Columbia Citizens

your Wikli-fix: small world

It's an everyday thing around here, those small-world experiences that underline our shared connections. We may have a small-town vibe, but we've got the world at our doorstep.

Bayou Blast at Royal Esquire Club

Dance to the irresistible rhythms of live music from Louisiana: zydeco, cajun, delta blues, swamp boogie.

Authentic Louisiana dance hall atmosphere. Led by vocalist/accordionist Billy Wilson. The band will keep you rockin' all night long.

Saturday, June 2nd, 8:30 - 11:45pm, $15 guests, $10 Royal Esquire Club members. All guests and members are invited.

Royal Esquire Club, 5016 Rainier Ave S, 206.723.2811

BeatWalk continues

The acclaimed BeatWalk music festival continues its 18th season on Friday, June 1, from 7-10pm in Columbia City. Held the first Friday of each month from May through September, BeatWalk transforms the neighborhood's historic district into a multi-venue music fest unlike any other in the city. Local businesses along Rainier Avenue South host an eclectic array of musicians, echoing the diversity of the neighborhood itself.

Artists include KletzerBalm, The Wiretappers, Fathia et Les Troubadours, The Crying Shame, Abi Swanson, MUO, Zoe Wick, and The Whiskey Swillers. Festival goers will take in the sounds of Klezmer, North Africa, Indie Rock, Folk, Rockabilly, and more, all for a mere $7 cover (kids under 14 are free). For more information on bands, venues, or directions, please visit ColumbiaCityBeatWalk.org.

Columbia City Farmers Market

This Wednesday May 30th at the Columbia City Farmers Market on Edmunds St from 3-7pm.

• welcome back Lyall Farms with… cherries
• new farm: Amaranth Urban Farm (from 98118!)
• coming soon: strawberries

kids tent: Lakewood Cooperative Preschool
music: fantastic buskers throughout the market

Columbia City Walking Tour Sunday

Take a walking tour of Columbia City's historic landmarks with the Rainier Valley Historical Society. Sunday, June 3, 11am. Meet at our office, 3710 S. Ferdinand in Columbia City. Cost: $5/free for RVHS members.

No reservation necessary. Duration: one hour more or less, depending on how many questions you ask!

Columbia School fence beautification project

The Columbia City Business Assocation (CCBA) is now accepting artist proposals to lead the design, installation, and overall management of a project to beautify the north-facing fence at the northeast corner of the Columbia School property, located on the 3500 block of S. Edmunds St. The CCBA's goal is to transform as much as 430 feet of the existing rusted chain-link fence into an attractive backdrop for the enjoyment of the school’s students, Columbia City Farmers Market customers, and pedestrians walking to light rail. Funds available for this project are $3,800.

Community for Youth needs mentors

Community for Youth is a local non-profit that mentors youth from high schools right here in Columbia City. Community for Youth inspires and supports youth to identify and achieve their goals through mentoring, learning experiences, and participation in a powerful community. Our program transforms students who are struggling with school, family, and their direction into confident and accountable young adults. As a result of our program, students who attend high schools that traditionally have the highest drop out rate, are motivated and inspired to graduate and many go on to college. You can be the mentor that makes a difference.

Defend our sisters, expand our rights

Thursday, June 7, 7:30pm • Dinner served at 6:30pm

Learn about the growing national movement to win justice for Marissa Alexander, a Black mother from Florida who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for defending herself against her abusive husband. Did sexism and racism cause the judge to reject her "stand your ground" defense?

Also featured: a discussion of whether Democrats have done anything to earn women's votes, and an overview of activities for Seattle's annual Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans/Queer Pride Week. Add your thoughts and find out how you can get involved.

New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S.

Laws of Nature: Laws of Man discussion series

The Rainier Valley Cultural Center is piloting a science and law discussion series in May and June. Featuring Morton and Phillip Tavel, scientist father and lawyer son, the series will explore the phenomena of the natural universe and the principles of society and how they affect us on Tuesdays, May 22 through June 12 at 7pm.

These discussions will be presented in lively, 50-minute talks, followed by a brief question and answer period. The discussions are independent of each other and audiences don't need to attend one to understand another. Tickets are $10 at the door.

The Rainier Valley Cultural Center is located at 3515 S Alaska St.

Queen's Brunch with Sylvia O'Stayformore

Like a freshly perked cup of coffee first thing in the morning, Queen's Brunch feels so good. Queen's Brunch has started up in the hamlet of Columbia City by the crazy mind of Sylvia O'Stayformore. Every third Saturday of the month, Sylvia brings some of her friends in for a perfect perk me up to you weekend schedule. Make sure to add this event to your monthly calendar.

Doors open at 11am, show: 12pm

Buy tickets at BrownPaperTickets.

The Royal Room, 5000 Rainier Ave S