Category: Arts and Events

Watch “Robin Williams on Carson w/ Jonathan Winters 1991” on YouTube

Carl Setzer

I’ve been fighting a sinus infection for most of the past week. At one point I turned on YouTube, then fell asleep for I-don’t-know-how-long. I woke to see this video going. Memories of seeing Robin Williams filled me with joy, amongst other feelings. So much joy and laughter, balanced against so much sadness and pain. No other person made me laugh harder than Robin. Which makes the fact he took his own life so much more heartbreaking.

I’d never seen this combo of Williams and Jonathan Winters on the old Tonight Show. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Writer’s Evening At Everett’s Black Lab Gallery

Carl Setzer

It was a lovely day, hitting the Edmonds’ Holiday Market (with Thanksgiving coming, there were cranberries to acquire), getting lumpia for lunch there at 88 Cues (anything that brings me back to the Philippines is a good thing). Then I went to this writing seminar in Everett.

Spending time with fellow writers always feels good. Though a small group, we created lively and delightful company. Led by Richard Porter, an Everett based freelance writer and copy editor, who also writes regularly for LiveInEverett.com. Also there: Deb Fox, the creator of the graphic novel “The Everett Massacre” and Andrea (sadly, her last name escaped me, so no links…sorry). Experienced writers all, we covered the basics quickly and cleanly (Richard’s excellent preparation worked well). Then I enjoyed discussing the craft, and the larger world of writing in the internet age, one of my passions.

This reminded me of the Seattle PI’s Big Blog Meet Ups that Moinca Guzman would host.

At The Big Blog Meet Up January 20, 2010
A group of Seattle bloggers at a Big Blog Meetup at Seattle’s Zeitgeist coffee.

Pulling together bloggers from around Seattle, where we talked blogging, Seattle, politics, and tools of the trade. A few years ago I thought about holding a reunion, which then fizzled into the oblivion of busyness. I still believe pulling the blogger, and extended writer communities together valuable and worthwhile. I think that means I need to get to work.

My mind full of ideas, a few new friends to explore online, and reinforcement of the value of blogging filled me with energy and I look forward to my next steps.

Local Musician: Sydney Day

Carl Setzer

In my non-ceasing efforts to discover and promote local musicians, here a cover of Pink’s “What About Us?” done by local artist Sydney Day. She’s most active on Facebook. Give her a listen on all her channels. It’s well worth your time.

And here’s her Soundcloud account. It’s been a bit since she’s posted here, but I enjoyed what’s here.

Some Music I Found On YouTube

Carl Setzer

I’ve been exploring music on YouTube for years. I’ve found the YouTube Music feature pretty lackluster, but that’s probably mostly due to my eclectic musical tastes and interests.

Lately, I’ve been obsessing about a couple musical things. First, the Hang Drum. Imagine a steel drum that’s much more portable. I find them rather ethereal and lovely. I particularly like the video below. The music is delightful, and the imagery stunning. My favorite combo on the platform. Here’s a playlist I’ve started, and will add to as I go forward.

 

Another recent musical obsession: these long playing live streams. I’ve been bopping in and out of the one below for months…maybe years. I wonder if this is an element of the future? What do you think?

 

Brickcon This Weekend!

Carl Setzer
Lego Millennium Falcon Brickcon 2018
Lego Millennium Falcon Brickcon 2018

Sadly, this weekend’s schedule isn’t letting me get down to this year’s Brickcon. Running today and tomorrow at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, if you’re into Legos, you’ll be in heaven.

Here is my look at 2018’s.

Hey South Seattle Geek Fans, Check Out “Pop Culture Pop-Up: Winter in Wonderland”

Carl Setzer

These folks reached out to me letting me know of this fun event down in Puyallup. On the perfect day, “Small Business Saturday”, check out all kinds of great geek-centric crafts for your holiday shopping.

My calendar’s event has more details, as does their Facebook page. And register at Eventbrite.

To see more geektastic fun, check out my ever evolving list of regional events.

Lynnwood Has A Con! Welcoming Nerd Faire To The Neighborhood

Carl Setzer

I just discovered Nerd Faire, a new Northwest Con. Located at the Lynnwood Convention Center, this will be very convenient to me. Their first con ever was this past March. Next year (2020) will be on February 1st. You can get tickets at Eventbrite.

Looks like they’re still pulling things together. Looks like there are opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers. Check out their website and Facebook page to stay up-to-date.

For other cons in the region, check out our calendar of events, and the Geek Event section (just updated them both).

Please like, share and follow! Thanks so very much!

Hey Lynnwood, the City is hosting “Sandlot Cinema” at Lynndale park on Thursdays

Carl Setzer

The city of Lynnwood is hosting these free, family friendly movies at Lynndale Park. The movies start at dusk.

Sandlot Cinema 2019
Sandlot Cinema at Lynndale park August, 2019
  • This Thursday (August 22) is “Mary Poppins Returns”.
  • Next Thursday (August 29) is Dumbo.

Bring your own blankets and chairs. Oh, and the “Snack Shack” will be open for dinner and snacks.

More details are available on the city’s Facebook page.

Oh Yum! Check out the Northwest Chocolate Festival!

Carl Setzer

Apparently this is the Top Chocolate festival in North America (is there a more impressive one in Europe? Or South America? But I digress…). More importantly (to me at least) it’s the largest gathering of chocolatiers in the world. As someone who adores chocolate, I find this compelling and more than a little bit interesting.

  • Live chef demos
  • 160 exhibitors from across the globe
  • a 21+ lounge

The event will be November 9 & 10 on Pier 91 in Seattle. Tickets for the full weekend are currently $50, with single day options at $25. There’s also a VIP pass that looks like a blast at $95. These prices are for right now, and will go up closer to the event.

Check out their website for full details and to reserve your tickets.

Update: corrected the dates to November 9 & 10

The Fourth, Parades, Fireworks and the Law

Carl Setzer
fireworks

First, a reminder that for most of the region fireworks have been banished. Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Brier, Edmonds, Gold Bar, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace and Woodway all have ordinances prohibiting them. For more details Snohomish County has created this guide for fireworks.

So, legal fireworks. You know, the professional shows! Well, there are many options around the region. The Washington State Patrol has this great list of options throughout the state. And, of course, there are parades and other events. I’ll highlight just few around here.

First, Mountlake Terrace has a fireworks show tonight, July 3, on Lake Ballinger. 

As for tomorrow, the actual Fourth, I’ll be in Edmonds, so I’ll start with their festivities. This is the main thing for South Snohomish County around Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Here are some other local options:

Interested in daring Seattle traffic? Seattle Eater has a great list of stuff in Seattle.

Anything I’ve missed, or you’d like to suggest? Please let us know in a comment below. I’ll happily update this post with your ideas.