1. ILLUSION/ALLUSION

>>> SEPT. 22 

For the many years I've been writing art reviews I've been singing the praises of Ron Hinson. They just don't come much better. I've also been known to praise Barlow Palminteri, a self-taught artist whose large self-portraits and paintings of his studio are absolute knockouts. What a great treat to find out that Hinson and Palminteri will be showing together in a two-person exhibition called Illusion/Allusion at South Puget Sound Community College. I can't wait to see this one.

Hinson is constantly pushing the envelope with his oddly shaped constructed paintings that fairly fly off the walls, and Palminteri has a way of testing one's incredulity with pictures and reflections within pictures and reflections; and judging from photographs I have seen of their latest works, both are going in the direction of brighter and more exciting colors.

I'd suggest making a night of it around the show's opening reception Sept. 24. Start off with an early dinner at the green-conscious I.Talia Pizzeria at the Capital Mall. The pizza joint uses almost 100 percent organic ingredients in many of its dishes, and it shows in the taste and quality of the food, which includes authentic thin crust Italian-style pizzas, enticing organic baked pesto lasagna, creative roasted sandwiches, healthy salads and Olympic Mountain gelato.

After the show, take a short jaunt downtown to McMenamins Spar Café for a couple beers, which should include their famous full-bodied Terminator Stout as autumn's chill will be on. - Alec Clayton

[Minnaert Center Gallery, Sept. 22-Oct. 28, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and by appointment, opening reception 6-8 p.m., Sept. 24, South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Rd. SW. Olympia, 360.596.5527]

2. BOOM TOWN

>>> OCT. 1

For any fan of Cirque du Soleil or acrobatic performances, Boom Town brings together a number of great circus performers and tosses them onto a stage filled with nineteenth-century mining equipment upon which to flip, twirl and twist about. The Pantages will host two shows - Oct. 1 and 2 - both at 7:30 p.m.

To start your evening, head to the Harmon. This puts you right in the heart of downtown's museum district and within walking distance of the Bridge of Glass. The Harmon Brewery & Eatery requires no reservations and serves up everything from hearty salads to burgers or pizzas, but most importantly, they have beer. You're going to see a performance focusing on the Old West and authentic Old-West acrobatics. If you don't think beer has a place in this evening, then don't even talk to me.

After the show, continue the fun Boom Town atmosphere with a trip to Paddy Coyne's. This Old World-style Irish pub will whisk you back to the days of yore when you just finished a hard day's work building the railroads or digging for gold. If you're still hungry, Paddy Coyne's has a full menu of delicious Irish favorites, but more importantly, they have more beer. And they have happy hour from 10 p.m. until midnight.  - Kristin Kendle

[Pantages Theater, Oct. 1-2, 7:30 p.m., $28-$64, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890]