Mostly Americana celebrates music, veterans
April 16, 2013
The community is invited to celebrate America and its veterans at the eighth annual Mostly Americana Dessert Concert at 7 p.m. April 20.
The concert features hundreds of the top choir singers from Issaquah High School, as well as Pacific Cascade and Issaquah middle schools. Pacific Northwest adult choir Breath of Aire will also lend its vocal talents to the evening dedicated to all-things Americana.
In addition to entertainment featuring the choral music of America, attendees can munch on classic desserts, including cookies, baked by parent volunteers.
Awash in wonders
April 9, 2013
Denizens of the depths surface at Seattle Aquarium
Somehow, I made it my entire life so far without visiting an aquarium.
By Peter Clark
One of the most interesting features in the aquarium is the underwater dome, around which many different species, such as the fellow pictured above, swim around spectators.
I suppose some blame can rest on growing up in the Midwest, but more than anything, the opportunity just never presented itself. I consider that a real shame because I am fascinated by all things aquatic. “Moby Dick” is one of my favorite books, I have watched more nature shows on the deep sea than any other kind of nature show and I should have visited an aquarium sooner.
So, a guy walks into a bar with an open mic…
April 9, 2013
So, you are pretty funny, and your friends say you should be a comedian. Here is the break you need. Comedy open mic is coming to Issaquah on April 18, so get your act together.
Issaquah comedian and promoter Erez Ben-Ari will emcee an open-mic comedy event April 18 at Amante restaurant. Performances will start at 8 p.m.
Ben-Ari, who writes and performs comedy regularly in open-mic venues around the Puget Sound area, said he hopes the event will become a regular one. He honed his skills at the University of Washington in a class taught by Ron Reid and sponsored by Classesandworkshops.com.
Contributed
Erez Ben-Ari, of Issaquah, performs one of his open-mic night comedy routine recently at a Puget Sound-area venue.
Family tradition
April 2, 2013
Writer follows in her mom’s footsteps to publish her first novel, ‘Blood Money’
Once upon a time, Erika Mitchell’s husband promised her that if she ever got a novel published, he would take her to Seattle’s nicest restaurant: Canlis.
When her book “Blood Money” hit the shelves last month he kept his word. She ordered the lobster.
Erika Mitchell
“Ever since I was a little girl,” Mitchell said, “I would go to Barnes & Noble or Borders, or other book stores, and find the bookshelf where my book would be if I wrote one.”
Big House BBQ delivers big portions, flavor
April 2, 2013
Restaurant reviews are a regular feature of The Issaquah Press. Reviewers visit restaurants unannounced and pay in full for their meals.
Nutritionists often extoll the virtues of making lunch the largest meal of the day, leaving a person the rest of the afternoon to digest and burn calories.
Big House BBQ isn’t the place for calorie counters, but for those looking to spend their afternoon with a belly full of Memphis-style slow-cooked beef, pork and chicken, a stop by the big red trailer across the street from Home Depot is in order.
As essentially Issaquah’s only recurring mobile food truck, Big House is not much for aesthetics — nor should it be. Three picnic tables, a canvas tent and a modest trailer with the smell of smoked meat wafting out are all that greet the diner.
For the love of all things Irish
March 26, 2013
I’m deeply enamored with Ireland. It feels a poetic and romantic place. Melodic Celtic music seems to transcend time, lush green landscapes, drifting fog and rugged shores. All create visions of charm and daydreams.
I’m just as enamored with Irish cuisine. Deep, rich flavors warm a belly and comfort the soul. It’s hearty fare my grandmother used to call “stick to your ribs” cuisine. Perfect for the cool evenings still to come.
By Karista Bennett
Irish cuisine is delicious anytime, not just on St. Patrick’s Day.
There’s no celebrating the arrival of spring at my house without some festive and hearty Irish fare. One of my favorite dishes to prepare is Colcannon. Traditionally a mashed potato, cabbage and green onion side dish, I decided to recreate this lush recipe into a one-pot meal.
Providence Marianwood hosts ‘Spring Approaches’ show
March 26, 2013
Three Issaquah institutions — Providence Marianwood skilled nursing home, the artEAST artists’ group and UP Front Gallery — are joining forces to bring artwork to the community.
The current show in the Marianwood gallery, entitled “Spring Approaches,” features work by artists from the UP Front Gallery in Issaquah. It is co-sponsored by Providence Marianwood and artEAST.
Issaquah artist Heidi Rose is showing several portraits of buildings from the local area. With watercolor, pen and ink, and pencil, Rose captures the remarkable and extraordinary beauty of seemingly common and everyday sights from the surrounding community — a red barn, a historic building and a chapel are among her subjects.
Contributed
The dog portrait above is by Janis Smith. At top right is the Hailstone Feed Store by Heidi Rose. At bottom right is art by Erika Carter.
Enter your art now for ‘Being Human’
March 19, 2013
ArtEAST is accepting submissions for “Being Human,” an exhibition that focuses on the complex emotions that make us human.
The exhibit will focus on humans in their everyday habitat, relating to each other or in portraits and landscapes. Submissions in 2-D format using watercolor, oil, acrylic or colored pencil will be accepted.
How do you feel about Open Mic Night?
March 19, 2013
Issaquah Open Mic Night founder Doug Browning needs your feedback to make his Open Mic Night a success.
Would you like food and drink available? Is parking reasonable? Would you ask a friend to join you at Open Mic Night? These are just a few questions Browning is putting to the public in an effort to enhance the open mic experience for all.
Local teens perform in ‘The Music Man’
March 19, 2013
Two Issaquah teens will join more than 100 high school students from across the state as they take over The 5th Avenue Theatre to produce their very own production of “The Music Man.”
The show is a product of The Rising Star Project, which gives local students the opportunity to star in, produce, direct and market an entire production with the guidance of theater professionals.
