This week’s episode of Almost The Weekend hosted by Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II was packed with culture, community, and conversations you don’t want to miss. Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgado II brought the vibes once again, covering everything from R&B parties and Portland’s Hip Hop Week to sports history, back-to-school resources, and even budget-friendly design tips. Here’s a look at what went down.

Besa Gordon brought her signature energy and community spirit to Good Day Seattle this morning, sharing highlights from the city’s annual Big Day of Play. In her interview with Erin Mayovsky, Besa described the event as a vibrant celebration of Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods, featuring everything from basketball and water sports to live performances and delicious food.

Get ready for another jam-packed episode of Back2Besa, your host Besa Gordon is bringing you all the latest and greatest from around the Pacific Northwest! From delicious food competitions to empowering community events and inspiring creative collaborations, this episode has something for everyone.

Brian Cornell, Target's CEO for over a decade, is stepping down, marking a significant leadership change for the retail giant. His departure comes as the company navigates a challenging period, including a national boycott and declining sales.

This week on Almost The Weekend, Tra’Renee took us inside PDX Hip Hop Week — celebrating a whole decade of culture, community, and respect for the music that moves Portland. Founded in 2015 by DJ OG One and the late Starchile, Hip Hop Week has become more than concerts — it’s about honoring legacy, creating space, and reminding Portland that hip hop is here to stay.

In a powerful and moving interview on "The Day with Trae," Zhalena Mathis shared the deeply personal story behind her book, DJ Saves the Day. Her journey is one of resilience, transforming unimaginable loss into a beacon of hope and a tool for positive change.

Seattle Opera is charting a course for laughter, love, and plenty of high-seas hijinks with Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comedy The Pirates of Penzance. Opening October 18 and running through November 1, 2025, at McCaw Hall, this swashbuckling favorite is making its Seattle Opera debut after earning rave reviews at The Glimmerglass Festival, The Atlanta Opera, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

KeAnna Rose Pickett, owner of The Postman in Seattle's Central District, has announced today that she will be closing the business for good on August 31, 2025. "I'm feeling lighter because it's been stressful," she said in an interview earlier today, explaining the immense pressure of being a single parent, running a business, and working a second job after her husband's murder.

Portland's vibrant hip-hop scene is gearing up for a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Portland Hip-Hop Week. From August 20-26, 2025, the city will be buzzing with an extensive lineup of events celebrating the culture that has united communities and elevated local talent. This year promises to be the biggest and most comprehensive celebration yet.

Last week, The 5th Avenue Theatre buzzed with anticipation as audiences gathered for another performance of "After Midnight," a vibrant celebration of the Harlem Renaissance. Before the curtain rose, Trae Holiday, host of The Day With Trae, had the opportunity to sit down with one of the show’s standout performers—Brian Davis, a multi-talented dancer, actor, and singer.

South Seattle came alive last Saturday for the 18th annual Big Day of Play, a high-energy event dedicated to fostering community and promoting well-being through a wide array of activities. Held at Rainier Playfield and the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, the event, presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation's 'Get Moving Initiative', showcased the extensive services of Seattle Parks and Recreation and highlighted crucial partnerships that make such a large-scale gathering possible.

Seattle's Pier 62 transformed into a vibrant hub of Black culture and community last Saturday for the "Soul on the Water" festival, a key event within the "Summer of Soul" series hosted by the Africatown Community Land Trust. This free, all-ages event brought together generations of Black people from Seattle and beyond, celebrating their presence, resilience, and joy on the city's waterfront. 

By: Besa Gordon - Seattle’s creative scene lit up at Legendary AF Vol. 2 — a night of fashion, music, and community curated by Elisha Michelle. Held at the Quality Flea Center, the event brought together four standout Pacific Northwest designers, live performances, and local vendors, all under one roof to showcase the culture and creativity that thrives in the city.

The Seattle Center Exhibition Hall was buzzing with creativity and community as hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts and artists gathered for the annual Seattle Tattoo Expo. Held from August 15th to the 17th, the event marked its 20th year, solidifying its place as a premier gathering for the tattoo world.

Tacoma’s own Nate Jackson is having a moment — but if you ask him, it’s been a long time coming. From his Netflix special Nate Jackson: Super Funny, climbing into the platform’s Top 10 (and holding strong for over a week), to representing the Pacific Northwest at Just For Laughs in Montreal, Nate has been putting in the work for over two decades — and now, the world is watching.

Trey Holiday sat down with the enigmatic Mr. Phat, the producer behind the iconic "Cupid Shuffle" and a long-time collaborator with Cupid. The conversation delved into Mr. Phat's journey in music, his creative process, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity.

In a healthcare landscape often criticized for its top-down approaches and systemic inequities, a groundbreaking new model is emerging from the heart of South Seattle. The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom has officially unveiled its Relational Medicine Model (RMM), a revolutionary healthcare system co-created over five years with Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.

The core of the discussion centered on Janay's upcoming "Propel Business Activation Day," an innovative event she developed after realizing a gap in service-based conferences for business owners. Scheduled for Sunday, September 14th, at the Tacoma Armory, this event is designed to provide entrepreneurs and community workers with tangible and actionable services.

East Side Community Center in Tacoma, Washington, buzzed with energy as it hosted the second annual BIPOC Health and Wellness Fair. This vital event, spearheaded by Tamica Gant, a registered nurse and owner of Abundance Health LLC, aimed to provide essential health and wellness services to King, Pierce, and surrounding counties, particularly the underserved East Side community of Tacoma.

Trae Holiday sat down with Jazmyn Scott, the Executive Director of Arte Noir, for an insightful discussion about the organization's remarkable journey and its upcoming third anniversary celebration, "Fade to Black."