Jan 06 Wednesday
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
Celebrating 25 years of Halo, MOPOP’s Halo: The Great Journey artifact spotlight features rare objects from across the franchise history. Explore iconic armor and gear, original artwork, collectibles, and gaming hardware—including Master Chief John-117, Atriox, Covenant and UNSC weaponry, and limited-edition XBOX consoles. Take a closer look at the characters, designs, and fan culture that have made Halo one of gaming’s most legendary worlds. On view beginning October 14, 2026.
Seasonal ice skating returns to Bellevue Downtown Park at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink presented by Symetra!
Enjoy festive themed skate days, holiday fun, and memorable moments on the ice for all ages. The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is the region’s largest seasonal ice skating experience, with more than 9,000 square feet of real ice. Fun for the entire family!
Located at Bellevue Downtown Park, one block south of Bellevue Square at NE 1st Street and 100th Avenue NE, by Inspiration Playground.
Welcome to the rock! This exuberant, Tony Award–winning musical has captivated audiences around the world with its astonishing true story of kindness in the face of crisis.
On September 11, 2001, nearly 7,000 airline passengers were unexpectedly diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Overnight, strangers from across the globe found themselves stranded far from home—but the people of Gander answered uncertainty with compassion and generosity, opening their hearts, their homes, and even (and unforgettably!) their bar. As cultures collided and nerves frayed, this unlikely international sleepover transformed into a powerful celebration of connection and resilience.
Brimming with humor, heart, and a soaring Celtic-inflected score, Come From Away captures five unforgettable days when a small town showed the world what generosity means. It’s an uplifting celebration of compassion, resilience, and our ability to come together when it matters most—a story guaranteed to restore your faith in humanity.
Supported by KNKX. With a performance history spanning over three decades and over 120 shows at Jazz Alley, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. Although the band’s roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. Pearl Django has performed at festivals, dances and nightspots throughout the U.S. and abroad. They have played at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine and have been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” The band’s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities. Throughout the years, Pearl Django has cultivated a devoted and enthusiastic following and they continue to play to packed houses wherever they perform.
The group’s inception was as a trio in Tacoma, Washington in 1994. The focus of Pearl Django was, and is, to incorporate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with American swing music. They quickly expanded to a quintet, adding a violinist and a third guitarist. An interview on NPR’s All Things Considered in 2001 brought the group to national attention. In June 2002, Pearl Django performed at the prestigious Festival Django Reinhardt in Samois sur Seine, just outside of Paris, France. As of 2007 Pearl Django is working as both a quartet and a quintet (with accordionist, David Lange) All of the members are contributing original compositions to the band’s expansive repertoire. They have released 12 CDs to date.
Get ready to vibe live with Lamar Lofton and Leifo & dem – an epic night you don’t wanna miss!Hideout Presents ... "Lamar Lofton Presents" ... Leifo & demLeif Totusek (guitar) and Ngoma Numu (drums)Get ready for a night to remember at The Hideout with Lamar Lofton bringing you the freshest vibes! Dive into the sounds of Leifo & dem as they take the stage live. This is an in-person event you won't wanna miss—good music, good energy, and good times all around. Grab your crew and come through for some unforgettable beats and chill vibes!
Jan 07 Thursday
Styled by the Streets: Black Women in Hip-Hop Fashion explores how Black women transform Hip-Hop fashion into a cultural and political force, transcending the boundaries of music to influence global style, self-expression, and identity. From streetwear to couture, hair to jewelry, and iconic photography, the exhibition showcases style as a powerful expression of Black womanhood across 30 unique artifacts. Layered in late 1990s and early 2000s denim, holographic finishes, and Y2K palettes, the gallery highlights the artists and cultural creators who bring these iconic looks to life—centering the women visionaries whose creativity reshapes Black and Hip-Hop communities through storytelling, authorship, and legacy.
Veteran guitarist and contemporary jazz icon Peter White is celebrating a series of key personal and professional milestones and touring n support of his latest release Light of Day.
The British born artist says of the new collection, “I think this recording is one of the best I’ve ever made. I have as much enthusiasm and energy for music as I did in my twenties!” 2024 also marked his 50th year as a professional musician, which began with a gig in a Top 40 band at a holiday resort in Perranporth, a seaside resort town in the Southwest corner of England – six months before he met and officially launched his career recording and touring with singer/songwriter Al Stewart (and co-writing Stewart’s classic “Time Passages”).
Though early on in his career as a sideman for Stewart and later, Basia) White could never have anticipated becoming an acclaimed instrumental recording artist, let alone a popular headliner, 2025 marks 35 years since he dropped his debut album Reveillez-Vous. In that time, he has had four #1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums (Smile, Groovin’. Here We Go) and four #2’s (Glow, Confidential, Good Day, Playin’ Favourites), in addition to seven #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay hits, including “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” (16 weeks at #1), “Bright” (13 weeks) “Head Over Heels” (nine weeks) “Mister Magic” (eight weeks) and “Bright.” His most recent #1 was as a featured artist on Carol Albert’s #1 hit “Sunshine Yellow.”
Between the guitarist’s most recent traditional release Groovin’ in 2016 and now, he enjoyed another chart success in 2019 with Music For STARLUX Airlines, a set of six extended tracks originally created for in-flight entertainment on the Taiwanese-based airline. While his assignment on that album was to create beautiful, relaxing melodies, White’s happy to say that “all the drama that was intentionally absent on the STARLUX project is on Light of Day. There are a lot of exciting twists and turns in the production throughout.”
This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.
Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.
This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:We are of the land and watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty protects people, lands, and waters
These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.
Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.
