UPDATE: This is one for the books.

Artist Cheryl Rux just told me that the Tacoma Gets Smashed exhibit and benefit is canceled ... because all the piñatas are now smashed evidence.

"Unfortunately, the SMASH benefit for EMPTY BOWLS scheduled for March 27th has been cancelled. Why?? Because at a little after 1 a.m., a crazed drunk woman threw all the piñatas out of the gallery and into the street. She then stomped each piñata to shreds. Then the police arrived," explains Rux.

"We would have raised $400-$500 for our local charities, so we feel that this was a success on many levels and we plan to rebuild next year."

Wow. I need Matt Driscoll back from SXSW to have his Ragnet team write this up.

The original post is after the jump.

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PUYALLUP'S SWEETKISS MOMMA REPRESENT >>>

On the ride to our hotel late Wednesday night, the cab driver, a middle age Jamaican American, told us SXSW seems to have returned to its old form this year - after a down year last year thanks to the shitty economy. It makes sense, of course. Last year at this time I was stockpiling cans of baked beans, potato guns, Oliver Stone films, bloody Mary mix and water in my family's basement - firmly preparing for post econo-apocalyptic life (or at the very least questioning my decision to love newspapers so much).

This year is different, though. Things are still VERY FUCKED in our world - don't get me wrong - but perhaps we've all just learned to live a little better with the insecurity. Maybe our stress tolerance has grown as strong as Tacoma's PBR tolerance. Or, maybe, things have just gotten a little better.

Either way, the crowds, packed hotels, packed restaurants and cab drivers all seem to agree - SXSW is in full effect this year.

We registered for SXSW late (and by "we" - I mean my wife and me). We also live south of Sixth Avenue in Tacoma, meaning shelling out ridiculous amounts of cash for "the finer things" doesn't have much appeal for us. We're simple, T-Town folks.  What I'm getting at is this: With the lateness of our registration, mixed with our thrifty streak, our hotel (a very strange operation - having previously been an apartment complex before recently becoming a hotel/condo development) is WAY THE FUCK out there - nowhere near downtown Austin. We may actually be staying in Houston, I'm not entirely sure. All I know is the water smells funny and housekeeping doesn't take no for an answer.  Our Jamaican American friend told us it'd be a $30 cab ride from downtown, but then he also offered us a deal as we exited his yellow minivan - passing us his number on a torn piece of notebook paper. All of Austin hustles SXSW, so this is to be expected. My wife and I briefly tried to estimate how much money the entire SXSW machine brings to Austin (Interactive, Film and Music), but we lost steam somewhere around, "a whole shit-ton." Then we ordered a couple more $8 margaritas.

We rode the bus downtown Thursday morning; it took almost as long as it did to fly from Denver to Austin. It was real, though, and showed a slice of this town you don't see from the Hilton lobby. There seems to be a church on every corner of this place, and bizarre restaurant chains like Luby's and Whataburger rule supreme. And, of course, things are BIG here. It's Texas, after all. The stereotype is true.

After picking up our badges, grabbing press credentials and smuggling a tote bag full of peanut butter bars and Diet Pepsi out of the press "lounge," we headed out to see what we came for: the music.

Although I provided an itinerary yesterday of what I thought would be Thursday's schedule, this - of course - got skewed almost from the get go. Here's a look at musical highlights (witnessed by the Weekly Volcano, at least) from Thursday at SXSW:

THE MIDDLE EAST

After lunch (including the aforementioned margaritas), we wandered into the last leg of one of a few Paste Magazine parties this week in Austin. Australia's The Middle East was just taking the stage, and we were lucky to have been in attendance by chance.

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SXSW FRIDAY ITINERARY >>>

If we learned anything from yesterday's experience, let it be that these early schedules I provide for the Weekly Volcano's SXSW 2010 coverage are VERY flexible. Depending on how much booze I've consumed, and how far I feel like walking at any given moment - coupled with most bands playing multiple nights in Austin - things are subject to change ... just as they did yesterday.

Even so, here's a look at what I'm planning to check out today:

ATOMIC OUTLAWS: Just like SweetKiss Momma yesterday, Tacoma's Atomic Outlaws will take to the outdoor parking lot that is the Texas Rock Stage. Somewhere, the Crüe is no doubt beaming. I'll make checking out the show a priority, as it's 10:30 p.m. kickoff should go down far before I'm completely beligerant - not that it would matter.

QUASI: Janet Weiss and Sam Coomes have made bassist Joanna Bolme an official member - meaning Quasi is now a threesome. With a new record out, getting the typical Quasi rave reviews - the Portland band will be at Antone's tonight. The last time I saw Quasi was at the Doug Fir in their hometown - simply an amazing show. I'm expecting nothing else tonight.

THURSTON MOORE: It's not every day you have a chance to see Thurston Moore, right? I'd have to be ridiculous to miss this one - or just get distracted by a taco, a beer, or something else insanely cool. We'll see what happens.

DEAD SEXY INC: They're French, for goodness sake - and they play a disco rock hybrid that's certainly worth its weight in croissants. What's the intrigue of SXSW for a band of French rockers already making a name in their homeland? I'll aim to find out. In the meantime, Google the band.

THE  xx: We missed them last night, but it won't happen again. Mark my words.  Or don't. Promises from Austin and SXSW - especially from media folks with a pocket full of free drink tickets - don't mean much.

LINK: Matt Driscoll's Twitter log at SXSW

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010 >>>

1. The very talented singer-songwriter Ben Union will play a free show inside The Hub at 9 p.m.

2. The Women's League of University of Puget Sound Spring Flea Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Fieldhouse. Expect more than 50 booths of antiques, photo of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen from 1952, No. 300 Wysong & Miles dual sander, and other treasure. Proceeds support U.P.S. scholarships for students.

3. The Grand Cinema, with a lot of encourage from Click! Cable, will screen the lovely Curious George movie from free beginning at 10 a.m.

4. Tacoma artist David Gray continues his portrait demonstration from noon to 3 p.m. at Tacoma Art Supply.

5. Defending the Caveman - the longest-running solo play in Broadway history - is a boorish boy vs. sensitive woman nudge-wink fest that hits the Theatre on the Square stage at 7:30 p.m.

LINK: Movie showtimes in the South Sound

SATURDAY, MARCH 20: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

Yesterday's Results

The second day of the weekly Volcano's Tournament of Tacos featured the undisputed popular favorite - Vuelve A La Vida- up against a golf course clubhouse. What can we say, we rated all the restaurants and taco trucks then fed them through the computer program Taco Tycoon to seed the tournament. This is science, people.

Unsurprisingly, Vuelve A La Vida received an astounding 80.8 percent of the votes in the readers' poll over The Grill at Meadow Park Golf Course. One voter said of Vuelve, "Their carne asada tacos are a step above cuz they use fajita meat and not ground beef." The Grill now has to carry Vuelve's clubs for life. Although Vuelve has little atmosphere, its authentic Mexican food is top notch.  The kitchen, open for view, prepares unbelievable carne asada, tasty tortillas and its tongue tacos are the best in the area.

Vuelve advances to the Second Round and will take on the winner of today's battle between Santa Fe Mexican Grill and Taqueria El Antojo. This humble, tiny restaurant could go all the way!

Taco Bell beat out Jack in the Box in the battle of the fast food franchises. Even though one voter said of Jack in the Box - "This is the "Best" substandard taco ever! Crispy and chewy in the same bite" - Taco Bell took the game with 56.3 percent of the votes. Taco Bell advances to the Second Round and will wait for the winner between Tijuana Taco and Taco Time.

One of the most popular taco joints on wheels Taqueria La Fondita parked at 38^th and G Street drove over Tiende Y Taqueria Zomora with 76.7 percent of the votes. La Fondita's tacos might be small, but their traditional thin corn tortillas rule.

Yesterday's last battle was between the local chain restaurants Mazatlan and Azteca. The Weekly Volcano favors Azteca, but that's mainly due to their strong margaritas. The voters also picked Azteca with 61.7 percent of the vote, although commenting on the great service more than the tacos.

Let's get down to the hard shell facts. The following are advancing to the next round:

Vuelve A La Vida

Taco Bell

Taqueria La Fondita

Azteca

Confused? Read our Tournament of Tacos introduction here.

Today's Competition

OK, time to move on to today's competition. ...

GAME 1: Taqueria el Grande (7202 S Park Ave., Tacoma) vs. Taqueria La Carreta (8302 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma)

It's East Tacoma vs. South Tacoma in this day three match-up.  If you're into tongue tacos, it's hard to beat Taqueria el Grande's version.

GAME 2: Taqueria y Restaurant (4002 McKinley, Tacoma) vs. Los Reyes Del Taco (6308 McKinley, Tacoma)

McKinley Avenue bragging rights are at stake in this game. Taqueria y Restaurant recently has taken over the space held admirably by El Compadre. The demise of El Compadre sent Ranger co-publisher Ken Swarner into a deep depression. His regular appearances at El Compadre earned him a "Norm!" status.

GAME 3: La Palma Mexican Restaurant (5701 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood) vs. MIS Tres Amigos (8013 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood)

Lakewood bragging rights are at stake today. La Palma, which for years featured delightful German waitresses, is a Lakewood mainstay.  MIS Tres Amigos has carved a nice niche for itself near the Oakbrook neighborhood.

GAME 4: Blazing Onion (4701 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor) vs. Engine House #9 (611 N Pine St., Tacoma)

Gig Harbor's lone entry in the competition features a killer fish taco against the Engine House's Famous E9 Soft Taco - a stud for more than 30 years. We see someone going down in blazing flames.

>>> CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Tomorrow's Taco Battles

Game 1: Taqueria Burrito Loco (5502 Orchard St. W) vs. Taqueria Las Torres (Sixth Avenue and Fife St.) 

Game 2: Dave's Meat and Produce (1312 N. i St.) vs. Tacoma Golf & Country Club

Game 3: Anahua Mexican Restaurant (9002 Pacific Ave.) vs. Tacoma Guaymas (10105 S. Tacoma Way)

Game 4: Sante Fe Mexican Grill (Frieghthouse Square) vs. Taqueria El Antojo (3801 McKinley Ave.)

MUSIC IN THE SOUTH SOUND TONIGHT >>>

ROCK: Post Stardom Depression is a tight quartet that fuse rock, seedy lyrics and grease to form a fresh sound unlike anything you've ever heard. Unless, of course, you've heard them before.  Singer Jeff Angell, guitarist Kyong Kim, groovin' bassist Brent Saunders and drummer Josh Fant travel from their first gig in a backyard-wrestling ring to Hell's Kitchen tonight.  Discover why this is a big deal here. With Mom's Rocket, Shim, Careless Eaters, 9 p.m., $6 advance, $8 door, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 - Ron Swarner

BOY/GIRL: The songs of Catcher sound like that point deep in a relationship when you start to see the seams; you can feel the end drawing nearer, and begin to pull away from each other - just at the point where you need that embrace more than ever. With A Cozy Kitchen, Smile Brigade, 7 p.m., all ages, $5, The Den @ urbanXchange, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280 - Rev Adam McKinney

ROCK: Ask any true-blue Tacoman what's likely to be birthed when Dave Takata, Shawn Lanksbury, Sean Horst, Chris Roxx and Michah Hammer get together and the answer will be blatant: fucking rock. Experience the Mahnhammer tonight. With Trip the Light Fantastic, Pioneers West, Swampy Draws, 8 p.m., cover TBA, The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020 - Matt Driscoll

LINK: More live music in the South Sound tonight

SXSW SATURDAY, MARCH 20 ITINERARY >>>

I realize the last thing people at home in the South Sound want to hear me do is complain, but a check of the trusty iPhone reveals it's beautiful today in T-town, and Austin is currently mired in the 50s with an ever-constant threat of rain. It's literally COLD at SXSW today - which considering the suitcase full of warm weather clothes I packed - is thoroughly fucked, at least in my humble opinion.

But never fear, the Weekly Volcano trudges on. Wherever there's a drink and a band to keep us warm is where we'll be - or, specifically, the shows below:

BIG WHEEL STUNT SHOW: The Tacoma band plays the Electra Music Showcase today at 5 p.m. They've been on my radar all week, and I have yet to catch up with the band. This simply must change today. As soon as I leave the comfy (warm) confines of the Convention Center, I'll be in hot pursuit of the BWSS.

GUN OUTFIT AND BROKEN WATER: Two Oly bands play within 15 minutes of each other tonight. It may be a tall feat, but I'm going to try my best to catch a song or two from both - or at the very least catch up with them post show. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes.

VISQUEEN: With the release of the acclaimed Message to Garcia, Seattle's Visqueen - led by the always-awesome Rachel Flotard - firmly cemented itself. While the band might have initially garnered buzz because it included Kim Warnick of Fastbacks fame - those days are long over, but the appeal of Visqueen is stronger than ever. Flotard has more than enough chops to carry the band, and with partner in crime drummer Ben Hooker, the band is simply unstoppable. As fun as it is pure, Visqueen will play tonight at Habana Calle 6.

THE OH SEES: I've been a fan of Cali's The Oh Sees since seeing the band in Portland. A garage-rocky creation of John Dwyer (see: Coachwips), the Oh Sees are always entertaining live - and it's been a while since I've had a chance to see what they're up to. That all changes tonight.

JAY MACIS: Dinosaur Jr. Enough said. Maybe Thurston Moore will join him on stage again tonight? I'm expecting epic guitar.

PEELANDER-Z: If we make it long enough, Japan's Peelander-Z - no strangers to Hell's Kitchen - take the stage at Headhunter's tonight at 1:15 a.m. Is there a better way to close out SXSW than Japanese anime-rock? Probably not. ...

SXSW FRIDAY, MARCH 19 RECAP >>>

It would probably be redundant to kick off two blog recaps in a row with sage wisdom from our new favorite Austin cab driver, Frederick - the Jamaican American who took us from the airport to our hotel upon arrival at SXSW - but I'm going to do it anyway. After utilizing the bus on Thursday to make it back to the hotel, we called upon Frederick once again last night when it came time to finally give in to the tired realities of drinking, walking and listening to every type of music imaginable for 12 hours straight.

One of countless insanely nice Austin locals we've encountered during SXSW - the kind of pleasantness that puts a town like Portland to shame (Austin has been cool for a long time - perhaps they don't feel the need to act like it anymore?) - Frederick admitted what my wife and I had been speculating for two days.

"In two days we can start living again," he told us, his yellow minivan jammed up in a festival clogged intersection, his city completely succumbed to the grip of SXSW.

For 10 days, throughout the interactive, film and music portions of SXSW, Austin is a complete madhouse. Streets close. Buses detour. Cops dedicate exponentially increased man-hours hauling drunken punks out of drunken punk shows. And life as usual in Austin comes to a grinding, economically magnificent, halt.

It's a real nice spectacle to visit, but I'm not sure I'd want to live in it.

But SXSW is for everyone - and Austin locals do take advantage. Amidst the body-to-body swarm that is Sixth Street at night, you're just as likely to see a mom pushing a stroller as you are a Vampire Weekend inspired hipster or a swarmy mid-level promoter. The whole world is represented. Gutter punks, frat boys, chicks looking for the eyes of frat boys, guys with snakes around their necks, people in panda costumes, people offering free hugs, people offering free smokeless tobacco, ranting religious zealots and even Joseph Gordin-Levitt and Matthew McConaughey come out of the woodwork for SXSW.

What draws them all? Specifically, what's the real appeal of SXSW for bands (other than the obvious)? Those have been the guiding questions of my coverage so far, and I may be no closer to answering it then when I started. Everyone comes to Austin this week for something, that's for sure - be it free drinks or something bigger - but everyone comes for a different reason.

Here's a look at how last night shaped. Remember to follow @mattsdriscoll and @weeklyvolcano on Twitter to get up-to-the-minute details of tonight's SXSW action, from a Tacoma and Olympia perspective.

THURSTON MOORE

No good child of the alt-rock movement could pass at a chance to see Thurston Moore and a 12-string guitar inside a club the size of the BroHo or the old Hell's Kitchen, right? Well, that's what we figured anyway - and after waiting in an impressive line of SXSW badge-holders with the same idea, we were eventually rewarded. The man behind us in line seemed to grow increasingly irritated with the almost constant flow of people asking us what we were in line for, only to return blank stares when we said Thurston Moore.

Eventually, he just started saying Van Halen.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010 >>>

1. The Swiss will host a benefit for the FISH Food Bank featuring live music by The Painkillers, Michael O'Neill, The Shy Boys, China Davis, Fuzz 58, and Jason Lillie beginning at 6 p.m. Please bring a $10 or greater donation.

2. The Tarot Experience workshop is an educational party that helps bring the mystical into a more practical perspective from 5-8 p.m. inside the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative.

3. The Olympia Dance Festival features performances by host Ballet Northwest, Debbi's Dance Etc., Johansen Olympia Dance Center, Mas Uda, Slieveloughane Irish Dancer, Southwest Washington Dance Center, Studio West Dance Academy, Tribal Elements, and Wild Grace Arts Yoga and Dance at 2 p.m. inside the Washington Center.

4. Billy Farmer hosts a popular open mic at 6 p.m. inside the Mandolin Café.

5. Steve Stefanowicz performs at 6 p.m. at the Engine House No. 9.

LINK: Movie showtimes in the South Sound

SUNDAY, MARCH 21: FOUR BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

Yesterday's Results

The past few days saw mainly blowouts in the Tournament of Tacos. Yesterday's competition finally witnessed a close battle.

Here were the matchups:

Taqueria El Grande vs. Taqueria La Carreta

Taqueria y Restaurant vs. Los Reyes Del Taco

La Palma vs. MIS Tres Amigos

Blazing Onion vs. Engine House No. 9

Who advances to the next round? Which tacos took the popular vote?

Find out after the break:

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