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A Christmas Carol Comes to ACT Contemporary Theatre
ACT Contemporary Theatre announced today the cast and creative team for the 49th year of the beloved theatrical classic, A Christmas Carol. Originally adapted for the stage in 1976 by ACT founder Gregory Falls, this season’s production will see the return of Seattle actor Darragh Kennan in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. This beloved holiday tradition is directed by ACT Core Company member & Seattle favorite R. Hamilton Wright and promises to be a delight for audiences of all ages.
Lauren Samuels: Bringing Elphaba to Life in Wicked
In an interview on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday chatted with Lauren Samuels, the talented actress who plays Elphaba in the touring production of Wicked now playing at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Samuels, who hails from Britain, shared her insights into the iconic role and her experience on the US tour.
Austen Danielle Bohmer Shines as Glinda in "Wicked"
The enchanting world of Oz has captivated audiences for generations, and the Broadway sensation "Wicked" continues to weave its spell, now gracing Seattle with its presence. The Day With Trae host, Trae Holiday, had the privilege of sitting down with Austen Danielle Bohmer, the talented actress who embodies the iconic Glinda the Good, to delve into the heart of this beloved production.
Seattle Art Museum Presents Retrospective Of Boundary-Breaking Artist Joyce J. Scott
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) presents Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams (October 17, 2024–January 19, 2025), the summative career retrospective of one of the most prolific and boundary-breaking artists of our time. The exhibition features over 140 works from the 1970s to the present, including beadwork, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, and performance, reflecting how Scott has upended hierarchies of art and craft over her 50-year career. Her work confronts racism, sexism, classism, and what she calls “all the ‘isms’ society offers” through impish and audacious humor, expressions of beauty, and a humanistic engagement with global events.
Jonathan Batista: A Conversation with the Prodigal Son and a Beacon of Inspiration
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Jonathan Batista, the talented dancer who recently debuted in the lead role of George Balanchine's "Prodigal Son" with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Kiki Ballroom Scene: A Place of Community, Growth, and Expression
By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.
Terrain: Spokane's Hub for Artistic Expression and Community Building
Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.
PHOTOS: Back2Besa Spotlights “This Is East Central Mural” and Community Spirit
A powerful story of community and resilience unfolded as Besa Gordon visited the “This is East Central” mural at the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane.
PHOTOS: Ginger Ewing's Vision for Terrain: Community, Creativity, and Transformation
Besa Gordon recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ginger Ewing, the driving force behind Terrain, the Pacific Northwest's premier multimedia arts and music festival, in downtown Spokane. Ewing has been instrumental in Terrain's growth and success over the past 15 years.
PHOTOS Wa Na Wari at the Paramount: A Celebration of Black Art
The Wa Na Wari Gallery’s "Forced Perspective: Black Photography at the Paramount Theater" exhibit, a collaboration with Seattle Theatre Group (STG), highlights Black artistry through stunning photographs that capture the essence of Black life and culture. This powerful exhibition fosters dialogue and connection, offering a platform for Black artists historically excluded from the mainstream.
Honoring Elijah Lewis: A Community Remembers Through Art
The Black Lives Matter mural on Capitol Hill in Seattle serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Last year, the mural's annual repainting took on a special significance as it became a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young activist and community leader who tragically passed away last April.
Scope Screenings: A Seattle Film Festival Like No Other
Scope Screenings is a Seattle-based film festival that is unlike any other. Founded by Lex Scope, this festival is a platform for underrepresented creators to showcase their work in front of a live audience. Scope Screenings is more than just a film festival; it's a community of artists, directors, and creators who are passionate about their craft. The event takes place at SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and the next one is coming up on September 24th.
Paradise Worldwide: Seattle's Streetwear Haven
Ari and Harry, the duo behind Paradice Worldwide, are making waves in Seattle's streetwear scene. Their brand, which draws inspiration from the city's vibrant culture and the founders' own experiences, offers a unique blend of urban style and South End pride.
Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop with the Subway Cypher Art Installation
The Subway Cypher, an art installation formerly displayed at Occidental Square Park, was a vibrant tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop culture. This collaborative effort between Vivid Matter Collective and Friends of Waterfront Seattle featured a graffiti-adorned shipping container reminiscent of a subway car, a nod to the genre's roots in New York City.
Celebrating Artists and Culture: A Look Back at "Art of The Matter" Season One
Converge Media’s very own Art Queen, Takiyah Ward, recently took a moment to reflect on the first season of her show, *Art of The Matter*. The show, hosted by Ward, dives deep into the vibrant world of art and culture, giving audiences a personal glimpse into the lives of artists.
The Art Brothers: Creating Fire in the Amazon Understory
The Amazon Spheres in Seattle are not only a marvel of architecture and a hub for plant life, but recently was also home to a unique artistic collaboration. Meet the Art Brothers, Moses Sun and barry johnson, two artists who have found inspiration and a platform for their work in the understory of this urban rainforest.
GZ Radio Covers the Complexity Showcase at ARTS at King Street Station
Last month, the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture launched the iconic Complexity exhibit at ARTS inside the historic King Street Station. The exhibit, part of the DogTown Collection, is in partnership with The American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project and APEX Art & Cultural Center. This epic collection showcases masterpieces created by some of the most influential graffiti writers of the last 50 years.
Imagining the Future: Maya Michelle Russell's Captivating ELEVATE Performance
The Seattle Theatre Group's ELEVATE program recently showcased the talents of young Black and Brown artists at the historic Neptune Theatre. Among these talented performers was Maya Michelle Russell, a 16-year-old spoken word artist making waves in the Seattle arts scene.
Jazzmin Barrett Performs her Poem “Worth It” at STG’s Elevate 2024
Seattle Theatre Group’s Elevate is a transformative annual program, now four years in the making, that empowers young artists to find their voice and express themselves through spoken word. Each year, Elevate provides a platform for talented young performers to showcase their skills, share their stories, and connect with their community. Converge Media has been a proud partner of STG Elevate since its inception, and Back2Besa is honored to continue this tradition of uplifting youth voices.
PHOTOS: Scope Screenings: A Night of Short Film Triumphs and a Moving Premiere
Seattle's vibrant film scene came together last month as Scope Screenings, the city's leading platform for short films, hosted its latest event. Founded in 2022 by Lex Scope, the festival has quickly become a beloved hub for showcasing exceptional short films, music videos, and short-form content.