Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.
Eye to Eye An exhibit by Michael Matisse, who spent more than a year getting to know and photographing homeless youth. Harrison Street Gallery, 305 Harrison St., 206-684-7200. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Through Sun., July 31.
Health Lecture At Gilda's Club, oncology social workers Leah deRoulet and Susan Everly address the impact of cancer symptoms and treatment on a patient's body image and sexuality. RSVP required to attend. 1400 Broadway Ave., 206-709-1400. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., July 13.
Home and Garden Class The Phinney Neighborhood Association's summer series continues with "Water Conservation for the Homeowner," taught by environmental consultant Michael Laurie. Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 206-783-2244. $25 ($20 PNA members). 7-9 p.m. Wed., July 13.
Robert Spector In a lecture co-sponsored by the Women's Business Exchange and local caterers Organic-to-Go, the author of The Nordstrom Way talks about the building blocks of stellar customer service. Washington Athletic Club, Sixth Avenue and Union Street, 206-382-1234. $25 ($18 WBE members). 7-9 a.m. Thurs., July 14.
Screw Abstinence Party Sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, this racy party at Watertown is devoted to battling abstinence-only education initiatives—and, in the process, having a spicy good time. Expect performances by the cast of Sex in Seattle and the Pork-Filled Players, plus hors d'oeuvres, a DJ-powered dance floor, and tips on "sexy safer sex" from the staff of Toys in Babeland. 106 First Ave. N., 206-624-1990. $15. 6-8 p.m. Thurs., July 14.
Election Forum Washington Public Campaigns board member Derek Stanford joins California activist Gail Jonas, who led the investigation of Ohio's recount following Bush's re-election, to discuss "Fair and Honest Elections." Co-sponsored by South End Neighbors for Peace and West Seattle Neighbors for Peace & Justice. Southwest Community Center, 2801 S.W. Thistle St., 206-932-9522. Free. 7-9 p.m. Thurs., July 14.
Dave Lippman The satirical singer-songwriter, who sometimes performs as "George Shrub," delivers new material based on his 2004 visit to Israel and Palestine. Sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Committee. The Chocolate Factory, 3400 Phinney Ave. N., 206-285-2154. $7-$12 (sliding scale). 7 p.m. Thurs., July 14.
Carol Sanford A consultant who has worked for Boeing and Weyerhaeuser, she addresses the need for socially responsible business practices in a talk at Antioch University. 2326 Sixth Ave., 206-268-4111. $45. 8-9:30 a.m. Fri., July 15.
Sequim Lavender Festival Enjoy the distinctive aroma of lavender, and artisan lavender products, at several Sequim-area farms, then hit the downtown street fair. Visit www.lavenderfestival.com for venues, or call: 877-681-3035. $10 (free for children under 12). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri., July 15-Sun., July 17.
Health Lecture Family physician Theresa Clark, naturopath Pamela Smith, midwife Michelle Sarju, et al., discuss "African and American-American Traditional Healing Practices." UW Hogness Auditorium (Room A-420 HSC), 206-685-2489. Free. 1-3 p.m. Fri., July 15.
Gardening Workshop At the Center for Urban Horticulture, learn what distinguishes "Beneficial Insects in Your Backyard" from the pests that eat your plants. Sponsored by Washington State University King County Extension. 3501 N.E. 41st St., 206-205-3203. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., July 16.
Try Rowing Bash The Lake Washington Rowing Club hosts a session that covers the basics and awards all participants a souvenir T-shirt. 910 N. Northlake Way, 206-547-1583. $30. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., July 16.
Vashon Lavender Harvest During Sequim's lavender festival (see above), Vashon Island celebrates with a four-farm event full of cooking demos, wreath-making workshops, information on lavender's medicinal uses, live music, and art for sale. Visit www.vashonlavender.com for farm locations and other details, or call: 206-527-8583. $3 (free for teens and under). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., July 16-Sun., July 17.
Gardening Workshop "Professional pruner" Dan Gilchrist leads a class on pruning Japanese maples. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-782-2543. Free. 11 a.m. Sat., July 16.
Family Fun Workshop At this Museum of Flight event on the 1969 moon landing, participants can build a scale model of Apollo 11, or just investigate the museum's own command module. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth 5 to 17). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., July 16-Sun., July 17.
Storytellers Picnic Reid Hansen of the Bainbridge Island Historical Society leads a laid-back session of Bainbridge-centric storytelling over a potluck lunch. Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, 215 Ericksen Ave. N.E., 206-842-2773. Bring a dish to pass. Noon. Sat., July 16.
Bon Odori Festival This Japanese cultural fest, a yearly part of Seafair, is a colorful flurry of authentic dance, Go competitions, Taiko drumming, music, traditional attire, and sushi. Seattle Buddhist Church, 1427 S. Main St., 206-329-0800. Free. 4-10 p.m. Sat., July 16. 3-8 p.m. Sun., July 17.
Real Science Fair The Shunpike and the Seattle Outsider Artist Project co-host a potentially odd amalgam of art show and science fair for grown-ups. Interested freaks and geeks can expect a Tesla coil, a model volcano, and experimental music by DJ CTRL and others. Magnuson Park (Building 30), 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., 206-684-4946 (or visit soap.inability.org). $7. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat., July 16.
MUSICA Northwest Hip Hop Festival "Call to Conscience" is the theme of this year's fest, which includes seminars, performances, and many food and clothing vendors. Seattle Center (Center House), 206-684-7200. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., July 16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., July 17.
