Arts
This large group show compares plein air paintings by Washington artists with larger studio paintings of the same subject by the same artists. It would be reasonable to assume that the plein air paintings done on the spot out in nature might be better than the studio paintings - fresher,
Music
There are a lot of milestones that come with growing up listening to music: leaving the comfort of the music that your parents played for you, using their teachings as building blocks to discover bands on your own; getting the first pangs of abandonment when a favorite band releases a
Features
Winter is clearly here, and the season calls for heavy sweaters and hearty meals. Comfort food is different to every person, and as an individually driven craving, it varies a great deal. But generally, it is a generous helping of whatever makes you feel, well, comfortable. Some of the best
Attractions
The Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo should be a setting for a series of children's books, along the lines of Dr. Dolittle-meets-Pippi Longstocking. Here, a Zebu calf munches peacefully at the manger with a collection of goats, a brown and white pony, and some sheep. The pony and goats are
Stage
When I started writing theater reviews 10 years ago, few people outside of Federal Way had ever heard of Centerstage, but in the years since, this little-known theater has blossomed into one of the finest in the Puget Sound region - thanks in large part to outstanding productions spearheaded by,
Arts
I love the new show at Fulcrum Gallery. It is called "Blue Collar," paintings in acrylic on antique platters by Adrian Bouchard. How such an outstanding Tacoma painter could have escaped my attention until now is beyond comprehension. Bouchard paints portraits taken from old photographs. They are hyper realistic, painted with
Music
Over the years that I've spent writing for this fine rag, I've made no secret of my distaste for just about every holiday (not you, Arbor Day; don't go changing). In particular, I've let New Year's Eve have it on several occasions. It's become something of an annual tradition in
Music
Maia Santell, performing New Year's Eve at Johnny's Dock Restaurant & Marina, is a name you should know. With a vocal timbre reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney, she and her venerable backing band, House Blend, are stars of contemporary jazz and blues in Tacoma. Her parents and uncle were fixtures in
Reviews
Seattle's Vostok Dumpling House has added a second location right here in Tacoma on Commerce Street. Now Tacomans can also enjoy quick bites of Eastern Europe for lunch or dinner for just a few bucks out of their pocket as most tastings range between $5-$10 for half and full orders,
Music
Now in its fifth year, Polar Plaza has put downtown T-Town on ice since Nov. 21 and still has a few weeks to go until the party stops. The covered ice skating rink has become the place to be for a chilly December, and there's even a food truck onsite
Music
Christmas is almost here, and that means the new year can't be too far away. Looking for something fun to do to welcome in 2016? Here are a few ideas to get you started: First Night Tacoma, Thursday, Dec. 31, Theater District, Downtown Tacoma, $10, www.firstnighttacoma.com. This annual family-friendly, alcohol-free event begins
Arts
"Ringside" at B2 Fine Art Gallery is an unusual departure from the regular fare at art galleries. It is an art exhibition about boxing, featuring photographs by veteran sports photographer Chris Farina, paintings by international kickboxer Kevin Brewerton, and paintings by Julie Snyder. Also listed in the show announcement is
Stage
In the great Finnish song cycle known as the Kalevala, compiled from folk tales by Elias Lönnrot in 1849, heroic first human Väinämöinen fights an epic battle against witch queen Louhi for a magical talisman, the Sampo. (Full marks if you're reminded of J.R.R. Tolkien, who acknowledged the Kalevala as
Music
I sometimes cast my mind back to a formative experience when I was around 13 years old. I had attended an old friend's Bat Mitzvah, followed by a reception at a local hotel. I found myself frequently huddled together with my male friend that came with me, avoiding any interactions
Arts
This season will mark the second annual Bonsai Solstice event at the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way. This unique event is centered on the bonsai tree, which many people choose to grow inside their homes as an artistic hobby. The living art known as bonsai is beautifully showcased within
Stage
Olympia Family Theater's A Charlie Brown Christmas is the same show that's been running on television as an animated story every Christmas season since 1965. I would venture to guess that at least 90 percent of the adults who bring their children to see this show have already seen it,
Music
Holiday happenings are part of what make the holiday season go ‘round. Whether you're heading out for a very rainy Christmas light adventure or a sing-a-long, chances are there's at least one holiday event in your future. And yet not all shows are created equal. Sure, you could go with
Stage
Back in the days before online shopping and YouTube videos of cats, holiday entertainment meant TV specials and variety shows hosted by the likes of Perry Como. Like the gelatin salad with fruit and vegetables and a nuts-and-cream-cheese topping, these old-fashioned mixtures of song, dance and comedy - all held together
Outdoors
With the magic and wonder of the holiday season now fully upon us, the city of Bellevue sends a warm, open invitation to all to celebrate the "Magic Season" with them. Home to western Washington's largest outdoor ice arena, the city strives to bring joy and wonder to children from
Stage
Who says the beginning of winter in the Puget Sound has to be dark, dreary and dull? If this year's The Christmas Revels® has anything to say about it, well, it will most certainly be the opposite of those very descriptions. This long-running local production has created a lively and spirited blend