Seattle Mag

Seattle Podcast: Tom Mara and Beth Barrett Are SIFF’s Dynamic Duo

Seattle Podcast: Tom Mara and Beth Barrett Are SIFF’s Dynamic Duo

Tom Mara planned to retire when he left Seattle nonprofit radio station KEXP after two stints totaling 34 years. That didn’t last long. In August 2022, Mara accepted the CEO job at the Seattle International Film Festival. Here, he and longtime Artistic Director Beth Barrett discuss how SIFF became one of the largest film festivals in the world, and what’s in store as the festival celebrates 50 years. This year’s festival runs from May 9-19 at SIFF’s four venues across the city, including the venerable SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as The Cinerama).

Seattle Mag

Must List: March 21-27

Must List: March 21-27

Ignite Seattle, Zakir Khan, and the Purple Crayon

Catch some wildly entertaining rapid-fire talks, watch a classic children’s book come to life, or celebrate all things French. See comedian Zakir Khan, or lose yourself in Torres’ mesmerizing rock.

Seattle Mag

Must List: March 14-20

Must List: March 14-20

Mar 14 - Mar 20

Laughs, bites, and blossoms

Catch The Fantasticks, a fun take on young love and overbearing parents. Enjoy local seafood and wine at Taste Washington, or laugh with Trevor Noah. Celebrate blooming cherries, and don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Seattle Mag

Must List: March 7-13

Must List: March 7-13

Mar 07 - Mar 13

Arlo Parks, Cat Power, and a gripping new play

Don’t miss out on the poetic music of Arlo Parks, the Emerald City Irish Film Festival, the compelling narratives at Short Stories Live, Cat Power’s tribute to Bob Dylan, and a play that’s sure to move you.

Seattle Mag

She's the Boss

She’s the Boss

Nina Christofilis created her business-oriented podcast, Ladyboss, in high school

Nina Christofilis launched her Ladyboss podcast while still in high school. Ladyboss is focused on interviewing women in business about their path to success, with the goal of empowering younger women.

Photo by Katie M. Simmons

Seattle Mag

Must List: Feb. 29-March 6

Must List: Feb. 29-March 6

Feb 29 - Mar 06

Meaningful cinema, student showcase, and a comedic whodunit

Be inspired by senior dance students at Cornish, or join Sloane Crosley and Ben Gibbard for a discussion on loss and grief. Celebrate 50 years of SIFF with memorable films, laugh until it hurts at ‘Something’s Afoot,’ or catch 24 bands on four stages at Freakout Weekender.

Seattle Mag

Must List: Feb. 22-28

Must List: Feb. 22-28

Feb 22 - Feb 28

A civil rights icon, a poet laureate, and a luchadora

As the sun shines and the dirt flowers bloom, get ready for a fun week ahead…

Seattle Mag

Echoes & Sounds

Echoes & Sounds

Seattle institution KEXP has recently launched ambitious new programs highlighting unique Indigenous and Asian music…

Seattle Mag

Come Here Often?

Come Here Often?

The Seattle Book of Dates is a fun romp through the region

Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian are married, but dating is very much on their minds…

Seattle Mag

Must List: Feb. 15-21

Must List: Feb. 15-21

Feb 15 - Feb 21

Feist, Dr. Doretha Williams, or Winter Beer Festival

As Valentine’s Day fades, get ready for the week ahead. Explore our guide to Black History Month, catch up with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe in our Most Influential series, and discover the buzz around Washington’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop, Cheeky and Dry. Grab tickets to see Feist at Showbox SoDo, lift your spirits at…

Seattle Mag

The Must List: Feb. 8-14

The Must List: Feb. 8-14

Feb 08 - Feb 14

Smooth R&B vibes, a race for two, or a romantic stroll

With the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be an eventful week. Here are five recommended events worth checking out…

Seattle Mag

Quiet Time

Quiet Time

Silent book clubs pop up across region

What began as a small group of friends in West Seattle has exploded across the Puget Sound region.

Seattle Mag

Follow Us