Hey, how’s it going? My kids have been out of school for three days and they, along with the neighborhood kid crew, somehow managed to build a snowman out of less than an inch of snow — truly impressive. With temps set to drop even more tonight, be sure to stay warm out there.

Over at Canlis, there’s a big shake-up with both chef Aisha Ibrahim and co-owner Brian Canlis stepping down. And Tom Papa’s bringing his hilarious, bread-fueled comedy to town. Are you doing anything for Valentine’s Day? How about a fancy suite getaway?

Seattle Pride is switching up its giving strategy this year to focus on smaller, grassroots organizations. And local bars and restaurants are teaming up to support immigrant rights — a reminder of how this city rallies when it counts.

Also, the University of Washington just named Robert J. Jones as its new president. And don’t miss our roundup of Black art and culture for Black History Month — so many great ways to celebrate.

Small Town Dicks Live

Thursday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$32.50+

The true crime podcast Small Town Dicks is coming to Seattle for a live taping. Hosts Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson) and real-life detectives break down small-town mysteries in a thoughtful, compelling way. True crime fans, this is your chance to see the stories in person.

 

BLACK HOLE: Trilogy and Triathlon

Feb. 6-8, 8 p.m.
On the Boards
$20+

Dance, sound, and light collide in a stunning hypnotic Afrofuturistic tale of personal growth and collective empowerment. Choreographed by MacArthur Genius Award winner Shamel Pitts, BLACK HOLE fuses movement with visual art to explore themes of vitality, tenderness, and transformation. The trailer is so evocative — the music, the bodies moving together — everything art and dance should be! 

 

Ms. Pat: The Hot and Flashy Tour

Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
Neptune Theatre
$33+

Ms. Pat pulls no punches with her honest, hilarious stories about motherhood, survival, and everything life throws your way. Declared by The Washington Post as “unforgiving and darkly hilarious” and by The New York Times as “brutally honest and outrageous,” Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) is a comedian, author, radio host, podcaster, and actress. Be ready to laugh the night away. 

 

The Oprah Effect:
A Conversation with Black Women Media Trailblazers

Saturday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m.
Northwest African American Museum
Free

How has Oprah’s influence shaped media representation for Black women? This panel discussion at NAAM features Paris Jackson, Emmy-winning journalist and host of The Newsfeed on Cascade PBS, and Falesha Johnson, entrepreneur, former pro athlete, and co-host of the Rebirth of Life and Love podcast. If you’re curious about how powerful storytelling can change perceptions, this is a conversation you should attend.

 

Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour

Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
The Moore Theatre
$30+

Tom Papa is hilarious and relatable, the guy rooting for all of us just for getting through life. He had my daughter and me laughing so hard at his latest Netflix special. He’s been cracking audiences up for more than 20 years with stories about family, late-night convenience store runs, and bread (lots of bread). 

 

Celebrating Black Voices Film Fest

Sunday, Feb. 9, noon-6 p.m.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
$12+

This one-day festival highlights both classic and contemporary works from Black filmmakers. Expect thought-provoking films that showcase the artistry and cultural impact of Black cinema. One standout is Seattle Black Panthers Fight for Justice & Freedom — it’s about the founding of the Black Panther chapter in Seattle, with a post-film talk with the co-founder of the Seattle Black Panther Party, Elmer Dixon, and filmmaker Marques DuPree.

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.