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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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869 results for: Performing Arts and Music

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Image of Ten girls performing Bon Odori dance at Children's International Play Fair, Seattle, August 27, 1958
Photograph

Ten girls performing Bon Odori dance at Children's International Play Fair, Seattle, August 27, 1958

In 1944, the first annual national meeting of the Children’s Theatre Conference was organized with the objectives of promoting the establishment of children’s theatre activities in all communities by educational, community, and private groups, and to provide a meeting ground for children’s theatre workers and educators from all levels. Over the next decades the group grew to include operations in…
ID Number:2000.107.098.17.06
Date:1958
Image of Drummer and dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, July 1977
Photograph

Drummer and dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, July 1977

During the summer of 1932, the Seattle Buddhist Church held the city's first Bon Odori festival. Bon Odori is a Japanese dance which is part of the observance of Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance, which celebrates the Buddhist tradition of selfless giving, expresses gratitude to departed family members. Over the years, the festival grew to include flower…
ID Number:2000.107.098.19.01
Date:1977
Image of Yoshiko Mita at stage door of old Nippon Kan Theater, Seattle,  February 14, 1979
Photograph

Yoshiko Mita at stage door of old Nippon Kan Theater, Seattle, February 14, 1979

In this photo, Japanese actress Yoshiko Mita stands in the stage door of the old Nippon Kan (Japanese Hall) Theater on S. Washington Street in Seattle's Chinatown International District. The graffitied walls are covered with names and dates that predate WWII. Built with funds from the community, the theater opened in 1909, and served as the cultural center of Seattle's…
ID Number:2000.107.098.19.03
Date:1979
Image of Drummers performing at Cherry Blossom Festival at Seattle Center, May 5, 1979
Photograph

Drummers performing at Cherry Blossom Festival at Seattle Center, May 5, 1979

The Japanese tradition of holding events or festivals surrounding the short-lived blooming of ornamental cherry blossom trees (sakura) is thought to be centuries old and is maintained in many parts of the world. Cherry blossom festivals (hanami) are a reminder to celebrate life and to enjoy the transient beauty of flowers. They are held outside and often include a variety…
ID Number:2000.107.098.19.04
Date:1979
Image of Dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, August 2, 1936
Photograph

Dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, August 2, 1936

During the summer of 1932, Seattle's first Bon Odori festival was held by the Seattle Buddhist Church (Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple). Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese style of dancing performed during Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance celebrates selfless giving and expresses gratitude to departed family members and ancestors. Over the years, the annual open-to-all event has…
ID Number:2000.107.098.20.03
Date:1936
Image of Quincy Jones with Garfield High School Students, Seattle, November 15, 1982
Photograph

Quincy Jones with Garfield High School Students, Seattle, November 15, 1982

Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. (1933-2024), musician, composer, producer, entrepreneur and humanitarian, was born in Chicago, and moved to Washington state as a child, attending Garfield High School in Seattle. Jones had discovered music when he was 12 and became more deeply involved in high school, developing his skills as a trumpeter and arranger, and playing in bands with Garfield classmates.…
ID Number:2000.107.101.11.01
Date:1982
Image of Junior League members performing
Photograph

Junior League members performing "Zelda, Not an Ordinary Witch," Seattle, 1950

For more than a century, Junior League members have confronted society’s most pressing issues and tackled its toughest problems, leaving an unrivaled legacy of reform. Since its inception in 1923, members of the Junior League of Seattle (JLS) have worked to improve our community through mission-driven projects and hands-on work with many Community Partners. Some Junior League projects included entertainment…
ID Number:2000.107.101.35.01
Date:1950
Image of Young girl performing Crown Dance at Sand Point Community Church, Seattle, January 23, 1977
Photograph

Young girl performing Crown Dance at Sand Point Community Church, Seattle, January 23, 1977

In late January 1977, Seattle's Sand Point Community Church celebrated Korea Day. Korean families entertained attendees with dances, a fashion show of traditional costumes, movies, and language lessons. Here, Young-Mi Song performs the Crown Dance. Sand Point Community Church, in northeast Seattle, was founded sometime around 1944. It is now known as Sand Point Community United Methodist Church. Caption information…
ID Number:2000.107.107.32.04
Date:1977
Image of Bruce Lee's gravesite, Seattle, 1977
Photograph

Bruce Lee's gravesite, Seattle, 1977

Legendary martial artist Lee Jun Fan (1940-1973), known professionally as Bruce Lee, was born in San Francisco, raised in Hong Kong, and attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle, before moving to back to California. During his time in Seattle Lee began teaching martial arts, and later his Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong…
ID Number:2000.107.111.30.01
Date:1977
Image of Bruce Lee training with wooden Wing Chun dummy, Seattle, 1961
Photograph

Bruce Lee training with wooden Wing Chun dummy, Seattle, 1961

Legendary martial artist Lee Jun Fan (1940-1973), known professionally as Bruce Lee, was born in San Francisco, raised in Hong Kong, and attended college at the University of Washington in Seattle, before moving to back to California. During his time in Seattle Lee began teaching martial arts, and later his Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong…
ID Number:2000.107.111.30.03
Date:1961
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