CLOWNING AROUND: In the recent past, Cirque du Soleil leaned more toward show than cirque, entertaining still, but not in the way that people have loved and raved about for two decades. Yet Kooza, one of the company's three touring shows, is Cirque in traditional form, centering on acrobatic performance and the fine art of clowning. Kooza, the story of “The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world,” spotlights ten acrobatic acts, seven characters, and music that draws on both 70s funk and traditional Indian. Looking to impress a date? Need some light heartedness to balance out the early June gloom? Really into well-dressed clowns? Look no further. more ›

ALL THAT JAZZ!: If your musical soul isn't daring enough to venture to Sasquatch or hippy-dippy enough for the Folklife Festival, you can check out the smooth tunes at the--air conditioned--Bellevue Jazz Festival. Curtains open tonight with the preeminent young male jazz singer Kurt Elling and Grammy winner, Dianne Reeves. Weekend performances include: Mingus Big Band, Mose Allison Trio and the Seattle Rep. Jazz Orchestra. On a budget? The festival has a few free shows, featuring our very own local talented pool of rising jazz stars. Performance times and locations vary, Friday-Sunday // Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St. // Tickets: Packages $59-149 more ›