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POST HARDCORE
These Arms Are Snakes
These Arms Are Snakes always steal the show, with an engrossing blend of sonic overload and punk-powered energy that leaves the indie-rock kids struck dumb and the punk kids wondering why all their CDs at home sound like crap. They go from zero to 123 mph in one verse bouncing off the equipment and crowd like it’s picking up a 7-10 split. Think a cross between later Fugazi and, like, At The Drive-In if you have time to think while dodging lead singer Steve Snere flying over your head. â€" Brad Allen
[Sanford & Son, Destruction Island release party with These Arms Are Snakes, 31 Knots, Triumph Of Lethargy, Skinned Alive To Death, 5:30 p.m., all ages, $10-$12, 743 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.272.0334]
POPULIST CULTURE
Jim Hightower
Sometimes it's the little guys who deserve to be heard the most â€" at least that's how it is in the world of progressive activist Jim Hightower, a politician, journalist, radio commentator and author dedicated to making certain the real voice of America gets heard in high places. The folksy but hard-hitting Hightower, who describes himself as an agitator, or "the center-post in the washing machine that gets the dirt out," will speak at a benefit for KAOS-FM Olympia Community Radio and the Olympia Film Society. â€" Michael Swan
[Capitol Theater, 7:30 p.m., $15-$20, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.3635]
THE STAGE
Dance 2008
Well, it’s almost here. The end of the season. No more plays, no more dance recitals, no more artsy nothin’ â€" ever. OK, not ever. However, it will be one looonnng summer of American Idol reruns, I tell you what. How about one more, just for old time’s sake? Pacific Lutheran University Dance Ensemble presents Dance 2008, a collection of dances in the style of jazz, modern, ballet and hip-hop. In all, the performance features 13 choreographers, 57 dancers and musicians and that dude working the lights. Aaahh, let’s end the season by giving each other a big hug. â€" Suzy Stump
[Eastvold Auditorium, 8 p.m., $5-$8, Park Avenue South and Garfield Street, Parkland, 253.535.7411]
LINK: Broken Oars and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Gray Sky Blues Festival is on today.
LINK: Let’s eat French.