RON SWARNER: THIRD THURSDAY ARTWALK GEM >>>

We always get uneasy when musicians attempt to cross over to stage and screen. John Bon Jovi on Ally McBeal? No amount of chest waxing could make him tolerable. Britney Spears in Crossroads? No longer a girl, not yet an actress. Madonna in ... anything. Run for the aisles!

Musicians are better at painting and photography than they are at memorizing lines â�" with the exception of Tico Torres, of course. You can witness this phenomenon for yourselves at the Speakeasy Art Collective in downtown Tacoma. Voxxy of the Tacoma rock band Voxxy Vallejo has shown her inner Andy Warhol with three paintings hanging on the Speakeasy's wall.

They�re quite impressive.

My favorite is the mixed media acrylic on canvas The Vessel (pictured), which began as an idea for a lyric that was stuck in Voxxyââ?¬â?¢s head: ââ?¬Å?My heart is a vessel for thistle and thorn.ââ?¬Â?

Posted next to her work of art is the following statement: ââ?¬Å?Growth can be painful and in this piece I added some Tarot cards to represent a different story, lesson, or period of growth in my life.ââ?¬Â?

Drop by the art coop for a peek at Voxxy�s beautiful works, as well as the work of other local artists, including two pieces by Aaron Voronoff Trotter. Good to have you back in town, Aaron.

[Speakeasy Arts Cooperative, 746 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.426.5704]

MATT DRISCOLL: TWO IS STILL BETTER THAN ONE >>>

Tonight and tomorrow night Colonies will celebrate the release of a debut full-length album, Thirty Thousand, with two record release shows in Tacoma. Tonight the band will strap it on for those of us with iron livers, playing a show with Canon Canyon, Wheelies and Jason Clackley at The New Frontier that starts at 8 p.m. and will cost you $6 to get into.

Then, tomorrow, Colonies will do it up right for the kids at The Den, playing a gig with Freeze and Fur Coat and Xylophones that starts at 7 p.m. and also costs $6.

A long time ago in a far away place (like, sometime last year, in Ron Swarner’s poor, poor condo), the Weekly Volcano reviewed Colonies’ debut EP, Sleep Patterns. At the time, we probably said things about the rising indie band like, “Colonies demonstrate they know their way around a loud/soft dynamic better than most,” and “Singer Travis Shumate’s vocals glide atop cascading walls of on-the-money guitar work and stampeding drums, just as well as they sit beside beautiful silences.”

But who knows. We were also probably high.

In preparation for Colonies’ two record release shows in Tacoma this week, we caught up with Shumate to get his take on things. This interview was posted in two parts, with the first portion hitting Spew yesterday.

VOLCANO: What was the process of making Thirty Thousand like? Is this record's release a long time coming? How has it tested you, and what have you learned?

SHUMATE: We started recording the album in August 2008. It was a long and trying process, but it gave us enough time to be a little more meticulous with the recording. Sleep Patterns was recorded in a few weeks, and we can definitely recognize how rushed it sounds. Thirty Thousand is more complete -- not only in terms of the amount of material on the recording, but also in terms of the production.

We could have easily created Sleep Patterns again. Same style, same instrumentation, same melodic themes. But we decided to step away from what was familiar to create some new sounds, and we're really pleased with the results.

VOLCANO: You've got two record release shows planned in Tacoma - a 21+ show at The New Frontier, and an all ages gig at The Den. Why was setting it up this way important to you?

SHUMATE: We don't want to limit who is able to come to see us. We grew up in Tacoma, going to shows nearly every weekend, and this is a way to give that same opportunity to the younger crowds. Tacoma needs more live music, anyway.

VOLCANO: Technically, you're a Seattle band, right? Explain the band's Tacoma ties.

SHUMATE: We're a Tacoma band. We all grew up in the Tacoma-Gig Harbor area. We rehearse in Tacoma and we all live in the South Sound area. We spend a lot of time in Seattle, but Tacoma is home. It has a unique personality that I haven't found in any other city.

VOLCANO: With the Internet, and music coming out of every direction, how does it impact a band like Colonies? Do you worry about fitting a niche, or does it allow you more freedom of sound? It seems like music fans these days, thanks to the convenience of the Internet, can stay almost completely within their listening comfort zones - which means if you tap into that niche you have an instant audience, but it also must keep bands from reaching new and different listeners. Is this something you've had to deal with?

SHUMATE: For a band like Colonies, the Internet allows us to get our music to new audiences in a much more effective way. In the past, bands would have to tour constantly to reach new people, but the Internet allows us to get our music to people all over the world.

In terms of how the Internet shapes our sound, we try not to over-think things like that. If it feels natural, it stays. If a musician is too focused on fitting a certain niche, they are limiting their ability to grow and develop as artists.

VOLCANO: Where does it all go from here?

SHUMATE: We are anxious to write and record more music. These songs were written nearly two years ago. We're ready to start over with the songwriting process. Whether we release another EP, a full length or a 7-inch, we're ready for new material.

PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright Jaquilyn Shumate Photography

MATT DRISCOLL: BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>

Do you feel it? Do you sense it? Do you smell the Nag Champa?

That's right, ladies and gentleman, it's time - yet again - for The Prefunk: A weekly primer designed to get you and your liver ready for the weekend in the South Sound.

Along with some of man's best friends - all with severe drinking problems that only people like Gary Busey and Dale Ellis could possibly relate to - the Weekly Volcano is here with a glance into what's happening around town this weekend, and how you can ready yourself for the action.

SATURDAY NIGHT

C.F.A. record release at Supernova?

I really can't remember how we lived prior to the text message. The only thing I can fathom is this archaic time must have been slow, dreadful and mercilessly unconnected - much like I assume this year's Pierce County government holiday party will be.

But even at the aforementioned holiday party, there's still at least a bit of intrigue - unlike the world prior to text message. For instance, things might get interesting if County Exec Pat McCarthy gets sauced on Hot Totties and Xeroxes her ass - in real company holiday party style.

However, my contacts at the county building tell me this is "highly unlikely."

But, if we are talking about holiday cheer - and text messages - the two things will meet in exciting fashion this Saturday at Supernova Hair and Tattoo in Tacoma.

You see, on my way to work this morning I received a text message from Cody Foster of Cody Foster's Army - a message later forwarded to me again by another friend - letting everyone know that C.F.A. and Stone Axe will be playing Supernova's Christmas party. The magic starts at 9 p.m., and according to Foster's text, "C.F.A.'s unofficial record release? Maybe"

A good time is guaranteed to be had by all.

Thanks, Text Messages!

PREFUNK: Supernova is right next door to a Shell gas station, and across the street from a Subway. Therefore, the only natural choice for prefunking seems to be a tallboy from Shell - something with an animal on the can - and a Five-Dollar-Footlong from Subway. Consume both in your car prior to heading into Supernova, making sure you spill equal parts mayonnaise and ice beer on your trousers.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Broho's Anniversary

I've said so many, many times - but it still holds true.

The Brotherhood is the best bar in Olympia - hands down.

From the jukebox to the bar staff to owner Pit Kwiecinski - the Broho has it figured out.

This Sunday, the Broho will celebrate its anniversary in style - opening up the stage to Western Hymn and M.O.D.'s. The action starts at 9 p.m.

PREFUNK: Have you ever gotten wasted on Zinn, or blatto on Chomsky? It's kind of fun if you know how - trust me. The only problem is the hangover's a bitch. There's nothing you can drink in the morning - not even a Bloody Mary or three - that will make the pain of societal injustices and super-big words go away.

Prior to the Broho's anniversary party Sunday, take a few whip-its then skim through Chomsky on Anarchism. Talk about getting the party started!

GEOFF READING: STILL IN MOURNING >>>

The 253 is still in mourning. As more and more of the nuts and bolts of what, how, why and where come to light, it gets more and more frightening. It could have been any of us. The four officers were sitting in a Forza Coffee shop. I love Forza. The boy and I go to the one near our house all the time. I've seen police (and students and soccer moms, skater kids and suit guys, computer geeks... etc.) enjoying the fireplace and the comfy chair and couches - not to mention the good coffee. Obviously, the stars aligned in the legion of doom, and somehow 37-year-old Maurice Clemmons was let out of prison.  Seven days later, he walked into a Forza that is less than five blocks from where my son’s grandma Mary-Anne lives, and killed these four people.

Sergeant Mark Renninger, age 39 with 13 years of law enforcement experience. He is survived by a wife and three children.

Officer Ronald Owens, age 37 with 12 years of law enforcement experience. He is survived by a former wife and a daughter.

Officer Tina Griswold, age 40 with 14 years of law enforcement experience. She is survived by her husband and two children.

Officer Greg Richards, age 42 with eight years of law enforcement experience. He is survived by a wife and three children.

RIP officers.

Family and friends of these officers are in my thoughts and prayers.

My good friends and brothers in the band DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED will be hosting a benefit for the families of these four officers on Saturday, Dec 19, at the Snoqualmie Casino. Special guest will include QUEENSRYCHE doing an acoustic set, and I have it on good authority that Mr. Geoff Tate may be unleashing his staggering vocal prowess on a couple of hits from Mr. McKagan’s hey-day. Even if you can't make it out, please consider getting in touch and donating whatever you can. The media will only focus on this story for so long. They will tire, and move on to the next headline. But these kids have lost their parents forever. 

Again, hug your kids, your mom and dad, your brothers and sisters. Make a call to a friend you've been meaning to get in touch with. Because I can promise you, there will come a time when that option will be taken from you.

Drummer Geoff Reading â€" who writes thi bi-weekly  column for the Weekly Volcano's Spew called “Holding Down the 253” as well as a weekly music columnâ€" has played music in tons of Northwest bands. Green Apple Quick Step, New American Shame, Top Heavy Crush and most recently Duff McKagan's LOADED â€" to name but a few. He's toured the world several times over, sharing stages with the likes of Slipknot, The Cult, Buckcherry, Korn, Journey, The Sex Pistols, Nine Inch Nails and on and on. He has called Tacoma home since 2005, and he holds down the 253 in the North End with his wife and son.

MICHAEL SWAN: SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2009 >>>

1. The Folksingers In Hell perform at 3 p.m. inside Funkoma Vintage along Tacoma's Antique Row.

2. Santa Runs Tacoma - featuring Frosty's 5K Run/Walk, The Grinch 10K Relay and Tiny Tim's 1K Kids Run - begins at 9 a.m. on Dock Street.

3. The Grand Cinema screens The Polar Express at 10:30 a.m. for free. Nice.

4. Indiana University's Straight No Chaser are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced; they are 10 unadulterated human voices with a sense of humor hitting the Rialto stage at 7:30 p.m.

5. Tempest Lounge resident DJs Mr. Clean, Dab, Big Chuck and guests present "House Blend" for free beginning at 9:30 p.m.

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

LINK: Local movie starting times

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

WEEKLY VOLCANO: BECAUSE “SERIES” IS OUR MIDDLE NAME >>>

We're posting a South Sound store window daily through Christmas to give you a quick jolt of holiday spirit. Ho, ho, ho!

On the 19th day of Christmas we drove by: What?

LINK: Drive-by Holiday history

WEEKLY VOLCANO: MUSIC IN THE SOUTH SOUND TONIGHT >>>

Don’t know what to do tonight? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

Bands like Oh Dear! represent a sort of subtle, shapeless sound that, for some reason, is impossible to describe. What exactly differentiates indie pop/rock from any other kind of rock? Figure it out for yourself when Oh Dear! plays an all-ages show with Colonies (CD release), Freeze & Fur Coat, and Xylophones at 7 p.m. inside The Den.

Nurse strong drinks and enjoy the radio ready sounds of one of the Northwest’s more talented singer songwriters Kris Orlowski (pictured) with Dave Hannon at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge. This Orlowski fellow knows how to pen a catchy number.

Magik Markers draw the subconscious of the listener into their shamanic intonations, inviting you to become part of the dance and enter into the peyote trance of the true rock believers. It’s part Kerouac-ian in it’s sonic free-association, puckering your cerebellum with sheer volume, with lyrics seeping into the mind’s eye with their timeless form as if Jah herself wants you to breathe her thoughts. Catch them tonight with Broken Water, Sic Alps, and The Long Mornings at the ABC House in Olympia.

LINK: More live music in the South Sound tonight

WEEKLY VOLCANO: BECAUSE “SERIES” IS OUR MIDDLE NAME >>>

We're posting a South Sound store window daily through Christmas to give you a quick jolt of holiday spirit. Ho, ho, ho!

On the 20th day of Christmas we drove by: Pioneer Bakery.

LINK: Drive-by Holiday history

MICHAEL SWAN: MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2009 >>>

1. The Mandolin Café hosts a Winter Solstice Celebration featuring Too Many Cooks with Steve Stefanowicz beginning at 7 p.m.

2. Tim Kapler's Incomplete show hangs on the walls of The Swiss.

3. Bundle up and stroll Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as it comes aglow with more than a half-million lights during Zoolights from 5-9 p.m.

4. The ringing backup music has been replaced with a real band; and the cheesy video is gone, because you are the show now, baby, during Rockaraoke beginning at 9 p.m. inside Jazzbones.

5. The Mix hosts Drag Bingo beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

LINK: Local movie starting times

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

WEEKLY VOLCANO: BECAUSE “SERIES” IS OUR MIDDLE NAME >>>

We're posting a South Sound store window daily through Christmas to give you a quick jolt of holiday spirit. Ho, ho, ho!

On the 21st day of Christmas we drove by: Lick's Antiques.

LINK: Drive-by Holiday history