Stepping into the Shuga Shaq is like entering a pulsating haven of self-expression. The atmosphere is alive with the rhythm of good music and the sight of smiling faces adorned in a kaleidoscope of unique and expressive outfits. Attendees, liberated from societal constraints, engage in open and affectionate interactions. Whether it's through dancing, deep conversations, or simply basking in the collective energy, one thing for sure is that the Shuga Shaq is lit!

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s sparkling production of George Balanchine’s The  Nutcracker® returns to the McCaw Hall stage for 37 public performances this holiday season. Featuring  Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the world-famous PNB Orchestra, PNB Company dancers in show-stopping roles, bright young stars from the PNB School, unique-to-Seattle sets and costumes designed by Ian Falconer (creator of Olivia the Pig), and McCaw Hall’s lobbies decked out with the season’s best photo ops – PNB’s production is the Pacific Northwest’s favorite holiday tradition. 

We all know that feeling, right? You need help, but navigating through a maze of social services feels like trying to find your way out of a labyrinth. It's overwhelming, frustrating, and can leave you feeling lost and alone. That's where ConnectWA comes in.

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.

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.

This weekend's Back2Besa episode is packed with inspiring stories that will have you celebrate the power of second chances and the importance of community support plus local highlights.

Converge Media proudly re-releases "The Legacy of the Soul Pole" a captivating short documentary originally released in 2022, chronicling the restoration of this iconic artwork, which has graced the exterior of The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch in the Central District for over 50 years. This film delves into the rich cultural significance of the Soul Pole, a symbol that the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has hailed as a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District.

Written by Besa Gordon - 🚨 BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON 🚨 Yesterday, I hit up UW for the “Jersey Mike’s College Football Tailgate” with FOX Sports and FOX 13 Seattle, celebrating the Huskies' LAST home game of the season and let me tell you, "fun" doesn’t even scratch the surface.

A toxic workplace culture embroiled the Seattle Storm in its first season of an overnight rebuild stemming from last offseason.

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.

A search for leadership and experience played its hand in what was a troubling 2024 season for our Seattle Storm. Troubling reports from sources confirmed to Circling Seattle Sports that there was a lot of distrust within the organization.

Build The Beach - Last July, Lydig and The Vida Agency (TVA) teamed up to launch the Build the Beach Local Loyalty Program. This initiative is all about creating real, meaningful connections between the Rainier Beach community and the hardworking teams building Rainier Beach High School.

Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, appeared on Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this week to give viewers a sneak peek of the Jackson Street Jazz Trail segment that will appear on Back2Besa this weekend. The trail, which was recently launched, celebrates Seattle's rich jazz history.

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.

Most Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care. These services and supports can be expensive, but most long-term care is not covered by Medicare or health insurance and Medicaid only covers it after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.  

Born Russell Maynard, but to the world he’s known as DJ Infamous Sleepy, began his musical journey dating back to the 90s while being a student at Elizabeth City State University located in North Carolina. While being a full-time student and with a full school schedule, Maynard managed to frame houses and condos, alongside DJ’ing 95% of the college parties on campus.

In the heart of Yakima Valley, a vibrant transformation is taking root, nurtured by a potent blend of community support, innovative programs, and the empowering influence of the South Central Workforce. This revitalization is not merely a boost to the local economy; it's a heartwarming testament to the resilience of local entrepreneurs, their deep-rooted connection to the community, and the transformative power of timely assistance.

In a recent interview with Brian Callanan on the Seattle News, Views and Brews podcast, Seattle City Council-elect Alexis Mercedes Rinck shared her insights on a range of topics, from her priorities upon taking office to the challenges of navigating a politically diverse council. Rinck, who won a commanding victory in the recent election, expressed her humility and gratitude for the trust placed in her by Seattle voters.

This upcoming weekend on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon makes a special return to the Black Media Matters Studio, a space adorned with images capturing the vibrancy of Seattle's golden jazz age. The studio, which celebrated its 3rd-anniversary last month, features a stunning interview wall curated by Stephanie Johnson-Toliver of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and designed by Damon Brown of Creative Lou. Stepping away temporarily from the FOX 13 Seattle Studios, Besa used this fitting backdrop to shine a light on the recently launched Jackson Street Jazz Trail.

Seattle City Council continued the work of finalizing the City’s budget yesterday by holding public comment. Councilmember Dan Strauss released a budget amendment tracker to help the community follow the process and upcoming votes on the amendments. The final votes on the amendments will conclude on November 15.