Friday, Feb. 12 >>>

1. Vicci Martinez, Jake Hemming of Big Sur and Morgan Christopher Geer of Drunker Prayer turn up the talent in Tacoma tonight at the Warehouse.  Plus they promise some poetry, live painting and special guests.  We really hope by "guests," they mean "Muppets," but most likely not. It's Tacoma Round #9. Suggested donation of $8, 8 p.m., 1114 Ct E, Tacoma

2. The Distinguished Writer Series along with a poetry open mic happens monthly on the second Friday of every month at King's Books.  Tonight the event features poet Amalio Madueño.  Open mic sign-up is at 6:30 p.m.; everything else begins at 7 p.m.  Free. 218 St Helens Ave, Tacoma.

3. Vixens House of Shoes & Apparel hosts a cocktail party set to include a lingerie fashion and art show this evening. (Isn't a lingerie fashion show considered art in itself?)   Bring items to donate to the Tacoma Rescue Mission and receive $5 off the $15 ticket price at the door.  8:00 p.m. $15 without clothing donation/$10 with clothing donation. 2502 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

4. Presenting a style of dance that pushes the artistic boundaries in street dance while maintaining the true essence of their hip-hop culture, Soul Street Dance Co. will take stage at Rialto Theater. 7:30 pm.  Tickets $19 - $29, 901 Broadway, Tacoma

5. A slightly intense, yet extremely fun, eight-week karaoke contest begins tonight at Point Bar and Grill in Tumwater.  Each week's winner is going on to compete in a final karaoke contest on Friday, March 5.  The winner receives a Target gift card for $300. Hopefully the Weekly Volcano's rendition of "Love Shack" will score us that sweet gift card.  We've had our eye on a certain Crock-Pot at Target for some time now.  Friday nights, $3 per entry, 6901 Capitol Blvd in Tumwater.