Geek Out on Design, Hear Opera in a Bar, Go Greek and Other Weekend Musts

By Seattle Magazine Staff September 20, 2012

seattledesignfest

MUST LEARN
Seattle Design Festival
The second annual showcase of our region’s diverse design talent is centered at “The Design Block,” a cordoned-off area in South Lake Union (along John Street, between Ninth and Westlake) that features six cargo containers transformed into exhibit spaces, including: a pop-up retail shop for locally designed products. There’s also lectures, tours, films and demonstrations and competitions planned, covering everything from typography to the question of what to do with those 520
9/20–9/23. Times, prices and locations vary. seattledesignfestival.org

MUST SEE
Foreclosure
This weekend New Century Theatre Company opens and closes their workshop of a new play by local playwright Vincent Delaney at UW’s Penthouse Theatre (Fun historical fact: it was the first theatre in the round to be built in the U.S.!). The story follows two couples (played by Peter Dylan O’Connor, Betsy Schwartz, MJ Sieber and Jen Taylor) struggling in the aftermath of the contemporary housing crisis. Don’t be fooled by the “pop-up” nature of this performance; NCTC represents some of Seattle’s best acting chops.
9/20-9/23. Times and prices vary. The Penthouse Theatre at UW, NE 45th Street & 17th Avenue NE; wearenctc.org

MUST SHOP
Rachel Roy at Nordstrom

With clients like Michelle Obama and Diane Sawyer, Rachel Roy has established herself as a thinking woman’s clothing designer. Perhaps best known for her apparel, Roy also does shoes. Meet the designer in person on Thursday, when she debuts new collections at Nordstrom’s “Personal Appearance” event at the downtown Seattle location. Alison Brownrigg has more on the designer’s forthcoming collections.
9/20, 6pm-8pm. Downtown Nordstrom, 500 Pine Street; shop.nordstrom.com

MUST TASTE
Delicious Bites at Seattle Greek Festival

Rain or shine every September, volunteers from the local Greek community pack a giant white tent in Montlake full of cultural performances and delicious smells. Foodies: don’t pass up the souvlaki or homemade pastries. Jocks: don’t worry, the games are projected on big screens in the taverna, where you can sip Greek beer or wine. Design nerds: take a tour of St. D’s beautiful church, designed by Seattle World’s Fair architect Paul Thiry.
9/21-9/23. Times vary. St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Montlake, 2100 Boyer Ave E; seattlegreekfestival.com

MUST HEAR
Opera on Tap
Can’t hardly wait for Beethoven’s Fidelio to open at Seattle Opera next month? Tide yourself over with a taste of Opera on Tap, a series of casual gatherings where trained singers (selected by audition) perform classics and little known favorites review-style for audiences at neighborhood watering holes. Three separate performances are planned this weekend to mark the group’s one year anniversary.
9/22-9/24. Sept 22: In the Red Wine Bar & Cafe 8:30pm, all ages. Sept. 23: Blue Moon Tavern, 8:30pm, $5, 21+. Sept. 24: The Connor Byrne Pub 8:30pm, $5, 21+; operaontap.org

 

Follow Us