Entertainment | The B-Town (Burien) Blog TEST https://btb.nwlens.com Burien News, Events, Politics, Arts & more Sat, 20 Apr 2019 21:16:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://btb.nwlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-BTBExtraLogo1-32x32.png Entertainment | The B-Town (Burien) Blog TEST https://btb.nwlens.com 32 32 VIDEO/PHOTOS: Dozens brave Polar Bear Plunge to bring in the New Year https://btb.nwlens.com/video-photos-dozens-brave-polar-bear-plunge-to-bring-in-the-new-year/ Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:01:56 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=135620 On a chilly yet clear New Year’s Day, dozens of citizens braved the cold waters of Puget Sound to plunge into 2019 at the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Burien’s Three Tree Point.

This year’s event splashed down in a new location due to high tides – at the intersection of Maplewild Ave SW & SW 172nd.

The winner of the coveted Polar Bear Plunge spirit trophy was Jeanninne Bassinger, a B-Town resident since 2015, who was dared to plunge by her roommate Rick (who did NOT participate himself, but was there cheering her on):


Here’s raw video from our Facebook live stream (be sure to “Like” our page here to see future live videos):


And here are photos courtesy Jana Kleitsch (click images to view larger photos/slideshow):








Jana works at a San Francisco based startup, Chairman Mom, as a User Experience Designer. Chairman Mom is a subscription-based community platform for working mothers. For $5 a month, women can ask and answer the tough questions about life, work and motherhood without judgment, guilt or fear of being called a “bad mom” (a phrase that is banned from the site). The community is designed to create an environment free of bullying and negativity, encouraging real connection and honest discussions, with the goal of ultimately setting more working moms up for success.

]]> Cleanse yourself at the 2019 Polar Bear Plunge on Three Tree Point Tuesday! https://btb.nwlens.com/cleanse-yourself-at-the-2019-polar-bear-plunge-on-three-tree-point-tuesday/ Fri, 28 Dec 2018 17:51:07 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=135551

Here’s a great, fun way to brrrrrring in the New Year – at Noon on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, dive into Puget Sound at the fun-filled annual Polar Bear Plunge in the 3500 block of 172nd SW Street (map below) in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood!

This annual New Year’s Day tradition will continue with crisp and refreshing saltwater, along with all the usual craziness (costumes!) that make this the perfect way to start the New Year (and perhaps cure a hangover).
One of the more festive parts of this community event is the awarding of the Polar Bear Plunge champion trophy – which consists of a Polar Bear figure on a piece of driftwood – chosen during the event by regulars and previous award-winners.

TIP: usually, the “most exuberant” plunger wins, but recently some very creative, fully costumed plungers have taken home the prize.

Last year’s winner was Katarzyna Patora, who wore an amazing mermaid costume that she made herself:


Here are some video highlights from our live Facebook feed:

Here’s GoPro POV cam footage shot by Shawn Anderson:

Here’s a great video of the 2017 plunge, shot and edited by Cameron Johnson, a proud grad of Highline High School and freelance videographer from Burien:

The 2017 Three Tree Point Polar Bear Plunge from Cameron Johnson Video on Vimeo.
Here are some Hints and Safety Tips:

  • Dress Up in costume to add whimsy (and perhaps win the big prize!)
  • Come early, as parking is limited. Carpool or come by boat!
  • Anyone with heart problems should consult your health care provider before participating. If you don’t participate, you’re still welcome to join and watch.
  • Do Not Drink. Alcohol – it does not warm you up; it accelerates hypothermia.
  • Do Not Stay In The Water Longer Than 15 Minutes. Body heat is lost 30 times faster in the water than in air.
  • Keep Your Outer Clothing On until swim time and remove any wet clothing before getting back into dry clothes. Bring big dry towels to warm up after you plunge!
  • Have Fun!


Check out our extensive prior Polar Bear Plunge coverage hre.

]]> Put on your red shoes…BUFO fave BowieVision will play on New Year’s Eve https://btb.nwlens.com/put-on-your-red-shoes-bufo-fave-bowievision-will-play-on-new-years-eve/ Fri, 21 Dec 2018 20:52:28 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=135394 Put on your red shoes and dance 2018 away with BowieVision at the Nectar Lounge on New Year’s Eve!

Remember that amazing David Bowie Tribute Band that played at the Burien UFO Festival? Then you won’t want to miss them when they play at their Stardust New Year’s Eve Bash – classic Bowie hits will transport you to Mars and back, just in time for the 2019 countdown.

Here’s a reminder of them at BUFO:

Glitter, ice-blue suits and lightening bolt make-up strongly encouraged.

S.O.S – a Police tribute band – opens.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

BOWIEVISION
Website
Combining world-class vocals, deft musicianship, Bowie-inspired costumes, and masterful stage presence, the BowieVision experience is simultaneously epic and intimate. The seven-piece musical juggernaut draws sell-out crowds to premiere venues in the Northwest and beyond by bringing passion and precision to songs from nearly every phase of Bowie’s eclectic career: rock anthems like Rebel Rebel, All the Young Dudes, and Suffragette City; the wide-screen balladry of Life on Mars?, Space Oddity, The Man Who Sold the World, and Changes; mid-70s “plastic soul” (Golden Years, Young Americans, Fame;) art-pop statements like Fashion, Heroes, Sound and Vision, Ashes to Ashes, and I’m Afraid of Americans; and the high-sheen 80s classics Under Pressure, Let’s Dance, China Girl, Modern Love, and Blue Jean. Accept no substitutes: BowieVision is the real deal.

S.O.S.
Facebook

Born out of a shared love of the incredible studio sound and otherworldly live performance of this band, Mitch Wilson, Anthony Medici and Cory West come together to form S.O.S., A Tribute to the Police. Portland based S.O.S. brings the high-energy performance, unique lead vocals, guitar tones, evocative vocal harmonies and intense rhythms that catapulted Sting, Andy and Stewart to rock royalty! A show not to be missed!
]]> VIDEO: Poet-in-Residence Raúl Sánchez reads his original poem to City Council https://btb.nwlens.com/video-poet-in-residence-raul-sanchez-reads-his-original-poem-to-city-council/ Thu, 06 Dec 2018 00:00:59 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=134914 Burien’s Poet-in-Residence Raúl Sánchez read ‘Bountiful Burien,’ his new, original poem about Burien to the City Council at Monday night’s regular meeting.

Managed by former Burien Arts Association Executive Director Erin Williamson, this effort was part of the city’s 25th anniversary celebration. Raúl received $1,300 plus meals and lodging from an Arts Commission grant, and also hosted a reading and poetry workshop for residents.

His collection of poetry “All Our Brown-Skinned Angels” was nominated for the Washington State Book Award in Poetry. Raúl is a Washington State Associations of Poets board member, a Jack Straw Fellow, judge for the Poetry on Buses, and TEDx participant. An active mentor and teacher, Mr. Sanchez has led numerous writing workshops.

Here’s the video, which includes an introduction by Erin Williamson:

Here’s text of Raúl’s ‘Bountiful Burien‘:

Bountiful Burien
Raúl Sánchez December 3rd, 2018

Wholesome winds blow across the Salish Sea,
the city stands unsullied, while anxious waves
crash against the rocks untamed shore
as seen from Poet’s Nest.
The Lushootseed people knew their natural treasures,
revered and protected the old-growth forest and their
hunting grounds. Along the Duwamish, tended
cranberry bogs in the riparian waters.
Nestled in briny air, old trails and winding roads
spread this city from the magnificent valley
Michael Kelly viewed,
Sunnydale still its name.
Jacob Ambaum hacked the early roads in 1909,
now First Avenue cuts through the city
north to south, like an arrow in flight.
West of the Boulevard, there is a glacial spring
that feeds Burien Lake, pristine—
beyond the shadow of the Needle, glass towers,
loading cranes and jungle to the north
where ferries cruise from Vashon to the mainland.
Olde Burien shows vestiges of the early days
made old by time, we still adore that rusty,
rusty old sign for Tin Shop plumbing supplies
and Hayes Feed Country Store still open for
urban farmers. Ambaum Boulevard,
a testament between modest and affluent homesteads.
Winding roads lead to the shore where luxury homes
watch the sun set across Puget Sound.
In Burien, people speak the language of food
Thailand’s curry, Vietnamese Pho, Oaxacan mole,
Italian meatballs, Tortas Locas, Australian meat pies,
Greek lamb and Nepalese Thukpa soup.
“Go ahead Smarty Pants,
I will see you at 909 for coffee and wine!”
From Three Tree Point to Manhattan
across Five Corners up to Boulevard Park
we revel in Duane’s Garden patch to watch
the colors bloom beneath the Flight Path.
From all points, Shorewood, then south to
Seahurst Park, Burien; this land of dreams,
watches the world fly in and out.
Just west of ninety nine, Burien’s indelible
history shines like sunlight through
the center of Helios Pavilion, it’s green spears
point to Tahoma and The Mother of Waters
waits, while the clouds evaporate.
Seola beach gushes with light, and Seahurst Park
a destination at the very end of Shorewood Drive.
Burien is a place of destiny—
awaiting all with open arms.

]]> Man In Black Friday special: Watch 'The Maury Island Incident' for 50% off! https://btb.nwlens.com/man-in-black-friday-special-watch-the-maury-island-incident-for-50-off/ Fri, 23 Nov 2018 18:48:29 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=134471
Why brave all the kooky, crazy crowds when you can stay warm and cozy inside and watch the locally-produced, award-winning film ‘The Maury Island Incident’ at an out-of-this-world 50% OFF Black Friday discount?
This 30-minute film was shot locally in Burien, Des Moines, Tukwila and off the shores of Maury Island, and is on sale for 50% through this Sunday, Nov. 25.
It’s based on declassified FBI documents, and tells the incredible, tragic and forgotten story of Harold Dahl, who on June 21, 1947, alleged a UFO sighting over Puget Sound, sparking ‘the summer of the saucers,’ the modern era of UFO obsession, the first appearance of a ‘Man in Black’ and a governmental battle over UFO sighting jurisdiction reaching all the way up to FBI Executive Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Written/Produced by local residents Steve Edmiston, Directed/Produced by Scott Schaefer, Executive Produced by John White, Produced by Danny House and Laura Beth & Scott Peterson, this film has won numerous awards, including ‘Best UFO Film Short’ at the International UFO Congress and the ‘Audience Choice Award’ at the Gig Harbor Film Festival.
The union-made film features Tony Doupé as Dahl, Allen Fitzpatrick as the Man In Black, John Patrick Lowrie as J. Edgar Hoover, David S. Hogan as Special Agent Mitchell, and many others.

GET A SPECIAL 50% DISCOUNT:
Use the password ‘maninblackfriday‘ and save 50% OFF the rental or full purchase of the film (NOTE: this discount expires Nov. 25, 2018 and there is a limited number available) – here’s a direct link:

https://vimeo.com/r/2eU6/eWtKbFhEYk

More info on the film is available here: http://www.mauryislandincident.com

]]> 'The Maury Island Incident' Mural has found a new home – in Des Moines https://btb.nwlens.com/the-maury-island-incident-mural-has-found-a-new-home-in-des-moines/ Wed, 07 Nov 2018 01:24:02 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=133825
During the filming of the award-winning film “The Maury Island Incident,” a local artist named Nancy Pahl was commissioned by Executive Producer John White to create a mural that visually described the historic local 1947 UFO story.
The movie was filmed in Olde Burien, Des Moines, Tukwila and off the shores of Maury Island (the full film can be viewed online here); here’s a trailer:

The mural, which was located on the east side of a building at 901 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien, has been used by many UFO buffs around the world to describe what happened – an historic 1947 UFO sighting, the first record of a Man-In-Black (and his brand new black Buick), along with the US Air Force B-25 airplane that took the so-called disc artifacts, then caught on fire and crashed near Kelso.
The building was purchased recently, and so the mural had to come down.
But it has a new home, according to White.
“I just agreed to give it to Des Moines – free of course,” White said.
The exact location has yet to be determined, but stay tuned to the blog for updates.
White added:

“Thanks to Scott (Schaefer) and Steve (Edmiston) for making a film that led to the creation of the Burien UFO Festival and the Burien Film Festival.
“Let’s hand it over to Des Moines and let them enjoy it. Thanks for all the feedback. Thank you to the City of Des Moines in having in interest in displaying this Mural. Perhaps it will spark a UFO Festival there too. It’s all good.”

For more info on this story, visit http://www.mauryislandincident.com.

]]> ART: See 'Portraits of Puget,' by our former Intern Bryan Shickley https://btb.nwlens.com/art-see-portraits-of-puget-by-our-former-intern-bryan-shickley/ Tue, 06 Nov 2018 22:00:36 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=133754 Former South King Media Intern Bryan Shickley has been creating ‘Portraits of Puget,’ some samples of which he is sharing with us.
Bryan was a student at Burien’s Big Picture High School, and he interned for us for three or so years, starting in 2011 (view his previous blog work here).
Since graduating, this talented young man earned a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis on Fine Art and Animation from Evergreen College. In our humble opinion, Bryan’s skills have improved exponentially, very near the level of Disney/Pixar quality (for comparison, check out his first Art we posted on Jan. 3, 2011).
Most recently, Bryan has been focusing his skills on comic book work.
“I have been finding more and more employment in the realm of comic book inking, a medium of incredibly high contrast – there is black and there is white – which makes portrayal of an image that much more difficult and specific to render,” Bryan told us. “I then took out my artistic angst on some local sights of Puget Sound and tricked Scott Schaefer into posting my work. Please enjoy.”
Click images to view larger versions/slideshow of his ‘Portraits of Puget’:

Aerial view of the Burien Library, a great source of inspiration for my current work.

The famous Tin Theater at sunset, a great deal of nuanced purples over a vibrant autumn color scheme.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Realty, our neighbors and longtime Real Estate Sponsors…an experiment with lens flares and flora textures.

The Des Moines waterfront and fishing pier, an experiment with clouds and waves.

What on earth even is this water tower in Des Moines? It allowed me to work with silhouettes.

Mt Rainier from Kent. an experiment with layers and separating them.

Some sort of sign. Showing off foliage skills with a high contrast.

Paying tribute to the more talented artists.

A sunset at The Cove. Looks almost nuclear.

A heavily outlined interpretation of the White Center Sign

More work with foliage, a mixture of calm pastel yellow and a fierce amount of rose.
Bryan also produced this video, which includes some handy advice for other Artists:

If you would like to see any more of Bryan Shickley’s work, you can follow him on any of these platforms:

]]> VIDEO: See ShanzDev's great 'Out and About' from Saturday's Boo In Burien https://btb.nwlens.com/video-shanzdevs-great-out-and-about-from-the-boo-in-burien-saturday-afternoon/ Sun, 28 Oct 2018 03:22:38 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=133447 Northwest Video Blogger @ShanzDev was ‘out and about’ at Discover Burien’s ‘Boo In Burien’ on Saturday, Oct. 27, and here’s her great video from it:


Follow @ShanzDev here:

]]> Highline Indigenous Theater + Music Festival will be Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at PAC https://btb.nwlens.com/highline-indigenous-theater-music-festival-will-be-oct-31-nov-1-at-pac/ Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:38:57 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=132947
All are invited to a very unique and special two-night Indigenous Theater + Music Festival at the Highline Performing Arts Center on Halloween (Oct. 31) and Nov. 1.
This event will celebrate the brilliance and vitality of contemporary Indigenous artists with the remarkable and legendary NYC-based Spiderwoman Theater, along with nationally acclaimed PDX-based recording artist Black Belt Eagle Scout (on Oct. 31) and virtuoso violinist Swil Kanim from the Lummi Nation on night two of the festival (on Nov. 1).
Guests will also enjoy a very special welcome from the awesomely talented Seattle-based Red Eagle Soaring Native youth theater artists on Nov. 1!
This program is made possible by: Aanmitaagzi, Highline Public Schools Native Education Program, The UW Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, Red Eagle Soaring, Ontario Arts Council, & Canada Council for the Arts.

WHAT: Highline Indigenous Theater + Music Festival (All ages)
WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98148
WHEN:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 6-8:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 1, 6-8:30 p.m.

COST: FREE
TICKETS: Get tickets FREE here

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/253788758612533/
Here are videos of some amazing Indigenous artists (almost entirely women) who will be at the festival:



The Highline Performing Arts Center is located at 401 S. 152nd Street:

]]> Raul Sanchez named Poet-in-Residence for Burien Community Poetry Project https://btb.nwlens.com/raul-sanchez-named-poet-in-residence-for-burien-community-poetry-project/ Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:20:19 +0000 http://b-townblog.com/?p=132735 Raul Sanchez – a Washington poet and translator – has been selected for Burien’s citizen-led Poet-in-Residence project.
Mr. Sanchez will visit Burien in early November, attend local events, and host a free, public writing workshop on Nov. 3 that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels.
Mr. Sanchez will write a poem in response to his time in Burien and share the work with community in December 2018 to close the city’s 25th anniversary.
Raul Sanchez’s collection of poetry “All Our Brown-Skinned Angels” was nominated for the Washington State Book Award in Poetry. He is a Washington State Associations of Poets board member, a Jack Straw Fellow, judge for the Poetry on Buses, and TEDx participant. An active mentor and teacher, Mr. Sanchez has led numerous writing workshops.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, poets and aspiring poets of all levels are invited to a public writing workshop taught by Raul Sanchez. Participants will explore the “poetry of place” and craft their own poem. The workshop is free and open to all. Register by emailing Erin Williamson at erin@leadinkscreen.com.
The Poet-in-Residence Project is the brainchild of Burien resident Erin Williamson, who believes that poetry can be a tool for productive civic dialogue. Questions about the project can be emailed to Erin at erin@leadinkscreen.com.
Here’s a TEDx talk Mr. Sanchez gave in 2014:

And him reading from his work “All Our Brown-Skinned Angels“:

The project received grant funding from Burien’s Art Commission and 4Culture.

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