VISUAL ART

June 21–July 28
Louder than Bombs: Paintings by Marie Koetje and Mark Schoening
Look to the left. This is your brain…on text messages, tweets, Facebook, email, and pop-up ads. Artist Mark Schoening captures the self-described “information explosion” we endure daily with boldly painted canvases that are Louder than Bombs, on display at Platform Gallery in a dual show with Marie Koetje. Platform Gallery, artists’ reception July 5.

CLASSICAL & MORE

June 21 & 23
Morlot Conducts The Damnation of Faust
The Northwest Boys Choir and Seattle Symphony Chorale assist maestro Ludovic Morlot with Berlioz’s so-called “unorthodox Faust,” a beguiling piece that exists somewhere between opera and oratorio. Benaroya Hall, $29–$110.

June 22
Natalie Merchant with Seattle Symphony
Minus those 10,000 maniacs, Merchant has enjoyed success on her own as a folksy singer-songwriter. Her latest album, 2010’s Leave Your Sleep, sets poetry to Celtic music, jazz, Klezmer, and the beautiful, soaring strings of a chamber ensemble. Benaroya Hall, $65–$100, call for availability.

June 22 & 23
Sing Out
Seattle Men’s Chorus seems to be in good spirits. For the first time since forming in 1979, the all-male choir will curate a concert based solely on requests (finally— Xanadu covers!). Before opening night, they’ll host a series of “Chorus Idol” singing competitions with the top talent getting their moment in the spotlight during the show. McCaw Hall, $23–$68.

COMEDY

June 21–23
Sandra Bernhard: I Love Being Me, Don’t You?
Ever brash and fearless, with a satirist’s eye for insanity in politics and pop culture (Angelina Jolie’s lips? Donald Trump’s…everything?), comedian Sandra Bernhard turns her latest comedy album into a live stage show with a four-piece band. The Triple Door, $30–$60.

DANCE

June 21–30
Spectrum Dance’s Love
For this world premiere, choreographer Donald Byrd gets personal by tapping into his own psyche—“the emotional exhilaration, damages, and the ecstasies of his life in regard to love”—in a piece set to a solo performance of Benjamin Britten’s cello suites. Daniels Recital Hall, $20–$25.

SPECIAL EVENTS

June 23
Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon
No longer forced to schlep to Tukwila at sunrise, all racers will start and finish at Seattle Center this year, thanks to a new course through downtown Seattle. A different musical act offers moral support after each mile. Seattle Center, race sold out; free viewing.

June 24
Seattle Pride Parade
Now that Washington’s same-sex marriage law is being put to a vote this November, Seattle’s Pride Weekend takes on a whole new meaning. The 38th annual Pride Parade starts at Fourth Avenue and Union Street and heads north, through downtown Seattle, in all its rainbow-colored glory. Starts at Fourth Ave & Union St, 11am.

CONCERTS

June 23
Fascination Street, This Charming Band, For the Masses
Eighties revivalists rejoice! These three bands cover the Cure, the Smiths, and Depeche Mode, respectively, allowing patrons to choose which brand of mope rock suits them best. Tractor Tavern, $12.

CHARITY EVENTS

June 24–30
A Drink for the Kids
The Vera Project’s annual fundraiser kicks off this Sunday at Auto Battery. Support the all-ages music and art venue by having a drink or two (even if the kids can’t). All proceeds from Ninkasi beers and Fremont Mischief cocktails benefit Vera. Various locations, no cover.