Dance
Shen Yun: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 7-8 at McCaw HallI
If you’re familiar with the Girl About Town, you know she loves all things Asiany and all things dancey. Shen Yun, my friends, is the ultimate combination of the two – a performance that will leave you breathless.
This New-York based dance troupe is made up of performers who are so physically gifted, they could be ballerinas or Olympic gymnasts if they weren’t already practitioners of classical Chinese dance, one of the most demanding art forms in the world. They move in poetic arrangements (and magnificent costumes) that evoke pastoral beauty, imperial drama, and the glory of an ancient civilization.
321 Mercer St., Seattle. 888-615-3828, www.shenyunperformingarts.orgvideos.
Family
“Beauty and the Beast”: Times vary, Feb. 21-26 at Paramount Theatre
When I was a kid, I tried to direct a production of “Beauty and the Beast” featuring my cousins who were in town for the holidays. Much to my disappointment, no one was dedicated to the grueling daily rehearsals.
Our parents chatted through the makeshift performance as we danced around the living room in dress-up clothes, singing “Be Our Guest” while the Disney movie played in the background. Maybe our moms and dads would have preferred the real-deal production, which is coming up in February, and includes performers who are likely to be more experienced than my cast of undisciplined 9-year-olds. 911 Pine St., Seattle. 206-467-5510, www.beautyandthebeastontour.com.
Lecture
David Sedaris: 7 p.m., April 29 at Benaroya Hall
Dear Mr. Sedaris, I know you’re gay, but I love you. Madly. You crack me up with your sardonic wit, incisive social critiques and your collections of personal, bestselling essays: “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” and “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” When it comes to the literary world, you sir, are a rock star. Tickets are $47 or $38 and available through the Benaroya Hall Box Office.200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747, www.benaroyahall.org.
Music
Blake Shelton: March 9, time TBA, at KeyArena
All the hipsters may hate me for this. But I am slowly coming to the realization that, dare I say it, I DO like country music. Even pop country. Who can resist, “feeling like a woman” with Shania Twain or “saying goodbye to Earl” with the Dixie Chicks. And of course, even if you’d rather go any musical direction but western, there’s no denying greats like Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.
Shelton actually won my heart from how tender he was as a mentor to Dia Frampton and Xenia on “The Voice.” But I do think his “Honey Bee” song is pretty catchy.
401 1st Ave. N, Seattle. 206-684-7200, www.keyarena.com/.
Gabrielle Nomura can be reached at 245-453-4270.
