Cirque du Soleil once again comes to Redmond's Marymoor Park with Corteo. Corteo is about a circus clown who imagines his funeral and all the people who show up to celebrate him. The story could in fact be a portrayal about the clown's real funeral, and that's what makes the show so fascinating: we're never quite sure what is (or if anything is) real or imagined in the story. Corteo's amazing acrobatics, inspired music, and beautiful dance captivate the audience.
I saw the show last night, and was pretty much blown away. I've seen other Cirque shows, and I can't say that one is better than the other, simply because each show is so unique in the way the stage and performers are used. Corteo's highlights include an amazing trapeze performance, trampoliners, and a duet of acrobats who entwine each other thirty feet above the stage with no safety net. These acts are impossible to describe in words, so it's best that you go see it for yourself.
Corteo will be playing through May 25, every day except for Mondays. There really isn't a bad seat in the entire Grand Chapiteau (the grandstand is just as impressive as the shows that take place inside). Tickets pricing:
Adults: $55-$210
Children 2-12: $38.50-$147
Students 13+ w/ID and Seniors 65+: $49.50-$81
details: cirquedusoleil.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Cutting to the Heart of it
Olympia Artist Turns Paper into Pictures
Lying on the grass looking past her toes up to the sky, she can’t help but think about the pull of gravity and how it keeps her grounded. Bare baby legs and swimming salmon make her remember why it’s important to keep water clean. Crows and seagulls waging war to win scraps from a city garbage can inspire her.
Much of Nikki McClure’s art appears to be black-and-white. But simple, it is not. The self-taught Olympia artist does a lot of different things, but what she’s known for are her intricate paper cuts – art she creates with an X-Acto knife against black paper. Her cuts are full of details – patterns on leaves, expressions on faces – all while keeping the paper connected. Sizes vary from Band-Aid-sized pieces to larger poster-sized pieces.
Read more about McClure’s art in the spring issue of South Sound magazine at southsoundmag.com
Lying on the grass looking past her toes up to the sky, she can’t help but think about the pull of gravity and how it keeps her grounded. Bare baby legs and swimming salmon make her remember why it’s important to keep water clean. Crows and seagulls waging war to win scraps from a city garbage can inspire her.
Much of Nikki McClure’s art appears to be black-and-white. But simple, it is not. The self-taught Olympia artist does a lot of different things, but what she’s known for are her intricate paper cuts – art she creates with an X-Acto knife against black paper. Her cuts are full of details – patterns on leaves, expressions on faces – all while keeping the paper connected. Sizes vary from Band-Aid-sized pieces to larger poster-sized pieces.
Read more about McClure’s art in the spring issue of South Sound magazine at southsoundmag.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Gig Harbor Street Scramble May 24, 2008!
On Saturday May 24, 2008, the second annual Gig Harbor Street Scramble will take place along Gig Harbor’s scenic waterfront! A kick-off for Gig Harbor’s Healthy Harbor lifestyle campaign, the fun begins with check-in and day-of registration at Skansie Brothers Park from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The Scramble starts at 10 a.m.
Free to the public, Gig Harbor Street Scramble is a scavenger hunt-like event in and around the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront. A map of thirty, circled places to find in either a ninety minute or three hour time frame will be distributed to every individual or team of up to five other people.
Come walk, run or ride your bike during this fun event. Teams must stay together at all times and docile, leashed pets are welcome!
Medals will be awarded in adult, senior, youth, family and team categories. During the rest of the day, refreshments will be served and other family-fun activities will take place along the harbor front, including a “touch tank” for kids!
For more information please visit www.gigharborguide.com or call the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center at (888) VIEWGIG.
Free to the public, Gig Harbor Street Scramble is a scavenger hunt-like event in and around the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront. A map of thirty, circled places to find in either a ninety minute or three hour time frame will be distributed to every individual or team of up to five other people.
Come walk, run or ride your bike during this fun event. Teams must stay together at all times and docile, leashed pets are welcome!
Medals will be awarded in adult, senior, youth, family and team categories. During the rest of the day, refreshments will be served and other family-fun activities will take place along the harbor front, including a “touch tank” for kids!
For more information please visit www.gigharborguide.com or call the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center at (888) VIEWGIG.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Opening Day at the Races
By Kathi Wallis
Living in Pierce County since I was a child, amazingly, April 18th was the very first time I had been to Emerald Downs. I love horses and people, but not gambling, so going was never on my radar of “things to do."
Opening day will go in the record books as a crazy roller coaster ride of weather, with sunshine, hail and snow, so the things I witnessed and the people I met took my own judgments and perceptions on a whiplash of change.
Waiting for the first bell of the night to ring, as the anticipation in the huge crowd was growing, I asked an older well-dressed man, sitting with his adult son,to share his perception. His answer was revealing.
“This is the only sport that just by buying a ticket, you have a vested interest in the entire sport," he said. "Some study the horses, or the trainers or the jockey -- each person has their own system and area of interest.”
Each person I met was very kind and instructive, though incredulous that I had managed to avoid something they had very happily devoted much of their lives to. I met Lindy Aliment, a handsome, elegantly dressed, mature man who had been “Master
of the Scales” for over 40 years. {He was in charge of weighing the Jockey’s to make
sure all was legal and fair). He and his beautiful, bright blue-eyed wife Marilyn shared their love of the sport and how their three grown children had learned hard work habits working in different parts of the track. Marilyn proudly whispered to me that in 40 years, Lindy was never once involved in one incident of impropriety. Very impressive.
They introduced me to their friend, Richard Wright, who had been a jockey and a trainer for 40 years as well. Richard looked just like a classic movie picture of a jockey. As they shared stories of the past and experiences they had shared, I almost felt as if I had made up for all the years of missing the races. All three took the time and care to help me see the sport as much as possible from their eyes and their absolute love and dedication.
I also met Ron Hagen, owner of El Dorado Farms( a large horse breeding farm) who took the time to write down all of his contact information so I could bring my grandchildren to visit the horses. Meeting these people, and learning from them was delightful! I learned of the extreme care that the horses are given, the veterinary oversight and the detailed system of checks and balances. The evening ended for me at the Winner’s Circle, sharing in the excitement of the win and thoroughly having enjoyed being close enough to hear the horses hoofs hit the ground and to see the look on the winning jockey’s face as she hugged the neck of her horse and family members who were there to congratulate her.
OK. Now I get it. I didn’t even gamble and had a most memorable evening. One that stimulated so many areas of intellect, interest and fun. Fascinating people, majestic animals, stimulating crowds. April 18th, 2008 - Opening day at Emerald Downs. A day of extreme changes and out-of-season weather. A parallel day for me personally - of extreme changes in attitude, interests & intriguing new friends!
Living in Pierce County since I was a child, amazingly, April 18th was the very first time I had been to Emerald Downs. I love horses and people, but not gambling, so going was never on my radar of “things to do."
Opening day will go in the record books as a crazy roller coaster ride of weather, with sunshine, hail and snow, so the things I witnessed and the people I met took my own judgments and perceptions on a whiplash of change.
Waiting for the first bell of the night to ring, as the anticipation in the huge crowd was growing, I asked an older well-dressed man, sitting with his adult son,to share his perception. His answer was revealing.
“This is the only sport that just by buying a ticket, you have a vested interest in the entire sport," he said. "Some study the horses, or the trainers or the jockey -- each person has their own system and area of interest.”
Each person I met was very kind and instructive, though incredulous that I had managed to avoid something they had very happily devoted much of their lives to. I met Lindy Aliment, a handsome, elegantly dressed, mature man who had been “Master
of the Scales” for over 40 years. {He was in charge of weighing the Jockey’s to make
sure all was legal and fair). He and his beautiful, bright blue-eyed wife Marilyn shared their love of the sport and how their three grown children had learned hard work habits working in different parts of the track. Marilyn proudly whispered to me that in 40 years, Lindy was never once involved in one incident of impropriety. Very impressive.
They introduced me to their friend, Richard Wright, who had been a jockey and a trainer for 40 years as well. Richard looked just like a classic movie picture of a jockey. As they shared stories of the past and experiences they had shared, I almost felt as if I had made up for all the years of missing the races. All three took the time and care to help me see the sport as much as possible from their eyes and their absolute love and dedication.
I also met Ron Hagen, owner of El Dorado Farms( a large horse breeding farm) who took the time to write down all of his contact information so I could bring my grandchildren to visit the horses. Meeting these people, and learning from them was delightful! I learned of the extreme care that the horses are given, the veterinary oversight and the detailed system of checks and balances. The evening ended for me at the Winner’s Circle, sharing in the excitement of the win and thoroughly having enjoyed being close enough to hear the horses hoofs hit the ground and to see the look on the winning jockey’s face as she hugged the neck of her horse and family members who were there to congratulate her.
OK. Now I get it. I didn’t even gamble and had a most memorable evening. One that stimulated so many areas of intellect, interest and fun. Fascinating people, majestic animals, stimulating crowds. April 18th, 2008 - Opening day at Emerald Downs. A day of extreme changes and out-of-season weather. A parallel day for me personally - of extreme changes in attitude, interests & intriguing new friends!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Snow at the Puyallup Spring Fair? It's good!
Who woulda thunk it? A flutter of snow at the Spring Fair in Puyallup? It doesn't make sense but it isn't an excuse not to hit the fair -- just wear a coat and grab one of those tasty onion burgers, check out the baby animals in the farm area and buy something you don't need, like a cool kitchen knife that can cut through aluminum cans or a neat broom/mop/duster thingy. Get your wedding band cleaned by those jewelry cleaner peddlers and go on some topsy-turner rides. Just don't forget to bundle up! The fair ends this Sunday. Don't miss out. South Sound magazine staffers will be there! And if you go to the fair when the snow is falling, you'll get a free ticket. Go snow!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
South Sound Kids! Get Your Hands Dirty!!
Kids Gardening Class at Peninsula Gardens
Peninsula Gardens, a Gig Harbor nursery and garden center, has a fun class for active little ones who are ready to get outside and get their thumbs green! Gardening 4 Kids: Starting Seeds, is a spring class exploring seeds and showing children how to cultivate vegetable seeds to start a mini-garden. Since spring is here, this is a great opportunity for kids to learn about something that you can do outside together!
This class takes place on Wednesday April 23rd at 4 p.m., and there is a $5 participation fee. Supplies are limited so call 253.851.8115 and sign up soon!
If you become inspired by this class, Peninsula Gardens has tools and a wide variety of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables you can purchase to create a mini-garden of your own. For more information about Peninsula Gardens, visit peninsulagardens.com.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Murdock/Peninsula Gardens.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Burt Bacharach in Tacoma!
Last month I had the pleasure of attending a Burt Bacharach Concert at the grand opening gala of Hotel Murano in Tacoma, WA. Along with the lavishly dressed guests, Burt entertained us with soothing familiar hits from his lengthy career in the music industry. My favorite piece was a movie montage of famous Bacharach songs which have appeared in a variety of movies. They have ranged from the hilarious Bond spoof, Austin Powers, to the classic chick-flick, My Best Friends Wedding.
Burt was a delight to watch and listen to and he had a stage presence unlike any performer I’ve ever seen. His pop hits are sensational and boy did we hear that from the guests at our table. Being the youngest girls at the venue, our table mates were telling us stories of their past concerts and Burt Bacharach experiences. We didn’t hear the end of it when they told us it was an honor being here tonight and that we’ll never forget this night. I never will forget that night. Along with Burt and his amazing accompanists, those friends we made at the table made the night an unforgettable experience.
We were reminded that the reason for the gala was to raise money for the Tacoma Art and Glass Museums. The hotel follows a decor of sophistication and color. There are glass art pieces all over the hotel which were graciously donated by the Glass Museum. I would strongly recommend a visit to Bite, the new restaurant in the hotel. If not to eat, then for a quick drink and look around. The hotel is beautiful and worth a quick trip to Tacoma.
-Kelsey Liddle
Monday, April 7, 2008
South Sound magazine taking a BITE in Hotel Murano
If you haven't checked out Hotel Murano in Tacoma, (formally the Tacoma Sheraton) it's time to stop and take a look around. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL, full of funky modern art and a bar that serves $10 martinis that are worth the price of admission -- made with two shots of top shelf goodness. Three of us South Sound magazine gals had a very long week and ended it by leaving work early Friday where we headed to the hotel to unwind and catch-up. We started with lunch at BITE, a cool new restaurant on the second floor of the place. I had halibut fish and chips -- the fish was fresh, flaky and moist. It sat on top of crispy garlic fries. My friends had a creamy chicken salad and a giant BITE burger, complete with all the fixings you'd expect and cheese of your choice. Heather got gorgonzola. She's a burger purist and wished she would have stuck with tried and true cheddar, although gorgonzola fans will love it. Later we had the lemon drops as we sat by the fire and enjoyed all of the modern art -- including the gnome holding a table top, interesting light fixtures and a giant horse that was wearing socks. After kicking back to relax, we headed over to Savi Day spa for massages and a facial. Like always, it was heaven on earth. We thank our boss Josh Dunn for arranging the much needed break. It was a great way to start the
weekend. Now it's Monday and we feel refreshed and ready to take on the world -- again.Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Friends of Ferry Park
EXTRA! EXTRA!
THIS JUST IN FROM THE FRIENDS OF FERRY PARK:
A new group is in town, Friends of Ferry Park, to help motivate improvements within neighborhoods, starting with Ferry Park, the city's first and oldest park. This park was donated by Clinton P. Ferry in 1883 to the city.
Ferry hoped to spark a trend of pocket parks in every neighborhood, something he believed in deeply, and the Friends of Ferry Park do, too.
So what do you say, do you want to take part in a new movement to improve your park and your neighborhood? If so, join the discussion ...
For questions or comments, write friendsofferrypark@yahoo.com
THIS JUST IN FROM THE FRIENDS OF FERRY PARK:
A new group is in town, Friends of Ferry Park, to help motivate improvements within neighborhoods, starting with Ferry Park, the city's first and oldest park. This park was donated by Clinton P. Ferry in 1883 to the city.
Ferry hoped to spark a trend of pocket parks in every neighborhood, something he believed in deeply, and the Friends of Ferry Park do, too.
So what do you say, do you want to take part in a new movement to improve your park and your neighborhood? If so, join the discussion ...
For questions or comments, write friendsofferrypark@yahoo.com
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