5 things to do in and around Seattle, including “Montage of Heck,” NFFTY, the Cherry Blossom Festival and more.
At the end of another busy-bee week in Seattle, there are lots of entertainment options to choose from. Here are just a few suggestions. Feel free to add your own ideas on the comments thread.
If somehow you managed to miss the news, there’s a new Kurt Cobain documentary opening at the Egyptian this weekend, “Montage of Heck.” It’s an intensely personal look at Cobain’s life, which generated some heated discussion at a Seattle preview screening earlier this week. Check out Charles R. Cross’ review of the movie and a director Q&A/video snippet of the discussion. The movie plays at SIFF Cinema Egyptian on Capitol Hill for a week.
If the film proves too heavy for you, we have the perfect antidote: NFFTY, the National Film Festival for Talented Youth. A launching pad for emerging filmmakers aged 24 and under, the festival draws young, creative types from around the globe. Audiences at the screenings — which continue at SIFF Cinema Uptown through the weekend — are relentlessly buoyant. Read more about it here.
Also rejuvenating: The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival at Seattle Center. One of the longest-lived ethnic festivals in Seattle, it offers an array of art, activities, performances and food. Seattle Times festival veteran Madeline McKenzie brings you the full story.
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Elvis Costello has played Seattle some 20 times since 1978, writes Charles Cross, and he always delivers a worthwhile show. On Sunday at the Paramount, you can catch him playing solo.
And finally, note that “Lizard Boy” has been extended at Seattle Rep through May 2, due to high ticket demand. It’s an original comic-book musical by local talent Justin Huertas. Read Misha Berson’s review for more info.