The Weekend Starts... Now

The Top Things to Do This Weekend: March 31–April 3

Blue Man Group brings its colorful show to town, Taste Washington wines and dines like no other, and Ahamefule J. Oluo's 'Now I'm Fine' finds its biggest stage yet.

By Seattle Met Staff March 31, 2016

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Blue Man Group heads to the Paramount with its audio/visual extravaganza.

PERFORMANCE

Mar 31–Apr 3
Blue Man Group
When Blue Man Group first formed in 1991, who could’ve imagined that a tiny troupe of blue-skinned bald dudes would take the world by storm and become a ubiquitous pop culture reference point? Nearly 25 years later, the group’s mix of dynamic and inventive rhythmic drumming, comedic mime theatrics, and sense of spectacle still entertains families across the globe. Just beware of any Tobias Fünke-esque phrasing gaffes when discussing the show. Paramount Theatre, $35–$100

THEATER

Mar 31–Apr 17
A Night with Janis Joplin
Like a supernova, Janis Joplin burst onto the ’60s rock scene, burned blindingly bright, and quickly faded into the cosmic darkness. A Night with Janis Joplin brings her musical legacy to the stage while also incorporating the black singers, like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Bessie Smith, who inspired her signature sound. 5th Avenue Theatre, $24–$141

Sat & Sun, Apr 2 & 3
Now I'm Fine
After taking Now I’m Fine to New York City to start the year, Ahamefule J. Oluo returns home to bring his autobiographical comedic pop opera to its biggest stage yet. The performance piece melds Oluo’s modern jazz trumpeting and storytelling about trauma and getting through it, and blurs the line between one-man show and standup with a 17-piece orchestra to create a one-of-a-kind hybrid. Moore Theatre, $30

THE SPORTING LIFE

Sun, Apr 3
Women’s Final Four: University of Washington vs. Syracuse University
To call the University of Washington’s run to the Women’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four improbable would be an understatement for the ages. When the tournament started, the stat gurus at FiveThirtyEight gave the 7-seed Huskies a 0.2 percent chance of making the Final Four. Heck, UW didn’t even finish in the top four of the Pac-12 this season. But led by senior star Kelsey Plum, the Huskies pulled off a Cinderella run to reach the school’s first Final Four. The squad now square off against Syracuse University for (in all likelihood) a shot at the undefeated UConn Huskies. Here’s hoping for an all Huskies final. Televised on ESPN2

CONCERTS

Thu, Mar 31
Tacocat: Lost Time Release Shows
With exuberant, sugary pop-punk tunes that touch on myriad subjects and the gleeful energy of its live shows, there quite simply isn’t a more fun band in Seattle than Tacocat. On March 31, the quartet heads to Chop Suey to unveil its new Erik Blood–produced album, Lost Time. Armed with new songs about The X-Files, mansplaining, horse girls, and its love of Seattle, the band double dips with two of release shows: an early all-ages gig with Lisa Prank and Hardly Boys, and a 21+ nightcap with Mommy Long Legs and Boyfriends. Chop Suey, $10–$15 

Fri, Apr 1
Sub Pop’s 28th Anniversary
Seattle’s most famed record label celebrates its 28th anniversary with a packed night at Barboza. The lineup shows off Sub Pop’s sonic diversity with the shimmering pop rock of Cullen Omori (formerly Smith Westerns), Portland singer-songwriter Kyle Craft, and Porter Ray’s brand of Seattle hip-hop. The evening also features a pop-up version of the Sub Pop MegaMart. The first 50 attendees also get party favors in the form of a Sub Pop birthday gift bag. Barboza, $12

Apr 1–3
The Midtown Men
How do could the original Broadway cast members of Jersey Boys follow-up the smashing success of their portrayal of the Four Seasons? Start a band of their own. The Midtown Men celebrates the sounds of ’60s vocal pop groups (stretching beyond Frankie Valli and co.) and gives a fresh, energetic jolt to the classic tunes of the era. Benaroya Hall, $30–$95

Sat, Apr 2
Hey Marseilles
Seattle’s Hey Marseilles shifted into a new phase with the February release of its third LP, the self-titled Hey Marseilles. While Matt Bishop’s earnest vocals still lead the way, the band worked in the studio with Anthony Kilhoffer (Kayne West’s go-to engineer) to put aside some of its chamber folk in favor of a sleeker pop sound. The band has been hitting the road hard in support of the new record (including a stop at SXSW), and the tour finally brings them home for a night to play the Showbox with Hibou and Maiah Manser. The Showbox, $17–$20

Sun, Apr 3
Foxing, O’Brother, and Tancred
Catch a night of superb under the radar indie rock when Foxing, O’Brother, and Tancred head to Chop Suey. Foxing spins ethereal tunes and O’Brother crafts detailed progressive alt-rock, but don’t sleep on the Tancred in the opening slot. Tancred’s Jess Abbott (Now, Now) consistently proves to be one of the more interestingly diverse songwriters going, showing an ability to nail minimalist calm simplicity (Capes), Tegan and Sara-level poppy rock excellence (S/T), and edgier frenetic melodic rock (the just released Out of the Garden). Don’t miss out, show up early. Chop Suey, $12–$15

FOOD & DRINK

Mar 31–Apr 3
Taste Washington
As the country’s largest single-region wine and food gathering, Taste Washington holds a special spot on the Seattle calendar. Featuring the wares from over 225 wineries, 70 restaurants, and 60 culinary exhibitors, it’s safe to say the four-day festival overflows with options. From the Grand Tasting to Taste Washington on the Farm to the wine seminars, every foodie or aspiring sommelier can customize their own Taste Washington experience. CenturyLink Field Event Center, $90–$205

FILM

Apr 2–10
Seattle Jewish Film Festival
L’chaim! It is time to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Seattle Jewish Film Festival in style. The festivities begins with the Northwest premiere of Natalie Portman’s directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness, a Hebrew language film based on Amos Oz’s memoir about growing up during the early days of Israel. With 25 movies from 11 countries, including cinematic galas, brunches, awards ceremonies, there’s plenty to take in during SJFF. Various venues, $13–$25; Festival pass $125–$225

SPECIAL EVENTS

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Apr 2–3
SR 520 Bridge Grand Opening
The world’s longest floating bridge is opening soon—but not before everyone gets a chance to check it out on foot. WSDOT is closing both the new and old bridges to car traffic this weekend. A bike ride, 10K and fun run, and other pedestrian- and family-friendly activities will be there in their stead.  (If you're coming from Seattle, you'll need to take a shuttle from one of several spots nearby to the actual event.)

Sat, Apr 2
Pratt Spring Open House
The Pratt Fine Arts Center’s annual Spring Open House offers a free chance to explore one of the community’s best art-making facilities. Get educated as a slew of artists demo their mediums of choice: woodwork, jewelry, metallurgy, sculpture, glass, printmaking, and more. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to sign up for a class. With a bar for the adults, youth art projects for the kids, food trucks thrown into the mix, and live jazz it’s an art shindig not to be missed. Pratt Fine Arts Center, Free

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