Five things to do or see the week of Nov. 27- Dec. 3

Published 3:40 pm Monday, November 23, 2009

1. Amy Goodman, independent journalist and award-winning host of Democracy Now!, an internationally broadcast program, will present her new book, “Breaking the Sound Barrier,” from 3-5 p.m. today, Nov. 27, at the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. A book signing will follow at Eagle Harbor Books. Goodman’s book contains a collection of articles on truth and the media, giving voice to those often unheard, such as community organizers in New Orleans, American soldiers who’ve spoken against war and police violence victims. The event is free. Info: www. democracynow.org, www.eagleharborbooks.com.

2. It’s all handmade at Indie Banditas Bazaar, a sale featuring some of the Northwest’s best artists and crafters today and tomorrow, Nov. 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sale, at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge, is looking to draw more than 80 artists, one-third of whom will be locals, many of them craft-minded stay-at-home moms. Expect to find items of all kinds, from clothes and jewelry to housewares, paintings, pottery and footwear.

3. Let’ em make you laugh as the Admiral Theater hosts the 30th Seattle International Comedy Competition Saturday, Nov. 28. The 20-day competition draws stand-up comics from around the world, and plays at locations around the area, from Bellingham to Longview. The competition ends Sunday, Nov. 29, at Seattle’s Moore Theatre. The winner receives $5,000 and a yearlong recording contract with comedy label Uproar Entertainment, as well as a forecasted boost to their career.

Tickets: $25 for main floor and lodge, $20 for balcony. Show may contain adult content. Info: (360) 373-6743 or Seattlecomedycompetition.com.

4. “Steelscape is the name. Instrumental heavy metal is the game.” The progressive thrashers will be making noise along with Off the Rails (a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne) at Bremerton’s Winterland Saturday night, Nov. 28. Instrumental throw-down begins at 9:30, cost is $5. Find it: 1220 Sylvan Way, or www.myspace.com/winterlandrocks.

5. Prolific suspense writer JA Jance will speak and sign copies of her latest Ali Reynolds book, “Trial by Fire,” at the Silverdale Barnes and Noble in the Kitsap Mall at noon Dec. 2. In the tome, the former TV journalist takes a police department job in Sedona, Ariz. There, she helps an amnesiac survivor of a suspicious fire recover her identity — a task that puts them both in danger. The book releases Dec. 1. Seating at the event is limited. Cost: Free. Info: (360) 698-0945.