MONDAY 8/24
(LITERATURE) I recently devoured the novel Martyr! by poet, novelist, and editor Kaveh Akbar, so when I found out that he’d chosen Hyderabad, India-based author Kavi Yaga’s debut short story collection The Vanishings for The George Garrett Fiction Prize, my interest was immediately piqued. Akbar wrote, “I love what The Vanishings makes of empty space, of the disappeared and disappearing, the once-longed-for, the self, the empty door. Kavi Yaga has a mighty ear and these propulsive stories grip you with lines that sing, leaving you big-eyed and better-made.” Each of the eight stories in The Vanishings revolves around a different person who sets out in search of something or someone missing, only to be interrupted by some kind of unusual obstacle (including a “magic fairness cream” and a “giant talking moon bird”). Yaga will discuss her work with local writer Diana Xin. (Elliott Bay Book Company, 7–8:30 pm, free with RSVP) JULIANNE BELL
TUESDAY 8/25
(FILM) Considering the glut of raunchy high school sex comedies that revolved around hetero teen boys attempting to pop their cherries in the ’90s and early-aughts, it’s about time we had a horny romp about queer girls trying to get laid. In this madcap dark comedy helmed by Emma Seligman (director of the nail-biter Shiva Baby), two hapless losers (played by Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri) scheme to start a self-defense club for women in order to hook up with their cheerleader crushes (Havana Rose Liu and Kaia Gerber). Naturally, hilarity ensues. It’s Book Smart meets Fight Club with acerbic shades of Heathers. (Northwest Film Forum, 7 pm) JULIANNE BELL
WEDNESDAY 8/26
(PERFORMANCE) Jurassic Parking Lot, which is produced by the Habit (the same folks who put on Seattle Public Theater’s hilarious and beloved holiday tradition, A Very Die Hard Christmas), has everything you’d want from a ’90s-obsessed Jurassic Park musical spoof. There are Seinfeld references, ridiculously oversized cell phones, sexy singing and dancing raptors, and juuuuust the right amount of very, very horny Jeff Goldblum. (Warning: Prepare yourself for a Chris Pratt jump scare, too—ahhhh!) (Seattle Public Theater, times vary, recommended for ages 14 and up) MEGAN SELING
THURSDAY 8/27
Book Bingo Party at Seattle Public Library
(COMMUNITY) I’ve said before that the Seattle Public Library’s annual summer Book Bingo program is my Super Bowl, so I’m thrilled about this party that brings together readers to discuss their bingo card progress a little over a week before the final deadline. Enjoy light refreshments while mingling with fellow bibliophiles, getting suggestions for your last few blank squares, and sharing your favorite reads of the summer—in case you were wondering, mine include Cassandra at the Wedding by Dorothy Baker (Suggested by an Independent Bookseller), Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward (Suggested by a Library Worker), and Whidbey by T Kira Madden (Unplug). (Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, 6–7:30 pm, free with RSVP) JULIANNE BELL
FRIDAY 8/28
(VISUAL ART) They’re doing it again! The masterminds behind IKEA-spoof STÖR, Mary Anne Carter and Lilia Deering, are putting together another pop-up art exhibition and retail experience, Inconvenience Store. Where STÖR—in all its Swedish meatball glory—fleshed out the sprawling Base Camp 2, this new venture inhabits the ghost of a former 7-Eleven at Third and Pine, on the ground floor of the new office high-rise-turned-art-space, Parnassus. Inconvenience Store will feature artist-made renditions of familiar goods, organized by department (Food & Pantry, Beauty & Personal Care) by over 50 artists, including Colleen Louise Barry, Shiloh Davies, Emma Kates-Shaw, Maayan Haim, and more. A soft opening is planned for August 28 during the downtown art walk. (Parnassus Project, 6–9 pm, free) AMANDA MANITACH
SATURDAY 8/29
(MUSIC) Writer, designer, and “Music Person” podcast host Dylan Tupper Rupert is the mastermind behind this scrappy DIY annual music festival, which takes place in the backyard of the James Beard-nominated restaurant Houlme on Orcas Island. The weekend kicks off with a welcome party on Friday night, followed by a stacked lineup on Saturday: ’90s indie rock/slowcore cult favorites Ida, Oakland alt-country-ish band Mildred, Olympia-born ensemble Gun Outfit, Minneapolis lo-fi indie project Walker Rider (“queer love songs leaning into limerence”), and LA-based “digital twang” singer-songwriter Deloyd Elze. You can expect “luxurious hot dogs,” a steady flow of wine, and a potential dip in the Salish Sea—does this not sound like the makings of a perfect summer weekend? Camping is also available by way of nearby Alder Vulture, a privately owned 10-acre property on the island. (Houlme, Eastsound, WA, 2–11 pm, all ages) JULIANNE BELL
Linda’s Fest: Helms Alee, Suzzallo, Filth Is Eternal, Sux, and More
(MUSIC) The poster for Linda’s Fest pretty much sums up what everyone thinks when they find out beloved dive bar and brunch spot Linda’s Tavern is once again hosting its mini music festival: “Oh fuck yes.” Though local band Linda From Work doesn’t actually have any members named Linda, I’m stoked to see their infectiously energetic garage rock/dance punk music on the bill (we love a theme). Dark Chisme, who recently blew my mind at Capitol Hill Block Party, performs a punk set instead of their typical synth-infused gothic tunes, and the Blood Brothers’ vocalist Johnny Whitney brings the cathartic art-punk of his new band Evil Island to the patio for their first Seattle show. Also on the lineup: local rock veterans Helms Alee, Rocky Votolato’s alt-rock project Suzzallo, hardcore group Filth is Eternal, and rollicking punk band Sux. The price of drinks may have changed since Linda’s opened in 1994, but admission to the fest remains free. (Linda’s Tavern, 4 pm, 21+) SHANNON LUBETICH
SUNDAY 8/30
Mysterious Skin (4K Restoration)
(FILM) Filmmaker Gregg Araki’s 2004 indie classic Mysterious Skin, adapted from Scott Heim’s novel of the same name, was made over the course of three weeks on a shoestring budget. Years later, it’s finally received a painstaking 4K restoration supervised by Araki and distributed theatrically by Strand Releasing. The film follows the effects of childhood sexual abuse on two eight-year-old Little League teammates in Kansas, Neil (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Brian (Brady Corbet), over the years: Neil becomes a sex worker and moves to New York City, while Brian becomes obsessed with the notion that he was abducted by aliens when he was younger. Strong performances from the young leads and a haunting shoegaze soundtrack result in a devastating coming-of-age story—made all the more heartbreaking by the casting of Michelle Trachtenberg, who tragically died at 39 last year. Heim will be at Northwest Film Forum for the 7 pm screenings on Saturday and Sunday for a Q&A. (Northwest Film Forum, 3:30 pm & 7 pm) JULIANNE BELL
Win tickets to rad upcoming events!*
Black & Loud Festival
Neumos, Barboza, Runaway, August 29
Contest ends August 26 at 10 am
Bumbershoot
Seattle Center, September 5-6
Contest ends August 31 at 10 am
Kevin Atwater
Neumos, September 13
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Contest ends August 31 at 10 am
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