KURT COBAIN SAT HERE
Ever wonder how Kurt Cobain treated his furniture? Did he leave lots of stains? Did he spill cigarette ashes on the cushions? Did his butt leave an imprint when he stood up? Now, all you serious collectors can know the truth! That's right, Kurt's chair is for sale on Craigslist—or at least a "'40s vintage, faded pink chair with silver specks . . . owned by Kurt Cobain," according to a post forwarded to us by music writer Gillian G. Gaar. Go to seattle.craigslist.org/est/clt/204277796.html to see for yourself or take it from us: This is not a chair for which you'd want to spend $13K (the asking price), no matter what you're smoking. BRIAN J. BARR
THE BEST REVENGE
Ilkka Talvi, the former Seattle Symphony Orchestra concertmaster who was at the center of a controversy when his contract was not renewed in 2004, has landed on his feet with an appointment to the analogous post at South King County's Rainier Symphony. Nothing about it yet on his blog, though—schmaltzuberalles.blogspot.com—which we still check regularly for gossip and veiled references to former boss Gerard Schwarz. Over at the SSO, by the way, still no word on their concertmaster search (the post's been vacant for over two years) as they prepare to open their season this Saturday. For Rainier Symphony season schedule and tickets, call 206-781-5618 or go to www.rainiersymphony.org. GAVIN BORCHERT
MOVING UP
It's the beginning of the school year, when kids move up a grade, and a couple of dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet are scheduled to be promoted as well, though the company is keeping their identities under wraps until their gala on Saturday, Sept. 16. Like many ensembles, PNB is divided into three ranks, starting with the corps de ballet (literally, "body of the ballet") at the bottom, soloists in the middle, and principals on top. With principal ballerina Patricia Barker retiring at the end of this season, the company may be looking for another cool blonde in the upper rank, which could point toward Carla Körbes, who came to town last year at the instigation of new artistic director Peter Boal. It's hard to speculate about any other promotion, though, especially since there are so few soloists in the company. Soloist Casey Herd has been dancing leading parts for quite some time, but as the only man in the middle tier now, he would leave a fairly sizable hole. Boal has commented several times in the past that he's surprised certain dancers are still in the corps de ballet—perhaps he's working toward a two- layered company, with principals and corps only. We'll know more come Saturday night; for gala info, go to www.pnb.org or call 206-441-2424. SANDRA KURTZ
