SUZY STUMP: CALENDAR GIRL >>>

Distinguished night
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12: Criticizing a poet is like kicking a crippled child in the groin. It’s not pretty, and it doesn’t solve anything. That’s what I love about the Distinguished Writer Series. After the featured poet â€" this month it’s Timothy Kelly â€" you can stand up on stage and let it all hang out during the open mic without a single vegetable whizzing by.
[King’s Books, 7 p.m., no cover, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801]

Gig Harbor Film Festival
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12-SUNDAY, SEPT. 14: Sorry, fans of Pearl Harbor and The Prime Gig â€" the Gig Harbor Film Festival doesn’t include Gig and Harbor flicks. Instead, the three-day festival will include Marion Bridge, Hats Off, One of Our Own, and Serial Mom â€" plus 13 more that include features, documentaries, shorts, and foreign films.  I have call into the festival folks regarding the rumor that For Whom the Bridge Tolls will screen.
[Galaxy Uptown Theater, check Web site for schedule, prices and events, 4649 Point Fosdick Dr., N.W., Gig Harbor]

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar
LINK: Live music and DJs tonight