PERMANENT LIPSTICK by Ginger Knoxx

THURSDAY, APRIL 20
Oh 420, what fond memories I have of you from high school and the years immediately following. It was sad when we said good-bye, but it was just time. I know you forgive me for barely visiting, but you understand. Third Thursday Art Walk is full of fun people: the ones I know, the ones I meet and the ones whose names I forget (sorry Dawn, I suck). The preview of artist Ryan Loiselle's solo show at the University of Washington, Tacoma Gallery was chill. His paintings are amazing. If you haven't seen them, go before May 12. Loiselle has a portrait of Kelly Mickelson that will blow your mind and one of James Bender that's equally impressive. There was a strangely blank spot on the wall with the portrait of James Hume. It looked like somebody walked in and stole a painting. Weird. Anyway, Smooth and I left from there and headed to Rampart's 420 party. DJ Lulu Spice and Suga' Jones were spinning hefty beats. Uncle Steve played a good host, and Mr. Olson brought me up to speed on the changes that are imminent for Rampart's interior - new paint, a redo of the floor, featured monthly artists. Way cool.
The Eklunds passed out invites to one of the fund-raiser shows for the Urban Arts Festival this June, and I realized it hurts to smile so much without booze. Later a menagerie of folks from different Art Walk spots converged on Doyle's, the new joint by the Temple Theatre. Rosati entertained with a running monologue of one-liners and whiplash quick comedic returns. Hollywood, who had an art show at Embellish earlier, picked up any slack there may have been in the volleys. Ebony and Chesty Meow represented the ladies in full force, and I even heard that Nasty Natasha and Brad Allen made an appearance. Holy crap, can you imagine the conversations? Hilarious!

FRIDAY, APRIL 21
Wanting to see for myself, The Italian and I dipped into Doyle's around 7 p.m. and scored the last open seats at the bar. A good five minutes later, I flagged down a bartender and ordered drinks - Sofia Mini for me and Jameson for my sexy man. The menu didn't entice, and we tired of watching the new bartenders - er, mixologists, as one referred to the other - scramble to keep up with the rapidly forming line. I swear one of them used to be a beer vendor. The Posies at The Boneyard were killa, fo' rilla. Weather really stole the show though. Since they punched the rock up, it's stellar. I do not recommend drinking a bottle's worth of Manhattans. As good as that might sound, it's just not as fun for the people around you as you think. People missing in action, missing manners, missing phones, missing minds - yeah, not recommended. Rejjie did fill me in on the Woofstock Festival in August - bands and food all day. There's talk of a BIG name being on board. I'll keep you posted on the lineup.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22
Didn't you read my warning about the Manhattans? Do you really think I went anywhere besides back to bed?

SUNDAY, APRIL 23
A decidedly great way to wind up the weekend is with a mellow dinner gathering of good friends. Especially if they can cook, and man, Erin can cook (she also cuts rad hair at Embellish). I never thought red and yellow peppers in marinara sauce could be that good. Fear Train Caravan's Ben Fuller and his friend stopped by after finishing a session working on the upcoming CD. And because Hollywood is everywhere, he and a friend arrived in time for the fabulous pasta with some fine wine and good beer in hand.

Young and Restless
107.7 The End's Young and The Restless puts on shows every now and again that are always worth paying attention to. This Friday's lineup ranges from the indie rap sample happy beats of The Saturday Knights to sassy all-girl rock of The Catch to the ultra pop of The Lashes - never mind their girl pants or cropped jackets. Am I saying you should like these bands because The End says so? Nope. I'm saying it's a good opportunity to see three very diverse musical acts for one manageable cover of $8. Friday, April 28, 6 p.m., all ages, Hell's Kitchen, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, (253) 752-6009.

Give me a wink and a kiss here.  Knoxx knows.