History/Herstory

Jack Hamann courtesy of his website

The Renton History Museum has the most entertaining way of learning about history - attend one of their free speaker programs. Tomorrow night at 5pm, Jack Hamann, author of the award winning book "On American Soil: How Justice Became a Casualty of WWII" will present the story of the 1944 riot at local Fort Lawton that resulted in dozens of African American soldiers being unfairly imprisoned for the murder of Italian POW Guglielmo Olivotto. The longest court martial of that war and the 28 men sent to prison were only exonerated three short years ago. If that isn't an interesting footnote in Washington history, I don't know what is. The program is free and you should consider heading over there after work.

Fort Lawton photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Fort Lawton was opened in 1900 and at least 20,000 troops passed through it's doors during WWII, where the fort was used as a POW camp for Germans and a stopping place for Italians en route to Hawaii for imprisonment.

Toni Douglas and Barbara Collander

2010 also marks the 100 year anniversary of Women Suffrage. A mere century ago, many women from pioneers to the more settled midwestern and east coast women's vote activists worked together to get ballots in the hands of the female population in Washington state. We forget that not every woman had the exact same vision or method for achieving this goal. May's Vote, a play written and acted by Barbara Collander and Toni Douglas, was presented last month at the Renton History Museum. The tale of the flamboyant May Arkwright Hutton of Spokane and the prim and proper Emma Smith DeVoe was both funny and moving as the audience recalled the struggle for women to be accepted as citizens with a voice.

Our local museum is a treasure, and I wish more folks would come to know it as I have since my return to Renton a short couple of years ago. History is full of stories that bear repeating, and there are lots of them that need to be heard.

Jack Hamann, Speaking Truth to Power: Modern Lessons from Historic Injustice
Tuesday May 4th at 5:00 pm
Free even appropriate for teenage audiences and up

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave.South 425-255-2330
Renton, WA 98057

Exene of the band "X" plays Renton

Tomorrow is Record Store Day across the land. Tyrannosaurus Records welcomes Exene Cervenka of the popular LA punk band of the 70's, X , for a concert that is free for all ages. Exene is poet, vocalist, musician, artist etc. and on a tour throughout the West Coast, bringing music to the people at her own expense. Copies of her latest album, Somewhere Gone, will be on sale as well as some special X Band vinyls that curious minds will have to turn up to see the treasures unearthed. This is Exene's first solo album in almost 10 years, so you should hot foot it down.
Exene announced last year that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but refused to let that get in the way of completing her tour. Gutsy, talented lady. She played last night at Easy Street in Queen Anne, having kicked off her tour on April 7th. Here is a link to a music video recently released featuring her exhubby, Viggo Mortensen( I can't help it =he's yummy!) and a great interview from late Fall.

Nic Sullivanof TRex Records, recommends you start showing up at 1 pm. Nic has been bringing some amazing talent to Renton as of late, and The Picaroon apologizes for not having posted more about his amazing commitment to bringing music to our zip code.

UPDATE: Here's Exene performing in Renton today and word is she may make it back our way this Fall. How lucky can we get??

Tyrannosaurus Records
914 S. Third St. in the DTR

tyrannosaurusrecords@yahoo.com
tryannosaurusrecords.blogspot.com

To the beat of the drum

Speaker Events at the Renton History Museum are anything but dull. Take Lora Chiorah and her Rhythms of Zimbabwe free performance yesterday morning right here in the 98057. It was not long before the whole audience was on their feet and chanting out songs, playing games and laughing.

While Lora beats out the measures on the drum, her students dance for rain (yeah, someplaces need that dance), or just dance to dance. While many dances have a meaning, movement for movement's sake is just as pervasive.

The youngest troupe member was Lora Chiorah's granddaughter, and while still practicing her moves, she comes along to events because she loves to be there. Dance and drums can do that to you.

Lora Chiorah

Northwest Tap Connection and Spectrum Dance, located just north of our burg, offer classes in African Dance for those inspired. I was. Lora claimed to be 60 and I think that drumming and dancing must be the elixir of youth. Check out Lora's link here.

I am always surprised that more people don't take advantage of these awesome free moments of entertainment in the DTR. Really - try just one, and you will be hooked.

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave. South
Renton, WA 98057
425.255.2330

Free Fun Saturday

Singing, dancing, stories waiting to be told, games to be played and an audience to be involved.

"Lora Chiorah-Dye is the Artistic Director for LORA & Sukutai Marimba and Dance Ensemble that interprets Zimbabwean culture. According to Ms. Chiorah-Dye, “There is no distinction between audience and performers in my culture. If you can walk you can dance. If you can talk you can sing!” Come and be a part of the fun as... she engages families in storytelling, children's games, singing, and dances from Zimbabwe."

Renton History Museum
Saturday, 11 am, April 10th
235 Mill Ave. S., Renton WA

Audience: children through adult. 425.255.2330

First Friday - the DTR has a party going on

The First Friday Block Party at the top of South Third continues. Notably with Liberty Cafe, Happy Delusions and DC's Bar & Grill leading the fun. This is where you go for good people, great music and some snacks and libations.

DJ Phil Anthony will be spinning at Liberty Cafe and he is always good to tune into.

Gather with the local DTR crowd to celebrate the days getting longer, the warmth of Spring budding in the air and the party that continues to rock the downtown of Renton.

Downtown Renton/South Third Street

Santa is waiting...

You know you want to - so just go on over and have a free photo shoot with Santa today from 5pm til 7pm and Saturday from 1pm til 4pm. It won't hurt, your Mom will love to see you like that once again and it never hurts to see if you can still ask for a present or two. Besides, it is your last chance in the DTR to see the guy up close and personal like.

The Piazza
233 Burnett Ave. South
For more information, contact Alecia Rivas at 206-619-1101.

Photos with Santa

Santa was poised and picture perfect ready in the Piazza today in Downtown Renton where free photo taking was available for all ages and members of the family. Hear tell even some furry ones made their way to Santa's lap this afternoon between the hours of 1 pm and 4.

Raya had no problem walking up and bending the big guy's ear about what she would like for Christmas. Full of smiles, she was ready for the photo shot.

Tanya became Santa's photo helper this Saturday, decked out in antler ears and layers of warmth to brave the cold. Can you believe this cool weather Renton has been having? There is even the "S" word being thrown around for tonight and tomorrow. Tanya requested mocha's as her guard against the encroaching cold. For all her volunteer efforts, I hope she got a few of them.

Jessica and Noona Rose stood outside while sister Raya had her moment with Santa. Not all kids are as enthralled by the red suit. From what I could see, Noona was having none of that sitting on Santa's lap stuff- regardless of the candy incentive.

Hey, and you still have two more days of visiting Santa's House and having a photo taken with Santa. How does it work? You get a card with a number and go to the indicated site and download your photo.

Friday, December 18 5pm - 7pm
Saturday, December 19 1pm - 4pm

The Piazza
233 Burnett Ave. South
For more information, contact Alecia Rivas at 206-619-1101.

Come hear a story...

Harvest Moon is a weaver of both tales and baskets. These two loves of hers become intertwined as she regales audiences with traditional Coastal Salish lore and transports her listeners into "Basket World." This shared wisdom comes from years of harvesting great skills and having heard Harvest Moon last year, The Picaroon can attest to her storytelling (and the baskets were amazing as well).

Come listen to be both educated and entertained at the Renton History Museum for this free speaker event tomorrow, Tuesday November 10th at 5:00pm. This is event is for high school through adult.

Renton History Museum
235 Mill Ave. South
Renton, WA 98057