LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>
SURF/GARAGE ROCK: A better title might have been When Kustom Kulture Kollides. A fundraiser for HOTROD-A-RAMA (held Aug. 6-7 in Tacoma), tonight's party features the blistering, balls-out garage rock of Red Hex, the loud two-minute bursts and absurd vulgarity of Johnny Cheeseburger & The Cum Bunnies, the slammin' surf rock of Stafford & The Bentz Bros., and the high-octane rockabilly and surf mix of '63 Burnout. Friday, April 23, 8 p.m., $8, The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821 - Michael Swan
INDIE ROCK SINGER-SONGWRITER: DavidBazan - probably best known for Pedro the Lion - once again returns to Tacoma for what should certainly be another memorable, all ages friendly performance in T-town - this time at Urban Grace Church. The young and old alike can find something to get behind in the reluctant singer/songwriter's gut wrenchingly painful yet still beautifully melancholy song crafting style. Uber talented and young Tacoma band Hail opens the show. Friday, April 23, 8 p.m. all ages, $10, Urban Grace Church, 912 Market St., Tacoma, 253.272.2184 - Matt Driscoll
GLAM METAL: Way back in the day I pissed off (I think) Tacoma's spandex-clad, glam metal rockers Splendid Vengance by calling them gimmicky, or hair-spray-y, or something. I can't really remember. It was a long time ago. Plus, it's tough to tell what's serious with these guys and what's tongue in cheek. Would guys in full '80s regalia, rocking out with their figurative cocks out, really get upset that some punk like me might poke fun at them? That seems unlikely - but I've always encouraged drama for the sake of moving papers, and I'm not going to change now. What seems certain is Splendid Vengance will put on one of the most entertaining shows this week has to offer. With Mahnhammer, Careless Eaters, Big Wheel Stunt Show, and Vile Red Falcons, Friday, April 23, 9 p.m., $5, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 - MD
OLYMPIA ART WALK: Bands will be performing in every nook and cranny of downtown Olympia tonight. We recommend a few must-see Art Walk gigs here.