Bookworms, rejoice! Lit Crawl 2016 is upon us, offering a full night of literary programming in over a dozen bars, museums, cafes and lounges in Capitol Hill and First Hill. The nearly forty events include readings, performances and panel discussions, topped off by a dance party.
The night is divided into five phases. The first four phases include a 45-minute program followed by a 15-minute break to get to the next venue. (Phase 5 is the after party at Velocity Dance Center from 10pm until midnight.) If you are already big into local poetry and writers, you’ll already have a full dance card. However, if it’s your first time and/or you are new to town, it’s a bit overwhelming.
Naturally, I encourage everyone to peruse the full list of events to find topics of interest. Because the listings are a bit spare with their info, I am also providing some personal picks for each phase.
Lit Crawl: Phase 1 – Starting at 6pm
Poetry Northwest Presents at The Seattle Athenaeum – First Hill
The region’s longest-running literary journal, Poetry Northwest, presents readings from poets Sierra Nelson, Megan Snyder-Camp and Jane Wong. Hosted by editor Erin Malone. (348 Marion St.)
Politics & Poetry at Hugo House – First Hill
Seattle Civic Poet Claudia Castro Luna hosts a night of readings with three other women poets: Samar Abulhassan, Laura Da’ and Ann Teplick. The poets will each share their own work as well as the work of a radical female poet who inspires them. (1021 Columbia St.)
Lit Crawl: Phase 2 – Starting at 7pm
The Cabinet of Curiosities: Poets at Hotel Sorrento – First Hill
Hotel Sorrento‘s gorgeous, old-world interior makes for a perfect setting for poetry readings on their literary theme for the month: the weird, the odd, the dark, and the whimsical. The featured poets are Kilam Tel Aviv, Sharon Nyree Williams, Fletch Taylor and Afrose Fatima Ahmed. (900 Madison St.)
Fuck Yo Couch at Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar – Capitol Hill
Expect the irreverent at this reading hosted by poet, provocateur and creator of the Reparations Project, Natasha Marin. It’s a full lineup, featuring Robert Lashley, Imani Sims, Anastacia Renee Tolbert, Quenton Baker, Sakara Remmu and Andy Yun. (1508 11th Ave.)
Lit Crawl: Phase 3 – Starting at 8pm
Dead Feminists at Ada’s Technical Books – Capitol Hill
Authors Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring discuss their beautiful new book, Dead Feminists, which reveals feminist history and looks to a brighter future through a gorgeous series of broadsides. They will also give a letterpress demonstration. (425 15th Ave. E.)
Other People’s Food at Zoë Events – Capitol Hill
Food is an entry point into a culture, a part of personal and communal practice and identity. However, consuming and cooking a foreign cuisine can only reveal so much. Writers Monica Dimas, Angela Garbes, Anna Goren and Rachel Kessler examine the issues that come up as we cook and eat “other people’s food.” (1318 E. Union St.)
Lit Crawl: Phase 4 – Starting at 9pm
Hey There, Macaroni at Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar – Capitol Hill
THIS ONE is bound to be one of the most quirky, memorable events of the night. Multimedia artist and writer Steph Kese has created dozens of animated GIFs featuring creatures called The Macaronis (resembling the noodle) accompanied by text and exhibiting many human foibles and charms. (1508 11th Ave.)
The Comics Pages at Hugo House – First Hill
Crosscut editors and local comics team up to present dramatic readings and interpretations of local and national leaders and politics. After a heady night (and a very long election), this satiric palate cleanser may be just what you need. (1021 Columbia St.)
Lit Crawl: The Afterparty
The doors open at 9:45 at Velocity Dance Center for the grand finale. A $5 cover gets you in for performances by Khambatta Dance Company and re:flexion Dance Company, music from Bushwick Book Club, hand-crafted poems by Afrose Fatima Ahmed, no-host bar and DJed music until midnight. (1621 12th Ave)
Afterward, you can crawl into bed and dream the most poetic dreams. Cheers to a night of literary celebration (and to no one from Porlock showing up in the morning).