November 2004

Nov 27, 8 pm - midnight: Andrzejki Dance Evening at PHA

According to the old Polish tradition, Andrzejki (a party on St. Andrew’s eve, Nov 30) was the last party of the year, with some special customs such as divining future from pouring wax on water. The evening will feature live music by the Polonus band from Portland.

Where: at the Polish Home, tickets $13 PHA members, $15 others

More: Polish Home

The European Science Foundation Network, "Tensions of Europe: Technology and the Making of Europe, 1850 to the Present," is a pan-European project devoted to understanding the impact of technology on European society over the past hundred years or so. The speaker is Dr. Karen Freeze of UW whose responsibility within the Network is to ensure Central and Eastern European involvement and to provide the West European participants with a historical framework for understanding critical issues in technology in the former communist countries. In her talk she will outline critical legacy issues that the new EU members will have to compensate in future.

Where: Smith 115 at the UW campus, admission free, snacks and drinks from 3:30 pm

More: www.histech.nl/tensions

T. Aleksander and M. Bachowska (click on the photo)

Tomasz Aleksander and Marzanna Bachowska delighted us with the excellent Polna Rapsodia concert in March 2003.  The two artists combine forces in a new program Wesele Poety that joins the inspired poetry of Poland with the music composed by Mr. Aleksander. The program will include poetry of K. Baczynski, K. I. Galczynski, J. Kofta, M. Konopnicka, C. K. Norwid, A. Osiecka, M. Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska, W. Szymborska and J. Twardowski.  From hushed whispers to boldly dramatic climaxes, from starkly elegant piano chords to flourishing virtuoso passages, this dynamic duo will take you on an unforgettable musical journey. Organized by Mr. Aleksander and the Polish Home, supported by Polish Home Foundation.

Where: at the Polish Home, tickets $16/15/14; in Polish, English translation will be provided

More: Polish Home, Barbara Strutynski, (425) 746-3037

Poland regained its independence on Nov 11, 1918, when Jozef Pilsudski became the Head of State after a popular revolt at the Polish territories led to a formation of the reborn state. The anniversary celebration program includes: 1) invocation by Fr. Stanislaw Michalek, 2) performances by children from the Polish School and the Polish Scout Troop, 3) Concert by the Polish Song Choir directed by Anna Sawicki. The restaurant and the bar will be open from 1:30 pm till after the concert.

Where: at the Polish Home, 1714 18^th Ave in Seattle, admission free.

More: Polish Home , Barbara Strutynski, (425) 746-3037

The Society for Polish Culture (Towarzystwo Milosnikow Kultury Polskiej) celebrates its 10 years anniversary at a special evening for SPC members and invited guests. The program includes: 1) anniversary reminiscences by SPC founders Jerzy Janeczek and Andrzej Studenny 2) Concert of Polish poetry in songs, Wesele Poety, by Tomasz Aleksander and Marzanna Bachowska , 3)  cocktail party. Congratulations!

Where: at the Kirkland Woman’s Club, 401 1st Street Kirkland; admission for members and by invitation only

More: TMKP

Iwona Kaminska-Bowlby, piano

Shoreline Community College invites to A North American Mosaic piano concert played by Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby and Christopher Bowlby. These two local pianists will perform new music written by living American and Canadian composers, including Frederic Rzewski’s North American Ballade #4, Laura’s Corigliano’s Fantasy on an Ostinato as well as two duo works, Twilight Dance by Owen Bloomfield and Rashamon by Jeff Junkinsmith. The concert is part of the 2004/5 Shoreline Piano Series benefiting the Shoreline Piano Scholarship Fund.

Where: the SCC Campus Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave N., Shoreline; tickets $10/$8/$4

More: the pianists http://www.pol-amerpiano.com/

Christopher Bowlby, piano

The biggest such event around Puget Sound, the Polish fall bazaar features booths with Polish books and CDs, crafts and other merchandize as well as booths manned by various local Polish-American organizations. You can also buy Christmas ornaments and wafers (oplatki), Polish pierogi, cakes and sweets as well as have a full course dinner prepared by the ladies. Home made Polish pickle contest as well as a raffle will be held on Sunday. Organized by the Ladies Auxiliary. Musical attractions: Saturday, around 3 pm, Podhale Highlander Singers, Sunday, around 2:30 pm Polish Song Choir

Where: at the Polish Home, 1714 18^th Ave in Seattle, admission free.

More: Polish Home

The Seattle Polish Film Festival that used to happen in November every year has been moved from fall to spring. The next, 13th edition of the Festival is scheduled for April 23 – May 1, 2005. The producer, Seattle-Gdynia Sister City Association, asks all patrons and supporters for patience and works on bringing in a better selection of movies by Polish filmmakers for the April edition than it was possible for November.

More: the updated Festival site is at Seattle Polish Film Festival