2026 Town Hall Gala
Spark & Sustain: A Celebration for Town Hall Seattle
With Special Guests J. Kenji López-Alt and Tomo Nakayama
EVENT NOTES
Doors for this event will open at 6:30 PM. Town Hall events are approximately 75 minutes long.

From the mind of Brett Hamil, the cartoonist behind Doom Loop and co-producer of Joketellers Union, comes an utterly unique talk show. Starring Hamil’s wistful handyman alter ego Burl Dirkman, Power Thru It! with Burl Dirkman will take the audience on a comedic journey of self-discovery, featuring interviews with local luminaries J. Kenji López-Alt and Tomo Nakayama, and cathartic activities designed to help you access your long-neglected emotional core. Prepare to cry real tears of joy!
Brett Hamil is a cartoonist and comedian living in Seattle. He publishes a weekly political cartoon, Doom Loop, for the South Seattle Emerald, and produces a critically acclaimed live comedy show, Joketellers Union at the Clock-Out Lounge. He’s also the author of 3 graphic novels.
Tomo Nakayama has explored the lines between intimate indie folk, exuberant synth pop, and cinematic soundtracks for over two decades. His fourth album, Ocean, was released last year.
Kenji López-Alt is a former restaurant cook, New York Times columnist, and author of the James Beard Award–winning and bestselling books The Food Lab and The Wok, as well as the children’s book Every Night Is Pizza Night.
Presented by Town Hall Seattle.
Events are offered for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes only. Read Town Hall’s Program Content Policy.
Spark & Sustain: A Celebration for Town Hall Seattle
Rental Partner: North Corner Chamber Orchestra presents
Cox, Schumann, and Mendelssohn
Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Center for Creative Aging present
Finding Dignity, Hope, and Healing at the End