MICHAEL SWAN: HEY, IT’S MONDAY >>>

Monday, that most put-upon of weekdays, has gotten a bad rap. Yeah, going back to the office stinks, but the first day of the week also happens to be the best one for open mics.

Think about it: You’re still fresh from your weekend, and you haven’t yet had your joie de vivre
trounced by the working week.

Lucky for you, Shakabrah Java offers an open mic every Monday. The event is free, open to everyone and pretty damn cool, if you ask the Weekly Volcano (and really, by reading this, you are asking us).

[Shakabrah Java, 7 p.m., 6 p.m. sign up, 2618 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2787]