It’s June, which means time to start heading out for music, film and festivals (fingers crossed on the rain!) It’s also Pride, and we’ve picked out some great events and fundraisers such as QVAP Drag for Rice, so you can celebrate with our ample international flavor.
Our top 5 picks are below, but there’s so much more that didn’t make the list: Washington Hall Reopens tonight, The 34th Annual Juneteenth Festival this weekend, and the fantastic Block Party at The Station later this month.
1. Landfill Harmonic Orchestra
Children living in Cateura, a slum built on a landfill in Paraguay, grow up collecting and playing with trash. Now they’re literally playing it! The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra, — a traveling group of youth musicians who play instruments made of discarded material — are performing all around the Puget Sound.
More about Landfill Harmonic Orchestra, June 1, 2, 3 on Bainbridge and around Seattle »
2. Films From Around The World
There are a whole slew of global film screening this month. In addition to the international offerings at SIFF, there are some great Filipino, Indian, South Asian and African American film programs coming in June.
The Diwa Filipino Film Showcase focuses on the Cordillera region, and its indigenous cultures in particular. The Song Collector is a locally-produced documentary of preserving the Himalayan Ladakh culture, specifically through traditional folk songs and teaching culture to the youth. Tasveer Reels will show two LGBTQ films at Bellevue Arts Museum. And Seattle Public Library’s African American Film series continues with Wheedle’s Groove, Bebe’s Kids & a screening so special it has it’s own place below.
More about Diwa Filipino Film Showcase, June 4-5 »
More about The Song Collector, June 5 at 6pm »
Tasveer Reels – Magizhavan and Walking the Walk, June 9 at 6:30 pm »
More about African American Film series, June 2, 4, 10, 18, 19 & 25 »
3. Spirit Walk and Spirit of Indigenous People Festival
A celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native culture and tradition. Native performances light up the Mural Amphitheater at Seattle Center, along with arts & crafts, music and food.
More about Spirit Walk and Spirit of Indigenous People Festival, June 25 »
4. Pride Events: Eurovision Iconic Song Performances
There are some great Pride events this year. But perhaps the most unique is a collection of Eurovision’s queer and camp performances from “arguably the most gay-friendly international competition!”
You may have never heard of Eurovision in the U.S., but it’s actually the longest-running annual song competition in television history. Musicians selected to represent their country compete by performing extravagant song and dance numbers. The winning country gets to host the next year’s contest, and put on over-the-top events showcasing their (pop) culture. Ukraine just took home the 2016 crown last month. But not to worry if you missed it. Film Forum will be screening some legendary performances from years past.
More about Queer Fan Nights: EUROVISION Iconic Song Performances, June 30 at 8pm »
5. Purple Rain SING-ALONG!
If you haven’t made the time to celebrate Prince since his untimely passing, here’s your chance. The African American Film Series highlights black filmmaking. Prince has been so pivotal in the black American experience, pushing the image of African Americans forward culturally, while championing women and social movements.
So join the crowd at Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch, and be ready to sing along — you know the words!
More about African American Film Series: Purple Rain SING-ALONG, June 18, 3pm »
Oh, and don’t forget about the Globalist’s Press for the People media workshop, June 4!
Check out the whole selection on the Seattle Globalist Calendar.
What I love about Seattle is how many different unique things there are to do around the city. Looks like June was a great month with a ton of fun events, I’m going to have to keep an eye out and make sure I watch out for things to do in August.