Music
It is tough times out there. Just when there are some rays of hope like marijuana legalization and marriage equality; there are also ugly reminders about the unhealthiness of our planet and human culture. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, our country argues over gun safety and the root causes
Music
>>> Friday, Dec. 28 GLASS ELEVATOR The opening song, "Life is Glorious," on Olympia's own Glass Elevator's most recent album, starts off sounding like '70s Italo-prog rock outfit P.F.M., and once all the jittery drums clear away it starts to sound like a long-lost Unicorns track. Song number two sounds like Ween
Music
I have to admit, I'm a little sad that the first time I'm writing about Broken Oars, it's to announce their break-up and final show on New Year's Eve at The Loch's in Tacoma. The band did have a soft break-up back in April, but this is the real deal. Where
Live & CD Reviews
As a songwriter, Allan Boothe has always had a vulnerability about him. As a performer, he more frequently comes across as a bundle of nerves than a rock star. On record, he has a way of revealing so much of himself in such a melancholy way - even as he's
Arts
Picking up an album and examining the cover is the first step when shopping for, listening to or contemplating music. Sometimes gazing at the cover, studying the inside jackets and analyzing the art is half the fun. Below, Weekly Volcano art critic Alec Clayton gives his impression of a handful of
Arts
Let's review: So what did you get accomplished in 2012? Some of you graduated from high school/college, some welcomed a bouncing baby boy/girl into the world, still others found/lost that perfect job. (My condolences to the latter.) As for me, just another typical year fighting my future self while rising
Features
Cooking for the holidays is complicated. And when you add a heaping quantity of family, friends and Martha Stewart-induced expectations of a perfectly prepared, heartwarming holiday feast, you could find yourself hiding in the pantry, guzzling cooking wine and wondering why you ever thought it was a good idea to
Music
A long-standing tradition in the South Sound, open mics allow artists to build their name and test original music on an audience. The local open mic scene can deliver, with many stages and amateur stage experiences. Most open mics take little more than signing your name on a slip of
Listings
ACOUSTIC/FOLK/CELTIC Tugboat Annies Olympia - Westside. Irish Session. All Ages. 8-10 pm. NC. BLUES Charlie's Sports Bar and Grill Olympia - Downtown. Blues Jam with Blues Attitude. 9 pm. NC. Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Crazy Texas Gypsies Open Jam. 8 pm. Midtown Grill Bonney Lake.
Listings
ACOUSTIC/FOLK/CELTIC O'Blarney's Irish Pub Olympia - Eastside. A Very Irish New Year. 9 pm. Timberline High School Lacey. Katie Ainge. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. BLUES Olympic Club Hotel and Theater Centralia. 2013 New Year's Eve, with Blues Redemption. 9 pm. $15. Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill
Listings
ACOUSTIC/FOLK/CELTIC Charlie's Restaurant Puyallup. Acoustic Jam Night. Open mic format with Pam Carter from Classic Case as the host. 6-9 pm. NC. BLUES Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Blues Jam, hosted by Tim Hall. 8 pm. Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Sunday Blues Jam Night.
Listings
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Listings
ACOUSTIC/FOLK/CELTIC The Pig Bar @ South Bay BBQ Olympia - Downtown. Ethan Tucker. 8 pm. Spar Cafe Olympia - Downtown. James Faretheewell. 8 pm. NC. BLUES Red Bicycle Bistro and Sushi Bar Vashon. Bill Brown & The Kingbees. 8:30 pm. NC. Rock the Dock Pub & grill Tacoma - Downtown. Zero Down Blues. 9
Listings
ACOUSTIC/FOLK/CELTIC Spar Cafe - Olympia. Amanda Navares. 8 pm. NC. Matrix Coffee House Lewis County. Open Mic Night. All Ages. 6:30 pm. NC. BLUES Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Billy Shew Band Open Jam Session. 8 pm. NC. The Junction Sports Bar and Grill Lewis County. Blues Jam. Hosted by Blues Attitude. 8
Listings
BLUES Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe Tacoma - Eastside. Swampy Draws. 7 pm. NC.
Stage
Art galleries often trot out old favorites and sure-sellers for the holiday season. Childhood's End Gallery has a tendency to do that year-round. Fortunately, many of their favorites and best-sellers are also good art. But not always their best. They've practically recycled the entirety of their recent Don Tiller show, which
Stage
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has been around since the early 1970s and has been performed by countless elementary, middle, and high schools, church groups and community theaters. The first stage production was by the Seattle Children's Theatre in 1982 and a TV version starring Loretta Swit
Arts
There's a battle going. It's a battle that may or may not touch your life, but one that will help to shape the future of digital rights. It's a battle between many top publishers and libraries. You can join this battle. You can make your voice heard. Pierce County Library's
Arts
Above the busy port waters of Tacoma, just between the train tracks and the commotion of Pacific Avenue, a gem rises from the concrete, its two-story glass entrance beckoning sleekly at an inviting angle, the Tacoma Art Museum. Hidden within that gem is a magical place, a place where appearances can
Features
Damn it's cold! It's time for layers of scarves, sweaters and coats and perhaps a dash of the long johns under the jeans for good measure. Actually, the double layering is a nifty idea. Who cares if you resemble the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man; holiday pounds could