STEVE DUNKELBERGER: A NIGHT IN THE 253 >>>

One of the reasons I dig my gig at the Weekly Volcano is I get to rub shoulders with interesting people. I speak of the fine people of Tacoma rather than the rag's staff, of course.

The weekend was shoulder rubbing over load.

I hopped around Tacoma Saturday absorbing its art and music. The marathon began at Kulture Lab for visual art, artist conversations and-quite frankly - witnessing women barely dressed for Mardi Gras. I was not disappointed on any of those counts. Sons of Ivan rocked the Lab's balcony as I floated like a wanna-be social butterfly.

Next, I dropped by Jazzbones to catch Tim Reynolds of Dave Mathews fame doing what he does best. Wow, women do so love their red wine and dancing. I enjoyed myself.

On the other scale of the musical spectrum, I headed over to Hell's Kitchen to see Agent Orange. If loud is good, the band was great. The crowd surge came and went like a gigolo at a Sting concert.

The night ended with a quick stop at Chopstix to see the battle of the pianos.

Off to bed at 2 a.m. and it was rise and shine at 6 a.m. to walk Chambers Bay during sunrise.

All in a day's work at one of the best alt rags in the free world.

LINK: More photos from my night in Tacoma on MySpace

LINK: Tonight's live music and DJs in the South Sound.

LINK: Wine and beer tastings

LINK: Catch a flick