RON SWARNER: GOOD TIMES >>>

Sometimes, when I'm really tired, and the couch is calling, is when I have the most fun in Tacoma. Here are eight things I ran into last night.

Pearl Django kicked off Maxwell's Speakeasy new Saturday night live music series. The gypsy jazz band fit like a glove in Maxwell's upscale speakeasy environment. Next Saturday Jazz trumpeter Lance Buller and crew will entertain.

Speaking of speakeasy, the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative in Tacoma hosted an Art Door Auction to benefit Tacoma Art Place.  A broken toed Alan Gorsuch, co-owner of Sanford and Son Antiques, auctioned off all 13 doors. There's good energy in this downtown Tacoma artist co-op space. Keep your eye here for future events.

The Rollin' Hots hotdog truck parked outside of the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative serving tasty wieners with a sense of humor. The hilarious owners Kelly and Carrie will come to your event. Send them an email at rollinhots@gmail.com.

Someone asked me what was the reason for the large crowd at The New Frontier Lounge. I pointed to the two guys on stage. Mr. Fusion, original acoustic music by longtime songwriting partners Joe Izenman and Erich Sachs, has a huge following for a good reason: They're talented.

Ryan Purcell and the Last Round reminds me of Paul Westerberg's The Replacements with an added Kenny Loggins feel ... something. I don't know. I do know this band equals a fun night. They followed Mr. Fusion at the New Frontier.

Renee Timmer moved like lighting when drumsticks were thrown.

Higher Vibes saxophonist Brett Cummings didn't have a reason to pretend shoot lead singer Zach Lujan while on Jazzbones' stage. The joint was packed.

I found The Trampires mascot sweet pea hanging out at the Tentwentytwo South lounge past midnight. He was still out for blood after the Femme Fianna won the Dockyard Derby Dames 2009 Championship Bout earlier in the evening.