PAUL SCHRAG: CALVING JOHNSON AT SQUEAK AND SQUAWK >>>

I remember calling KGRG 89.3 FM at Green River Community College 10 times a day to request “Red Head Walking.” I was in third grade, and I had no idea who Calvin Johnson was. I just knew that Beat Happening was awesome, and that song was perpetually stuck in my head. Johnson will bless the stage at The Helm’s Squeak and Squawk Music Festival Sunday, with his startling, resonant voice carried on tunes by Seattle’s electro-pop darlings Katherine Hepburn’s Voice. “I’ve only played a few shows in Tacoma,” says Johnson, progenitor of Olympia’s legendary K Records. “I’m excited to do this.” Johnson says he’s bringing an acoustic guitar, and has plenty of fresh material to wow those who have managed to digest his vast body of work. I’m imagining Johnson playing with KHV right now, and it’s making me want to eat a burnt grilled-cheese sandwich. I’ll probably wash it down with some Diet Squirt. Go to the show, and you’ll understand.

[The Helm Gallery, 6 p.m., all ages, 760 S. Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.8845]