FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Summer movie blockbusters have been flinging scary monsters our way ever since a certain shark showed us his jaws 35 short years ago. The natural human inclination to have a monstrously good time seems to go into overdrive when summer comes. Something about sunshine, warm temperatures and cool water makes us all go a little crazy in pursuit of relaxation.

In terms of local monstrous summer music festivals, Music and Art in Wright Park is at the top of the list. Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21, local music veterans Ken Johnson, Cody Foster and Bennett Thurmon - and their league of supporters - will present another solid day of music featuring local 15 bands. We announced the line up last week, stating that the trio was still short two bands. Those two slots have been filled by I-Defy and the Dignitaries (heal up Lino!) -  but a few other changes have been made. So, here's the new official Music and Art in Wright Park line up: Stone Axe, the Speans, Clearcut the City (high school band), Cody Foster Army, the Fucking Eagles, Gold Teeth, Pioneers West, James Hunnicut, Lozen, Twink the Wonder Kid, Si Si Si, Good Gravy, Girl Trouble and, of course, I-Defy and the Dignitaries.  

The official list of participating artists hasn't been release yet. We'll keep an eye out for it. We do know there are a few more open slots for artists to join the fun. If interested, send them an email here.

As we mentioned before, the festival is free, but they're still looking for sponsorship and donations. Click here to help.

The "and beyond" in this blog post's title refers to several Music and Art in Wright Park fundraiser shows scheduled in the next couple of weeks. The first one will be Friday, Aug. 6 featuring a raffle (Northwest Snowboards swag, free advertising in our rag, and much more) and acoustic sets from Dick Ed, Rich Bundy, Kyong Kim and Gary Lappier inside the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe. The second fundraiser will go down Saturday, Aug. 14 with bands Basemint, C.F.A., and the Speans inside The New Frontier Lounge. More details will follow as the shows near.

So punch these dates in your phone. It will be September before you know it, and you'll be back to your life of mindless drudgery and indoor soul-killing conformity.