THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011 >>>

1. Gary Edward Keillor, the Minnesota raconteur better known to millions of Lutherans as "Garrison," will be appearing at the Pantages Theater for a night of rambling tales of Northern life, plus folk harmonies with Robin and Linda Williams.

2. Brooks Dental Studio, also the home of ArtSpace B, is celebrating Valentine's Day four days early by hosting an exhibit of Chris Sharp's "message-laden paintings." The first hundred guests will receive a handmade valentine by the aforementioned Sharp, plus a free decal.

3. The much beloved Kim Archer and Nick Sandy host an open mic every Thursday at the Tempest Lounge. And it's a good one. Here's a full listing of live local music tonight in the South Sound.

4. Comedian Tommy Savitt visits Tacoma Comedy Club tonight, taking the stage at 8 p.m. Start your weekend early with some laughs.

5. In Oly, check out the always-awesome Vagina Monologues at The Evergreen State College Recital Hall. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and will cost students $7, and old fogeys $10.