Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: March, 2011 (193) Currently Viewing: 181 - 190 of 193

March 31, 2011 at 2:57pm

THIS WEEK'S VOLCANO MUSIC SECTION: Franz Nicolay, Gun Outfit, Reef Benefit, D'Rocc ...

MUSICAL GOODNESS COMING AT YOU IN PRINT & ONLINE >>>

It's Thursday, which in the Weekly Volcano's world is almost as good as Friday. In some ways, in fact, IT'S BETTER.

You see, another Weekly Volcano hit streets today - meaning we made another deadline and the show rolls on. Our stress level automatically decreases until sometime Sunday morning, when it all starts over again ...

But before we get to any of that, here's a sneak peak at the musical goodness coming at you in print and online in this week's Volcano.

FRANZ NICOLAY

Last year, Nicolay announced he would be leaving wordy arena-rock heroes, the Hold Steady, in order to pursue a solo career, citing a feeling that he had done all he could in that band. Listening to his solo debut, Master General, and its follow-up, Luck and Courage, there are certain moments where you could see a song fitting in perfectly with the Hold Steady's cannibalistic rock ethos, such as Major General‘s opener and standout, the Dead Kennedys-worshiping "Jeff Penalty." Saturday, Nicolay plays O'Malley's in Tacoma. - Rev Adam McKinney

D'ROCC

Probably the most fun thing to do this week would be for you to attend D‘Rocc's video shoot. D'Rocc is one of the main up-and-comers in our hip-hop scene and he's had some big videos in the past. The video being shot this week is open to the public - meaning you can come be immortalized in the scene forever. The shoot is actually more like an event; there'll be performances by Tak Patron, Lok Skywalker and Second Family (more about these artists in future columns). The event is Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. at the Firwood Rock Lounge and it packs a $10 cover. This venue is new and has already had some large hip-hop shows. - Josh Rizeberg

GUN OUTFIT

Multi-tiered, incidental song-name humor aside, there's nothing funny about Gun Outfit's music-they're a melodically-gifted, rightfully-acclaimed band with a flair for melding the clean guitars and drawling vocals of post-punk and '90s slacker rock with the aching, whiskey-soaked world-weariness of country music classics. They bring this signature sound to a stacked show Thursday at all-ages hub the Northern. - Jason Baxter

REEF BENEFIT SHOW

Just before 6 a.m. on Feb. 24, King Solomon's Reef in downtown Olympia caught fire. Again. Emergency vehicles and a news helicopter responded immediately - a stark contrast to the quiet, snowy morning.

"It was disbelief and panic at first," says Lindy McIntyre, co-owner of the Reef. "I remember wanting to get there faster but it was so icy out, it felt like a dream where you couldn't get where you were going." - Nikki Talotta

PLUS: Better Living Through Music - Pickwick, Stone Axe, A.Madman

PLUS: Live Local Music Listings

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Gross stuff like this

Filed under: Music, Weekly Volcano, Tacoma, Olympia,

March 31, 2011 at 4:30pm

THE WEEKEND HUSTLE: "Too Many Sopranos," Junior Daffodil Parade, Star Chefs on Broadway and the boring lives of our writers ...

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Cloudy, hi 55, lo 41

Saturday: Rain, hi 46, lo 39

Sunday: Cloudy, hi 51, lo 42

>>> APRIL 1-3: Too Many Sopranos

Sure, we may have had a bit of a joke with the Too Many Sopranos performances coming up at the University of Puget Sound this weekend, but don't take that to mean we're not into it. Quite the contrary. Edwin Penhorwood's comic opera seems sure to deliver, especially with Kethryn Lehmann on directing the stage and musical action, and orchestral conductor Steven Zopfi tying it all together

  • UPS - Schneebeck Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $8.50-$12.50, 1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, 253.879.3419

>>> SATURDAY, APRIL 2: JUNIOR DAFFODIL PARADE

Watching the Junior Daffodil Parade in Tacoma's Proctor District is just plain fun. While other parades may attempt to wow you with intricate, tight, well-rehearsed production, the Junior Daffodil Parade is more of a free-for-all. Our favorite part? The kids. And not just the kids watching alongside the action -- we're talking about the kids walking in the parade. It's a wide-grinning spectacle that promises a Saturday morning of family fun.

>>> SUNDAY, APRIL 3: Star Chefs on Broadway

Why would people pay $200 a head to eat dinner inside the Pantages Theater in Tacoma? Oh, we don't know ... maybe because it's FREAKIN' AWESOME. Every year Star Chefs on Broadway delivers one night of delectable tastes and dazzling performance. This year's New Orleans theme, or  to quote the show announcement on the Pantages' website, "N'awlins," will undoubtedly live up to expectations. Food. Wine. Chocolate. A little burlesque. Maybe some more wine. It's going to be awesome. That's probably why it's sold out.

  • Pantages Theater, 5 p.m., $200, SOLD OUT, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I will spend my weekend working the bar until the early a.m. After running around all night, I will realize I'm famished. I will miss The Reef and their pac-mans, and I will be sad. But, then, I will think ahead to Sunday, when The Reef benefit show goes down at The Broho and remember there is a supportive community and a hard working family doing whatever it takes to get back in business, and soon late night/early morning hunger wishes will be granted all over Olympia! Hooray!

MATT DRISCOLL Editor
We'll be walking in the Junior Daffodil Parade this Saturday morning, to our almost-four-year-old's great delight. Other than total rockstar shit like that, I again have nothing major planned this weekend ...

BRETT CHIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
I'm headed to a preseason party at the freshly rebuilt Cheney Stadium. Visitors get to tour the new clubhouse, luxury suites and press box. It will be a great time to show off my patented home run call- "Phone up the Mohel because this baby is out-a-here!"

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We're seeing Alexander and the Craptacular Day (I'm pretty sure that's the title...) at Olympia Family Theater and attending parties in Tacoma and Olympia. My point is we're super popular. 

ALEC CLAYTON: Visual Arts Critic
There's a memorial service for dear friend and longtime rabble rouser Kay Engle and and a party for the founders of Coffee Strong. I may or may not be going to either or both, or I may do nothing at all.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer

I'll be heading to Lakewood for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Lakewood Playhouse, then dinner in Gig Harbor and Nine at TMP.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Spring Break 2011, woohoo!!! Closing out my week of grading papers, pseudo documentaries about the pyramids and a trio of coffee dates will be a weekend of . . . wait for it . . . MORE GRADING! I'll also be watching my son scoot around the living room as he tries to get the 85 lb dogs.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Features Writer
I'm intrigued by the show at the New Frontier on Saturday advertised as "Abraham, with Tacoma Starz." Not sure what Tacoma Starz they're referring to, but I've seen Abraham a couple times and have enjoyed them. In other news, I have no other news.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Friday afternoon tea at Mad Hat, smoothies at Smooth & Juicey. Saturday and Sunday watching church conference during the day. Saturday night going to see Nine at Tacoma Musical Playhouse.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

March 31, 2011 at 4:34pm

THEATER REVIEW: Tacoma Musical Playhouse's "Nine"

STRONG STAGING, WEAK PLOT >>>

Tacoma Musical Playhouse's production of Nine was everything Director and Choreographer Jon-Douglas Rake announced. Based on Fellini's film  8 1/2, it was indeed beautiful - the women, the acting, the set, the songs, the orchestra, the casting, all of it. TMP did a wonderful job producing a  spectacle worth seeing. (The one technical issue was during a passionate stage kiss; the actors' mics weren't muted and the audience was forced to pick out dialogue above the rustling.)

Unfortunately, a mediocre plot can dampen the most brilliant staging.

To read Joann Varnell's full review, click here.

[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Nine, Through April 17, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. 253.565.6867]

Filed under: Arts, Tacoma, Theater,

March 31, 2011 at 4:41pm

COMMENT OF THE DAY: The meaning of “memoir”

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment of the day comes from Harrison Fart, in regard to Molly Gilmore's recent feature on Michelle Tea and the Sister Spit literary tour - which was in town last week.

Fart writes,

I'm sorry, but Ms. Gilmore might want to look up the definition of "memoir."

A "memoir" is, by definition, an autobiographical work.
You cannot write a "memoir" about someone else.
And you absolutely cannot write a "science-fictional memoir."

Filed under: Books, Olympia,

April 1, 2011 at 8:11am

Tournament of Pizza Day 16: The Final Four (Closed)

Katie Downs will pimp this pizza today in the Final Four.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1: FINAL FOUR >>>

And then there were four ...

Believe it or not, fine readers, there have been days during the Tournament of Pizza when, by noon or so, it was already obvious which pizza joints would be moving on and which would be going home. There were blowouts ...oh were there ever. Sometimes, it made our job a little easier; we could work on the next day's copy at a decent hour of the evening without fear the game would suddenly turn.

Oh, but yesterday was different. Yesterday, the votes just kept coming - from tipoff to the final buzzer. And each of the four contests stayed close. First we topped a thousand votes - dead heats. Then two - still neck and neck. Then three - are you kidding?

By the time we got to four thousand votes you'd think a pattern would have developed - obvious favorites would have emerged. But it was not to be. Our Weekly Volcano Tournament of Pizza vote counters were up late last night tallying the results - which weren't settled for good until the very end.

Yesterday played out just like you'd expect the Tournament of Pizza "Baked Eight" to. Here's a look at the results and today's highly anticipated Final Four matchups.

Yesterday's Results

Apollo's Pizza & Pasta vs. Casa Mia Italian Restaurant

After mounting quite a tear through the Tournament of Pizza, a tear that - quite honestly - many weren't prepared for (apparently taking the award-winning history for granted) Casa Mia's run came to a halt when it faced Apollo's Pizza & Pasta yesterday, the newly crowned champion of the Tournament of Pizza South Region. Apollo's moves on to the Tournament of Pizza Final Four, taking the pride that comes along with making it further than any other Olympia or Lacey pizza establishment with it.

Katie Downs Waterfront Restaurant vs. Upper Crust Bistro & Bakery

Katie Downs has made a lot of friends in its nearly 30 year history on the Ruston Waterfront. And its pizza has pleased many a belly. Yesterday, the Tacoma destination for stiff drinks and massive pies needed all of those friends and pleased bellies to take down Upper Crust, one of the Tournament of Pizza's more surprising stories. Who would have thought the Northend Tacoma spot known for high brow pies and, at least on our visit last week, $5 glasses of red wine to prime the voters would have advanced all the way to the Baked Eight? That's exactly what happened, but yesterday's Katie Downs gained the upper hand after an intense battle - moving onto the Final Four to face Rollies.

Rollies Tavern vs. Trackside Pizza

When first discussing the Tournament of Pizza, in editorial meetings that seem like they were many moons ago, Rollies Tavern was mentioned almost immediately. It's got a following, and everyone knows it. Rollies pizza quickly comes to the lips of many when discussing the best South Sound pizzas. The bar frequented by military types and pie-lovers alike has fared well so far in the Tournament of Pizza, and yesterday - despite being locked in one hell of a close game all day long - Rollies again prevailed, taking down the much loved Puyallup institution that is Trackside. Neither competitor has anything to be ashamed of as they both mounted impressive runs. That said, Rollies moves on to the Final Four, while Trackside begrudgingly goes home.

Delbrocco's Pizza, Steak and Hoagie vs. The Fan Club Sports Bar

If there's one pizza joint that can play the "us against the world," "we don't get the respect we deserve," card - it's undoubtedly Delbrocco's Pizza, Steak and Hoagies. The Philly-style, T-Town pizza spot has killed it so far in the Tournament of Pizza, to the surprise of many.

That said, most prognosticators still assumed Delbrocco's would go down when facing might Fan Club of Lakewood. Surely, the Fan Club would have too much fire power for Delbrocco's, right?

Well, yes, but it took every minute of voting, and every ounce of possible effort on the part of the Fan Club to get the job done. In what was easily one of the closest, most exciting contests to track of the entire tournament - even considering "tracking" the game basically meant watching votes come in - the Fan Club eventually emerged victorious, scraping out 51 percent of the vote on a day when more than 4,600 chimed in.

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. Vote for one pizza joint per battle, then scroll to the bottom and click "Done." Only one vote per person. Any duplicate or Spam responses will be disqualified.




Monday's Pizza Battle: The Final

After today's voting, there will be two South Sound pizza joints left in the Tournament of Pizza. Jump on Spew tomorrow to find out which two pizza joints will be battling it out Monday, April 4.

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

April 1, 2011 at 1:14pm

BEHIND BARS: Exotic tastes

Going "Behind Bars" with Nikki Talotta is always entertaining

REAL STORIES FROM REAL BARTENDERS >>>

I've been a bartender for a long time. I have met countless freaks, jerks, pervs, sweethearts, rockstars and crazies. Even though it's a physically and mentally exhausting job, these are the colorful people that make it all worthwhile. Well, that and the tips.

I'd like to share with you some of my personal experiences behind the bar, along with the stories from some of my fellow bartenders. Each week - under the clever heading of "Behind Bars" - I will dig into my memory bank - and the incident log books that all bars keep - to bring you some of my favorite stories.

Names of bars, bartenders and patrons have been changed or withheld to protect the innocent.

And the not so innocent.

Cheers!

This week...

Exotic tastes

Bored of rum and Cokes? Not in the mood for a Long Island? The thought of another whiskey sour got you down?

Why don't you give your mental alcoholic rolodex an upgrade with these easy to remember drink recipes?

Now, I wouldn't mind giving you the recipes for some easy to down, sweet drinks, but Pink Pussies, White Gummy Bears and Carmel Apples just aren't quite as fun as the ones listed below.

Guess it's that old "Dare you to try this," and "How disgusting ... can I taste?" mentality - which has always proved adventurous and exciting to me - compelling me to suggest these drinks. ...

Want to impress your crass friends and make the bartender crack a smile?

Order a "Pabst Schmear" - a Pabst Blue Ribbon and shot of Schmirnoff vodka: simple, satisfying and hilarious.

How about giving those taste buds a swift kick in the ass?

Order a "Dirty Toothbrush" - a shot of Goldshlager and orange juice that tastes just like that morning cup of OJ right after brushing your teeth.

Or maybe you want to order something that makes you appear completely off your rocker?

Try a "Jager Mary." You heard me, a Jagermeister and Bloody Mary mix.

This one's not for the weak, and makes most people want to barf just thinking about it. But Jagermeister actually promotes it on their little table tent cards - so somebody out there drinks ‘em. Let me know if any of you are brave enough to try.

And lastly, try a "Cement Mixer." I recommend this for the freshly turned 21-year-olds because it's fun to watch their face as they take the shot, and once they get their bearings in the bar world they will never order it again. While the "Cement Mixer" has many variations, the result is always the same: curdled booze that gives you a good buzz. Think tequila and cream or Bailey's and lime juice, both taken as shots. A good head shaking while the liquid is still in your mouth is required to get the full "mixer" effect.

Hope you enjoyed learning a few gems this week in the mighty realm of obscure drinks. Cheers!

"BEHIND BARS" LINK HUB

LINK: Lactose intoxicated

LINK: Thanks for playing!

LINK: After hours trivia

LINK: Bartending abroad

LINK: Oh puck!

LINK: 86'd

LINK: More Aural Adventures

LINK: Big & Rich

LINK: Tales From the Incident Log Book

LINK: The Tip Jar

LINK: Aural Adventures

LINK: Smooth Transitions

LINK: The Pooper

Filed under: Behind Bars, Comedy, Food & Drink,

April 1, 2011 at 2:17pm

Olympia Arts Perspective (Lindsay Tunkl) and Variables

“THE STOCK TRADER”: Acrylic, oil pastel, marker and pencil on paper by Shawn Foote Photo courtesy Lindsay Tunkl

A MONTH OF WEEK-LONG EXHIBITS IN DOWNTOWN OLY >>>

A gallery with free exhibitions, performances, panel discussions and live music at a space downtown is a noteworthy development - even if it's a temporary gallery. That's what the Olympia Arts Perspective is offering this month in a vacant storefront on State Avenue.

My first question: What's the Olympia Arts Perspective?

The answer, it turns out, is artist Lindsay Tunkl of Olympia.

"I got offered the use of a space downtown for a really good price for the month of April," says Tunkl, "so I decided to try to do something really cool with it. I'm not incorporated or anything like that."

The result: Variables, a month of week-long exhibits showcasing little-known artists - some local, some regional and some from across the country. Receptions every Friday night will include performance art, live music and a chance to meet the artists.

To read the full story, click here.

Variables


A month of free exhibits, performance art and discussions
April 1-30, free
112 State Ave. NE, Olympia
Receptions: Fridays in April, 6 - 10 p.m.
Gallery hours: Noon - 6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays in April
olyartsperspective.wordpress.com

Filed under: Arts, All ages, Community, Olympia,

April 1, 2011 at 4:26pm

Benefit for the Reef this Sunday

Hardcore punk band Son Skull will bring it for The Reef Sunday at The Brotherhood Lounge in downtown Olympia.

COME OUT FOR A GOOD CAUSE THIS WEEKEND >>>

Just before 6 a.m. on Feb. 24, King Solomon's Reef in downtown Olympia caught fire. Again. Emergency vehicles and a news helicopter responded immediately - a stark contrast to the quiet, snowy morning.

"It was disbelief and panic at first," says Lindy McIntyre, co-owner of the Reef. "I remember wanting to get there faster but it was so icy out, it felt like a dream where you couldn't get where you were going."

Recognizing these hardships for the McIntyre's and their employees, Pit Kwiecinski, owner of The Brotherhood Lounge, decided to help, offering to host a Reef Benefit Show.

To read the full story, click here.

[The Brotherhood Lounge, Reef Benefit with Zargent, The Narrows, h.p.p., November Witch, Son Skull, hysterics, The Family Stoned, Seagulls, Happy Noose, Greta Jane Jazz Quartet,  Sunday, April 3, 6:30 p.m., $5-$5000, 119 Capitol Way N. Olympia, 360.352.4153]

April 2, 2011 at 10:43am

MEAT MARKET: El Tenampa

Con Originales de Sn Juan en el Tenampa de Tacoma. Photo courtesy of MySpace

NO ENGLISH REQUIRED >>>

The first thing I notice when walking into the nightclub at El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant is that everyone speaks Spanish. Everyone. The guy checking ID's at the door, the lady taking my entrance fee, the bartender, the band. Each time I talk to someone, I'm forced to utter one of the most embarrassing pronunciations of "no habla español," Tacoma has ever heard.

Some would find the lack of English in the club intimidating. For my money, though, it just adds to the fact that El Tenampa is one of the coolest nightclubs in town.

To read the full story, click here.

[El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant, Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, $20 cover for men, 3121 S. 38th St., Tacoma, 253.474.3405]

Filed under: Club Hopping, Culture, Tacoma,

April 2, 2011 at 11:31am

VISUAL EDGE: Preston Singletary at William Traver Gallery in Tacoma

“BRIGHT EYES”: Blown and sand carved glass by Preston Singletary Photo courtesy Traver Gallery, photo by Russell Johnson

"CONTENTS OF A DREAM" ON DISPLAY AT WILLIAM TRAVER GALLERY >>>

If you missed Preston Singletary's big mid-career retrospective at the Museum of Glass last year, or if you saw that show and would like to see more of his works, this is your chance. William Traver Gallery in Tacoma now has an exhibition of new works by Singletary called Contents of a Dream.

Singletary is one of the Northwest's most well respected Native American artists, known for creating traditional Tlingit art with contemporary materials, thus giving a modern cast to ancient art forms.

To read Alec Clayton's full review, click here.

[William Traver Gallery, Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m., through April 17, 1821 E. Dock St., Tacoma, 253.383.3685]

Filed under: Arts, Tacoma,

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