MONDAY, NOV. 2, 2010 >>>

1. Lyrics are typically secondary in electronic and dance music, but Melanie Valera's intonations on No Snare, her latest as Tender Forever, are not only emotionally resonant, but a critical part of the listening experience. While the electro-acoustic percussion on No Snare booms, chirps and rattles exultingly, it's Valera's ersatz Carly Simon-isms ("this song is not for you and is meant to be/ just a piece of something nice that you won't get to see") that really stick in the mind. Check her out with Pete Burr and Ghost Feet at 8 p.m. inside the Northern space.

2. Tacoma artist Janet Marcavage will discuss her work - which uses patterned imagery and the repetitive process of printmaking to explore the routines of every life - from 6-7 p.m. inside Ingram Hall at the University Gallery on the Pacific Lutheran University campus on planet earth.

3. Award-winning filmmaker Yolanda Cruz presents her work on immigration and indigenous identity in the global economy at 7 p.m. in Lecture Hall 1 on The Evergreen State College campus.

4. Over the last 42 years more than 3,000 musicians have performed at the Victory Music Open Mics. Check out the granddaddy of all open mics from 7-10 p.m. inside the Antique Sandwich Company.

5. Every Tuesday inside SAX on Sixth, bebop reigns, and the talented jazz musicians play hard and fast in an open jam format. Led by sax sensation Kareem Kandi, talented musicians perform Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk and ilk beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: It's Art at Work Month! Check out today's events.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound