La Dame Blanche (vocals), Valentin Provedin (Drums), and Marc Damblé (drums) performing at the Century Ballroom, 2023 Festival. Photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn
In Memoriam: Roberta Penn
Roberta Penn, journalist, editor, radio host, and producer died at her home in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 28, 2024. She was 80 years old. Penn spent much of the early ‘80s through the ‘90s in Seattle as a jazz and blues critic for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and numerous other publications. She served as Senior/Associate Editor for The Rocket and was a respected radio host to shows such as Blues in the Night on 1250 KFOX and Seattle Blues on KMTT-FM.
Hammond Ashley Violins’ Temporary Location
The Hammond Ashley Violin building in Issaquah was severely damaged during the recent bomb cyclone storm. While the building undergoes repairs, the store has set up a temporary location a few minutes down the road. Services can be done by appointment only and are available for tuning and restringing, rentals and exchanges, and small repairs on instruments purchased or rented from Hammond Ashley Violins. To schedule an appointment visit hammondashley.com.
Century Ballroom to Close Doors in 2025
In a recent press release, owners Hallie Kuperman and Alison Cockrill announced that they will not be renewing the Century Ballroom’s lease, which will end on August 31, 2025. The ballroom has been a prominent dance hub for tango, bachata, lindy hop, and hip hop in the heart of Capitol Hill since 1997, nestled in the top of the historic OddFellows Building. Over the years, Kuperman and Cockrill have weathered a rapidly changing neighborhood, $90,000 in penalty fees from the 2017 “dance tax”, and the challenges that came with presenting live music and social events again after the pandemic. The choice to not renew their lease opens the Century Ballroom to a realm of possibilities. Kuperman and Cockrill hope to continue the legacy of the Century Ballroom, in partnership with larger organizations dedicated to cultivating arts and cultural centers. As the lease comes to an end, the Century Ballroom has big plans to celebrate its 28th and final anniversary weekend February 28-March 2.
