SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2011 >>>

1. There aren't enough places in the world where you can watch Tacoma stalwart sweet pea Flaherty drive a steamroller over stuff while simultaneously creating the art of letterpress. The annual Wayzgoose event at King's Books just happens to be one of them. Already in its seventh year (holy crap!), there's a reason Wayzgoose is on the lips of every artful Tacoman this time of year ... and, frankly, it has a lot to do with sweet pea driving a steamroller. Of course, the collection of letterpressers and book artists Wayzgoose brings together doesn't hurt. Check out who will be there here from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Can you believe The Grand Cinema celebrates its 14th birthday with a day full of awesome movies and prizes? It's true. The Grand is well on its way to adulthood, no doubt growing hair in new places and grappling with hormonal changes like the rest of us at that age. All we're saying is if The Grand starts spending long periods of time in its room and seems detached, it doesn't necessarily mean drugs. Maybe it just stumbled upon the scrambled Spice channel.

3. Back from his European tour with the Sultans of Slide, Henry Cooper and band will slide into Tacoma for a Blues Vespers performance at 5 p.m. inside the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Cooper, who began his career touring with Screaming Jay Hawkins and as guitarist for the Duffy Bishop Band, has been a solo blues artist for the better part of two decades. One of the nations premier slide guitarist, Oregon-based Coopers' visit to Tacoma is a rare opportunity to hear one of the best.

4. The Weekly Volcano recognizes the need to keep ourselves young by occasionally going out and assaulting our livers and the sensibilities of other Tacomans - and that's exactly what we do during Doyle's monthly St. Practice Day parties. Doyle's is a great pub on any given day, but every 17th of the month when it "practices" for St. Paddy's Day it's even better ... especially for drunken fake Irishmen like us. Today's St. Practice Party is extra special as Doyle's celebrates its fifth anniversary, too. Ockham's Razor trio will perform more of an intimate set beginning at 7 p.m. And there will be raffles all day and night.

5. Want a little beach-party madness without Charles Atlas kicking sand in your eyeballs and giving you a wedgie? Dave Calhoun performs tropical rock Jimmy Buffett-style from 5-8 p.m. at Johnny's Dock. Calhoun is sporting a slew on brand new songs, too. Wear your purdiest Hawaiian shirt, won't you?

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound