The former church building may be nearing 100 years old itself, but the Fremont Abbey Arts Center (4272 Fremont Ave N) is celebrating its 4th birthday there and everyone is invited to the party! 

After undergoing extensive renovations completed in 2008, courtesy of a grant from the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, the “community-driven, volunteer-powered” art center has taken off as a place where art of all form come together.  This calendar shows all the classes, workshops and events that are going on right now. 

If you’ve never been to the Fremont Abbey, tomorrow’s party should be a great introduction.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Dinner will be casual and potluck-style, so guests should bring a side dish or drinks plus $5 to help cover the main course.  Throughout the feast, four short acts of a “play” will take place every thirty minutes depicting life at the Fremont Abbey.  All in all, the party should have plenty of music, dancing, poetry and art for neighbors and first-time visitors! 

Some Northwest musicians are gathering to pay a unique tribute to indie rock band Arcade Fire tonight at the Fremont Abbey (4272 Fremont Ave N).  The Seattle Rock Orchestra will play the band’s critically acclaimed first album, “Funeral”, in its entirety, along with a backup band, a 60-piece full orchestra and several of the area’s top vocalists including Matt Bishop of Hey, Marseilles and Ian Bell of Black Swedes.

The Seattle Rock Orchestra is the brainchild of bassist Scott Teske, who formed the group in 2008 out of frustration after his former group broke up.  A classically-trained musician, orchestrator and teacher, Teske says, “I wanted to do something really fun and low-key.”  From there he started gathering musicians who play shows based on availability.  He keeps rehearsals minimal, sometimes only one or two just to get everyone in the same room.  Then he personalizes the score according to his available players. 

All of the musicians who perform with SRO do so voluntarily.  Teske emphasizes, “In being volunteer, it keeps things fun.”  That mantra seems to work.  If you go to their website, you’ll see the long and growing list of classical and pop musicians who make up the orchestra.  The first show they played last December with Black Swedes, they had 13 people.  For tonight’s Arcade Fire tribute show, they have an orchestra of nearly 60, including a winds and brass section for the first time.  He adds, “What began as an army of freelancers is starting to become a regular group.”   

Unfortunately, tonight’s show is sold out but Teske is already working on a concept for the next show that will revolve around early David Bowie.  If you think you have what it takes to be part of the band, or just want to know more, click here for additional info.

Sub Pop artist Tiny Vipers, which is Seattle’s own Jesy Fortino, will be holding a CD release party at the Fremont Abbey this Saturday night along with Damien Jurado and opener Lazarus. Since she debuted her first album in 2007, Tiny Vipers has toured Europe and the U.S., and she’s attracted a loyal audience with her acoustic melodies. Tickets are still available, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support Fremont Abbey Arts Center’s youth programs.

The Fremont Abbey Arts Center is looking for volunteers tomorrow (Saturday) to help with projects around the building. Tools, snacks and coffee will be provided from 12-3 p.m., and projects include painting and patching, landscaping, cleaning, light carpentry, installing a sink and other tasks.

If you go, the Abbey is located at 4272 Fremont Ave. The tip we received directed potential volunteers to enter on 43rd, and ask for Nathan Marion, the director of the Arts Center. Visit the Fremont Abbey Arts Center website or call 206-297-6221 for more information.