MUSEUM
It’s a rail thing
We should all pay more attention to train enthusiasts. No, listen, stop laughing. They embody both the history (choo-choo trains, cow catchers, waving handkerchiefs from the platform) and the future (mass transit, commuter rails, park and ride) of transportation. Further study of their beliefs and practices is encouraged â€" try, for example The West the Railroads Made, the Washington State History Museum’s salute to the tracks and equipment from the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads beginning in the 1840s. You (should you follow my advice) will learn how this one form of transportation reshaped the West (I don’t know what to say, but my style called for another parentheses). â€" Suzy Stump
[Washington State History Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $6-$8, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.9747]

FILM
The Band’s Visit
The Alexandria (Egypt) Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives on the wrong bus in the wrong small Israeli town, and is stranded overnight.  The bandleader (Sasson Gabai) stiffly approaches Dina, the owner of the cafe (Ronit Elkabetz) and what begins is a long, tender night of shared loneliness.  An exquisite film that also functions quietly as a comedy. (PG-13) Four stars â€" Roger Ebert
[The Grand Cinema, 4:15 6:20 p.m., $4.40-$8, 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.593.4474]

LINK: Extreme Noise Terror and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Two dollar wells, beers and tacos tonight at Hell’s Kitchen.
LINK: Let’s eat at a bistro today.