How’s everyone holding up? Watching the L.A. fires is heartbreaking. It has me thinking about growing up in California when we had to evacuate during the 49er Fire. It came close to our house, but we were lucky — some of our friends weren’t. Fires like this are more common now, and even here, summer has become fire season. If you want to help, California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires.

Have you been reading our Most Influential profiles? Keep checking back as we spotlight the incredible people shaping Seattle. This week, we’re featuring Matika Wilbur, David Baker, and Microsoft.

FareStart just earned a $10,000 Jacques Pépin Foundation grant to support its culinary training. Downtown Seattle is buzzing. Seila, a Cambodian-inspired pop-up, is serving up incredible haute cuisine. And Pierce County is tackling youth homelessness. 

 

Where is Here? / اینجا کجاست؟

Jan. 15-Feb. 2
Seattle Public Theater
$10+

This solo show by playwright Naghmeh Samini introduces us to a recent immigrant reflecting on her life in Iran while waiting at an airport baggage carousel. It looks like a thoughtful, moving exploration of what we carry with us and what we leave behind. Performed in both English and Farsi — catch the English shows earlier in the day and Farsi in the evening.

Thee Sacred Souls

Friday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre
$34.50+

This San Diego trio knows how to set a mood. The slow-dance grooves and juicy harmonies feel effortless, and tracks like “Easier Said Than Done“ will have you dancing. Bring a date. 

Les Troyens in Concert

Jan. 17, 19
McCaw Hall
$73+

The drama. The voices that seem to defy the need for air. Berlioz doesn’t mess around — this opera is packed with love, war, and features a full orchestra and chorus to bring it all to life. Tacoma native J’Nai Bridges is Queen Dido, with The Seattle Times praising her “rich, opulent voice (that) illuminated every line of her role.” Joining her is Russell Thomas as Aeneas, described by The New York Times as “a tenor of gorgeously burnished power.”

2025 Lunar New Year Fair

Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wing Luke Museum
$7.50+

Year of the Snake celebrations are here, and the lion dance alone is worth the trip — it’s the absolute best! Add a bustling craft fair, calligraphy lessons, and snake-themed activities for the fam, and you’ve got the perfect afternoon.

King Day 2025: Forward Together

Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Northwest African American Museum

NAAM’s MLK Day celebration is always a standout. This year, expect art by Myron Curry and AshaAung Helmstetter, storytelling, book giveaways, and a community expo featuring local organizations. It’s a full day of honoring Dr. King and thinking about what progress means.

A Conversation with Percival Everett

Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Town Hall Seattle
$30+ (sold out in person; streaming tickets available)

Ever since I read his short story The Appropriation of Cultures in college, I’ve been hooked on Percival Everett. His novel James, a retelling of Huckleberry Finn, is at the top of every best reads list for last year. In-person tickets for his talk are gone, but you can still catch it online. Don’t miss this. 

Visit our events calendar for more ideas.