brangien.davis's blog

It's not often that we encounter high-tech and high-fashion in the same square footage, but this weekend we'll get the chance to see if it results in a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup style success. Sisters Mai and Tri Hoang, founders of the Happy Go Techy Expo, wanted to create an exhibition showcasing unique tech accessories, apparel, creative mobile apps, and other arty vendors in a cool, casual way. Read more »

Master monologist, former Seattleite, and top contender for funniest man on the planet Mike Daisey has a new show, The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, in which he chronicles his total geek love for Mac products, and his horrifying discovery of how they are made. Here's my haiku review:

So flippin' funny.
Powerpoint slam is priceless.
End gets preachy. Rats. Read more »

It's time once again for the National Film Festival for Talented Youth! Started by Seattle's Jesse Harris (a highly talented youth himself), NFTTY has swiftly become the largest youth film festival in the world. This year, NFFTY will showcase 200 films (culled from a record-breaking 700 submissions) from 20 countries, all directed by auteurs 22 and younger. The lineup includes work by more than 30 local filmmakers, including 14-year-old Ben Kadie, a film fanatic from Bellevue who has competed annually in NFFTY since he was 9 years-old. Read more »

A Haiku Review of "O Lovely Glowworm," an absurd, wistful story by playwright Glen Berger, told from the twisted but sweet perspective of a taxidermied goat and performed by New Century Theatre Company.

Lyrical writing
Acting, directing superb
I love that dead goat Read more »

We can't keep this news under our hats any longer! The recipient of the 2011 Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film is... Seattle-based producer Jennifer Roth. Hooray! Roth will be presented with the award at SIFF's opening night on May 19th. She's receiving the prestigious award because she has played a crucial role in getting big budget movies filmed in Seattle, and also because of her tireless dedication to local indie filmmakers. Read more »

Haiku Reviews: For arts lovers short on time!

A Haiku Review of This:

The playwright loves words
Nearly chokes her actors, but
Nick Garrison rules.

Melissa James Gibson's contemporary relationship drama,This, plays at the Seattle Rep through May 15th.

My love for Capitol Hill rapper Macklemore (aka Ben Haggerty) is no secret--in fact I gave him a 2010 Spotlight Award last September. Since then he's only been gaining in acclaim, and tomorrow, he'll sing "My Oh My," his touching tribute to Dave Niehaus, at the Mariner's Opening Game. Go Ben! (Oh, and go Ms, too.)

If you want to learn more about this local superstar before he hits the field, read my profile from last year. Read more »

Perched on a red chair at pseudo-Mafioso bar Vito’s on First Hill last week, giraffe-legged, rock-jawed Ted Danson presented me with an environmental riddle: He does not surf. Or dive. Or even go sailing, unless someone he likes insists on it. Yet he spends most of his time on the water.
  Read more »

Crocheted potholders, vintage tin tops, stripey wool sweaters, pipe cleaners, sequins, hooked rugs, porcelain birds, god's eyes, Beanie Babies, synthetic hair, candy wrapper chains, unfurled cassette tapes and a million white pearl buttons. Read more »

Seattle’s beloved Intiman Theatre has announced an urgent fundraising campaign, thanks to severe financial mismanagement by former managing director Brian Colburn (who resigned suddenly in November citing personal reasons). According to Intiman Board president Kim Anderson, “Unless we are able to raise $500,000 by the end of March, an additional $250,000 by June, and $250,000 by September, we cannot continue.”

The press release includes tthe following summary of the errors leading to the emergency situation: Read more »