SUZY STUMP: 5 THINGS TO DO TODAY >>>>
9 A.M.: If it weren’t for the 97th Annual Washington State Dahlia Society Show at Freighthouse Square this weekend, we’d have given up gifting any and all swanky flowers for a lifetime. Hearts would’ve been broken, but the beauty that lies within a Dahlia would forever be classic. Go see what beauty lies within this extravagant flora, enter raffles, and peruse Washington state’s finest vegetation cultivators in their happiest habitat.
10 A.M.: Celebrate Olympia maritime heritage with tugboat races, crafts, music, food and tours and cruises on the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain tall ships during the Harbor Days Festival along Percival Landing and the Port Plaza.
7 P.M.: Dolly Parton looks amazing these days. Mostly in the way that she’s always looked amazing: sort of a plastic surgery wax museum all unto herself, wigged and sequined to the furthest reaches of taste. Her dimples rest somewhere close to her ears, and her eyes never close. Catch Dolly Parton tonight at the Tempest Lounge. OK, Parton won’t technically be at the Tempest Saturday, but her spirit will. And many that look like her, too. The lounge will host an outdoor screening of 9 to 5 in its back patio â€" the one behind the fence â€" as well as a Parton lookalike contest, drink specials and popcorn. It’s also a great opportunity to taste what the Weekly Volcano readers picked as Best Drink in Tacoma â€" Tempest’s Pink Pussycat.
9 P.M.: Laying down a bluesed-up, fuzzed-out rock that recalls dusty ideals from the past and a time when music fought oppression and had meaning, the gentleman of the Joshua Cain Band have quickly established themselves as one of Tacoma’s most exciting musical attractions. The Joshua Cain Band â€" swampy, gospel coated Grit City rock at its best â€" certainly has the sound. And the band’s ’60s civil rights bent is certainly one of a kind. Check them out at Doyle’s Public House tonight with Kyong Kim and The Loveseat Drivers.
9:30 P.M.: Not neo-soul, not urban, and not contemporary R&B, the Next Movement is authentic R&B akin to such legendary Motown units as the Temptations and the Four Tops. Chock-full of tight arrangements, fat horns and flawless harmonies, the group is a live act not to be missed tonight at Muckleshoot Casino’s Club Galaxy.
LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment guide
LINK: Live music and DJs tonight