Arts
A smart man once told me that one should never pass up the opportunities to do the strange and unexpected. "It is the strange things that we all regret not doing," he said, in an aged and stoic voice, "and if you ever have the opportunity to do something out of
Music
In the helter-skelter of the modern world, sometimes Bobble Tiki needs nothing so much as the chance to retire inside, close the bamboo shutters and take a break. But Bobble Tiki is the nervous sort, cursed with the inability to just sit and daydream. For some reason, and in less than
Music
Dylan Kuehl's name enter my life via a flyer at my kid's school for a Michael Jackson tribute band. My kid's school isn't the epicenter of cool flyers - not that ballet, theater and soccer aren't cool. A Michael Jackson tribute band sings a little louder. After being drawn into the
Music
Who are the streets talking about? I have been hearing Starr's name a lot. He is a diverse MC - who is respected on the battle-circuit, but also for making good music. This double - threat has eluded many a hip-hop artist. I know we can all think of dope
Stage
I was impressed with Marsha Glaziere's paintings at Fulcrum Gallery. There are only seven paintings in the show, but they are large. They fill the space and demand attention. Glaziere's acrylic and mixed-media paintings picture the gritty industrial side of cities with a focus on interweaving networks of highway overpasses and ramps.
Music
>>> Friday, March 1 LA LUZ The world is awash with bands that are tagged as heavy reverb. Despite, or maybe because of this trend, there tends to be many derivatives of the genre. Seattle's La Luz avoids the tag. La Luz is the newest project from versatile artist Shanna Cleveland. The
Music
The band Planet of Giants and I slide into a booth at the Brotherhood Lounge in Olympia. My interview with the duo goes down as one of the longest and most entertaining sessions I've had in awhile. It lasted a good four beers, included tons of commentary that isn't publishable
Features
The hamburger has been a meaty meal staple since the dawn of time - well at least since around 1900. The hamburger's born-on date is still being debated in burger circles. Who cares? The South Sound is a burger-loving region, and you can find excellent versions all over: beefy patties, oozing juice, coated
Stage
If I haven't made it abundantly clear in the past, I think Hamlet is the greatest piece of dramatic literature ever written, its only competition being the Biblical book of Job. (It's a musical. I promise. Look it up.) It's also one of the most intimidating works in the canon,
Stage
Do you believe in ghosts? According to a 2009 CBS News poll, more Americans say they do than don't, and over one in five say they've experienced paranormal activity. There's a specter running loose in Lakewood Playhouse right now, in a masterful production that demonstrates what talent, commitment, hard work,
Guides
BEST PILLOWS Three Bad Seeds The pillows of this family of crafters have distinctive Northwest flair. Made from upcycled wool and linen, mostly in natural tones, the pillows are cute but never cutesy in such shapes as buffalo, foxes, mountain goats, hedgehogs - oh, and mountains. They also have domestic dogs
Guides
Just as a distinct accessory or trim makes an outfit, the daring pairing of vintage apparel and psychic readings sets Olympia's Psychic Sister apart from the norm. The shop, voted Olympia's Best Vintage Clothing Store, features a lively mix of intact and lovingly updated vintage items, owner Sarah Adams' own creations,
Guides
The Weekly Volcano would like to thank all those who took the time to vote in the best of Olympia 2013 Readers' Poll. You are the best. Best Shoe Store: Yolli Shoes Best Record Store: Rainy Day Records Best Grocery Store: Olympia Food Coop Best Tattoo Shop: Lit Fuse Tattoo Best Hair Salon: Jamie Lee
Guides
BEST DECADE TO MAKE NEW AGAIN '90s nostalgia The major musical trend of the last two years may very well be '90s nostalgia, but for various reasons this may have served the Olympia music community quite well. This past year saw Bangs return, briefly, to live performance. One of the great Olympia
Guides
I feel like these babes really get it - Ali Baker owns the bass and vocals, Jessie Jackson rakes that guitar and Sarah Lynn coaxes the drums right along. The combination is dazzling, with strong vocals, righteous lyrics, and a balance of instrumental heaviness and harmony, in other words, good
Guides
Everything about this band is fun, even saying its name. Try it right now, say it out loud, "Erev Rav Klezmer Orchestra." See. Feels good huh? After sitting in on an Erev Rav practice, I can't imagine anyone sitting during a performance. I politely just tapped my foot along; I wasn't
Guides
The Weekly Volcano would like to thank all those who took the time to vote in the best of Olympia 2013 Readers' Poll. You are the best. Best Band: Erev Rav Best New Band: Full Moon Radio Best Indie Rock Band: Full Moon Radio Best Metal Band: Wolves in the Throne Room Best Punk Band:
Guides
BEST NEW HIRE Lauren O'Neill at Capital Playhouse Just when Capital Playhouse seemed out of the woods, it got slammed with the horrifying pubic implosion of its artistic director. It needed a top-quality replacement, stat. Enter Lauren O'Neill, a bright, sparkling stage presence whose résumé seems tailor-made for the struggling company. "Solvency,
Guides
There's little doubt Jason Haws is Olympia's go-to guy for heady, hardcore theatrical emoting, the kind which requires him to dredge up childhood traumas and bawl like Anne Hathaway after a haircut. (Or who knows, maybe he's balancing his checkbook in there. He insists his method isn't immersive.) After a
Guides
The Weekly Volcano would like to thank all those who took the time to vote in the best of Olympia 2013 Readers' Poll. You are the best. Best Local Filmmaker: Zach Weintraub Best Movie Theater: Capitol Theater Most Creative Person: Jill Carter Best Theater Company: Ballet Northwest Best Performance Space: The Washington Center Best Local Actor: