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Planting Seeds for Change: Logic Amen Talks AJ McQueen, Youth Empowerment & The Griot Party Experience on Almost The Weekend
On the latest episode of Almost The Weekend, Curtis Delgado II and Besa Gordon caught up with community educator, artist, and visionary Logic Amen, who’s bringing both energy and impact with The Griot Party Experience—and this time, he’s doing it big with AJ McQueen.
Bill Bellamy Is Bringing His “Top Bill” Tour to Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club 7/25 - 7/27
#AlmostTheWeekend - Get ready to laugh your socks off, Seattle! The one and only Bill Bellamy is bringing his hilarious stand-up to Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club this weekend, Friday through Sunday! So "Booty Call" yourself and get those tickets, as you don't want to miss this comedy icon. Oh, and make sure to tell them that Besa sent you! Tix: superfunnycomedyclub.com
Get Ready to Groove! The 12th Annual Jackson St Jazz Walk Returns September 6th!
Seattle's Central District is about to come alive with the sounds of jazz, blues, Latin, and soul! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6th, from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM, as the 12th Annual Jackson St Jazz Walk kicks off its yearly celebration of the area's rich African American music legacy.
Blueprint Brunch: Bringing Community, Healing & Real Solutions to Seattle
Happening Sunday, July 27 in Downtown Seattle, the Blueprint Brunch: Solutions for Seattle is not just a gathering—it’s a movement. Curated by Slaughter and his team at Proper Management Consulting, the event aims to highlight community leaders, elevate grassroots solutions, and connect people who are doing the work to transform Seattle for the better.
Start Your Healing Journey with "Breathing Black Love" This Weekend
This weekend marks the highly anticipated launch of the "Breathing Black Love" series, an transformative 15-part program designed to help Black individuals reclaim their ancestral breath, activate their genius, and foster holistic healing. L
Almost The Weekend Ep. 4: Seattle Vibes, Portland Picks & a Powerful Brunch Preview
On this week’s episode of Almost The Weekend, hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgado II are keeping the vibes high with a full lineup of culture, community, and conversation. From can't-miss events happening across Seattle and Portland to music, wellness, and real talk—this episode is stacked.
Unveiling History Through Performance: Chris Hopper's "Reparations Play"
Seattle, WA – In an insightful interview on "The Day with Trae," Chris Hopper, the writer and director of the "Reparations Play," shed light on his powerful theatrical production, which aims to educate and remind audiences about the resilience and history of African Americans in the United States.
The Beat Goes On: Brian Kirk's Journey to Village Theatre's "The Color Purple"
Seattle, WA – In a recent interview on "The Day with Trae," Brian Kirk, the talented drummer for the Village Theatre's production of The Color Purple, shared his inspiring musical journey, revealing how a childhood surrounded by jazz legends led him to the stage and pit alike.
Almost the Weekend with Besa & Cuddy Kicks Off with Juneteenth Vibes and Must-Attend Events 6/18 @ 5pm PST
Seattle’s weekend scene just got a fresh new vibe with the launch of Almost the Weekend, hosted by media personality Besa Gordon and community connector Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy. In the very first episode, the dynamic duo sets the tone with infectious energy, witty banter, and a curated list of Juneteenth events that stretch from Seattle to Portland and beyond.
14th Annual Linda Sweezer Memorial Juneteenth Festival is Coming to Kent This Juneteenth
By Besa Gordon - If you're looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Juneteenth this year, Kent is the place to be. On Saturday, June 21st, two powerful community events will be happening side by side at Morrill Meadows Park, and both are free, family-friendly, and centered on Black excellence, health, and history.
Pioneer Square Fest 2025 Returns This Fourth of July Weekend
The annual Pioneer Square Fest is returning Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 in the heart of the historic downtown neighborhood. This year, the free market and premium music festival is bigger than ever, taking up portions of Occidental, Washington and Main Streets to make space for over 100 pop-up vendors, 40 Seattle-based bands, and five event stages.
Choma Festival Brings East African Flavor and Community to Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix Park
Seattle is in for a cultural first this summer as the Choma Festival makes its debut at Jimi Hendrix Park on Saturday, June 28 from 12–6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is rooted in the East African tradition of Nyama Choma (Swahili for “grilled meat”)—a cookout-style gathering that’s about more than just the food. It’s about connection, joy, and shared experience.
Songs of Black Folk 2025 Returns to McCaw Hall for an Unforgettable Juneteenth Celebration
This Juneteenth weekend, one of Seattle’s most powerful cultural traditions returns to the stage. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Songs of Black Folk takes over McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center — bringing with it a dynamic blend of fine arts, music, and storytelling that honors the enduring legacy of Black music.
Seattle Shakespeare Company and ACT Contemporary Theatre Twelfth Night is Coming to Falls Theatre
SEATTLE, WA (May 1, 2025) — ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company announced today the cast and creative team of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Annie Lareau and playing at ACT June 7 through June 22. Twelfth Night represents the debut of Seattle Shakespeare Company at ACT and their first joint production ahead of their official merging on July 1 of 2025.
The Color Purple Hits the Stage with Soul, Power & Purpose at Village Theatre
Village Theatre’s new production of The Color Purple is more than a musical — it’s an emotional journey brought to life through rich harmonies, gospel roots, and a cast that feels like family.
Celebrating Youth Voices: The 11th Annual Rising Voices Showcase by Speak With Purpose
The power of youth storytelling will take center stage at the upcoming 11th Annual Rising Voices Oratory Showcase & Celebration, hosted by Speak With Purpose (SWP). The event, which amplifies the voices of young scholars across King County, will be held on Saturday, June 14 at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Preliminaries were Saturday, May 31, and the showcase is free and open to the public.
Spice with Purpose: Qemem Hot Sauce Brings Ethiopian Flavor to the Table
If you're someone who appreciates heat with flavor, Qemem Hot Sauce is a brand worth knowing. Recently featured on Back2Besa, Qemem founder Embeba sat down with Besa Gordon to share the story behind her bold, flavorful hot sauces that celebrate culture, community, and culinary creativity.
Rena Butler on Breaking Boundaries, Staying Curious, and Creating “Cracks” at Pacific Northwest Ballet
When choreographer and dancer Rena Butler flew into Seattle fresh off a birthday trip to France, she came with more than just jet lag—she arrived with purpose, power, and a new production in the works for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Director’s Choice series. Besa Gordon sat down with Rena for an intimate conversation about life, legacy, and her upcoming piece titled Cracks.
The Griot Party Experience Returns for a Powerful Juneteenth Celebration in Seattle
When Juneteenth rolls around, Seattle will once again feel the electric energy of community, creativity, and culture thanks to the Griot Party Experience. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Broadway Performance Theater, this free event is more than just a celebration—it's a full-on unity experience.
All White Everything: PapaBlack DaVinci Brings Culture and Class to Bellevue’s Mirra this Memorial Day Weekend 5/25/2025
If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”