Music
For some readers, the phrase "concert band" conjures vivid memories. One strain of a Sousa march may be enough to remind us of strutting around in fuzzy hats playing "Baby Elephant Walk" for unimpressed football fanatics. Out here in the real world, concert band encompasses a variety of genres and
Features
Not satisfied with the sub-par Chicago dog offerings in the Puget Sound, Debby Graham decided that with her close proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, she most likely wasn't alone in her frustration. And rather than settle for less, she did something about it. She started her own business - Hometown
Music
It is hot as hell in the Pacific Northwest, right about now. Still, something that always sits right with hot weather is music, and summer tends to burst with concerts and events to take your mind off the encroaching sun and its dastardly ways. In addition to the many events
Travel
Do you dream of warm, sunny days on a sandy beach? Then you won't want to miss out on Port Townsend. A short road trip away, this vibrant beach community is less than a two-hour drive from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. One of only three Victorian waterfronts in the U.S., Port
Music
The term "Parrot Head" was coined in 1985 at a Jimmy Buffett concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the show, Jimmy commented about everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats and how they kept coming back to see his shows, just like Grateful Dead followers, Deadheads. Thus, the term "Parrot Head"
Features
Summer weather screams for a backyard BBQ, sprinklers in the yard, and the sound of the ice cream truck roaming the neighborhood. But sometimes you just need to put the pot-luck burger aside and head out for a burger made by people who make them for a living. There are
Features
The days are long, the grill is fired up, and baseball is in full-swing. And to complement those hallmarks of summer, especially the Fourth of July weekend, we can't forget the all-American hot dog. In the Puget Sound, we're not immediately known for hot dogs (more really for our coffee), and
Outdoors
With summer in full swing, many people are already thinking about how they will spend their 4th of July. It is the holiday that brings everyone together to celebrate the very freedoms that we enjoy each and every day. Whether you choose to stay at home to celebrate or travel
Outdoors
Red, white, blue and camouflage will be the thematic colors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for its Freedom Fest celebration, which begins at noon on Independence Day. Civilians will get the chance to celebrate the holiday with members of the Armed Forces. The free event, now in its 20th year, will
Outdoors
With many eyes on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Tacoma's Fourth of July festivals, you may think that is the beginning and end of it. Here are the Top 10 in the area we'd suggest:TACOMA AREA1. Freedom Fest:Let's start with Freedom Fest at JBLM, the annual celebration that invites the public
Outdoors
This time of year in Washington is like magic. The rain has finally stopped, and the skies are clear and sunny. Lucky for us, we don't have to travel far to experience the beauty in our backyard. There are several great, easy hikes within a short drive of JBLM. With
Outdoors
In the song "Sloop John B," Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys detail a catastrophic sailing expedition that erupts in a booze-driven saga of fist-fights and stolen corn. The protagonist just wants to get home, but first he must hoist the sails and turn the boat back toward where they
Arts
If you don't study them carefully, Jean Mandeberg's metal and mixed media assemblages at Salon Refu appear to be sweet wall decorations and little more, but if you make the effort to look carefully you'll see there's much more to them that meets the eye in a cursory glance. There is
Music
As I sit here, in the cozy darkness of a bar, and write about another band, I reflect on the possibility that my journeys through Tacoma today may have resulted in my first sunburn of this new summer. That yellow psychopath we call the sun got me. I've written many
Reviews
The Foss Waterway in Tacoma is quickly becoming a destination spot for walking, socializing, and anyone looking for a casual and comfortable dining experience. One of those places is Paesan Kitchen and Bar, established in 2013. Located on the west side of the waterway, Paesan has a small comfortable feel
Outdoors
Never let it be said that the Pacific Northwest isn't filled with adventurous pursuits. From watersports to amazing aerial adventures, get out of the city, and you'll find high adventure around every bend. Skydiving If high adventure is what you seek, jumping out of a plane to catch sight of Northwest scenery
Outdoors
As a hard-working, active-duty member of the military, a retiree or a Department of Defense civilian employee, your service is much appreciated, and you're duly deserving of some R&R. Fortunately, Army and Navy installations in the Pacific Northwest are home to some beautiful outdoor recreation, and opportunities abound for relaxing overnight
Music
Lacey Days, kicking off this weekend, isn't just one event, it's a new title for a whole buffet of fun that gets summer started in Lacey - and the Lacey South Sound Chamber and the city of Lacey are hoping you're ready to dig in to two weeks of events
Stage
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Lakewood Playhouse is a deliciously funny romp through merrie olde England. Based on an unfinished novel by Charles Dickens, Drood is a musical comedy that asks the audience to vote on whodunit. What a fun and ingenious concept by Rupert Holmes, who wrote the
Music
Tacoma bluegrass act Barleywine Revue will celebrate five years of music with a blowout weekend of music at venues throughout their home city. Barleywine will play three shows starting tonight and stretching well into Saturday as part of their "Bluegrass Today for a Greener Tomorrow" tour. Barleywine started as a college