SATURDAY, JAN. 1, 2011 >>>

1. Today marks the last day of the Washington State History Museum's famed Model Train Festival.  Little bridges. Little trains. Little railroad crossings. And lots of potential fun for old people and little kids alike. Check it out while you still have time.

2. Today and tomorrow check out the South Sound's "first all star acting company" as they delve into the Christian Doyle creation and newborn area favorite, Joe's Diner Lakewood Playhouse. Doyle, the name behind The Outfit Theatre Company, promises with Joe's Diner an evening of slapstick, improv, zany situations and guest stars. OK -  we came up with the "zany" part, but you know we're right.

3. Check out Buckley's Death First and White Ward tonight at Northern in Olympia. Death First's affected vocals and snarling guitar histrionics sound native to the post-millennial FM rock era (shades of mid-career Queens of the Stone Age), and their shrieking choruses and oodles of cooing back-up vocals should make for a keen counterpoint to White Ward's sustained fervor.

4. Like many ex-Dear Records members, Molly Hamilton eventually fled Washington for New York. While there, she joined up with a psychedelic rock-leaning band called Widowspeak, which was a substantial departure from the somber, minimalist music she made in Tacoma. Today, Hamilton returns for a solo show at The New Frontier Lounge. It'll be interesting to see how the big city has affected her solo material.

5. Join C.F.A., 12 Gauge Saint and Bloodhunger tonight at Supernova Hair and Tattoo for an all-ages holiday show you'll definitely be bummed if you miss.

6. Vote for the Weekly Volcano's Best of Olympia 2011 issue right now. Go here and let your voice be heard!