BRUCE BIRMELIN
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FRIDAY-SATURDAY
FILM
SECRETARY
This 2002 release's oddly affirmative tale is one of private pathology turned to self-discovery. Fresh-from-the-nuthouse Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal, pictured) finds a healthier outlet for her masochistic tendenciesand an unlikely romancewhile being bound, spanked, and dominated by attorney E. Edward Grey (James Spader), who presides over the orchid-filled hothouse of his rococo one-man law practice with, ahem, a firm hand. Thrilled by her first submission to his palm, Lee muses in voice-over how her once-forbidden masochism is now justified: "He had given me the permission to do it." Secretary is Gyllenhaal's My Fair Lady, and Spader her naughtier, uncensored Henry Higgins. The movie may send some feminists up a wall, but Lee looks to be awfully fulfilled in the end. (NR) Midnight Fri., Aug. 1-Sat., Aug. 2. $9. Egyptian, 801 E. Pine St., 206-323-4978. BRIAN MILLER
FRIDAY
VISUAL ARTS
ANNE WILKES TUCKER/SUSTAINING VISION
If there is such a thing as a superstar curator, Anne Wilkes Tucker is it. Founder of the photography collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Tucker has curated scores of photography exhibits, helped revive interest in previously obscure photographers, served as cheerleader for contemporary photographers, and assembled the Smithsonian's definitive exhibition of the work of Brassai. Now she arrives in Seattle to judge Photographic Center Northwest's annual "Sustaining Vision" competition (in which Michelle Sanks' Bye-Bye Baby, pictured, is an entry). She's also giving a lecture, "Why Did the Museum Buy THAT?," co-sponsored by PCNW and Seattle Art Museum. It should be a revealing glimpse into the inexact art of picking art that won't look dated and stupid in a few years. Fri., Aug. 1. Lecture: 6:30 p.m. $8-$10. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-720-7222. "Sustaining Vision" awards: 8 p.m. Photographic Center Northwest, 900 12th Ave., 206-720-7222. ANDREW ENGELSON
SUNDAY
MUSIC
THE CRUSADERS
Back before it sank into the malaise of smooth jazz, instrumental funk had some balls. And no one's were brassier than the Crusaders, the former hard-bop band of Texans who reinvented themselves in the '70s as a smart, soulful, melodic outfit that brought the solo flights of jazz together with tight grooves and great hooks. Of course, these old-schoolers have been sampled up the yin-yang by now, but their reunion recording, Rural Renewal (Verve), is a jam and you'd do well to catch the originalsStix Hooper, Joe Sample (pictured), Wilton Felder, plus some newbieson tour. One problem: The show is sold out . . . except for some "accessible" seating, for those with disabilities (plus one companion). Now, if you are not disabled, we would never suggest pretending to be so just to see a funk band; that's deeply offensive. We might, however, suggest that you find your favorite disabled friend and spend a jamming afternoon together in the park. Noon Sun., Aug. 3. $43.50. Marymoor Park, Redmond. 206-628-0888. MARK D. FEFER
WEDNESDAY
BOOKS
SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Hillary in Bothell? No, you can't get tickets to her reading and signing of Living History, because they've long been sold out, but you can join the throngs of pro- and anti-types who will doubtlessly flock to opposite sides of the police barricades. Hillary-haters, whipped into a frenzy by right-wing radio, will probably come adorned in their KVI and KTTH T-shirts, while the avid liberals will be easily identifiable with their "Don't Pillory Hillary" placards, fanny packs, Nalgene bottles, little bags of trail mix, and Tevas worn with socks. Funny how the junior senator from New York still manages to polarize our culture even three years after leaving the White House. Lord knows what would happen if her memoir had actually been interesting. 11 a.m. Wed., Aug. 6. Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 206-366-3333. BRIAN MILLER
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
RECREATION
PARAMOUNT
PUBLIC SKATE
It would appear that beef stays quite fresh on ice, doesn't it? You're going to have to wait to sample it, howeverCold Fusion (pictured), Seattle Ice Theatre's upcoming "marriage of skating and dance," doesn't open for another week. In the meantime, the floor of the Paramount has been converted into an ice rink, and the general public is invited to come try out triple Salchows. We're not kidding; you can skate at the same place you once enjoyed the comedy stylings of Sinbad. The admission price for any one of the six two-hour sessions includes free skates and live accompaniment by the theater's Mighty Wurlitzer organ. It's the Paramount floor's premiere use as a rink open to the masses. Make history by being the first to fall on your ass. 7 p.m. Wed., Aug. 6; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 7; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fri., Aug. 8; 5 p.m. Sun., Aug. 10. $15 (or $40 for a family four-pack). Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 206-292-ARTS. STEVE WIECKING
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