SUNDAY, DEC. 26, 2010 >>>

1. We should all pay more attention to train enthusiasts. No, listen, stop laughing. They embody both the history (choo-choo trains, cow catchers, waving handkerchiefs from the platform) and the future (mass transit, commuter rails, park and ride) of transportation.  Further study of their beliefs and practices is encouraged - try, for example the Model Train Festival, the Washington State History Museum's salute to the tracks and equipment from the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads from the 1950s. There they (and you, should you follow our advice) will experience the museum's permanent HO-scale layout, the largest permanent train layout in this state, and the talent of eight model train clubs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. If you've seen A Stardust show before, you know what to expect: a jukebox musical strung around 1940s crooner classics. Think Forever Plaid minus a decade of musical evolution, or a live version of The Lawrence Welk Holiday Special. We're a fan of several members of the cast, director Linda Whitney, and Harlequin's jazz combo, but not so much of Stardust's unthreatening musical vernacular. But even I dug "Little Jack Frost Get Lost," "Everybody Eats When They Come to My House," "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" and a lovely arrangement (by Syd Potter) of "Angels We Have Heard on High," featuring high harmony by Alison Monda. Harlequin Productions stages the show at 2 p.m. Read our full review of the show here.

3. It's the day after Christmas (finally, finally, finally).  Having exhausted all financial resources barring the sale of various vital organs or offspring, you drive the streets, dejected, unsure of what to do now.  You venture into Spanaway, and you see stars - white stars, red stars, blue stars, in fact all sorts of colored lights. It's Peace on Earth. Your mouth forms a wondrous "Oh." You reach out for your loved one's hand. He/she slaps it and tells you to stop being so sarcastic.  The light seems to be coming from Spanaway Park.  Yes, you're sure of it.  Well, God bless us, everyone, it's Fantasy Lights.  From 5:30-9 p.m. the whole park is one big ol' jolly drive-through light display, animated mind you.  The windows fog up.  There goes your hand again. OK, we have to stop there.

4. For eight freakin' years in a row - never wavering - the Randy Oxford Band has encouraged (hell, inspired!) you to get out of the goddamn house the night after Christmas and shake some of the tinsel and stuffing off. It's known as the "Tis the Night After Christmas Get Out of the House Party."  And although that's a fairly wordy title, the gist is pretty simple - the South Sound's mad horn-blower and his gang of bluesy merrymakers tear the house down (in this case, Jazzbones - and not literally) while you shake whatever it is you have to shake on the dance floor. In short order, and without fail, good times are had by all. This year, if you don't get that fancy new tech gadget or expensive perfume you're hoping for, at least you'll know the Randy Oxford Band will always be there for you on the day after Christmas, from 7-10 p.m. Also, you should stop being so materialistic. ...

5. Tonight at The New Frontier Lounge, veteran local hardcore trio Cody Foster Army will be playing one of their "disarmed" acoustic sets. The early show (starts at 7 p.m.) also includes Looking for Lizards and Rich Bundy, and has a post-holiday wallet-sparing two-for-one entry policy. We caught up with CFA mastermind Cody Foster to find out more about the gig, and his band's plans for the New Year. Read the interview here.

LINK: More art and entertainment events in the South Sound