for creating and presenting art during COVID-19. RSVP required. https://www.discovergates.org/program/in-community-we-art-and-creativity.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
While MoPOP has reopened, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays-Sundays, it continues to offer fun, imaginative and engaging online experiences. This month’s Virtual Watch AlongSaturdaymovies include Edward Scissorhands, 4 p.m., Oct. 3; Attack the Block, 6 p.m., Oct. 10; and Pan’s Labyrinth, 6 p.m., Oct. 17. Readers who missed the first Book Club discussion on Sept. 30 can join the 2nd one at 4 p.m., Oct. 7, to explore Jimi Hendrix’s love of science fiction by immersing in one of his favorite books: Earth Abides by George R. Stewart. MoPOP also offers a unique opportunity for homeschooled students and their families to participate in thematic, hands-on experiences centered on the museum’s exhibits and content. Learn more at Mopop.org.
Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB)
There is still time to subscribe to PNB’s Digital 2020-2021 Season, Dance Happens Everywhere. Each offering is available for five days following its release date. PNB Rep 1, its “Greatest Hits” releases Oct. 15; Rep 2 featuring female choreographers releases in November; George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker in December, Rep 3 presenting Roméo & Juliet in February; Byrd, Cerrudo Wheeldon in February and Coppélia in May. PNB also offers engaging online dance performances, podcasts, conversations and more. Learn more and find it at https://www.pnb.org.
Pacific Science Center
Those who venture into PacSci’s virtual space will find a variety of educational and entertainment options. Virtual Planetarium Show streams live shows where presenters modify the program based on interest. Early Childhood Explorations provide fun ways for preschool aged kids and families to investigate science. Live Science Shows present experiments, theatrics, and tricks in action that inspire curiosity, enlighten, and entertain people of all ages. Kids can experiment and innovate with Tinker Tank at Home, with instructional videos of do-it-yourself activities.
Adults will enjoy Calling BS: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World, 7 p.m., Oct. 6, with Carl Bergstrom, Professor of Biology, and Jevin West, Director of the Center for an Informed Public at U.W., as they suggest the necessary tools to cut through the most intimidating data to effectively confront this age of misinformation. Registration required: www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events-programs.
Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera Mornings
KING FM airs live recordings of previous Seattle Opera performances, 10 a.m., Saturdays through November. October broadcasts include: Macbeth, Oct. 3, recorded May, 13, 2006; Lucia di Lammermoor, Oct. 10,recorded March 28, 1992; Salome, Oct. 17,recorded March 30, 2002; Anna Bolena, Oct. 24, recorded March 19, 1991; and Othello, Oct. 31, recorded September 1967.
Seattle Rep
The Rep launches a new online series on Thursday, Oct. 29 with a look at civic theater. (Re)Imagine Theater brings artists and community leaders together to envision a new theatrical world. The panel series highlights individuals and organizations who are working toward positive change and discusses how artists and community can work together to craft a vision for the future of theater. Audience members will be welcome to add their ideas to the conversation. Registration required. Learn more at: https://www.seattlerep.org/audience-programs/upcoming-events/reimagine-theater.
Seattle Shakespeare Company
Seattle Shakespeare Company joins up with a host of area arts organizations to create The Great Seattle Arts Adventure, Oct. 5-25. This free, all-ages digital scavenger hunt game challenges teams and players complete local arts-related missions for fun and prizes. New missions will be released throughout the game. Learn more and get a game code to join the fund at seattleartsadventure.org.
SIFF
SIFF continues with its roster of new independent arthouse films, encores of successful presentations, and an ever-rotating selection of virtual cinema to enjoy at home. Here’s the current list of releases, with some of the ticket proceeds going back to SIFF: Native Son, Argentina, 1951; Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, USA, 2019; RBG, USA, 2018; A Chef’s Voyage, France, 2020; Blackbird, U.K., 2019; Softie, Kenya 2020; Mr. Soul!, USA, 2018; Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin, U.K., 2019; John Lewis: Good Trouble, USA, 2020; Billy the Kid, USA, 2007; Herb Alpert Is…, USA, 2020; Aggie, USA, 2020 (opens Oct. 9). Tickets and information at: www.siff.net/virtual/virtual-siff-cinema.
Seattle Center encourages the public to explore these engaging and entertaining virtual experiences, while we all await the return of live experiences on the grounds. Learn more at https://www.seattlecenter.com/artsathome or call 206 684-7200.
About Seattle Center:
Connect to the extraordinary at Seattle Center, an active civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our region. More than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations that reside on the grounds, together with a broad range of public and community programs, create thousands of events on the 74-acre campus and attract over 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, part of Uptown Arts & Cultural District, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.864 billion in business activity and $631 million in labor income.
