Seattle came alive with celebrations this summer, and one of the standout events was a tribute to one of our city’s most iconic figures, Donald Byrd, on his 75th birthday. The “Still Kickin’ Birthday Bash” was a vibrant celebration of Byrd’s extraordinary contributions to the arts, and his relentless spirit that continues to inspire us all. Hosted by Michael Hebb, Joanna Lau, Sherry Raisbeck, and the Spectrum Dance Theater board of directors, the evening was filled with dinner, conversation, performances, and dancing. The event saw the attendance of exceptional individuals, including esteemed movie star Tom Skerritt, along with Vivian Phillips, Pirkko Karhunen, Electa Anderson, Diane Cotman, and Stephanie Hilbert. It was an unforgettable occasion, providing the perfect opportunity to honor a legend and celebrate the boundless potential that Byrd embodies.

Byrd has had a significant impact on the world of dance. His innovative and socially conscious choreography has garnered him prestigious awards and global recognition, sparked important conversations, and brought about social change. Since 2002, he has served as the artistic director of Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theater. Byrd has used dance as a powerful tool for social and civic engagement, addressing urgent issues through movement in groundbreaking ways. His commitment to this mission is evident in his work with Spectrum, and his previous leadership of Donald Byrd/The Group. These efforts have earned him a Tony nomination and a Bessie Award. Byrd’s intricate and eclectic style, described by The New York Times as “a choreographer with multiple personalities,” has shaped his creative philosophy and Spectrum’s mission, impacting the arts and society in profound ways.

Another important Seattle milestone celebration was the 40th anniversary of Leadership Tomorrow (LT). For the past 40 years, LT has been a driving force in promoting civic engagement in the Puget Sound region. The organization has been committed to developing a diverse network of leaders from various backgrounds and sectors, including government, non-profits, corporations, and community organizations, to create a region where individuals from all walks of life can thrive. Throughout the years, LT has offered guidance and support to leaders who have made remarkable contributions to our community. Distinguished alumni include Vivian Phillips (’93), Julie Pham, Ph.D. (’16), Martha Choe (’84), Bob Watt (’84), Lonnie Lusardo (’90), Bob Ness (’96), Steve Dubiel (’01), Ruchika Tulshyan (’16), and K. Darrow Brown (’24), among others. All stand as a testament to the impactful work of the LT program.

The event occurred at Victory Hall and was attended by many notable guests. Bindiya Patel, the new executive director, warmly welcomed attendees, and Amelia Ransom, a board member, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. Ransom spoke about the importance of seeing ourselves in others and letting others see themselves in us, calling it one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime. Attendees included prominent figures such as founding Board Member Regina Glenn (’93), Tracy Brown (’93), former Seattle Chief of Police Carmen Best, Dr. Pela Terry (incoming class of ’25), executive director at Atlantic Street Center, former LT Executive Directors Jan Levy and Sue Bennett, Brittany Grenard (incoming class of ’25), Becky Witmer (’16), and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate Marsha Botzer (’98), among others.

Looking ahead, Leadership Tomorrow remains committed to being a guiding light for those who aspire to lead with purpose and impact. The organization’s dedication to developing new programs that address community needs ensures that it continues to nurture leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. To learn more about Leadership Tomorrow and how to get involved, visit leadershiptomorrowseattle.org.

Long before the rise of the Seahawks, the Mariners, and the iconic Space Needle, Seafair existed as a vibrant celebration that has become the pulsating heart of Seattle’s summer. is an indispensable hallmark of the city’s spirit, presenting exhilarating performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Seafair just marked its 75th year, and proudly heralded the return of Seattle Fleet Week, spotlighting the Parade of Ships and offering captivating ship tours at Pier 46. In collaboration with Boeing, the Seattle Navy League, and the Port of Seattle,

Seafair paid homage to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, underscoring the festival’s steadfast dedication to honoring those who selflessly serve our nation. Seafair provides numerous opportunities to savor the enchantment of Seattle summers. From observing fireworks over Lake Union to participating in lively parades and witnessing the exhilarating speed of hydroplanes on Lake Washington, there’s something for everyone. This event has become vital to Seattle’s narrative, expanding into a multi-week celebration that draws more than 2 million attendees annually across the Puget Sound region.

Seafair’s enduring success is closely tied to the steadfast support of Boeing, a partner that has been an integral part of the festival for 75 years. The company hosts a series of events at Boeing Field to honor the pilots and their team for their outstanding service and dedication. Moreover, the Columbia Tower Club continues its tradition of hosting an exclusive meet-and-greet and celebratory dinner for the Blue Angels and their families, fostering an atmosphere of recognition and appreciation for their extraordinary contributions. The Blue Angels, led by Commander Alexander Armatas (plane No. 1) and including talented pilots like Lieutenant Commander Jack Keilty (No. 2), Lieutenant James Wesley (No. 3), Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee (No. 4), Lieutenant Commander Griffin Stangel (No. 5), Commander Thomas Zimmerman (No. 6), Lieutenant Connor O’Donnell (No. 7), and Lieutenant Commander Brian Vaught (No. 8), carry forward the Blue Angels’ rich legacy.

The breathtaking aerial performances of the Blue Angels showcase both the skill and courage it takes to be one of these elite pilots. Flying F/A-18 Super Hornets at speeds up to 700 miles per hour and executing precision maneuvers with as little as 18 inches between each aircraft, Blue Angels pilots demonstrate exceptional talent, immense bravery, and trust in their teammates. Their performances require years of rigorous training, split-second decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. While most Blue Angels pilots will return to active duty, Keilty will return next year, bringing new team members to inspire audiences with their unparalleled aerial dynamics and mastery of the skies.

The Seafair Royalty tradition has been a part of Seattle since the beginning, honoring King Neptune and Queen Alcyone for their philanthropic contributions to the Puget Sound region. Chris Cashman and Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman were honored this year as King Neptune and Queen Alcyone. They participated in festival events that celebrated outstanding citizens and the community spirit of Seattle. While Seafair has evolved over the years, its core values of community engagement, volunteerism, and celebrating Seattle’s finest remain unchanged. Every moment at Seafair brings the community together, joyfully celebrating what makes Seattle unique.

The Auction of Washington Wines TOAST! celebration, a significant and prestigious event, brought together esteemed leaders, passionate community members, and wine enthusiasts for a truly unforgettable evening. It was a grand occasion, underscoring the importance of paying tribute to the past and present honorees of the Auction of Washington Wines and recognizing established industry luminaries and upcoming diverse leaders.

The atmosphere was exciting as Christophe Baron of Bionic Wines was awarded the prestigious title of Honorary Vintner. Robert Rivera from Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard was celebrated with the Honorary Grower award. The esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small of Woodward Canyon Winery in acknowledgment of their 25 years of extraordinary dedication, inspiration, and advocacy for the Washington wine community. Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University received the highly esteemed Award of Distinction for his invaluable contributions to advancing the caliber of the wine industry through his groundbreaking work in AVA development, research, investment, and education.

Chris Stone of the Washington State Wine Commission was rightfully acknowledged as the Wine Industry Champion for his unwavering support, which has significantly impacted the success of the Washington wine industry across various sectors. The Auction of Washington Wines Star Award was presented to Richard Duval of Duval Images, recognizing his unwavering commitment that has advanced Auction of Washington Wines’ mission of uplifting the wine industry and fostering community support.

The Healthy Land, Healthy Communities Award recognized the exceptional efforts of Kiona Vineyards and Winery in addressing environmental challenges and developing equitable, sustainable, and responsible solutions, including climate change mitigation, sustainable practices, and innovative packaging. Eduardo Enriquez of Corliss Estate was honored with the Vine to Wine Award for his hands-on vineyard involvement and exemplary leadership in collaborating with peers. Lastly, the recipients of the Emerging Leaders award, Stacy Buchanan-Blood of Gods, Matias Kusulas, and Jordan Small of Woodward Canyon Winery were celebrated for their promising leadership and contributions to the Washington wine industry, underscoring the importance of their role in the industry’s future.

The grand event unfolded at the distinguished venue of Sparkman Cellars, where Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines, set the stage for the evening. The gathering felt like a close-knit family coming together for an intimate and enchanting dinner to honor the upcoming 2024 leaders of the state wine industry. It was an evening filled with elegance, anticipation, and a shared sense of pride. Let’s raise our glasses in a heartfelt toast to the continued success and prosperity of the Washington wine industry!

The Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction is an extraordinary wine and culinary event held amidst the breathtaking grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. This highly anticipated event, which consistently sells out, offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts. Attendees have the unique opportunity to meet winemakers and explore various tasting bars, providing an exquisite selection of more than 100 wines. Additionally, guests can indulge in the delightful flavors of the Pacific Northwest at chef stations, featuring a diverse range of delectable dishes, from fresh seafood to tantalizing barbecue expertly prepared by some of the most talented chefs in town.

An exceptional aspect of this event is the chance to engage with the winemakers themselves. Whether you are an experienced wine connoisseur or simply curious about wine, this event presents a rare opportunity to connect with the individuals behind the wines. You can find winemaker legends such as Chris Upchurch, Brian Carter, John Patterson, and Sidney Rice, to name a few, wandering the grounds, offering samples, and sharing captivating stories about their wines.

The addition of the new Vintners Station this year was truly remarkable. It provided access to exclusive wines typically reserved for wine club members and rare, one-of-a-kind bottles not usually available to the public. The Barrel Auction brought great excitement to the event, as guests enjoyed barrel samples and bid for future wine releases. Conversations with winemakers about the aging process and the evolving nature of the wines were both enlightening and exhilarating. The auction was intense, with bidders vying for the top spots to secure exclusive wines.

The highest bidders received commemorative barrel heads. Emcees Bender and Jodi from iHeart’s 95.7 The Jet, kept guests informed and entertained, while DJ Phase ensured a high-energy atmosphere with a mix of hits.  The VIP tent, sponsored by PNC Bank, added a touch of luxury to the picnic. Witnessing the convergence of local wine enthusiasts and those who have traveled from afar to celebrate this annual Washington tradition is genuinely awe-inspiring. Whether you aim to expand your knowledge of wine or savor a day of tasting and mingling with the industry’s best, the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction is an event of unparalleled significance. It provides a magnificent opportunity to enjoy while championing a noble cause. I am eagerly anticipating next year’s event already.

The Auction of Washington Wines Gala at Chateau Ste. Michelle was a splendid event filled with grace, altruism, and steadfast dedication to the local community. The esteemed grower and vintner, Leslie Sbrocco, chaired the event, which raised an incredible $4,247,542 to support Seattle Children’s Hospital, WSU Viticulture & Enology, and the Auction of Washington Wines Industry Grant. The evening celebrated exceptional wines and delicious cuisine, and was a moving testament to the community’s generosity, profoundly impacting the lives of numerous children and families.

As summer draws to a close, these events are a powerful reminder of Seattle’s collective passion and the limitless promise it holds for the future.