September 6, Wednesday
Reading Through It: No Is Not Enough The book club jointly produced by Seattle Weekly and The Seattle Review of Books turns its attention to Naomi Klein’s latest book, based on the idea that Democrats need to do more than just offer a negative. Arundhati Roy calls it “an ordinary person’s guide to hope.” Who couldn’t use more hope? Join us for this free discussion. Third Place Books Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave. S., 474-2200, thirdplacebooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m. PAUL CONSTANT
Base Occasional Maureen Whiting is back in town for a visit, with her strikingly original kinetic choices. Burden of Joy, about the intersection of pain and joy, is a collaboration with Ezra Dickinson, the two reflecting on what it means to be the child of a parent with fragile mental health. Choreographers Dayna Hanson, Peggy Piacenza, and Heather Kravas also present work at this new artists’ showcase. BASE, 6520 Fifth Ave. S. #122, 850-3613, thisisbase.org. $10–$20. 8 p.m. through Thurs. SANDRA KURTZ
Seattle Science Slam Love science but don’t know how to make heads or tails of technical reports? The Seattle Science Slam hosts three scientists presenting their research with the layman in mind, articulating what they study in “a clear and entertaining way.” This week’s edition features lectures on designer proteins, changing the shape of a nucleus, and a new targeted cancer drug. Vermillion, 1508 11th Ave., vermillionseattle.com. Free. 21 and over. 8–10 p.m. KELTON SEARS
September 7, Thursday
A Place to Call Home Three Seattle-area friends who are first-generation Americans—Michelle Peñaloza, Jane Wong, and Tessa Hulls—come together to share new work about what it means to be a child of immigrants. Peñaloza and Wong will read new poems, and Hulls will offer a mixed-media presentation based on a recent trip to Hong Kong. Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., 623-5124, wingluke.org. Free. All ages. 6:30 p.m. PC
Urban Artworks Summer Celebration A lot of the gorgeous public murals you see around town—from the hot-pink cherry trees in the ID to the YOU ARE HERE sign along the SoDo Trail—are produced by Urban Artworks, a nonprofit that’s been empowering young artists and making the city prettier since 1995. The organization hosts its first-ever summer party this week in Georgetown, complete with a roast pig, a taco bar with grilled veggies, and tunes by KEXP DJ Michele Myers. All proceeds benefit Urban Artworks programs. Bar Ciudad, 1210 S. Bailey St., 717-2984, urbanart works.org. $10 entry/$35 entry + buffet dinner. 21 and over. 6 p.m. SARA BERNARD
Thundercat Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat, makes playing complicated, light-speed funk bass look as easy as making a PB&J. But rather than letting his skills turn him into a wonk, he writes brilliant, accessible pop songs about his cat Tron, combing your hair, and going to Tokyo to blow “all my cash on anime.” The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., showboxpresents.com. $25. All ages. 8:30 p.m. KS
September 8, Friday
Word Works: Kelly Link Link is one of the most influential short-story writers in the modern era. As both a writer and independent publisher, she’s established an aesthetic that manages to reimagine both literary fiction and fantasy. Tonight she’ll give a craft talk titled “A Vampire Is a Flexible Metaphor.” Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave., 322-7030, hugohouse.org. $15. All ages. 7 p.m. PC
Whim W’him More often than not, dancers excel at doing what they’re told. It isn’t that often that performers make the choices, but for Whim W’him’s “Choreographic Shindig,” artistic director Olivier Wevers gave the members of his company the keys to the car, and told them to plan the trip. The dancers curated this program themselves, choosing three on-the-rise contemporary choreographers, all new to the company. Erickson Theatre Off Broadway, 1524 Harvard Ave., whimwhim.org. $30–$35. 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 8–Sun., Sept. 10, Wed., Sept. 13–Sat., Sept. 16. SK
September 9, Saturday
Chinatown-ID Night Market Thousands flock to the International District for this delicious evening to mark summer’s end with Asian-inspired street foods, craft goods, fresh flowers, live music, and live entertainment (in past years there have been Chinese Lion Dances and martial-arts tournaments). There will be a beer garden, too, and an all-ages dance party into the night. Starting at Sixth Avenue South and South King Street, cidbia.org. Free. All ages. 4 p.m. SB
The Church This Australian psych-rock outfit is on its 14th LP. Though many know them only for their hit ’88 single “Under the Milky Way,” their soaring catalog has far more to offer. Pull up “Miami” off 2014’s Further/Deeper if you don’t believe me. The Neptune, 1303 N.E. 45th St., 682-1414, stgpresents.com. $28.50. All ages. 8 p.m. DANIEL PERSON
September 10, Sunday
Mac Demarco is one of the few artists whose music videos I make a point of watching. His Viceroy-addicted persona is so fully realized and bizarre that there’s a coherent thread between the YouTube clips, and it’s captivating to watch him slum his way around the hipster corners of Los Angeles. The screen star appears in the flesh at The Moore, 1932 Second Ave., 682-1414. $27.50. 8 p.m. (also Mon.). DP
The Pout-Pout Fish Reading Dan Hanna is an animator who has moved into the lucrative world of children’s-book authorship. His Pout-Pout Fish series are New York Times bestsellers that teach kids about community and confidence, as well as how to stand up to bullies. This event will include a drawing component for kids. Third Place Books Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., 366-3333, third placebooks.com. Free. All ages. 4 p.m. PC
September 11, Monday
Horsemen of the Trumpocalypse Reading John Nichols is a pundit for all the media outlets that matter and The Nation’s political correspondent. His latest book, subtitled “A Field Guide to the Most Dangerous People in America,” helps you identify prominent players in the Trump administration and explains why they suck as much as they do. The Summit, 420 E. Pike St., 652-4255, townhallseattle.org. $5. All ages. 7:30 p.m. PC
September 12, Tuesday
Poetry Northwest Reading The oldest major local poetry publication celebrates “a year of poetry” with excellent local contributors including Alan Chong Lau, Jessica Johnson, Quenton Baker, and Christine Robbins. For most of our lifetimes, Poetry Northwest has defined the Northwest poetry aesthetic; this reading indicates they’re still doing just that. Phinney Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N., 297-2665, phinneybooks.com. Free. All ages. 7 p.m. PC
Changing Seattle: Mayoral Candidates Debate And then there were two. On Tuesday, Jenny Durkan and Cary Moon will hit up Seattle University for the first official mayoral debate since the general-election stage was set. The topic is the big one: housing and homelessness. The candidates will go to bat for the best ideas for making Seattle more affordable and livable for all. Moderated by KTCS 9’s Enrique Cerna. Seattle University, 901 12th Ave., 296-6000. Free. All ages. 7 p.m. SB
