SEVEN STAR WOMEN'S KUNG FU

On the Edge: A Celebration of Dance, Music and Martial Arts

September 15 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

You are invited to a benefit performance on Saturday evening, September 15, at Velocity Main Space Theater in the historic Odd Fellows Building on Capitol Hill, 915 East Pine Street, Seattle

On The Edge will offer an inspired fusion of live dance, music and exotic martial arts performances. The evening will also feature a complimentary catered buffet with a variety of Pyramid Ale microbrews and Washington state wines as well as exciting live and silent auctions featuring many unique items and affordable treasures. Great door prizes too! You won’t want to miss this fabulous event!

On The Edge is a benefit performance for Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu, a 501(c)(3) non-profit women’s martial arts and self-defense school. All proceeds from this event will fund Seven Star’s scholarship program, free child care program and community outreach programs. If you would like to become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation to our auction, please contact us at sevenstarwomen@yahoo.com

On The Edge: Our Performers

On The Edge will include performances by the following artists:

Amy Roberts: Award-winning singer/songwriter Amy Roberts is well-known to Seattle audiences. "She combines pop music's hooks with the honesty of Ani DiFranco and the sweetness of James Taylor in a voice that reaches all the way down to your soul." "Amy's songs stay with you. Her voice is a gorgeous sound...at once pure, sweet and powerful…" (Amy Freedman, WRNR Radio). Amy will be performing several of her songs for us.

Hallie Kuperman & Ricki Mason: Hallie is the owner of the Century Ballroom in Seattle. She has been teaching Lindy Hop and swing dancing since 1991 and salsa dancing since 1997. She was the co-director for Swing This!, a Lindy Hop performance troupe at Century Ballroom. She continues to teach, choreograph and perform whenever possible. Hallie will perform “Special Girlfriends” for us with fellow swing dancer Ricki Mason. Ricki teaches modern dance at Velocity Dance Center and directs LAUNCH dance theater. She has worked with choreographers KT Niehoff, Alex Martin, and Laura Curry.

Michele Miller & Heather Coyle: Michele is a founding member of Velocity Dance Center and the d9 Dance Collective. She teaches modern dance and is on faculty at Cornish College of the Arts. Michele also holds a third degree black belt in Kajukenbo Kung Fu and has studied martial arts and taught dance in Hong Kong. At the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, Michele won two gold medals in martial arts forms competition. Michele and Heather will perform a two-person sword and spear form.

Michelle McVadon: Michelle is the Head Instructor of Seven Star Women's Kung Fu. She holds the ranks of 5th degree black belt in Kajukenbo, Sandan in Aikido and Shodan in Seido Jujitsu. In 2003 she was named Martial Artist of the Year by the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists. Michelle will give a presentation of Kajukenbo kung fu choreographed to music.

Uncle Duke, Free, and Orbit: Hip hop dancers Free and Orbit are members of internationally recognized break dance group Circle of Fire. Described in the Stranger as "a mix of rap, funk, and electro" these performers frequently attract crowds at the War Room and Lo-Fi.

Yushin Daiko: This is a taiko drumming group that does more than just play taiko! "In adding Japanese dance, vocals, comedic routine, and Japanese flute, they create performances that entertain in a variety of ways and yet still reflect their Japanese heritage and their Japanese American experiences." Our evening's program will begin with a performance by this talented ensemble.

On The Edge: Live and Silent Auctions

ArtsWest Playhouse (www.artswest.org): Gift certificate for two tickets to any main stage production (subject to availability and some restrictions may apply). "ArtsWest produces events so fiercely compelling that they require conversation, improve the imagination, and promote cultural vibrancy." ($58 value)

Araya Vegetarian Thai Place: Two gift certificates for two to Araya's award winning Lunch Buffet. The buffet lunch is a great way to sample many of this U District restaurant’s specialties. “Fresh herbs and spicy oils flavor traditional favorites like pad Thai and pineapple fried rice, while unusual treats such as Drunken Mushrooms (Portobellos with rice noodles) keep things interesting.” ($20 value each certificate, $40 total)

Babeland (www.babeland.com): Gift bag of goodies "for a passionate world" from Babeland (for adults only, you must be 18 or older to bid on this item!) ($42 value)

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society (www.bellevuebotanical.org): One-year individual membership which includes newsletter, reduced or no-fee classes and lectures, gift shop discounts and invitations to member-only events. Enjoy 53 acres of dramatic display gardens, woodlands, meadows and wetlands. ($25 value)

Blue Ribbon Cooking & Culinary Center (www.blueribboncooking.com): Gift certificate to attend one open-to-the-public gourmet cooking class which includes hands-on cooking and a complete sit-down dinner. Located on the Lake Union waterfront with many classes to choose from and many featured chefs. ($85 value)

Bremerton Symphony (www.bremertonsymphony.org): Two tickets to any 2007-2008 Bremerton Symphony concert. "The premier classical music performance organization serving audiences and musicians in the West Sound community." ($52 value)

Brown Bear Car Wash (www.brownbear.com): Two "Paw Packs" for car wash services (each pack is a $25-$35 value).

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (www.burkemuseum.org): Four guest passes to the Burke Museum, the only major natural history museum in the Northwest. Take a journey of discovery. ($32 value)

Century Ballroom (www.CenturyBallroom.com): One session of dance classes for 2 people. From salsa to swing — from tango to tap! The largest dance floor in Seattle. ($110 value)

Charles Smith Wines (www.charlessmithwines.com): A case of “Kung Fu Girl 2006 Riesling” produced and bottled by Charles Smith Wines of Columbia Valley, Washington. “An ever-so-slightly off-dry, zingy, wine with floral and pineapple aromas and flavors plus Asian pear, apricot, quince, and a zesty lime peel great minerality on the palate. This wine, from the strange mind of producer Charles Smith, is so sleek and racy that it never seems sweet.” (Approx. value $14 per bottle)

Civic Light Opera (www.clo-musicaltheatre.org): Gift certificate for two tickets to Seattle Musical Theatre “musical theatre at its best.” ($70 value)

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley (www.jazzalley.com): Gift certificate which covers admission for two to any Tuesday thru Thursday performance. "Northwest's premiere concert nightclub - audiences enjoy weekly performances by artists of international stature." ($50 value)

Dynamic Chiropractic Clinic (www.dynamicclinic.com): Gift certificate for $500 of chiropractic services at the clinic. Use it yourself or give it to a friend in pain! ($500 value)

Emerald Downs (www.emeralddowns.com): Gift certificate includes admission to thoroughbred horse racing track, official programs and reserved seating for 4 during the 2007-2008 racing season. Go, Baby, Go! ($50 value)

Fifth Avenue Theater (www.5thavenue.org): Gift certificate for two $70 tickets to Stephen Sondheim’s "Into the Woods" — a fractured fairy tale — Sunday, October 28, evening performance. ($140 total value)

Frye Art Museum (www.fryemuseum.org): One Year Family Membership, including invitations to member-only events and previews, discounts at the museum store and a quarterly newsletter of upcoming lectures and other events. ($75 value)

Handcrafted Native American drum (with drum stick and drum case) created in the traditional manner by Native American artist (and kung fu black belt!) Joan Glendale. ($200 value)

Harlequin Productions, State Theater in Olympia, WA (www.harlequinproductions.org): Two tickets to "Under a Mantle of Stars" — a dream-comedy by the author of "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Good for any Thursday or Sunday performance between January 17 and February 7, 2008. ($66 value)

Hot House Spa & Sauna (www.hothousespa.com): Four guest passes to this women-only spa (hot tub, steam room and sauna). Great for you and to bring a friend! ($52 value)

Intiman Theatre (www.intiman.org): Two single ticket vouchers for a Sunday thru Thursday show in the 2008 performance season. New Masters and Classic Work. The Intiman Playhouse at Seattle Center is the 2006 Tony Award recipient for outstanding regional theater. (up to $88 value)

Italian Feast for Six Guests: Enjoy a tantalizing six course dinner with wine pairing prepared for up to six people in your home. As you wine and dine be entwined with an Italian lesson and discussion of the gastronomic culture of Italy. Your meal will be prepared in traditional manors of the Reggio Emilia and Sardegna regions of Italy. All dietary restrictions are possible including, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Appetite Required. Mangia! ($250 value)

Julia's Restaurants (www.eatatjulias.com): Gift certificate for a dinner-for-two. "Wholesome food & wildly good times!" (up to $75 value)

Kirkland Performance Center (www.kpcenter.org) A World of Arts ... Near You!: Two tickets to attend "4 Slices of Wry" on October 13, 2007. A wickedly funny comedy by four brilliant solo performers. ($48 value)

Krispy Kreme Works LLC (www.icon.com): One dozen donuts per month for one year. ($90 value)

Laurel Ink, Inc.: Three challenging fine art jigsaw puzzles ($45 value) and faux leather truck filled with all occasion blank greeting cards ($150 value). Laurel Ink is based in Seattle and recognized for the highest quality printing standards.

Live Girls Theater (livegirlstheater.org): Theater passes. Live Girls! is a theater in Seattle dedicated to producing and developing new works by women.

Mae's Phinney Ridge Cafe (www.maescafe.com): Gift certificate for breakfast or lunch for two. "Great Grazing on the Ridge!" ($25 value)

Maple Leaf Wine Cellar, Seattle (www.mapleleafcellar.com): We have three individual bottles of Kung Fu Girl 2006 Riesling “Grapes grown in the rocky soils of Evergreen vineyard produce this fantastic single vineyard Riesling. Aromatics - think: Asian pear, white peach and spring flowers. Follow this with a burst of flavor and a long fresh satisfying finish. Why Kung Fu Girl? Because Riesling and Girls kick ass!” (approx. $14 per bottle)

McCormick & Schmicks Seafood Restaurant (www.mccormickandschmicks.com): Two gift certificates valued at $20 each towards the purchase of any meal (alcohol not included). Fine dining with 30 varieties of fresh seafood. ($40 total value)

Northwest Chamber Chorus (www.northwestchamberchorus.org): Certificate redeemable for 4 preferred seating tickets during the 2008 40th anniversary concert season (three concerts to choose from). "The 40-voice ensemble is critically acclaimed for its professional quality performances of the best classical choral music." ($72 value)

Olympic Music Festival Getaway for Two (www.olympicmusicfestival.org): Escape to the Olympic Peninsula for a weekend of world-class chamber music in an idyllic setting. Stay in a cabin or guest suite on the Festival grounds where you can explore the serene 55-acre sylvan grounds, feed the farm donkeys, play horseshoes, play ping pong, or just pick berries and enjoy the peaceful setting. This getaway includes: lodging for two, a gourmet dinner in the company of the Festival Artists, a delicious breakfast, and reserved seating inside the Barn for a concert of your choice. ($500 value)

Northwest Outdoor Center (www.nwoc.com): Two hours kayaking for two on Lake Union. Paddle Seattle! ($52 value)

Rosebud Restaurant & Bar (www.rosebud-restaurant.com): Brunch-for-two gift certificate (alcohol not included). Brunch at the Rosebud — a Seattle tradition in the heart of Capitol Hill.

SAM & the Seattle Asian Art Museum (www.seattleartmuseum.org): Admission pass for two tickets to the newly expanded downtown SAM ("breathtaking presentations, a bounty of new works") or the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. ($26 value)

Skate Journeys (www.skatejourneys.com): An inline skate school for adults & kids. Gift certificate for two inline skate lessons (two certificates good for 2 lessons each). (approx. $40 value per certificate)

The Comedy Underground (www.comedyunderground.com): Two admission-for-two gift certificates for "the best comedy club in the Northwest." (two $30 gift certificates Š $60 total value)

The Islander — Polynesian Cuisine & Tiki Lounge (www.theislanderseattle.com): Enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine at its best. ($40 gift voucher)

Tillicum Village & Tours Inc. (tillicumvillage.com): One ticket for a round trip scenic boat cruise from Seattle’s Pier 55 to Tillicum Village on Blake Island, an appetizer of steamed clams, a traditional Northwest Coast Native American fire-cooked salmon dinner and enjoy a performance of Native American dances. ($79 value)

Vertical World (www.verticalworld.com): Gift certificate for two to attend 2 hour “Intro to Indoor Climbing” class. Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing, fitting the harness, tying the figure 8 knot, and proper belaying techniques. Class limited to six participants, all equipment provided. Includes a free two-week membership to Vertical World. Take yourself to new heights! ($100 total value)