Walkie Talkie Blog
The Moss Brothers Band is unmistakably Southern rock, but with a surprising funk twist. The songs feature whiskey-rattled vocals telling stories of betrayal and re-connections and phenomenal guitar solos break through, just to make sure you are still paying attention to what bad-asses these musicians are. But just because they're bad-ass,
Walkie Talkie Blog
At one of five picnic tables at the Artesian Park and Commons in the core of downtown Olympia, I meet with Rob Richards, program director for the Downtown Ambassador Program, and Brian Wilson, downtown liaison for the city of Olympia. Both are in button-up shirts with to-go coffee in hand.
Walkie Talkie Blog
You know it's the peak of summer in Olympia when all the couches have sprung. They appear in front lawns, in alleys and on street corners - loveseats, davenports, hide-a-beds - all varieties of couch are in full bloom. Some are stained. Some are cushion-less. Some couches are in near-perfect condition. Some are littered
Walkie Talkie Blog
Out Delphi Road, near the Nisqually Nature Trail, is a farm. And not just any farm, this is "The Farm," home of "The Cannabis Connection," a new resource for lovers of the herb. Now, this reporter, a fan herself, enjoyed the opportunity to visit The Farm on opening day Aug. 2. A
Walkie Talkie Blog
Olympia seems to swell in the summer: kids come home from college, out-of-towners pay a visit and the normal rainy day recluses that inhabit the town seem to flourish come the long days and hot nights. It's not surprising that we can't pack all the excitement Olympia has to offer into
Walkie Talkie Blog
The sprawling park, with its green grassy hills, where families picnic in the shade, or groups of friends share a smoke, where dogs sniff the air in anticipation, and where a rock band tunes up on stage. This is Music and Art in Wright Park, MAWP, Tacoma's annual summer
Walkie Talkie Blog
Last night was the big reveal for the upcoming 2014/15 season for the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia. Normally, Publisher Pappi Swarner attends such shindigs, but this year I pulled up my big girl panties and represented the Weekly Volcano. And by representing, I mean drinking
Walkie Talkie Blog
Olympia has gone and done it again. It has outshone itself by coming out in droves to support the creativity and compassion that go hand-in-hand in the little college town. Oly CLAW, the local chapter of the Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers, made its debut before a packed Le Voyeur crowd
Walkie Talkie Blog
Now, here is a story that has all kinds of politics behind it. We could be subjective and argue morals; we could be objective and newsy and look at all sides. But that's not where I'm going with it. What I want to do with this story is talk about
Walkie Talkie Blog
In the magical back room at Le Voyeur Café and Lounge, where all kinds of artistic dreams come into fruition, a dozen ladies and a few men gather to discuss proper arm-wrestling technique. Smack talking and muscle flexing is encouraged, and costumed characters and their entourage parade about the floor, practicing
Walkie Talkie Blog
Ready to rock and roll? You can help support JBLM's roller derby teams - Bettie Brigade and its junior varsity squad JBLM Bratz - by attending this Saturday's double-header, then staying to celebrate with live and local rock bands. The team, who have recently moved their headquarters off base to the "Bettie
Walkie Talkie Blog
Are you a fan of bands Gossip, Spider & The Webs, Hornet Leg, Hooded Hags, Dub Narcotic Sound System, Dirtbombs, Chain & The Gang, C.O.C.O., and Caledonias? Are you a fan of vinyl? Are you a fan of music blogs? If the answer is yes, then you are likely a
Walkie Talkie Blog
Yoga and live music are both renowned for their ancient healing and inspirational properties. Now, they can be experienced together at the first annual Olympia Yoga Festival. Experience harp, 12-string guitar, singing bowls and more paired with downward dogs, sun salutations and mountain poses. Olympia Yoga Festival takes place Saturday, May
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Have you heard drinking chocolate milk after exercising is better for your body than sports drinks? The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism claims it's true. Hmmm ... I'm thinking someone should do a study on the effects of eating cupcakes after running. Don't you agree it would be awesome? Bombshells
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Imagine a food store in the heart of downtown Olympia. One that is quaint and colorful and smartly-designed. One that offers organic produce, grab-and-go sandwiches, specialty snacks, beer/wine, meat, cheese and more. Imagine no further, friends. This is now a reality. Little General Food Shop, located next to Rainy Day Records,
Walkie Talkie Blog
"Tacoma musicians don't mess around." I once saw that on a bumper sticker. Ok ... there is no bumper sticker. But, there should be. Just take a look at this line-up of musicians who came together to raise money for alternative rock band Torre, the Tacoma-based rockers who recently had their
Walkie Talkie Blog
This week, I chatted with Olympia coppersmith, motor head, artist and musician Jimmi Davies about his experience recording with quintessential Northwest band, The Sonics. You can read my story here. Last night, I had the opportunity to chat with Rob Lind, saxophonist The Sonics, who shares what it was like working
Walkie Talkie Blog
Theater Artists Olympia, affectionately known as TAO, is taking over The Midnight Sun Performance Space in downtown Olympia. After 11 years of performances on stages from Tacoma to Centralia, the group will have a place to call home. "We've been a gypsy group this whole time," says Pug Bujeaud, founding member
Walkie Talkie Blog
Have you checked out K Records lately? Nearly 25 years old, the indie record label has been housed in its current location - a well-loved, historic synagogue building next to the post office in downtown Oly - since 2004. Now, K founder Calvin Johnson and crew have re-arranged the building, bringing
Walkie Talkie Blog
Less than a week's time turn-around after ownership changed hands from The Royal Lounge to Rhythm and Rye, the venue brought in a packed house both nights of its opening weekend. Last Friday night, lines were around the block and people actually had to be turned away at the door