Dance at Wing Luke Saturday

So you think you can dance?

Here's a chance to polish your skills. The Wing Luke Asian Museum is offering free lessons in classical, social and experimental dance on Saturday, Oct. 18. Each workshop lasts over an hour:

• 10:30 a.m. — Folk dance from Japanese classical dance teacher Fujima Fujimine.

• 1-3 p.m. — Break dance fundamentals and routines from The Good Foot Performing Arts Company

• 3:30 p.m. — Experimental, multimedia piece choreographed by Cheronne Wong.

The museum is located at 719 S. King Street in Seattle's Chinatown/International District. It offers free admission every first Thursday and third Saturday of the month, with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.wingluke.org or call 206-623-5124.

Oct. 16: Taiwan Film Fest coming to UW next week

Several Taiwanese films will be making their American debut next week at the Taiwan Film Festival at University of Washington.

Now into its third year, the festival is set for Oct. 20-22, and focuses on "Youth and Redemption." Films include:

• "Summer's Tail" — Taiwanese pop singer Enno Cheng is in this story about youth passion and friendship.

• "The Most Distant Course" — This film was the winner of the Critic's Week Award in the 2007 Venice Film Festival. It's about three lost souls that travel through Taiwan finding solace through sound and music.

• "Secret" — Chinese superstar Jay Chou makes his directorial debut in this romance.

• "The Wall-Passer" — A sci-fi love story.

• "Elephant Boy and Robogirl" — This film is about two children living their life to the fullest despite their physical handicaps.

• "The Gangster's God" — This documentary is about two reputed gangsters' lives.

• "For More Sun" — This film follows a group of young Taiwanese engineers as they compete in the World Solar Challenge in Australia.

Five directors will be present answering questions at the festival, as well as Taiwanese singer Enno Cheng, who will be kicking off the festival with a performance.

For more information, go to — http://2008tff.blogspot.com.

Oct. 15: Extreme athletes at LG Sports Championships will have rap/punk/alt-rock soundtrack

This Halloween, in addition to dressing up and scaring up some treats, go check out some action sports and music.

The best BMX riders, skateboarders and in-line skaters will be competing at the LG Action Sports Championships at the KeyArena in Seattle, Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The show will also feature performances by rapper The Game, punk bands Pennywise and MxPx, as well as alternative band Hoobastank.

There will be additional bands performing as well, announced on KNDD-FM (107.7).

Tickets for the competition and concerts are available at the KeyArena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 206-628-0123.

The championships will air on CBS Sports on Dec. 7, 13 and 20. The event is also set to broadcast to over 180 countries worldwide. For more information, go to — www.lgactionsports.com.

Oct. 14: Sale of Lang Lang-signed pianos to benefit Chinese earthquake victims

Andrew Matson with your daily dispatch:

Chinese superstar pianist Lang Lang (pronounce that "long-long") is in town to play Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 tonight with the Seattle Symphony. Tickets are still available (www.seattlesymphony.org or 206-215-4747). The Seattle Times' preview is here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2008245667_langlang10.html.

While in town, Lang Lang will sign nine Steinways to be sold at Sherman Clay Pianos in Seattle, and possibly at its satellite store in Bellevue. The pianos' prices will remain as they were pre-signing, but for each one sold, Sherman Clay will donate $1,000 to the American Red Cross in China, to benefit victims of the Chinese earthquake earlier this year. Reached on Tuesday at the store, Ben Klinger of Sherman Clay said the pianos will be for sale by Wednesday afternoon.

Andrew Matson, Seattle Times staff reporter

Oct. 13: FODfest, celebrating the life of Daniel Pearl, comes to Seattle Oct. 20

FODfest is coming to Seattle. The annual concert tour celebrates the life of late Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002.

In addition to being a journalist, Pearl was a classically trained violinist who played different instruments and regularly sought out jam sessions. He believed that music could bring people of different backgrounds together.

And so the festival features many of the musicians who jammed with Pearl. In fact, FOD stands for "Friends of Danny." True to his spirit, the festival will include song-swaps, a jam session and a concert.

Musician Todd Mack, a band mate and close friend of Pearl's, organizes the festival, now into its fourth year. The admission is free, but donations are collected to help offset tour and production costs.

FODfest happens 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Tractor Tavern, at 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., in Seattle. Featured artists include: Mack, Huma, Sarah Sample, SONiA of disappear fear, Chad Kichula, Life In A Blender, MJ Bishop and Nancy K. Dillon. For more information go to http://fodfest.org.

Oct. 13: DJ Z-Trip mixes for Obama

Considered by many as the founder of the mash-up movement, DJ Z-Trip was recently named one of the top five DJs in the nation by "DJ Times Magazine."

Check out his killer Obama mix. He mashes up Obama speeches, rock and hip-hop with the purpose of urging youth to vote. To download the 54-minute track, go to — www.djztrip.com/obama. He includes both a radio-friendly version and an original version.

The Los Angeles DJ performed the mix at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Recently he played for soldiers in the United States Army in Kuwait. Every year, he does more than 100 shows. He has also opened for the Rolling Stones. To hear his other music, go to www.myspace.com/djztrip. Other music news bits:

• Death Cab for Cutie performed "Cath" from their album "Narrow Stairs" on Conan O'Brien last night. Did you miss it? Catch a replay on MySpaceTV — go to www.myspacetv.com and search "Late Night with Conan O'Brien. And don't forget the Seattle faves are touring with Neil Young right now; the tour comes to Everett on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com.

• And back to politics. Onetime Nirvana-man and current Foo Fighter Dave Grohl joined his bandmates in releasing a statement this week denouncing the McCain campaign's unauthorized use of their song "My Hero" at campaign rallies. Said the Foos, in part: "The saddest thing about this is that 'My Hero' was written as a celebration of the common man and his extraordinary potential. To have it appropriated without our knowledge and used in a manner that perverts the original sentiment of the lyric just tarnishes the song. We hope that the McCain campaign will do the right thing and stop using our song — and start asking artists' permission in general!"

Oct. 3: McLeod Residence to shut down

Here's an excerpt from a news story Times visual arts critic Sheila Farr posted earlier:

McLeod Residence, a popular Belltown gallery and bar, will close its doors Oct. 31, unable to comply with city fire codes. Gallery owners say they are searching for a new location.

"We had a temporary certificate of occupancy but they need some proof of work on the building," said co-owner Lele McLeod. "The building is not up to code for the kind of business that we have — something about the space between our business and other businesses. We don't have the [required] three hours of fire protection in between."

A fire department spokeswoman was not able to comment on the issue immediately.

It's a problem the owners of McLeod Residence didn't anticipate when they signed a five year lease on the eccentric upstairs space two years ago.

"We didn't know that much about owning a business and didn't look into it before we signed our lease," McLeod said. "Somebody with experience would have had an architect look at the place."

She and partners Buster McLeod and Kindra Meyer have since looked into possible ways to bring the place up to code but couldn't find a workable solution. "It's 100 years old and every part about it is old," she said. "We don't know what is possible for us to do."

See the complete story on the homepage: www.seattletimes.com.

Oct 2: Pink Martini reschedules Benaroya date

A dispatch from Sunday NW Arts &Life editor Lynn Jacobson:

Pink Martini, originally scheduled to play with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall on Jan. 13, 2009, has postponed its appearance until May 21.

Due to the date change, Seattle Symphony will no longer perform with the band.

Pink Martini is a popular Portland-based combo that blends Latin, classical and jazz music.

For ticket info, call 206-215-4747 or go to www.seattlesymphony.org.

Oct. 1: Music and theater news briefs

• Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard performed in drag for a good cause last weekend: a posthumous CD-release event for Charles "Upchuck" Gerra, a musician often cited as one of the biggest influences on 1990s grunge. Gerra, who was openly gay, died of AIDS in 1990.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, at the King Cat Theater, Gossard, Gerra's former band The Fags and others played a tribute to "Upchuck" and the career-spanning CD that came out this week. "Upchuck: Gone But Not Forgiven" is a Sub Pop distribution, available at www.Amazon.com.

• The AP Wire moved this story early today, about goings-on with "Shrek the Musical" in NYC. The changes are in areas that were directly criticized by Seattle Times critic Misha Berson last month, when the show had its pre-Broadway tryout at the 5th Avenue Theatre. (Read that review at www.seattletimes.com/entertainment).

"Shrek" gets a new Donkey and Dragon is redefined

By Michael Kuchwara

AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK — There's been a shake-up at "Shrek The Musical" as it prepares for its Broadway opening.

The mammoth DreamWorks musical based on its successful animated film and the characters in William Steig's book will have a new Donkey when it begins preview performances Nov. 8 at the Broadway Theatre.

Daniel Breaker, a Tony nominee for his performance last season in "Passing Strange," will take over the role played by Chester Gregory during the show's recent Seattle tryout. Gregory has been seen most recently on Broadway in "Crybaby" and has appeared in "Tarzan" and "Hairspray" as well.

In addition, the role of the Dragon has been reconceived, with the voice of the creature now being performed by a chorus of eight women rather than one performer and a chorus. As a result, Kecia Lewis-Evans, who played the solo Dragon voice, has decided to leave the production.

The musical received generally good notices during its Aug. 14-Sept. 21 Seattle engagement.

"Shrek" opens officially Dec. 14. It features Brian d'Arcy James as the green ogre, Sutton Foster as Princess Fiona, Christopher Sieber as the evil Lord Farquaad and John Tartaglia as Pinocchio.

"Shrek," directed by Jason Moore, has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.

More on "Shrek": www.shrekthemusical.com

Sept. 30: The Saturday Knights get play on "Entourage"; Blake Lewis cameos in Common Market video

Bits of news from Seattle's music scene:

• Seattle's "fun" hip-hop group The Saturday Knights had a song in the Sept. 28 episode of the HBO series "Entourage." "Motorin'," from the trio's new CD, "Mingle," played when Ari the agent tells Eric, Vince's manager, that he'll top the offer E has from Amanda for "Smoke Jumpers," a script that is suddenly in a bidding war. You can hear a sample of "Motorin'" at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Mingle-Saturday-Knights/dp/B0018BEGDC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1222798210&sr=8-1), and get in on the conversation about the music of "Entourage" here — http://entouragewiki.hbo.com/thread.

• Blake Lewis, the Bothell singer of "American Idol" fame, has a cameo in the new Common Market video, which we wrote about in this space last week. Read more below, or go watch the "Trouble Is" video here — http://www.mtvu.com/video/?id=1595482&vid=276978 — and see if you can spot BShorty.

• And an interesting pop-punk group comes to town this week. Ponytail — a Baltimore art-school four-piece — will perform Thursday, Oct. 2 at Nectar — High Places headlines. Ponytail is touring with the their new album, "Ice Cream Spiritual (We Are Free)." Blender wrote of Ponytail: "Baltimore geeks whip up some chipper, punky noise ... one sexy, sweaty mess."

Check them out on MySpace — www.myspace.com/jreamteam

Doors open at 8 p.m. Thursday; $10 in advance (more info: www.nectarlounge.com).

Sept. 29: Shakespeare's "Henry IV" to get a 2-for-1 staging this fall at Seattle Shakes

This fall, Seattle Shakespeare Company will stage "Henry IV" — all of it at once.

Actor/director/theater scholar Daikin Matthews has adapted the two William Shakespeare history plays, "Henry IV, Part 1" and "Henry IV, Part 2," into one action-packed, 3-hour play, which will be on the boards at the theater, in Seattle Center's Center House Theatre, Oct. 23-Nov. 16.

"I love the history plays," says Seattle Shakes artistic director Stephanie Shine. The two "Henry IV" plays are preceded by "Richard II" and followed by "Henry V." "I'd do them all the time if I could get away with it... . This is a terrific opportunity for our audiences to discover the story in its entirety."

"Henry IV" tells the coming-of-age story of Prince Hal, the youth who will become the heroic Henry V.

Tickets, $22-$36, are on sale now at 206-733-8222 or www.seattleshakespeare.org. Pay-what-you-can previews are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22.

Sept. 25: West Seattle's Admiral Theater adding live music concerts

West Seattle's Admiral Theater is going musical. After a long history as a cinema, the Admiral Theater recently became a live theater venue as well, adding theater and comedy in the last year. Now the Admiral is kicking off its foray into live music with concert featuring Brent Amaker & the Rodeo Lasso, Panda & Angel and The Hands on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The move adding music comes after recent renovations at the 100-year-old historic theater added a stage and sound/lighting system, and a bar.

The Oct. 11 show will start at 9 p.m. (doors at 8), and is 21 and up. Get tix — $10 in advance, $15 at the door — at the theater, 2343 California Ave. S.W., in West Seattle — or through Brown Paper Tickets (800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com).

Sept. 24: The Croc has a crew: Eli Anderson and Roy Atizado hired

The Crocodile Cafe is months from reopening, but the legendary nightclub is already announcing hires: Eli Anderson will be the talent buyer for the club, and Roy Atizado has been hired as director of live entertainment, announced club spokeswoman Kerri Harrop in an e-mailed news release.

Anderson worked for years at Sonic Boom Records, and after a stint in Boston, returned to Seattle for a job assisting with booking and promotions at the Croc, prior to its closure in December 2007.

As for Atizado, he has worked as a tour manager, an artist manager, and producer for 20 years, the last three years at Chop Suey, where he was general manager.

Harrop also said the staff of the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Ore., will help the new Croc with booking national touring bands.

The Croc is currently being remodeled; the new management hopes to reopen in January or February 2009.

And here's some MTV news involving a local fave:

"Trouble Is," a new video from hip-hop duo Common Market (DJ Sabzi and RA Scion), debuts on mtvU and www.mtv.com today, Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The single — from their new album "Tobacco Road" (Massline/ Hyena) — will play on the mtvU network every hour for 24 hours starting at 6 a.m., and will also be featured on mtvU.com.

According to a release, "Trouble Is" tells the story of a vagrant farmer's hardship in a town where the locals call into question his intentions and work ethic. Sabzi's brother, Zia Mohajerjasbi, directed the vid.

You can watch the video at mtvU.com at www.mtvu.com/music/video_premiere/common_market

Read more about Common Market in Marian Liu's recent profile of RA Scion at www.seattletimes.com (search "RA Scion").

Common Market next plays in Seattle at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. at King Cobra, in an appearance with People Under the Stairs. Get ticket info here — www.kingcobraseattle.com.

Raina Wagner: rwagner@seattletimes.com

Sept. 23: City accepting applications to fill gallery spaces

If you're an aspiring artist, the city is looking for you.

The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is seeking to fill two City Hall gallery spaces in 2009. They are asking for proposals that focus on the diversity of Seattle's community that highlight the work of local artists, nonprofit organizations and community groups. Past work included a group show by Seattle print artists and exhibits on arts education, climate change and homelessness.

Winning exhibits will be on display for six to eight weeks at the City Hall Lobby Gallery and the Anne Focke Gallery.

Arts and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply, and individuals can apply as part of a group show. Judges include a panel of city employees administered by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. Deadline: 11 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13. Applications are to be submitted digitally at www.seattle.gov/arts.

Sept. 19: Rapper Common has a persona to please everyone in Showbox SoDo show

Here's a report from Thursday night's Common concert from Andrew Matson:

At the packed Common concert last night at Showbox SoDo, a guy in the audience held one of the Chicago rapper's old records in the air for a long time, through whole songs. This is something you only do if you are a superfan.

The hoisted single was "I Used to Love H.E.R.," a story-song from 1994 in which Common anthropomorphizes hip-hop as a woman, and raps about the best way to "do" her (with skill and spirituality, he decides).

The record holder wasn't requesting the song — Common rapped "I Used to Love H.E.R." earlier. He just wanted Common to look out over the racially diverse crowd — with equally enthusiastic male and female members — and see the record. I think he got whatever solidarity he was looking for.

A lot of girls were excited about Common-the-Sexy-Sincere-Guy last night, but there were more than a few guys like the vinyl dude, guys that came to see a no-less sincere character: Common-the-Ultimate-MC. He pulled off both, doing them straight ("Come Close" was still sweet; "The People" still rousing and lyrical) and flipped ("Go," an ode to creative sex, was way spikier than the soothing recorded version, delivered instead like a battle rap).

The stage was set up like a bar in a nightclub, tended by girls that might also have been backup singers in Common's big but not intrusive band. He pretended to argue his way in, then ordered drinks, brought a woman from the audience on stage and romanced her (she was game for some role-playing, and Common's a pretty good actor).

The sound at Showbox SoDo is bad. It's all loud echoes in the hangar-like building. Is it the Costco-style cement floors? Luckily, Common's rapping was clear enough to hear the words.

He impressed with an impromptu rhyme about Seattle that stretched on well over a minute. Yeah, he rhymed "battle" with "Seattle," which is as lame as "lyrical" with "miracle," but whatever: He did an astounding amount of local name checking without losing his flow. He also breakdanced.

Pharrell came out during Common's set drinking a Capri Sun and held it like the Statue of Liberty at the front of the stage. The genius rap producer opened with his not-genius rap/rock fusion band, N.E.R.D.

Andrew Matson: amatson@seattletimes.com

Sept. 16: Upper Playground store opening in Seattle

Underground art and apparel store Upper Playground is expanding to Seattle. Based in San Francisco, the store is known as a destination spot for avid underground art collectors and hip-hop lovers.

The store produces apparel lines and designs off local and international artists — half of the pieces actually hail from such countries as Australia, Europe, Japan and Taiwan. Upper Playground apparel is now sold nationally and internationally in more than 300 boutiques and online. But, when the store started in 1999, founder Matt Revelli said it was a stretch.

"There were very few places where an artist in the genre could show their work," said Revelli. "We knew that just selling artwork wasn't going to pay the rent, so we developed the idea of having a place to show the artwork and sell the clothes. ... Most people couldn't afford the original work, but they really responded to the ideas and imagery the artists created on canvasses, so the T-shirts and clothing allowed the fan, or person into the work, to have a piece of that in their lives, without being out $20,000 on a painting."

Jason Sajko, the Upper Playground Northwest retail partner, started a store in 2006 in Portland and saw Seattle as a "natural fit" for the store.

"We had a really good response in that [Portland] store, so we thought it would be natural to continue up in the Northwest," said Sajko. "Seattle is a bigger city and has a lot going on in the cultural arts community."

And besides selling apparel, there is a separate space for art, a gallery called FIFTY24SEA. Local artists like Parskid and Angel 179, will be kicking off an exhibit there.

"People like to check into our stores to see what's happening in the arts world," said Sajko.

Upper Playground's grand opening is set for 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, featuring a signing by photographer Estevan Oriol at 6 p.m., as well as music from DJ Neight1000 and Ubiquity Records artist Ohmega Watts.

Also, from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, there will be an in-store live art installation by Los Angeles artists Munk One and Mear One. Later that Saturday, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., the store kicks off an event at The Chapel Bar (1600 Melrose Ave., Seattle) with music from DJ's Soul One and SeanCee, plus live art by Mear One. There is no cover charge, but the event is 21 and up.

Upper Playground Seattle, at 4730 University Way N.E., No. 109, in Seattle, will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays. For more information on the store, go to www.upperplayground.com.

Sept. 15: Taylor Hicks rides "Grease" to Seattle

Lynn Jacobson contributes this news today:

Taylor Hicks — winner of the 2006 edition of "American Idol" — will appear onstage at the 5th Avenue Theatre next spring in a touring production of "Grease."

Hicks, 31, will play Teen Angel in the show.

This production of "Grease" was the fruit of an NBC TV talent show, "Grease: You're the One that I Want." It opened on Broadway in August, 2007, to lukewarm reviews.

When Hicks joined the Broadway cast in the minor role of Teen Angel this past summer, ticket sales spiked.

The show comes to the 5th Avenue May 12-30, 2009. For information, go to www.5thavenuetheatre.org.

Sept. 12: Neumo's show has rap, bluegrass, gospel

Andrew Matson with the dispatch today:

The big question about the local rap group's "Tobacco Road" CD-release party last night was whether or not the bluegrass/rock/rap idea would work out. It was all MC RA Scion's idea to book an extra-diverse show, and in the end, Neumo's was sold out, satisfied, and confident they'd witness a unique thing. The bluegrass (The Tall Boys) wasn't shoved down anybody's throat — the band played off stage by the merch table, their music for ambience; the rock (Feral Children; Thee Emergency) could've been mixed better but was energetic, and Common Market looked absolutely dominant with the Total Experience Gospel Choir behind them on risers.

Before the show, I talked to lots of Seattle hip-hop "insiders" (producers, artists that have worked with Common Market or just know them) that were worried about the weirdness of the band selection (bluegrass?).

But after Feral Children soldiered through their tribal shriek fest (if "white guys you might see on Capitol Hill" is a tribe) and Thee Emergency was on stage, Common Market manager Dave Meinert asked me "How do you think it's going?" and he wasn't really asking. It was clearly a success. The audience was sweaty and wide-eyed, tracking RA Scion as he loped around the stage (it's not huge, but he seemed to be jogging) and raising their hands whenever he raised his. Not to say Common Market DJ/producer Sabzi was a silent partner, but my feeling about last night is RA Scion should feel pretty good about himself right now.

Andrew Matson, Seattle Times staff

Sept. 11: Metallica set for KeyArena show on Dec. 1

Metallica is coming to the KeyArena Monday, Dec. 1. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, for $59.50 and $79.50 at www.LiveNation.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone 206-628-0888.

Also on the lineup is Lamb of God and The Sword.

Metallica's most-recent album, "Death Magnetic," was widely circulating online after a French store sold the record early by mistake. In the past, Metallica has been very vocal against illegal downloading and even sued Napster, but this time they are OK with it. They have been quoted saying it has been a victory of sorts that the album didn't leak until a full 10 days out.

"Death Magnetic" will be released tomorrow, Sept. 12. It's their first studio album in five years. Critics are saying it's the Los Angeles metal band's return back to their roots. To hear excerpts from the album, go to — www.myspace.com/metallica.

Sept. 8: Comic Dave Attell to play the Moore; Kathy Griffin adds fourth show to Paramount gig

Lots of shows to announce today:

• Caustic comedian Dave Attell is coming to The Moore Theatre on Oct. 24. Named one of the 25 Funniest People in America by Entertainment Weekly, Attell has written for "Saturday Night Live," was a regular on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" as The Ugly American, and has appeared on the "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn."Tickets are $27.50 and $32.50. They go on sale 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at LiveNation.com and all Ticketmaster outlets; charge by phone at 206-628-0888.

• Known for her brand of pain twinged pop-rock, Alanis Morissette is planning to play at The Paramount Nov. 5. She released her first studio album in four years, "Flavors of Entanglement," this past June.

Tickets: $36.50 to $62, on sale 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, 206-628-0888.

• OneRepublic will be performing at the Paramount Nov. 11. Also on the bill: Augustana, The Spill Canvas and The Hush Sound.

OneRepublic is best known for their addictive single "Apologize" which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 Recurrent Airplay Chart. The pop-rock band's lead vocalist, Ryan Tedder, has also worked with "American Idol" finalist and Bothell native Blake Lewis.

Tickets are $30 and available at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 (www.LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster outlets and 206-628-0888).

• Kathy Griffin keeps reeling them in. A fourth and final show has been added to her Seattle schedule, at 10 p.m. Nov. 22, following her shows at 7 p.m. Nov. 20, 21 and 22. Tickets: $45.50 to $75.50, and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at www.LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and 206-628-0888.

Sept. 3: The Decemberists coming to the Moore

The Decemberists just announced their 2008 tour. They'll be at the Moore Theatre on Nov. 30, and a limited number of presale tickets are available at www.decemberists.tickets.musictoday.com. General tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept 13.

They will be playing music from their upcoming material, "Always The Bridesmaid: A Singles Series," which will be released this fall. Volume I is out Oct. 14, with Volumes II and III following on Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, respectively.

The series will be released digitally at DSPs on Capitol Records, with a 12-inch vinyl on the Decemberists' own label, Y.A.B.B. Records/Jealous Butcher Records.

For more information, go to — www.decemberists.com.

Aug. 12: Metallica to play KeyArena Dec. 1

Metallica has announced North American tour dates. The heavy-metal band is slated to play the KeyArena Dec. 1, with Lamb of God and the Sword.

The first leg of the North American tour kicks off October and goes through January. Keep checking their site — www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601097 — for ticket sale dates and times.

Kings of Leon also announced their North American tour, coming to Seattle on Oct. 20 to the Paramount Theatre. The alternative band's new album, "Only By The Night" will be released Sept. 23. And, every day leading up to that release date, a new home movie, documenting the making of their album, will be featured on kingsofleon.com and the band's MySpace page — www.myspace.com/kingsofleon.

Aug. 8: "The Lion King" to return to Seattle

"The Lion King" is returning to the Paramount Theatre Feb. 11-March 15, 2009.

Tickets went on sale Aug. 7 for Broadway Across America season-ticket holders, by calling the season-ticket holder hotline at 888-451-4042. Groups of 20 or more can also buy tickets through the corporate and group sales department at 888-214-6856. Individual tickets go on sale in October.

"The Lion King" is now into its second decade on Broadway. It is winner of six Tony Awards, and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

The musical is well known for its scores of masks and puppets, which bring a whole different life to the Disney animated film it was based on.

For more information, go to — www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

Aug. 6: Past Lives on Suicide Squeeze

And Andrew Matson with the news today:

Ending a year of speculation, Seattle band Past Lives announced yesterday a new partnership with local label Suicide Squeeze Records. The debut EP "Strange Symmetry" comes out Nov. 4.

Download an MP3 of the title track for free by going to www.pastliveslife.com and clicking "media."

July 15: Got $425,000? I've got a nightclub on Capitol Hill...

Clubs seem to come and go these days.

After the much lauded opening of King Cobra nightclub end of February, the venue is up for sale. An e-mail from the co-owner Jamie Garza cited lots of reasons: personal finance issues, management mistakes, lack of experience and lack of marketing.

The e-mail goes on to state that the "current owners, and some citizens of Seattle, would like to sell King Cobra with its current format, including a great calendar of upcoming events, and an all-star cast of employees."

Garza was a promoter from the all-ages music scene, and the other owner, Che Sabado, owned the punk rock bar Kincora Pub. Kincora Pub was located in Capitol Hill and closed due to condominium construction.

Before King Cobra, the club was named Sugar. It closed after a shooting that left three wounded. Former Seattle Times nightlife reporter Tom Scanlon reported that the venue went through three different clubs in five years. And, the owners of King Cobra had hoped to finally keep the place steady. Many had hoped the club would fill the hole left by the closing of Crocodile Cafe.

The 6,000-square-foot space at 916 E. Pike St., has a capacity of 475. Live music plays three to four days a week, with the rest of the week available for interactive activities, like karaoke. There is a fully equipped kitchen. The venue is also approved for all-ages concerts.

The asking price? $425,000. Stay tuned for more.

June 12: Pearl Jam's "bootleg" recordings for sale

Now, you don't have to secretly record the Pearl Jam show on your own — Pearl Jam will provide their "bootlegs" for you.

At the end of their live shows, the band will be selling high-quality digital downloads and burn-to-order CDs of the entire show through their fan club, Ten Club, at www.pearljam.com. There will also be mobile bootlegs of three live tracks per show on V CAST Music phones and at www.pearljamconcerts.com. These will be available as ringtones too.

Digital bootlegs will cost $9.99 (MP3) and $14.99 (FLAC) per show. There will also be hard copies available using recycled material, for $16.99 per show on www.pearljam.com.

All of the bootlegs recordings will be professionally mixed in real time. Launched on the 2000 world tour, the bootleg program has since sold 3.5 million bootlegs.

Unfortunately Seattle fans may only hear the concerts by bootleg — the grunge band has not announced local dates. Here's a link to their tour — www.pearljam.com/tour

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com