by Dave Markwell

This week my eleven year old son, Aden, and I embark on our annual boy’s road trip around the Northwest. This event is not to be confused with “boy’s weekend”. Certainly, there will be much beer consumed, but most of it will be “root”. For the past several years, my son and I have taken a summer road trip exploring the little nooks and crannies around the area. We have both been introduced to some new places and some new faces. Our trip was originally designed by me as an effort to spend a little time with my son doing something we both enjoy. These occasions seem increasingly rare around home as the distractions of life and other unnamed members of the family demand other things from us. Traveling with just the two of us eliminates a lot of debates about how and what we should be doing. We can just “do”, as guys will.

Being on the road is unlike other traveling. It allows for a slower pace and some genuinely peaceful enjoyment of the scenery. The inherent stress-factor of other forms of travel is not there. No airports or customs or even traffic, if we plan it right…and we do! We drive the back roads and sleepy hamlets littering the wonderful three states in the great Northwest corner. We do it with the windows down and shirts off, eating chips and drinking soda. We are unwashed, decadent hobos and enjoy it all.

I have been a road-tripper since way back. I have seen most of the continent through windshields. I’ve met countless fascinating people in my travels; People one does not meet at Senor Frogs in Cancun. People that have changed the way I think and the way I am. These adventures have shaped me in ways that are difficult to explain or quantify. Little ideas or insights here and there flow freely on a road trip. My mind and spirit are alive and the soil is fertile for my best thoughts. Unburdened by other obligations, road trips allow for true free-thinking. These thoughts are the cornerstones of any good ideas I have ever had. They are my most important thoughts. Having the opportunity to explore the dusty two-laners of my soul with my son riding shotgun is priceless and it is wonderful to know that years from now we will share these as some of the best moments of our lives. We share an armrest as our lives unfold through the bug splattered windshield. We live it together. I recognize this as precious. That’s why I started it. My son does not. He recognizes this as fun. One day he will understand and be grateful. This was not and is not my goal, but I will be happy when the light bulb clicks on and he understands how significant our fleeting time was.

So as I load the rig and stock the cooler, I look forward the adventure and the freedom that awaits us. We will stop and swim when we get hot. We will eat when we are hungry. We will see sights previously unseen. And we will talk. We will talk about important things. We will share pieces of ourselves. We will get to know each other better. We will be what a dad and son should be, but often aren’t. We will be pals with a flexible plan and the authority to change it whenever we want. We will be the co-owners of an experience that counts and I cannot think of a better way to spend a week of my life.

[EDITOR'S NOTE:"Feel Good Friday" is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!" Also, you can "friend" Dave on Facebook here.]

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s a round up of events happening around the area:

• Friday – Watch “Ratitouille” At Lake Burien Memorial School Park
• Saturday – Saturday Morning Jazz Set at Dubsea Coffee
• Saturday – Fantastic Fruits & Vegetables At This Week’s Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market!
• Sunday – Mark Your Calendar For This Sunday’s B-Patch Garden Day!
• Sunday – Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery Hosting Jazz Night On Sunday, August 29
• Sunday – El Tianguis Latino Market at Burien Town Square
• Sunday – Free Music at Marvista Park Featuring Blue Ringer

Know about an event we missed? Feel free to share the details in a comment!

We’ll see you down at the marina this Saturday for the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market! There will be loads of fantastic fruits and vegetables available, so it’s a great time to think about freezing, canning and making jams and jellies!

The Rotary Club of Des Moines will be on hand selling tickets for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest coming up on September 25 in Beach Park. The festival will features live music, great food and of course plenty to sample from local breweries. Grab your tickets while you can!

This week’s live entertainment at the market is the Fabulous Po’ Boys.

Jazz Night and Wine Tasting returns to the E.B. Foote Winery on Sunday, August 29.

Tickets are $10 each ($9 for Wine Club Members) in advance or $12 day of the event and include two hours of smooth jazz, a sample of four wines, and snacks. The doors to the winery will open at 5:30 pm and music will go from 6-8 pm.

Wayne Miller and Friends will relax you with smooth jazz music while you enjoy a sample of four wines. Wine will also be available by the glass for $5 cash, and you can purchase bottles to take home with you. This event is for adults only. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery, or on the website at www.ebfootewinery.com.

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info!]

Photos by Michael Brunk

Artist Chandelle Anderson returned to Des Moines recently for photographs with her now completed mural, “Celebrating Life in Des Moines.” The 12×37 foot mural now graces the wall of the QFC complex along SW 219th Street between Marine View Drive and 7th Ave S.

Chandelle had this to say about her public art piece:

As requested in the call to artists for this project, my inspiration for the mural design centered around the idea of “Honoring Aging.” With that in mind, my intention was to capture the vitality of the elderly in the community, through a variety of roles– as educators, role models, caretakers and artists. And to incorporate their wisdom and life experience with children’s curiosity.

After spending some time in Des Moines and researching the history of the community, I chose music as the central theme. This is relevant to the local summer concert series, and also to the story of the Draper Orphanage and traveling band that was located at the Des Moines beach park in the early 1900s. Reading and beach activities were also chosen for their relevance to the region and their universal nature.

Thank you Des Moines, for inviting me into your community and giving me the opportunity to celebrate life a bit with you all. I hope this mural brings joy to your city for years to come.

“Celebrating Life in Des Moines” is scheduled to be dedicated on September 25 at 10AM as part of the kick-off of the first annual Poverty Bay Art Festival.

The inaugural art festival currently has around 24 artists signed up and 19 participating businesses.

Cora Morrison assures us that it’s not too late for artists and businesses to sign up if they’re interested in participating. Contact Cora at desmoinesflorist@gmail.com or Vickie Bergquist at vickie@vickieinsurance.com for more information.

Walking maps with the locations of all of the art exhibitions will be available two weeks prior to the event and we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as they are out.

Note: You can click the images in this article to view larger versions

We finally finished processing all the photos from last Saturday’s Brent Rice Memorial Swim (see our previous coverage here), and, as promised, here’s a link to them on our sister site The B-Town Blog’s Flickr page, where you can browse, view and even download high-res pics for FREE:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/b-townblog/sets/72157624770868318/

Now if you’ve never used Flickr before, it’s pretty easy – click on the link above and you’ll go the the photo set page.

Once there, you’ll see a bunch of images – 885 of ‘em to be exact, but who’s counting?

Here’s what to do to get a FREE high-res image, courtesy The Waterland Blog:

• Click on the “main” image, of Justin at the Pt. Robinson lighthouse (you can click on any image actually…).
• You can move through the slideshow by using your > key, or by clicking the “Next” or “Previous” buttons at the top.
• Go through the pics until you see one you want to download.
• Click on that pic. The slideshow should stop.
• Now, in the upper right corner you’ll see “View All Sizes” – click on that.
• Then click on “Original Size,” and right-click on Download the Original size and “Save As” the pic to your computer.
• The “original size” image is large enough that it can be printed, emailed, etc.

DISCLAIMER: Hopefully we took a pic of you and posted it. If not, we apologize – it’s quite a challenge to photograph so many people at one event.

It’s the Freshest and Tastiest (and Rockinest) thing to do on a Saturday – and this week, an all-female band called Sister Wives will rock the Des Moines Farmers Market, which runs from 10am -- 2pm at the South Marina Park.

Fresh This Week include a variety of apples, perfect for a summertime apple pie.

Or try new recipes like Norman potato salad with apples or thyme-roasted apples and onions.

And while you’re planning that apple pie, you can also enjoy the musical sounds of Sister Wives, who describe themselves as:

Ranging from soulful blues to fiery rock to all-out dance band, the Sister Wives defy the conventional norms typically set for all-women bands with the range and depth of their musical energy and virtuosity.

The Sister Wives display a multitude of musical attitudes in a style that is part Stevie Ray Vaughn, a little Sippie Wallace, and a little Allman Brothers.

Their live shows persuade even the most skeptical that “Girls Rock!”

Here’s video proof of how Sister Wives can get people dancin’:

Speaking of videos, here’s a time lapse one we shot at last Saturday’s market – see if you can spot yourself, or someone you know, or maybe a bank robber:

Oh, and be sure to drop by The Waterland Blog booth for a live demo on how we “blog.”

The Rotary Club of Des Moines wants to remind our Readers that you can save $5 per ticket for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival (coming up Saturday, Sept. 25th from Noon – 7pm) if you order online now.

Here’s more info from the Rotary website:

100% of the net proceeds will support Rotary’s “Music4Life” program, aimed at expanding music to youth in our local schools.

Enjoy  a day filled with local blues from Dudley Taft, Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies, the Cold Shot Band, the Stacy Jones Band and Rod Cook together with a variety of fine brews from 10-15 local breweries.

To complement your blues and brews, we will be barbecuing Bratwurst and B&E Market’s famous Tri Tip for your dining enjoyment.

The Festival will be located on the shores of Puget Sound at the Des Moines Beach Park. This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine, you must be 21 or older to attend and no pets will be allowed inside the event.

There will be plenty of free parking in the Des Moines Marina.

While you are in town, you might want to visit the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and enjoy the Poverty Bay Arts Festival.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the gate.

Here’s the musical lineup:

• 12:00 -- 12:45 PM - Cold Shot Band
• 1:15 -- 2:15 PM -- Stacy Jones Band
• 2:45 -- 3:30 PM -- Rod Cook
• 4:00 -- 5:00 PM -- Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies
• 5:30 -- 7:00 PM -- Dudley Taft

Music4Life is a program to benefit elementary (fourth and fifth grade students) in Highline Public Schools.  The program is a collaboration between Highline Public Schools, the Rotary Club of Des Moines and many individuals and businesses, partnering to expand music education for all children in the Highline School District.

Music means different things to different people.  To children, learning to play a musical instrument is a meaningful activity -- it’s fun and it builds relationships that can last a life time.  To youth, music opens up the world -- its history and its many cultures -- and provides opportunities for teamwork and meaningful forms of self-expression.  Educators know that music benefits students academically, especially in mathematics, science, history and world languages.  Our community understands that music education helps a person lead a richer, fuller, more meaningful life -- and an arts-rich community is a more desirable place to live.

Music4Life is intended to give every student in the Highline Public Schools access to instruments in good working conditions so they can participate in instrumental and vocal music programs.  Initially, Music4Life will acquire 500 musical instruments and supplies to ensure that 50 percent of Highline Public Schools 4th and 5th grade students can participate in instrumental music.  In the years to come, Music4Life may expand to include a broader range of ages and grade levels, as well as additional music education programs.

To purchase tickets, save a few bucks and learn more, click here.

Tickets can also be purchased at CorkyCellars99 Bottles (206) 824-9462, (253) 838-2558 or Des Moines Drug (206) 878-2345, and through Rotary Club of Des Moines.

To whet your musical whistle, here’s a video of the Stacy Jones Band doing “Angel from Montgomery”:

by Dave Markwell

In the past few months, several of my buddies have become Dads. They have either joined or re-upped their memberships into the brotherhood of fathers. Though, I have, in each case, been very happy for their inclusion into this non-exclusive club, I have also been very happy that it was them and not ME!! Babies are hard work with little return. They are cute and smell pretty good, except when they don’t and it is neat to see them make their little progressions into actual human beings. But, they are also very inconvenient. They operate on THEIR time, not ours. When they are hungry or tired or bothered by some other unknown problem, we must jump. We jump to stop that sound. That shrill, spine piercing sound that they emit. If this sound could be bottled and marketed it would be a “million dollar idea”. It would make even the laziest man quite productive. Efforts to stop this sound are delivered with an urgency and efficiency rarely seen or affected by regular folks. This sound, either the prevention of or elimination of is a true motivator. We will stop whatever we are doing and ACT!! Few things on this earth can inspire motion like this sound. Just the thought of it makes me want to stop it NOW and I can’t even hear it!!

However, as our babies grow, new issues arise. The mouth that delivers “the sound” begins to learn words. These words grow into complaints, demands and whiny pleas for unnecessary and impossible desires. There is probably no sanctuary for a Dad to hide from his children’s voices, except perhaps the grave. I say “perhaps”, because I am not sure that my kids’ persistent questioning and “suggestions” on how best to do things won’t follow me there, too. I am anticipating an eternity spent hearing my son’s “recommendations” and very helpful insights into what I am doing wrong. I signed up for it and I will accept it as gracefully as I can, which is sometimes pretty ungraceful and it is only by the slimmest of margins that my school-age kids avoid “shaken-baby” syndrome.

As a Dad, I struggle to maintain even the illusion of a low form of intelligence. My kids often think I am an idiot. Sometimes I am, sometimes not. They don’t know the difference and this creates awkward moments. When I try to explain, as a dutiful Dad, the pitfalls of a plan they have devised which I can tell will result in breakage of either bones or something I own, they look at me with concern and pity. They don’t understand that I tried that plan and broke something. I have a perspective that they do not and though I have never been a quick study, some things make an impression that even a moron can’t ignore. But, we all have to learn in our own way. I have never listened to anyone else in my life and suffered the consequences. My wife and mom will happily verify this. It seems that the fruits don’t fall far from the tree. So, I do what I can do and sleep well after the emergency room visit.

I have, in speaking to my prospective “Dad” buddies, described my kids as the best pains in the butt I will ever have. Parenthood is always frustrating and painful. It is also, always, great. Caring for something more than ourselves, is liberating in ways unknown to non-parents. We will move burning buildings and the earth itself to protect our kids. We will compromise things previously thought uncompromisable and sacrifice the most sacred of our parts of our souls to make our kids happy or at least good people. This is not easy, but it is worth it. The results being the subtle, yet rare, looks of reverence and awe; the understanding that Dad does know something and is more. These are not our goals, merely byproducts of our very aware efforts that what we do as parents matters. It is a challenge to consistently maintain good parenting, but we do the best we can, because it is right and important and maybe… just maybe… it will STOP THAT FRIGGIN’ SOUND!!!

Welcome or welcome back to the club!! Buzz, SnolohaRod, NeighborNick and DTKII!!

[EDITOR'S NOTE:"Feel Good Friday" is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!" Also, you can "friend" Dave on Facebook here.]

It almost sounds like a “Saturday Night Live” sketch – cast the legendary, self-aware King of kitschy over-acting William Shatner as Host. Add as Guests convicted child rapist Mary Kay Letourneau and her one-time victim-turned-husband Vili Fualaau, who both live in Des Moines.

Stir.

Oh, and be sure to hit the Record button, ‘cuz this could be interesting, to say the least.

The result? An interview on a new show on the Biography channel called “Aftermath” that borders on surrealism.

To wit – at one point, Letourneau reveals to Shatner that she had no idea that having a “relationship” with an underage boy was illegal, let alone a felony.

There’s another priceless (ok, it’s kinda gross) moment where Letourneau talks about their “first kiss” (at the time she was in her 30s, and he was what? A 12-year old 6th grader?): – listen to her soundbites here:

Letourneau did her time of course, spending seven years in prison for child rape. She and Fualaau married in 2005, and they currently live in Des Moines with their two children.

Oh, and they can sometimes be seen hanging out at the All Star Sports Bar, where Vili often guests as a DJ.

Here’s the episode in its entirety (don’t say we didn’t warn you…):

WLB Advertiser Archery Bistro (located at the Normandy Park Towne Center), would like our Readers to know about their latest food specials and events.

Here’s a letter from Chef Brandon about this week’s offering:

What’s up B-Town Followers?! Chef Brandon here to remind you about your Hot Summer Nights promotion every Thursday night in August in our Archery Bistro parking lot! Swing by with your classic car or bike and receive food and drink specials ALL NIGHT long! Thursdays are also our All You Can Eat Fish and Chips night! Plan on coming down after work for a fun and entertaining evening!

Although it may seem far out, people are starting to book their holiday work or family parties now! Archery Bistro is a great place for you and yours to relax and enjoy some fantastic food, drinks, and service! Call now and reserve your party to make sure you get a prime date. If you have an extra large party Archery Bistro is available for a total buy out. I am also happy to custom design your party menu and can work with different size budgets. I promise all of us at Archery Bistro will do all we can so your guests have a lasting and memorable event!
On a final note, have you seen our fire pit? It’s one of a kind! It’s a great place for a late evening glass of wine or summer cocktail! That’s where I would be, if I wasn’t working!

Make it a great day!!
– Chef Brandon

[Would you like to have a Blogvertorial story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Dave Markwell

Well, it’s family reunionish time. This weekend I have some cousins coming to town from California that I haven’t seen in a while and we are collecting some of the various local relatives that I also haven’t seen in a while. It seems like distance is not the only barrier preventing us coming together more often. I suppose LIFE is the most significant obstacle. We have different lives and stuff happening that gets in the way. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to seeing everyone.

Throughout the weekend, we will tell stories and though, we all shared our history growing up, we all have different versions, seen from different perspectives. This creates interesting conversations. Stories of my life that begin with, “Remember that time Ty kicked Corky’s ass…” are never my favorites as, I’m “Corky”. My first thought is always, “Which one?” I was beaten pretty consistently by my older cousin. We fought regularly. By fighting, I mean, he would provoke me into an opportunity for him to pummel me. I would usually swing first and he would swing last, usually as I was running as fast as I could which, as it turned out, was never quite fast enough. We both incurred our Grandma’s wrath when she had to break us up. The smacks those thin, bony hands delivered to us still resonate today. I will, very reluctantly, smile at these old tales, but there is little reluctance in Ty’s smile. We shared an experience, but experienced it differently. This is true for most of our stories.

I reserve my greatest laughs for stories of THEIR jack-ass moves. There are PLENTY of those. From hypothermia to bike wrecks to tree-tipping to more of Grandma’s slaps, my cousins have provided lots of stories. I will enjoy reliving them and sharing the knowing smiles of “grown-ups” who KNOW how it was. Cousins enjoy a unique relationship. Being outside of the immediate family, but still close enough to know what goes on in it provides insights into “how it really was.” This creates a bond that is unmatchable. We know when each other’s parents were horrible and their best. We know the flaws, struggles and fears. We can truly empathize and sympathize. We lived it, too. We were THERE. We shared holidays and spankings. We shared tears of joy and tears of pain; all the beauty and ugly of our lives. Our lives are intertwined like grapevines. Their memories are mine. We will now share survivor’s tales and it will be great and important. Knowing that other people understand and love regardless is pretty wonderful.

So, this weekend we will tell the stories of our lives and when the humiliating tale regarding some unintentional nudity comes up, I will laugh, whether it was my nudity or not. My cousins are not unlike my old friends in that they tend to remember and seem to very much enjoy reliving the events that I try to forget. From buck teeth to the various red-faced and sometimes red-butted shenanigans I found myself in as a kid, they seem to remember it all…unfortunately for me…but, also for them. I remember things, too. Oh, yes, I remember, alright. The old noodle has been dusted off and long dormant stories of their boners will be hauled out of the basement. I remember lots.

[EDITOR'S NOTE:"Feel Good Friday" is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!" Also, you can "friend" Dave on Facebook here.]

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s a round up of events happening around the area:

• Saturday/Sunday – City of Tukwila Community Garage Sale is Aug 14-15
• Saturday – 5th Annual Trash To Treasure Parking Lot Sale Is Saturday, Aug. 14th
• Saturday – Health & Fitness Day at Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market
• Saturday – Brent Rice Memorial Swim Is Aug. 14th; Here’s How You Can Join In/Help
• Sunday – FREE Ice Cream With Ciscoe Morris At Highline/SeaTac Gardens Aug. 15th
• Sunday – Experience Live Mexican Dance At El Tianguis Latino Market
• Sunday – Free Music at Marvista Park Featuring The Starlings

Know about an event we missed? Feel free to share the details in a comment!

The Beach Park Jazz & Blues summer concert series wraps up tonight with a grand finale performance by the African All Stars. It looks like we’ve turned the corner on weather conditions so why not take advantage of the opportunity and spend an evening in the park listening to FREE music? You can even get a hot dog from the Dog House!

And remember, parking is a challenge due to construction. Take advantage of the free shuttle van provided by the Des Moines Marina from the south parking lot (near the farmers market location) to the park entrance.

If you’ve enjoyed the summer concert series, it’s not too early to start expressing your support for next summer. Besides contributing financially through the Des Moines Arts Commission, you can also let the Des Moines City Council know that you’d like to see the city continue supporting the arts.

Finally, to whet your appetite for tonight’s concert, here’s a slideshow of photos from last week’s Handful of Luvin’ concert by photographer Michael Brunk. Be sure to adjust your volume before clicking!

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Here’s this week’s round-up of FREE concerts being offered in the surrounding area. This is the final week for concerts in Burien and Des Moines, so enjoy the music before it’s too late!

Tue, Aug 10	12:00PM	Caleb	Burien Town Square Park
Wed, Aug 11	7:00PM	African All Stars	Des Moines Beach Park
Thu, Aug 12	6:30PM	Locust Street Taxi	Lake Burien School Park
Fri, Aug 13	12:00PM	Nancy Stewart	Tukwila Community Center
Sun, Aug 15	5:00PM	Starlings	Marvista Park
Sun, Aug 15	5:00PM	Ranger and the Re-Arrangers	Angle Lake Park

Flute Quest, which is “Bringing Music to the World One Breath at a Time,” is returning to Saltwater State Park the weekend of Aug. 20-22nd, bringing together internationally-acclaimed flutists, local musicians, those who want to learn to play, and persons who simply enjoy listening to the Native American flute.

According to their website:

Makers will offer instruments suitable for all levels of performance from beginner to pro, or fairgoers can bid on instruments in the silent auction. Experienced musicians will lead workshops at all levels. Experienced musicians will also lead flute, drum, and didgeridoo circles under the festival teepee. Such circles are excellent places to try out newly developed playing skills. Budding performers can take advantage of the open microphone on the “New Breath” day stage. Many of these activities will be free.

We are honored to work in partnership with Washington State Parks. We know that this location will give us the opportunity to expose more people to the Native American flute; our circles will grow wider and our community will expand.

This event is family oriented and is alcohol, tobacco and drug free.

In addition to the all-day festival at the park, there will also be performances on Friday by Scott August and Saturday night by Mary Youngblood (see videos below), from 7pm – 9pm at the Knutzen Family Theatre in the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. More info on these, as well as tickets, is available online at www.centerstagetheatre.com/plays.html; here’s info from that website:

Flute Quest 2010 proudly presents two concerts on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21. This sweet blend of performers will make your spirit soar long after the concerts end. Last year tickets sold out; don’t miss this opportunity.

Friday’s concert features award-winning musician Scott August; a “multi-instrumentalist”, nationally acclaimed composer, producer, Keyboardist, Anasazi & Native American flute player. Opening for Scott is Rona Yellow Robe.  Rona shared her “other voice”, as she calls her flute, from the New Breath stage last year; touching us all with her music.

Saturday’s concert features Mary Youngblood, “The First Lady of the Flute”.  Mary is the first woman to win, not just one, but two Grammy Awards for “Best Native American Music Album”.  Along with Mary, Joe Young is a “Rising Star” performer.  Joe shares his eclectic style of music that features the Native American flute, penny-whistle, saxophone and other world flutes.  Come jam with Mary, bring percussion instruments!

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Flute Quest 2010

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 20th, Saturday, Aug, 21st, and Sunday, Aug. 22nd, with concerts Friday and Saturday night off-campus (see below); Festival Hours will be:

• Friday, Aug. 20: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Saturday, Aug. 21: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, Aug. 22: 10 AM to 3 PM

WHERE: Saltwater State Park, located at 25205 8th Place South, Des Moines, WA‎; (253) 661-4956.

INFO: More info on the fest at www.flutequest.com; more info on the evening concerts at www.centerstagetheatre.com/plays.html.

VIDEOs: Here’s a video of two-time Grammy winner Mary Youngblood, who will perform Saturday night at the Knutzen Family Theatre:

Here’s Scott August, who will be performing Friday night:

The 5th annual “Trash to Treasure Parking Lot Sale” is coming to the Des Moines Activity Center from 9am – 3pm, on Saturday, Aug. 14th.

This annual event will include over 90 vendors and a FREE public shopping shuttle from the sale to the Des Moines Farmers Market, as well as the Wesley Gardens parking lot sale and the Masonic Lodge garage sale!

There will also be free parking for shoppers at Steven J. Underwood Park, just behind the Des Moines Post Office on 216th Street and 20th Avenue S.

Food sales will be hosted by Jobs Daughters.

There will be both indoor and outdoor booths, and a wide variety from crafts, plants, collectibles, and “treasure” items.

Here are the details:

WHAT: 5th Annual Trash to Treasure Parking Lot Sale.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 14th from 9am – 3pm.

WHERE: Des Moines Activity Center, located at 2045 S. 216th Street.

INFO: For more information, call the Des Moines Activity Center at 206-878-1642.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here’s a round up of events happening around the area:

• Friday/Saturday – “Cruisin4TheCure” Fighting Cancer With A Car Wash Friday & Saturday
• Friday/Saturday – Big Al Brewing’s Second Birthday Celebration August 7 and 8
• Friday – Guy Harper and Pamela Harper, Authors of Three Tree Point at Burien Books From 4-6PM
• Saturday – Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market Celebrates Shark Week… Puget Sound Style!
• Saturday – White Center CDA Member Mixer Is Saturday, Aug. 7th
• Saturday – Burien’s Sizzling Saturday Night Car Show
• Saturday – Greg Wright, Author of West of the Gospel at Burien Books From 1-3PM
• Saturday – WestSide Baby Challenges Burien To “Stuff The Bus” Saturday Night
• Sunday – Sustainable Burien Meeting At Community Gardens, 437 SW 144th Street
• Sunday – Burien’s “El Tianguis” Latino Market
• Sunday – Pink Party For The Cure Is This Sunday At All-Star Sports Bar
• Sunday – Des Moines United Methodist Church Hosting Blues Concert Featuring “Sister Wives”
• Sunday – Free Music at Marvista Park Featuring Woodrush

Know about an event we missed? Feel free to share the details in a comment!

by Dave Markwell

Last weekend, I helped “celebrate” my buddy Dan’s 40th birthday by participating in a “boy’s weekend” event in Eastern Washington. I had been looking forward to this long weekend since last year’s party. I very much enjoy the excessive eating, drinking and swearing. In a life consisting of rather spotty occasions for all three, a little gluttony now and then is welcome. Not everyday, but once in a great while a solid bender is necessary for me. I believe that most, if not all, males need, on some level, a boy’s weekend now and then. We carry with us, deep in our filthy gene pool, desires for too much beer and too much bacon. Unburdened by the potential stink-eyes of our wives or the pleas of our kids to “play” something, we will indulge like starving men at the Royal Fork. Indulge we did.

We arrived Thursday night with a giddy, yet manly, enthusiasm. We played cards and drank beer. At some point during the various smack-talking between the fellas, a bet was made.

We were golfing on Friday. I am an average to way-below average golfer. My buddy, Shane, is a very good golfer. Besides being a good golfer, Shane is also an extremely gifted smack-talker. During our beer-fueled exchange, he conceded 18 strokes to me. The bet was for bad mustaches; full, cookie dusting, seventies porn ‘staches to be held for two weeks. He already boasted a full goatee and I can grow a beard in two days, so the bet seemed fair. As it turned out, maybe it wasn’t. I beat him heads up, by one stroke. These words will no doubt burn his eyes, but they are true. Following our match, we headed home and he shaved. It may go down as one of the finest victories of my life and I could not help but smile every single time I looked at him throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, the gang played more cards and some horseshoes, ate nearly ten pounds of bacon, sat on the boat in the sun and consumed countless beers. In the evening, we had a poker tournament. Again, I am an average to way-below average poker player. I don’t really enjoy the game that much, but I’ll play if everyone else is. So I did. Amongst a litter of big talking, self-proclaimed poker “pros”, I won the tournament. There was much chagrin and a feeling that something was wrong with the world and a collective sense of “I got screwed” felt by everyone, except me, for a pleasant change.

Sunday, we woke to bloodshot eyes, more bacon and few beers as most of the boys were heading home. I reveled in my unprecedented good fortune and took a well-earned nap on the lawn in the shade. I was staying a couple more days. My kids were coming with Dan’s wife. They arrived in the evening and I hugged them a little more deeply. I took them swimming and made them food they actually wanted to eat. I had missed them. While I enjoyed the boy’s weekend decadence, it was an event, not a lifestyle for me. I have the lifestyle I want. I like taking my kids to soccer practice. I like waking them up and tucking them in. I like creating the experiences that are shaping them into what they will be and recognizing that they will be what they will independent of my efforts.

A self-indulgent, gluttonous weekend provided some contrast to my existing life and shone a light on the shaded areas that are sometimes overlooked as the grass over the fence starts to look pretty green. I am happy to say that I live in green pasture already and don’t need to do too much fence hopping, though I must also say that I do look forward to seeing Shane’s bad ‘stache in two weeks. It was a win for the ages.

[EDITOR'S NOTE:"Feel Good Friday" is a regular column written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!" Also, you can "friend" Dave on Facebook here.]

The new public artwork at SW 219th Street between Marine View Drive and 7th Ave. S in the Des Moines Marina District is now complete!

The 12’ x 37’ mural by artist Chandelle Anderson was the result of a collaboration between the Des Moines Arts Commission and the Des Moines Legacy Foundation. The beautiful painting gracing the wall of the QFC complex is intended to honor the aging process.

While work is now complete on the mural, an official dedication ceremony is planned for September 25 in conjunction with the Poverty Bay Arts Festival. We’ll publish more details as they become available.

Photo by Michael Brunk. Click to view a larger version!

Ever wonder what is lurking in the waters of Puget Sound? Fish, crustaceans, sea weed and yes, sharks! While the Discovery Channel is wrapping up Shark Week, the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market will be celebrating Puget Sound marine life this Saturday at the market.

Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center will be on hand to share information about Puget Sound sea life communities and will have some of their sea creatures for you to “see and touch.” MaST will also be at the market on Kids Day, September 11, and once a month for the entire 2011 season.

The market had over 43 vendors last week, the largest market this year! Come down this week and enjoy the sweet sounds of local group, Saltwater Saints. Fresh produce is bountiful and the flowers are spectacular. There are many hand crafted food and craft items as well.

One market shopper commented: “There is something here for everyone!” Fruits, vegetables, flowers, beef, pasta, berries, honey, cheese, breads, ice cream, nuts, jams/jellies, apple butter, BBQ sauces, hand crafted items all grown or made in Washington. Be sure to stop by and thank our Market Day Sponsor, Des Moines Methodist Church!

The Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center, part of Highline Community College, offers the local community a chance to interact with the underwater communities of Puget Sound. Visitors can “see” and “touch” animals from Puget Sound in 11 large flow-through tanks. The center has volunteers, known as stewards, who give talks about the sea life in the tanks as well as caring for the creatures while spectators can watch. The center is open to the public for Water Weekends every Saturday from 10am to 2pm – free of charge.

Photos by Michael Brunk

The Des Moines Beach Park summer concert series continues with local favorites Handful of Luvin’ performing tonight at 7PM. The concerts are FREE so bring your folding chair or blanket and enjoy the evening listening to great music by the water!

With construction going on in the park and marina, parking can be difficult. Your best bet is to park in the north marina lot (near the fishing pier) and walk into the park or park in the south marina lot (near the Farmers Market location) and take advantage of the free shuttle van being provided by the Des Moines Marina.

If you haven’t made it to one of this fantastic local concerts yet, here’s a slideshow from last week’s concert featuring the Lucas Cates Band to give you a little taste. The slideshow is set to music from the concert so check your volume before clicking!

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

This past Saturday (July 31) saw a new and highly anticipated event introduced to Des Moines Beach Park, Wooden O’s performance of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”

This classic comedy by William Shakespeare follows the burgeoning love between two pairs of lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. It all goes off the rails due to the evil machinations of Don John and there are more than a few twists and turns before the situation is resolved!

The twist that Wooden O throws into the mix is transporting the setting from the island of Sicily to America’s deep South. The audience may find the fact the actors stick with the original dialogue from Shakespeare while eschewing accents confusing at first but it ultimately works. The setting surely makes for beautiful costumes and a simple but effective set. It also provided opportunities for several wonderful, musical interludes with a dash of Cajun flavor.

Given attendance estimated at over 300, and almost impossible-to-find parking at the construction clogged park and marina, the event surely has to be considered a rousing success. Here’s hoping that the Rotary Club of Des Moines and the Des Moines Arts Commission team up again in the future to bring Shakespeare back to Des Moines Beach Park!

Updated to give you a peak at the beautiful sunset mentioned in Doreen’s comment below. Just a fringe benefit of attending concerts, and now theater, in the park! Click to view a larger version of the photo.

Here’s this week’s round-up of FREE concerts being offered in the surrounding area. There’s sure to be something here to please just about anyone!

Tue, Aug 3	12:00PM	Sebastian Clark	Burien Town Square Park
Wed, Aug 4	7:00PM	Handful of Luvin’	Des Moines Beach Park
Thu, Aug 5	6:30PM	Caela and the Dangerous Flares	Lake Burien School Park
Fri, Aug 6	12:00PM	Eric Herman	Tukwila Community Center
Sun, Aug 8	5:00PM	Woodrush	Marvista Park
Sun, Aug 8	5:00PM	Rod Cook	Angle Lake Park