MICHAEL SWAN: LAWSUIT FILED TODAY >>>

South Sound Promotions sent the Weekly Volcano a press release stating that Nathe Lawver, chairman of the Pierce County Democratic Party, filed a petition in Superior Court to stop the auditor selection process orchestrated by the Pierce County Council.

On Dec. 5, 2008, the Pierce County Council declared its Resolution 2008-186 as an "emergency" Resolution to fill the auditor position when, according to the filed lawsuit, "there is no emergency." The lawsuit also states, "The Pierce County Charter does not include any criteria for or the definition of an "emergency" Resolution.

LINK: Download Lawsuit_Pierce-County-Auditor-Appointment

HARVEY SIDERS: QUARTET, THAT IS >>>

Pollywogs, Pachelbel and Preludes. Such is the tongue-in-cheek title for a concert to be given tonight by the Just Sax Quartet â€" four Gig Harbor-based saxophonists whose classical repertoire is punctuated and syncopated by the inclusion of jazz and pop arrangements. Offering this alliterative program: Pam Ryker, artistic director for the series, “Classical Tuesdays,” at Slavonian Hall, in Tacoma.

Debussy’s Children’s Corner Suite contains the famous “Golliwog’s Cakewalk,” which appears on the program as “Pollywog’s Lake Talk.” Among other whimsies: a swinging “Sorcerer’s Apprentice”; the always dependable Pachelbel’s “Canon;” the equally dependable jazz powerhouse, Lennie Niehaus’ “Fugue”; and an upbeat encore piece, the very Joplinesque (Scott, not Janice) “Ragtime Suite.” That’s merely part of their program. Leader Julie Allison plays soprano and alto; Stacia Rink, alto; Sheryl Clark, who transcribes much of the material, tenor; and Catherine Kostelecky-Roe, baritone. Just Sax was born in 1988 as “Three Chicks and a Chicklet.” (The latter didn’t gum things up â€" she was simply the shortest.) They’re all educators; one is a chemistry professor; they all play in the Tacoma Concert Band. How can you resist them … or the free admission?

[Slavonian Hall, 7 p.m., no cover, 2306 N. 30th St., Tacoma, 253.752.2135]

SUZY STUMP: CALENDAR GIRL >>>

It's Tuesday, hurrah! Celebrate by doing nothing. Or better yet, sleeping. Sleeping on a winter afternoon really justifies all those annoying little things you go through when you're awake, and gives you a chance to dream. Go ahead, grab a pillow and go nuts.

Once rested, catch David Macaulay at the downtown Tacoma Public Library branch tonight.

JAKE DE PAUL: ASADO PRIX FIXE TUESDAY >>>

I think we can agree on one thing: We're all a little tired of deciding.

That's why it's a great time for dining prix fixe- the French term, pronounced pree feeks, for a multi-course meal served for a "fixed price." No more hemming and hawing your way through each section of the menu- just pick the prix fixe and sit back.

There aren't enough paydays to dine at Asado as often as I would like. Their spread of fine South American fare served in a warm orange glow dining room is a treat. Thankfully, Asado launches a new Tuesday night Prix Fixe menu today. You'll find the same stellar service and inventive food ringing it at $25 per person.

Began with an ensalada heirbas or the cold pearl grain salad quinoa. The three middle feature steak medallions with a fig demi-glace or grilled market fresh fish or butternut squash gnocchi. And finally, fried crepe purse with tapioca filling or fried baby banana Fritos or Olympia Mountain creamery ice cream.

So if you'd like to plan a nice meal out but want to keep costs down, Asado has your back every Tuesday.

[Asado, 2810 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7770]

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

KRISTA CURRY: MOCKINGBIRD OPENS FRIDAY IN GIG HARBOR >>>

To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the best-loved books ... ever, has also inspired theater versions. Paradise Theatre will stage Christopher Sergel's version beginning Jan. 16 and running through Feb. 1. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Paradise Theatre has added a raised mezzanine seating area to their space starting this show, which should be a dramatic improvement.

From the press release:

Go see this show. The talented cast and choice of play itself promises that it's going to be damn good.

[Paradise Theatre, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m., tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for military/seniors, $8 for students 25 and younger, 9911 Burnham Dr Gig Harbor, 253.851.7529]

PAUL SCHRAG: WHAT DOES IT HOLD? >>>

UPDATE: According to Steven Ling, his former partners went to the Secretary of State to dissolved Ling's business license, which in turn enticed the City of Tacoma to revoke his business license.

Stephanie’s Gospel and Jazz is back in action. After a brief hiatus, owner Steven Ling has reopened the restaurant/music venue after a legal dispute over ownership forced the spot to close. Ling has been to court to secure operating rights from former partners, who still contend that they are the rightful owners of Stephanie’s, which is named after Ling’s oldest daughter. That dispute was temporarily abated when a judge gave Ling operating rights, with final ownership scheduled to be decided in April, assuming court dates are adhered to. Both parties entered into what Ling describes as an informal partnership, and diverged over different visions for the restaurant. The locks have been changed more than once, said Ling.

In the meantime, Ling is moving forward with plans to create Tacoma’s premier jazz and gospel spot. Formerly La Costa Mexican restaurant, and briefly home to Gringo de Loco restaurant, the space on Pacific Avenue looks pristine these days. The interior is fully remade, with a sparse and tasteful layout, new hardwood floors, new lighting, new seating, new kitchen equipment, a beautiful, oversized hardwood stage and a new menu. They even kept the epic, wood-carved Mayan calendar in the entryway.

“I want to have place where people can come and just relax,” says Ling, a former retail manager, fashion model and entrepreneur; and rescue investor for the now-defunct Djembe Soul, which closed last year, despite Ling’s capital contributions.

Ling grew up in New York, where his family built a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that eventually expanded into a hefty enterprise. Ling spent the bulk of his after-school life watching his parents run the restaurant, and learned the art of cooking from his uncle, master chef and then director of the Museum of Modern Art. He says his transition into the restaurant business has been a long time coming.

“Right now I’m really focusing on the atmosphere,” he says, noting that until courts decide who is the rightful owner, he will have to wait on a liquor license. “People will fall in love with the food and the music.”

Stephanie’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the menu emphasizing Italian and southern cuisine - from California to Florida southern, not just soul food. Menus are packed with choices, but still evolving, says Ling.

“I’m really working to make sure the food is on point,” he adds.

Entertainment will start with live, smooth jazz on Fridays, and will eventually include Wednesday night comedy, spoken word on Thursdays, jazz or gospel on Saturday, and all-day gospel Sundays. Ling says he wants to populate the talent roster with plenty of local performers, and will hold auditions soon.

[Stephanie's Gospel and Jazz, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.5649]

Helping out at Puget Sound Pizza.

RON SWARNER: I LIKE THE LOOKS OF THIS … >>>

The Golden Ticket: "Greetings to you, the lucky shopper at urbanXchange from owner Julie Bennett. Shop at my hip, second-hand clothing store during the month of January and you may possibly win this golden ticket, an original hand numbered print from Beautiful Angle. You may bring with you many members of your own family â€" or all your roommates â€" and everyone else. In your wildest dreams you could not imagine the marvelous surprises that await you!"

If such para-verbatim trivia thrills you, if mixing the literary illusions in child-hating Roald Dahl's script with shopping at urbanXchange makes you nostalgic for your first ironic pop-culture moment, then this is your month to shine. Above all, winning an original Beautiful Angle print is way cooler than a factory full of candy.

I say paint your body orange and sing your Oompa-Loompa ass around the store. The extra effort might bring you good fortune when the ticket is randomly drawn at the end of the month. Patron participation, not out of the question in this store.

[urbanXchange, 1934 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280]

STEPH DEROSA: NO! IT'S A CARDIGAN! >>>

I refuse to be classified as anything with even a slight resemblance to boring. I’m far from being clinically diagnosed with ADD, yet I still get antsy when life becomes predictable. I’ve been a part of social groups and community leagues in the past where I eventually become labeled a “rogue” or “distraction.” The way I look at it, nothing is worth doing if it’s not done having fun. When the fun’s not around, it’s up to me to make my own happen … hence my placement here with the Weekly Volcano.

I’ve finally discovered a society that welcomes the rogues and rebels â€" and I’m not talking about roller derby. I’m talking about the Feisty Knitters Association.  Once a week, on a Sunday afternoon at a secret location, this group of hip, non-judgmental, and openly hilarious women get together for the most kick-ass knitting circle in town. With names like Professor Purl, Kninja, and Katherine VonKnitalot, who in their right mind would doubt that these girls are in their right mind?

Who can join? Although it’s not necessarily required you be able to knit like a pro, a dedicated interest in knitting is preferred. Some qualifications in becoming a part of the Feisty Knitters Association include being open to peculiar conversation and generally being “cool.” Not just anyone can join, but if you are interested in talking to these curiously keen knitters and finding out if this group is meant for you, feel free to contact someone at feistyknitters@hotmail.com or visiting their MySpace, keyword “feistyknitters.”