SUZY STUMP: DONATE FOOD, HEAR MUSIC >>>

I have a terrible secret that I need to get off my tiny chest. I recently flirted my way to a great manicure, and I feel terrible about it. I received it under false pretenses, and now, despite having these sensational fingers, I’m feeling mighty dirty. 

I learned a long time ago that the best way to emerge happy from the chair is to keep the manicurist engaged. The better (and longer) the conversation, the better the service. So when I visited a new manicure shop recently, I decided to really lay it on thick.  I smiled; I laughed, and I was witty and charming.  These are not qualities that come naturally to me.  I even broke out the heavy artillery.  I used my “I sat next to Ashton Kutcher on a plane” story. And nothing gets the rapt attention of a South Sound manicurist like a little Ashton Kutcher name-dropping. At the end of my manicure, I received a bear hug, a wink, and a complimentary lesson on how to shape my nails. Guilt has never looked so good.

So why am I burdening you with my tale of deception? It’s quite simple. I feel guilty.  I need to pay it forward and do a good deed. But I’m me, so I found a good deed that benefits me. I think you’ll enjoy it, too.

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts has teamed up with The Emergency Food Network to encourage non-perishable food donations.  With every donation of non-perishable food items, the Broadway Center will shell out $15 tickets to see the fabulous Juan de Marcos and The Afro-Cuban All Stars on Tuesday, Feb. 17. I’m talking world-class rumba, timba and chachacha people.

Join me on that Tuesday for a night of spectacular Cuban music. Maybe you’ll also see spectacular nails.

[Pantages Theater, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., $32-$56, or $15 with your non-perishable food donation, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894]

LINK: The Afro-Cuban All Stars on MySpace