The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop @ MOHAI - 9/19/15—5/1/16

I've never been inside the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)'s new home on Lake Union, but I have a feeling this exhibit will definitely be the one that brings me in.

MOHAI Presents The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop, September 19, 2015—May 1, 2016. Curated by Seattle natives Jazmyn Scott (The Town Entertainment) and Aaron Walker-Loud (Big World Breaks), this interactive exhibit will immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of our region’s growing Hip-Hop culture through audio recordings, photography, artwork, artifacts, and more.

The exhibit will explore many facets of the Seattle HipHop scene including graffiti, deejaying, break dancing, production, and emceeing, linking our region to the continuously evolving global Hip-Hop movement. 

"The opportunity to curate this groundbreaking exhibit is a crescendo of our personal and collaborative journeys as members of the Northwest arts community,” said Scott and Walker-Loud of the process of bringing the exhibit to life.

View iconic clothing from the closets of some of Seattle’s most well-known Hip-Hop artists such as Macklemore, Raz Simone and Massive Monkees, and vintage production equipment from legendary producers Jake 1, NastyMix Records and Tribal Productions. Highlights from the careers of Seattle’s world famous breakdancing crews along with long forgotten or never before seen mix tapes from the vaults of Seattle deejays with an international following – DJ B Mello, DJ Topspin and Kun Luv will also be on display.

This exhibit will have an interactive production studio where visitors step behind the scene to mix their own tracks using unreleased beats from Grammy Award Nominee Jake 1 and the venerable Vitamin D of the Pharmacy and a dance floor on which to bust a move and breakdance.

In addition, local artist Specs Wizard has created a custom mural as an exhibit centerpiece that will hang alongside rare graffiti pieces by DVS, Keep One and King Khazm of 206 Zulu.

Check out The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop at:

• Opening Family Day, Saturday, September 19 from 10 am—5 pm;
• at the Hip-Hop History Café, September 17th, 6:30 pm with Dr. Daudi Abe, a professor, writer and historian who has taught classes on culture, race, gender, communication, education, hip-hop and sports; or
• Saturday Spin Second Saturday of the month, 1 – 4 pm with local Seattle DJ’s spinning records in The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop exhibit starting in October through May 2016.

Visit www.mohai.org/hiphop for additional information and programming.

This exhibit is made possible in part by generous support from the Office of Arts & Culture Seattle, ArtsFund, 4Culture, and in part by a grant from the Washington State Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. MOHAI thanks exhibit partners 50 Next: Seattle Hip-Hop Worldwide, The Town Entertainment, and Big World Breaks for their support. MOHAI also thanks media sponsor KUOW Public Radio. 

See you there!

#Seattle! Bartell Drugs' Health & Beauty Event - Apr 26 - May 9

Attention Seattle beauties!

You're invited to Bartell Drugs' Health & Beauty Event, April 26th through May 9th at ten locations here in the Puget Sound area.

If you're looking to stock up on your makeup bag mainstays or trying some new thangs for your spring and summer beauty regime, Bartell is the place for you these next couple of weeks.

They've got FREE makeup consultations that comes with a complimentary goody bag filled with fun samples of some of Bartell's newest health and beauty products.

Make a consultation reservation here.

During special hours, they'll be surprising you with great samples of more of their latest products. There'll also be lots of chances to win a $125 Bartells gift card at each of the ten demo stores - and there's a grand prize giveaway for a spa vacation for two!

Bartell invited me into the South Lake Union store to stock up on my own health & beauty needs. I'm no beauty or skincare product expert, so I enlisted the help of my Facebook and Twitter friends, plus the advice of my favorite beauty blogs. Here's what I got, and who recommended them to me:

Oh, and here's a coupon for you to use too! Save the image below and print it out before you head to the event!

Thanks Bartell Drugs for having me!

Disclosure: Product provided by Bartell Drugs for this post. All opinions are mine!

Sports Bra Fresh at Title Nine FitFest (+ Giveaway!)

I live in my sports bras.

I've somehow amassed a sports bra collection that far outnumbers my 'regular' bras. It's not uncommon for me to wear one when I'm chillin' at home, or out running errands, or even to work. I have a variety of them, some for style & some with a specific workout in mind.

Just like normal bras, I think it's super important to find the right ones not just for the shape of your body, but for the kinds of workouts you do. No woman wants their boobies out of control when they're in the midst of a good run, a fast-paced Zumba class or the perfect yoga stretch.

Have you been fitted for your sports bras lately? If your answer is no, have I got a giveaway for you! Enter FitFest 2015 from Title Nine.

The bra experts at Title Nine are making it easier and a lot more fun to find the perfect bra by hosting "FitFest" events to help every athlete find her perfect bra and get on the road to a more comfortable and healthier workout.

At a FitFest event, you can expect:

• Personalized bra fitting advice from a “bravangelist” expert
• An expanded assortment of bras
• Bras for sports, work-to-workout, everyday and date night
• A “Bounce-ath-a-lon” for those who want to put Title Nine’s bras to the test, with stations like hula hoop, jump rope, cup stacking, run around the block, hippity hop ball & burpees

RSVP at your friendly neighborhood local Title Nine store. Visit www.titlenine.com for a full list of cities and more information.

Want to win a free sports bra and personalized bra fitting from Title Nine? Enter below now through Tuesday, May 12th at 11:59p.m. PT. Enter as many times as you want each day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Title Nine on  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Unplug & Reset at Camp RAHH!

We're all looking for a little more time to unplug and decompress, no? Here in Seattle, a group including some of my favorite creatives has created just the space and time to do that.

Camp RAHH! is a summer camp experience for adults.

Camp RAHH! takes place on 47 acres of forest, grassland, and beach offering the ideal landscape for adventure.

As a camper, you create your days whether that means soaking up the sunrise with a cup of coffee, taking a yoga session on the beach, kayaking around the bay or even just playing board games with new friends. You decide.

As a Pacific Northwesterner who spends way too much of her time staring at a screen when she could be taking in the lush, beautiful nature scenery surrounding her, Camp RAHH! just seems so fucking cool.

It's started as a Kickstarter campaign but recently transitioned to Eventbrite to allow for more time to register. At $395 for three days of camp (June 5 - 7), it's reasonably-priced and all-inclusive - even round-trip transportation!

Sometimes, all we need is that physical space and actual time blocked off on our calendars to do what our bodies and minds are yearning for. 

Ready to unplug? Peep the full list of activities here, and register for Camp RAHH! here.

Seattle Must-See: Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities

Did you know?

Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal-based theatrical production company with world-famous Vegas resident shows, also makes stops in Seattle every other year! I had the privilege of attending KURIOS™ – Cabinet of Curiosities, the latest traveling show, on opening night and it was a night of steampunk magical fun.

I am not a big fan of actual circuses, nor do I normally gravitate towards plays, musicals or other theatre productions. I do, however, have a soft spot in my heart for Cirque du Soleil. I remember visiting Vegas with my family as a kid and being enchanted by the Cirque productions there. I've seen all of the Vegas shows aside from the themed (Beatles & MJ), and have made sure to see every production that comes through Seattle for the past decade or so. I am always so impressed by the athletic ability of the performers, not to mention their ability to transport us into the depths of mystery, beauty and imagination.

Kurios is no different; as soon as you get one look at the stage, it truly feels like you're inside a curio cabinet. From the props to the costumes, there's an overwhelmingly steampunk vibe that makes the show feel like a traveling circus of bygone times. I couldn't help but think how Kurios might be the most family-friendly Cirque show yet. The storylines, costumery and music of most Cirque shows instill a tiny bit of fear along with wonder and fascination - even as an adult! Kurios felt so fun and delightful for everyone, no matter what age.

If you're looking for something awesome, unique and fun to do for your next date or family night, definitely make sure to catch Kurios while it's still in town!

Kurios is now showing nightly Tuesday - Sunday in Redmond's Marymoor Park, with a matinee performance Saturday and earlier shows Sunday. Now through March 22nd!

Get your tickets and find out more information on the show here.

Thank you Cirque du Soleil for having us!

Disclosure: Tickets provided by Cirque du Soleil for this post. All opinions are mine!

Seattle! Smithsonian Exhibition Bring Star Wars™ Costume Tour to EMP - Jan 2015

Better put this on your calendar now because this exhibit will definitely sell out! Seattle is the first stop on the Smithsonian Exhibition's 12-city national tour of iconic movies from the epic. The exhibit, titled Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume, will be on view at the EMP from January 31st through October 4th, 2015.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Culled from the collection of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume is a partnership of the EMP, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Lucasfilm.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

George Lucas imagined and created a fantastical world filled with dynamic characters who told the timeless story of the hero’s journey. The costumes shaped the identities of these now famous characters, from the menacing black mask of Darth Vader and the gilded suit of C-3PO, to the lavish royal gowns of Queen Amidala and a bikini worn by Princess Leia when enslaved by Jabba the Hutt.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

“Craftsmanship and artistry in costume design are valued creative components in the Star Wars saga,” said Lucas. “The detailed precision of a design can be as bold a measure of storytelling as words on a page, leading to truths at the core of a character, situation or shared history. From initial concept drawings to complex physical constructions, the costumes featured in this exhibition serve to further define crucial aspects of worlds created to move, educate and entertain us—to inspire the imagination.”

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Presenting 60 of the finest hand-crafted costumes from the first six blockbuster Star Wars films, the exhibition uncovers the challenges, the intricate processes and the remarkable artistry of Lucas, the concept artists and costume designers. The costumes reflect an eclectic mix of cultural, historical and mythical sources that add rich texture to the story.

Through nine presentational “chapters":

• Introduction: Dressing a Galaxy; 
• Jedi versus Sith: Form, Function and Design; 
• Concept and Design for Royalty and Beyond;
• Symbolism and Military Power; 
• Outlaws and Outsiders; 
• All Corners of the Galaxy: The Galactic Senate; 
• After the Throne: Padmé’s Journey; 
• Darth Vader: Iconic Villain; and 
• Droid™ Design: C-3PO and R2-D2—visitors will explore the creative process from Lucas’s vision through concept drawings by artists such as Ralph McQuarrie and Iain McCaig, to the final costume designs of John Mollo and Trisha Biggar, among others.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Featured costumes include:

• Monk-like robes of Jedi masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker
• Intimidating suit and complex breathing apparatus of Darth Vader
• Military-influenced uniforms of the Imperial Stormtrooper, Senate Guard and TIE Fighter Pilot
• Yak hair and mohair costume of the towering Wookiee Chewbacca
• Intergalactic outfits of Senators Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and Mas Amedda
• Fierce armor of mercenary bounty hunters Jango Fett, Boba Fett and Zam Wesell
• Elaborately detailed gowns of Queen Amidala, Queen Jamillia and their handmaidens

Short films in Star Wars and The Power of Costume provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and include interviews with artists, designers and actors. The visitor experience will be enhanced by interactive flip books featuring sketches, photographs and notes that capture the creative team’s inspiration and vision.

Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume is the third exhibition on which SITES has collaborated with Lucasfilm. Previous projects were Star Wars: The Magic of Myth and Star Wars: The Art of the Starfighter.

Image credit © & ™ 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

is a first-of-its kind institution, designed to serve as the country’s premiere venue for understanding the connections and lineage of illustrative and visual art. Conceived by George Lucas, the museum is based on the filmmaker’s passion for education and the role art can play in inspiring young people. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art collection ranges from fine art to animation, from fashion to cinematic design and is comprised of works of the great masters of the Golden Age of Illustration through today’s digital artists, showing the ways culture is reflected in the popular art of any given time.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

EMP Museum is a leading-edge, nonprofit museum, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel popular culture. With its roots in rock ’n’ roll, EMP serves as a gateway museum, reaching multigenerational audiences through collections, exhibitions and educational programs, using interactive technologies to engage and empower its visitors. At EMP, artists, audiences and ideas converge, bringing understanding, interpretation and scholarship to popular culture. EMP is housed in a 140,000-square-foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building. This spectacular, prominently visible structure has the presence of a monumental sculpture set amid the backdrop of the Seattle Center.