WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 >>>

1. Burlesque is striptease's older, sexier and more provocative sister. It's more naughty than raunchy, more playful than pornographic and more elegant than trashy. Burlesque is front and center at 8 p.m. when the Gritty City Sirens dance before rockers Blanco Bronco and DJ Broam at Jazzbones. You in?

2. The final meeting of the University Place "Speak Up" community meetings goes down at 7 p.m. inside the University Place Library.  If you're a citizen or business owner you may face the U.P. City Council and staff to discuss questions or issues of concern.

3. Last year, readers of this fine rag voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to their well drink Wednesdays. $1.50 well drinks after 7 p.m. Are you kidding? That's, like, riding the train to funkytown for only eight bucks. Yes, please.

4. The Wry Toast Toastmasters #9455 want to teach you the art of communication - whether it be an engaging story, an effective presentation or an impromptu speech. They meet every Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Charles Wright Academy. Rumor is they're holding some sort of speech contest tonight - and throwing toast is discouraged.

5. With the incorporation of Psychedelic Fur-sy tenor sax and a healthy dose of shameless ballad grandeur, Levator (pronounced like "elevator" without the "e") has distinguished themselves admirably by weaving plush, multi-layered soundscapes to cushion Sky Lynn's airy, ethereal vocals. Catch them at 9 p.m. inside Bob's Java Jive.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Half-priced bottles of wine!