Fans of United Way’s Project U, a support and serve group for 20 and 30-somethings, can toast the organization by attending the Martini 101 party with local band Friday Mile tonight at 21 Commerce.  It’s not who you know but how much vermouth you can handle before you whip out your checkbook and donate your life’s savings.  We say give until it hurts but don’t drink and drive â€" you do the math.  Your $5 donation at the door becomes a magical $10 to the United Way, so you help the minute you walk inside.  Have fun, which starts early. June 8, 4 p.m., band 7 p.m.  $5, 21 Commerce, 21st and Commerce, Tacoma. â€" Jason de Paul

Mariel, a food and wine bar by the folks from Pacific Grill will open this autumn at the opposite end of the Marriott from the Grill.  Should be fun.

Speaking of fun, a few Volcano staffers enjoyed an evening at the Tempest Lounge last night in the shadow of James Hume's exhibit of nudes.  The Tempest oozes swank in a shabby-chic way with lovely little tables, low lighting and fabulous drinkies. - Jason de Paul

Some local high school students faired well last night at the 5th Avenue Theater's annual high school acting awards event last night in Seattle.
Much like the nominees at this Sunday¹s Tony Awards, the high school theater nominees were dressed to kill and glowing with anticipation. Presenters included: Mayor Nickels, former mayor Norman Rice and former governor and first lady Gary and Mona Locke. 
TVW will broadcast The 5th Avenue High School Awards Ceremony, in its entirety, on Monday, June 12 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
After June 12, the event may also be viewed in streaming video TVW and will be available for viewing via Comcast ON DEMAND. â€" Steve Dunkelberger
Local winners are:

• Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Featured Role: Sonya Meyer as Mimi in "Guys and Dolls" at Curtis High School.       
• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Featured Role: Kevin Selland as Greylag in "Honk!" at Bethel High School.
• Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Design: "Guys and Dolls" at Curtis High School.

The new owner of downtown Tacoma's Mecca Theatre (goodbye porn) is considering opening the main floor into a restaurant/bar. â€" Jason de Paul

Capital City Smoothies opened today in DuPont.  Cute little bar seats â€" pedestals with a cup to put (small) butts in.  They are serving smoothies, of course, plus health and nutrition supplements.  They are at 1545 Wilmington Dr., Suite 120 across from Pegasus. â€" Jason de Paul

Looks like Paddy Coyne's won't open in downtown Tacoma until October or November, according to the Irish bar's owner.  Matador, a tequilla bar, is now expecting an August opening.  Both bars will be located on Pacific Avenue between 8th and 9th streets.  Paddy will go into the space next to Vin Grotto below the Olympus Hotel.  Matador lands next door to Meconis. â€" Jason de Paul

The Rose Cafe has opened at 6200 S. Hosmer in the Tacoma strip mall next to the Holiday Inn Express.  The Weekly Volcano will investigate soon. â€" Jason de Paul

Monday, June 12, the film "Baggs: the movie" will screen at The Evergreen State College.  It's an '80s comedy rivalry flick about hacky sack.  It was shot in Southern Louisiana. Evergreen Animations will screen first at 7 p.m., followed by "Baggs" at 8:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall in the COM Building.  â€" Suzy Stump

Stadium High School celebrates its 100th birthday Sept. 15-17 with fun, food, arts and entermainment at its building on. â€" Ken Swarner

The Weekly Volcano is sponsoring a Vegas Night at downtown Tacoma's Varsity Grill (the old Jillians) June 16 beginning at 4 p.m.  Elvis impersonator, Vegas trip contest, show girls, drink specials, and much more.  Texas Hold 'em starts at 7.  We'd love to see you there. â€" Jason de Paul