Summer Event Picks

June

Endfest
June 4

Sure, KNDD-FM (107.7/The End) is a fairly mediocre mod-rock station in a city that's not exactly lacking for places to hear mod-rock, but Endfest, its annual outdoor fete, does bring the goods. To wit: a mainstage featuring Social Distortion, Queens of the Stone Age, Interpol, Hot Hot Heat, and Stereophonics; a second stage with the Bravery, Ash, Kaiser Chiefs, the Caesars, Kasabian, and Tegan & Sara; and a local stage starring Pretty Girls Make Graves, Vendetta Red, the Lashes, Aqueduct, Mountain Con, and RazRez. We don't love 'em all, but there's plenty good there to choose from. 1 p.m. Sat., June 4. $20–$40. White River Amphitheatre, 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Rd., Auburn, 360-825-6200, www.1077theend.com. MICHAELANGELO MATOS

U.S.E. and the Hold Steady
June 9

In this corner: United State of Electronica, the three-time winner of Seattle Weekly's Music Award for Best Electronica Artist and the most insanely joyous live performers you will ever see in your life. In that corner: Brooklyn's the Hold Steady, whose second album, Separation Sunday (Frenchkiss), is the hands-down best rock album of 2005 so far and whose live shows are every bit as much fun as the record—and as U.S.E.'s shows. Together, they will make you dance, drink, rock, and jump in the air like your life depends on it. Get your tickets early—barring an act of God, this inspired pairing looks like the concert of the year. 9 p.m. Thurs., June 9. $8. Crocodile Cafe, 2220 Second Ave., 206-441-5611, www.thecrocodile.com, www.usemusic.com, www.theholdsteady.com. MICHAELANGELO MATOS

Isamu Noguchi
June 9–Sept. 5

One of the city's most popular public sculptures is Isamu Noguci's Black Sun, balanced like a giant stone doughnut outside the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Noguchi, who would have turned 100 last year, believed that art belonged everywhere. He designed functional and stylish items ranging from coffee tables to silverware. The Japanese-American artist's long career is celebrated in an exhibit at Seattle Art Museum—an eclectic sampling of sculpture, theater designs, and the ubiquitous Akari paper lamp—still popular among hip condo-dwellers. June 9–Sept. 5. $7–$10. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-654-3100, www.seattleartmuseum.org. ANDREW ENGELSON

Bebel Gilberto
June 10

Nature or nurture? That's the question with Bebel Gilberto, the Brazilian-raised, New York–dwelling songstress whose two smart albums for Six Degrees, 2000's Tanto Tempo and last year's Bebel Gilberto, have made her one of the most visible world-music artists in the U.S. As the daughter of legendary Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto and singer Miúcha, as well as the niece of Chico Buarque de Holanda, she's got music in her genes. But despite her musical similarities to her family, Bebel's her own woman, and her cool demeanor is frequently doused in up-to-the-minute electronics, as on the remix discs that accompany the aforementioned albums. 8 p.m. Fri., June 10. $29.50–$39.50. Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., 206-443-1744, www.themoore.com. MICHAELANGELO MATOS

Grand Kabuki
June 11–12

Though the vivid drama and passions of Kabuki have influenced countless Western minds (how else to explain Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest?), few have had a chance to experience Japan's centuries-old art form. The appearance of Shochiku Grand Kabuki with its Chikamatsu-za Troupe will give Seattleites a don't-miss opportunity to witness the classic Sonezaki Shinju (Love Suicides at Sonezaki) starring a genuine master, Nakamura Ganjiro III, whose role as the courtesan Ohatsu is one he's been performing for over 50 years. 7:30 p.m. Sat., June 11; 2 p.m. Sun., June 12. $25.50–$100. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 206-292-ARTS, www.theparamount.com. STEVE WIECKING

SIFF Closing Night
June 12

Gus Van Sant's film Last Days received mixed reviews at Cannes, but its subject matter—the final hours in the life of a Kurt Cobain–like pop star—makes it a must-see for Seattle audiences. After the screening, party down with the dog- tired survivors of the 31st annual Seattle International Film Festival. 6:30 p.m. Sun., June 12. $40. Neptune Theatre, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 206-324-9996, www.seattlefilm.org. LYNN JACOBSON

PNB Gala
June 12

To honor the retirement of its two longtime artistic directors, Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, Pacific Northwest Ballet will hold a gala at McCaw Hall. After 28 years with the company, Stowell and Russell deserve quite a celebration, and lucky for all of us, PNB knows how to party. There will be champagne, dancing, and performances created especially for the occasion—not to mention some tasty little hors d'oeuvres.Black tie is optional but fabulous fashion is a must. 6 p.m. Sun., June 12. $30–$150. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., 206-441-2424, www.pnb.org. NICHOLE BOLAND

Bellevue Arts Museum
June 18

After closing its doors for nearly two years, Bellevue Arts Museum reopens in June, reinventing itself as a center for craft and design. New executive director Michael Monroe is a highly credentialed authority on arts and crafts, having served as curator at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery for American Craft. No more avant-garde stuff for BAM—in its first months, look for art glass from the early days of Pilchuck Glass School (yep, that means Chihuly), ironwork by New York sculptor Albert Paley, and a collection of 20th-century teapots. Museum opens Sat., June 18. Admission $5–$7. (Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair: Fri., July 29–Sun., July 31. Free.) Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., 425-519-0770, www.bellevueart.org. ANDREW ENGELSON