Beyond the Game: Chris Cornell and Seattle Events This Weekend
The passing of Chris Cornell
Bad news descended on Seattle with the passing of Chris Cornell. One of the most robust voices in rock and roll music has been unexpectedly silenced. Perhaps a visit to A Garden of Sound in Sand Point is in order, as that is where Soundgarden got their name. I would not be surprised to find fellow mourners gathering at that location to remember Cornell and the huge impact he had on Seattle’s music scene. It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: Chris Cornell will be missed and remembered with ferocity in this town.
Despite the news, hopefully we can still put together a weekend worth looking forward to
I had no idea that the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film fest in the country, but apparently it is! Thursday the 18th marks the Festival’s kick-off. It’ll run through June 11th. Check out The Stranger’s complete SIFF 2017 guide to see the listings, showtimes and trailers. This is the arts festival in Seattle with the most attendees. It’s spectacular. If you haven’t been a part of it, let this be your year. I’ve never heard someone say, “Gee, I wish I hadn’t attended the SIFF!”
Traffic congestion is going to persist, make a statement to city planners by taking part in Washington State’s “Bike Everywhere Day.” Starting around 6 am you can find “celebration stations” all up and down the Puget Sound region where you can ride to, get free swag and have your bike checked out by someone who knows how to check out bikes. I can (and do) use my squeaking front break as a horn when I’m riding on the Burke. I might just swing into a “celebration station” to have it looked at and perhaps even tuned up.
Have you ever had the desire to play guitar like a rock god, then smash your instrument all over the stage? Well, perhaps you should try to be a US Air Guitar Qualifier at the Lo-Fi Performance Gallery in Eastlake on Friday starting at 9 pm. $15 gets you in to the competition. The finals will be held in Washington DC. If you are good enough, you will get a guaranteed spot and some assistance with traveling expenses getting there (this is not a joke). Must be 18+ to join. Do you have the intensity? Can you make a mean “stank face”? Come show what you’re made of!
Other Seattle events
Come out to Mischief Distillery in Fremont on Saturday for Captains, Casks and Cocktails! This event runs from 12-3 pm and will feature whiskey (of course), music, barbecue and fund raising for some very worthy causes. You’ll get to shake the hands of real-like sea captains as they load up un-aged whiskey to take to Alaska. Put your “John Hancock” onto one of the barrels before they get loaded up, then follow the barrels with an online tracker to see where the heck that barrel that has your name on it is. You wouldn’t want to loose track of a whiskey barrel you’ve signed, would you? Well don’t!
Finally, this weekend is the 48th annual University District Street Fair! Make the pilgrimage to “The Ave.” in the heart of the U-Dist. for live music, shopping, food, crafts and Big Time Brewery’s beer garden. There will be something for everyone. Come support some local artisans and musicians with your patronage.