Summer's end promises loads of off-kilter fun

By Brangien Davis
Special to The Seattle Times

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There's a lot of unusual stuff going on in and around Seattle during the last gasp of summer. Some of it is weird and some a little scary. (Witness: Jan & Dean play the Tulalip Casino on Aug. 23. Call 888-272-1111 if you dare.)

We've compiled a list of alternative entertainment — things we're guessing you haven't tried — that will make this summer one to write home about. Our list is grouped into three categories based on the level of participation each activity demands. So whether you prefer to dip your toes into the river of oddities, or tear your clothes off and cannonball in, there's something here for you. (Added bonus: Many events are dirt cheap or free!) You only have a month of the season left, so get busy, and high-five yourself for refusing to settle for standard summer fare.

Innocent bystander

Innocent-bystander activities are the easiest to dive into, requiring only that you stare at something or someone, often in a state of surprise, confusion, titillation or a combination thereof.

Aside from watching chunks of the viaduct fall off, there aren't many opportunities to see stuff get smashed up around here, so be thankful for the Demolition Derby in Monroe. It features an old school bus, cars dragging boats, and something called the Brain Damage Jet Car. (7 p.m. Aug. 31, Evergreen Speedway, inside the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe; 360-805-6100.)

Moving from whiplash to whip it good, "Homefront Invasion" is a visual-art show of stream-of-consciousness postcards by DEVO lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh. The '80s icon himself will appear at the opening. (Opening 6-10 p.m. Aug. 15, show runs through Sept. 5, Roq La Rue Gallery, 2316 Second Ave., Seattle; free, 206-374-8977.)

"Burning Hearts Burlesque" features talented ladies stripping the old-fashioned way, using skits and humor to emphasize an allure you won't find at the Lusty Lady. The next show, "Man Trap," pays tribute to Pulp Fiction Vixens. All sexes welcome! (9 and 10:30 p.m. Sept. 6, Rendezvous Jewel Box Theater, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle; $10, 206-441-5823.)

Turning our gaze from sultry women to unabashed men, we find "Puppetry of the Penis," which brings new meaning to "members-only" events. Two Aussies drop trou and make funny shapes with what they've got down under, while projection screens ensure you don't miss a trick (whether you want to or not). (Now open for an indeterminate run, Moore Theater, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $25-$39, 206-628-0888.)

For manly pursuits of a different bent, check out "Point Break Live," a re-enactment of the 1991 testosterone-fueled flick starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. The action-packed play features a different, unrehearsed actor in the Keanu role each night, which should just about approximate the real star's performance. (8 p.m. through Aug. 10, The Little Theater, 608 19th Ave. E., Seattle; $10-$12, 206-329-2629.)

Mob mentality

Mob-mentality events are those in which you are encouraged to participate actively, but can do so in a way that still maintains your anonymity (maintenance of dignity not guaranteed).

Whether your vibe is skate park, trailer park or Madison Park, you won't want to miss the Seattle Tattoo Convention. Watch the needles in action and bring home a permanent souvenir. (Aug. 15-17, Seattle Center; $15-$35, tickets available at Rudy's Barbershops, Super Genius Tattoo Parlor and www.ticketswest.com.)

Where can you see Rick Steves and Woody Harrelson on the same stage? Hempfest, of course, the annual celebration of, um, rope and other great things you can do with the cannabis plant. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 16-17, Myrtle Edwards Park and Pier 70; free, 206-781-5734 or www.hempfest.org.)

If Hempfest is too tame for your taste, take a trip south for Mutantfest, the "Autonomous Mutant Festival," which by enigmatic accounts looks to be a "Burning Man Lite," held "somewhere in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, probably Oregon." (Through Aug. 13 — "in harmony with the waxing of the full moon"; call 800-486-6862 or click www.mutantfest.org.)

For the best on-screen entertainment one dollar can buy, head to the "Open Screening" at 911 Media Arts. Screen your self-made movie (under 10 minutes long) on a subject of your choosing, and use the crowd reaction to determine your future in filmmaking. (VHS and DVD only, 8 p.m. Monday, 911 Media Arts Center, 117 Yale Ave. N., Seattle; $1, 206-682-6552.)

Gotta dance? Cut a different style of rug each night of the week. Swing your partner in a square dance (7-10 tonight and Aug. 15, Seattle Center; 206-684-7200); sample the spice of salsa (9 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, Century Ballroom, 915 E. Pine St., Seattle; $5-$7, 206-324-7263); line up for contra dancing (7-10 p.m. Fridays, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney N., Seattle; $7, 206-783-2244) and shake your Bollywood thing to "I Heart Shiva" (Mondays, Baltic Room, 1207 Pine St., Seattle; $5, 206-625-4444.)

You are the entertainment

You are the entertainment means just that — these are full-immersion events. Sure, you can attend and just watch too, but what are you, chicken?

"No Talent? No Problem!" is the welcoming slogan of Rockaraoke, where you're encouraged to take the stage as the lead singer of a live band. Choose your tune from a long list of options (but please avoid "I Will Survive," as the band has to play it every night). (9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., Ballard; $6, 206-784-4880, 9:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Fenix Underground, 109 S. Washington, Pioneer Square; $5, 206-405-4323.)

Another winner in the excellent motto contest is Miss H's Variety Show, which proclaims "No Act Too Weird." Musicians, contortionists, jugglers, dancers and more are welcome to perform in this very open-mike event. Hula-hooping strongly encouraged throughout the evening. (9 p.m. Tuesdays, Conor Byrne Pub, 5140 Ballard Ave. N.W., Ballard; 206-784-3640.)

"I Hate Myself for Loving You" is the theme of A Guide To Visitors' upcoming story slam. Take the stage and tell your best story about a loved one who drives you up the wall. You will be judged! (7:30 p.m. Aug. 18, Rendezvous Jewel Box Theater, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle; $5, 206-441-5823 or www.aguidetovisitors.org.)

Finally, for the woman who has everything, there's Amateur Night at Déjà Vu in Lake City. You know it's a high-class event when ladies are awarded $25 "just for entering!" Like we said, make it a summer to remember. (Wednesday nights, Déjà Vu Showgirls Lake City, 14556 Bothell Way N.E.; 206-362-5851.)

Brangien Davis: brangiendavis@yahoo.com

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