MONDAY

Music

Marc Seales Electric Band

For too long, the houses of jazz and rock in this city have been divided. Two reasons why tonight's show will bring them together: No. 1 is Marc Seales. Anyone who says, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach," hasn't seen Seales at the piano. A regular performer in Seattle jazz clubs who's released a steady stream of albums for over 20 years, he is also head of the University of Wash-ington jazz studies program. Seales, who has collaborated with Larry Coryell, Art Farmer, and Joe Henderson, has a staggering knowledge of jazz history, and his straight-ahead playing is just as likely to reference the graceful delicacy of Bill Evans as the hard edge of '70s fusion bands like Weather Report. Reason No. 2: The Sunset Tavern, beloved home of young and sassy rock bands, is freethinking enough to start a regular jazz night on the second Monday of the month, with musicians from Seattle's Origin and OA2 Records. Origin boasts so many local, seasoned professionals that it has literally taught much of Seattle what jazz is. After all, jazz and rock have blues for a common ancestor; it seems time that somebody bridged the anthropological divide. With Thomas Marriot and the Willie Nelson Project. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880, www.sunsettavern.com. $7. 9 p.m. ERIK NEUMANN

Get Creative

Valentine Party

and Trunk Show

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away—oh, alright, America in the late 19th century—young lovers painstakingly crafted valentines for each other on that day, which has since become undoubtedly the most annoying of the commercialized holidays. Delicate lace cutouts, feathers, gems, and sweet nothings embellished Victorian valentines, which get an update at this third annual valentine-making party, hosted by Fremont's brunch-and-dinner hot spot Persimmon. All the usual froufrou decorations will be on hand for crafters, plus glitter and erotic illustrations to add some modern-day spice to your card. Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar are involved, as well as a trunk show of jewelry from local artists like Birna Sigurbjornsdottir. Whether or not you choose to pick up some bling for your babe or beau, party host Cleo Wolfus promises, "We'll help you NOT make a lame-ass card!" Persimmon, 4256 Fremont Ave. N., 632-0760. Free. 5 p.m. RACHEL SHIMP