Must List: Seattle International Dance Festival Winter Mini Fest, Winter Drams Spirits Festival, Masquerade XI

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MUST DANCE

Seattle International Dance Festival Winter Mini Fest
(1/25–1/26) Cyrus Khambatta and his Khambatta Dance Company have anchored this festival since its 2006 founding, and he’s invited three other choreographers this year to create dances for the company: Shura Baryshnikov (you’ll remember her famous dad), New York–based Gabriel Forestieri and Singapore’s Danny Tan, soon to become the festival’s associate artistic director. 8 p.m. Prices vary. Erickson Theater Off Broadway, Capitol Hill, 1524 Harvard Ave.; 888.377.4510; seattleidf.org

MUST MOCHI

Mochitsuki at the ‘J’
(1/27) Mochitsuki is an annual Japanese tradition which takes place around the start of the New Year, a social event that involves making mochi, the sweet, chewy rice cake that often deliciously encases ice cream. The ‘J’ invites everyone to watch and participate in the process that involves pounding sweet rice with a large mallet in order to form the cake, and learn the history surrounding this tradition. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free ($5 donation requested). Japanese Cultural and Community Center of WA, Atlantic, 1414 S Weller St.; 206.568.7114; jcccw.org

MUST SAY CHEERS

Winter Drams Spirits Festival
(1/25) Get in the midwinter “spirit” with the Seattle Spirit Society’s third annual Winter Drams Spirits Festival, a benefit for the nonprofit Washington Distillers Guild. Meet distillers and other spirit enthusiasts while sampling more than 100 local craft spirits and international favorites. 7–10:30 p.m. Prices vary. WithinSodo, SoDo, 2916 Utah Ave. S; winterdrams.com

MUST MASK

Masquerade XI at Century Ballroom
(1/25) Dance in disguise at the Century Ballroom this Friday for an evening of mystery, intrigue and movement. Throw on your fanciest mask (or buy one at the door for $5) and embark on a night of Swing, Blues, Latin, Foxtrots and Waltzes of all tempos. Performances by vocalists Dina Blade and Lucia Neare, as well as Cabaret d’Artiste, will also take place for your enjoyment. This event is 21+. 8:30 p.m. Prices vary. The Century Ballroom, Capitol Hill, 915 E Pine St.; 206.324.7263; centuryballroom.com

Photo by Tom Marks

MUST LISTEN

Seattle Chamber Music Society Winter Festival
(Through 1/27) The first of the two weekends of this mini fest gives the Kathleen Turner of the orchestra—the rich alto of the viola—a little more of the spotlight than usual, in music by Brahms, Martinů, Kodály and Debussy. Also watch for the world premiere of Philadelphia composer Chris Rogerson’s duo for violin and cello, on January 19. Times and prices vary. Benaroya Recital Hall, downtown, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlechambermusic.org