In one of our stories, Seattle resident Lisa Katsman opens up her family’s home to share the stories and traditions behind her collection of Hanukah menorahs. Katsman tells touching family stories while sharing some of the history behind the Jewish festival of light.

You’ll also get a look behind the scenes of Santa Baby with the Seattle Men’s Chorus. And the magic and beauty of the Nutcracker isn’t just reserved for the ballerinas on stage. Join hosts Lowell Deo and Penny LeGate from the Fireside Room at the Sorrento Hotel for the festive fun. All of that and more are coming up, Thursday night at 7 p.m., SEATTLE CHANNEL, Cable 21 or watch it online at www.seattlechannel.org/citystream/.

If you’re a Led Zeppelin fan, which I am, (just can’t get enough of John Bonham’s genius drumming), tune into 102.5 fm/KZOK, because they play Led Zeppelin about 90% of the time.

One of Seattle’s great bands, “The Squirrels“, wrap up a brilliant 25-year career with their “Death With Dignity Retirement Tour”. The big show happens Saturday, June 13th, at The Tractor Tavern in Ballard.

I saw “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” @ Balagan Theatre last weekend, and a couple of the performances-Ray Tagavilla, in particular — are not to be missed. The show closes this Saturday, May 30th, so don’t delay — call now!

Byron Au Yong unveils his newest composition, “Stuck Elevator” at this years On the Boards “Northwest New Works Festival”, happening June 5-7. It’s a beautiful original opera based on a harrowing and true story.

One of the coolest programs of the Seattle International Film Festival each year is their Fly Filmmaking Challenge. This challenge is where 3 Seattle filmmakers make a narrative short film with just 5 days of shooting and 5 days of editing. You can check out this years crop of “on the Fly” creations, all with a “film noir” theme, on Wednesday, June 10th at the lovely Egyptian Theatre on Capital Hill.

The annual Northwest New Works Festival at On the Boards, running June 5-14, is always full of surprises and is usually worth checking out. These are the shows that have caught my eye:
Byron Au Yong
SANDSTROMMOVEMENT
Scott/Powell
Zoe/Juniper
Sunday Service

Every Tuesday morning, from 7-10 am, Scott Lawrimore, owner of the Lawrimore Project, a gallery space in the International District, hosts an informal art talk at Café Presse, a French bistro on 12th Avenue, near Seattle University. This weekly event often has some sort of theme; sometimes features special visiting guest speakers; and is always a wonderful time of connecting with other artists and drinking good coffee!

Speaking of good ingestibles, you simply must try the cous cous w/black beans salad at Pasta & Co. The nutty cous cous, soft beans, and crunchy chunks of red and yellow peppers, are dressed with a tangy, lemon-edged vinaigrette that makes me want to eat it with a shovel!

Finally, a few theatre picks:
“Titus” from the always excellent Washington Theatre Ensemble. May 15-June 15. Get tickets from Brown Paper Tickets (800-838-3006).

“Below the Belt” from ACT Theatre, featuring 3 outstanding actors; John Procaccino, R. Hamilton Wright, and Judd Hirsch. May 22-June 21.

For more arty ideas, check out the latest Art Zone episode.

Talk to you soon.
–nancy g.