FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 >>>

1. Retrograde is a party and you're invited. More importantly, it's a fundraiser to support Tacoma's Sixth Annual Urban Art Festival at People's Park on June 27.  Totally sponsored, clothed and designed LOCALLY, Retrograde will feature a sensational lineup showcasing some of Tacoma's best musical artists, along with newcomers and out-of-towners. The stars will be: Battersea, Paris Spleen, Hotels, Basemint and the Nightgowns. For your $10 donation, you will receive a free drink ticket (two if you dress retro), five swinging bands, a dozen dancing go-go dancers - the whole freaking circus - all beginning at 9 p.m. inside the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative.

2. Platinum Reign - the online store for distribution of independently produced media such as music tracks, albums, films, books and apparel - hosts its grand opening party featuring food, drinks, music and a photobooth (!) from 6-9 p.m. at 1517 Fawcett Ave. in Tacoma.

3. Free Ya Mind is back for its regular spoken word poetry and open mic on the last Friday inside Bostwick Tully's on the corner of Ninth and Broadway from 7-9 p.m. The featured artist will be Elaine Nabua.

4. Ocean Groove's DJ posse – which includes Donald Glaude – will spin beginning at 9 p.m. inside The Swiss.

5. Gender Smash - the open mic night for trans/queer folks and allies - will showcase music, dance, spoken word, performance art, comedy, drag, improv, theater, sing-alongs, jam sessions, interactive games, rants, circus acts, and silly human tricks beginning at 10 p.m. inside Le Voyeur in Olympia.

LINK: New movies open today