SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2011 >>>

1. Honestly, this one's really tripping us out. We swear (like TOTALLY swear!) we were just working on a one-year retrospective of the Tacoma Cult Movie Club. Now ... BOOM! The club is two. Kids these days; they grow up so fast. Originally created by the Tacoma-legendary Reverend Colin and Tobin Ropes, and now with the venerable poster design skill of Holland Hume on board (yes, he of the creepy Billy Maze Volcano cover of 2009, and the vomiting Lee Harvey Oswald Volcano cover of 2009), there's no stopping this beast. Just like the poster reads, "They said it could be stopped. They were wrong." Today, celebrate in style starting at 4 p.m. with a kickass raffle and a potluck at the Acme Grub Cage ... not to mention the all time best TCMC flicks, as voted on by you!

2. Tacoma Reads Together welcomes William Kamkwamba, author of The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity of Hope, for a reading and signing at 2 p.m. inside the Olympic Room of the Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch in downtown Tacoma.

3. Look, we don't much care how you do it. But one way or another you should really try to set a few dollars aside for Japan and the massive, massive (damn near incomprehensible) relief efforts underway there. Not to make light of the situation, but perhaps one of the most entertaining ways you could possibly achieve this is by heading to The Swiss. From 2-10 p.m. for a worthy benefit to aid Japan and the Red Cross featuring the Japanese drum ensemble One World Taiko, plus Malcolm Clark Band, Loose Gravel and the Quarry, Randy Oxford Band, Fingertips, Norma Beach, Kim Archer and New Old Stock.

4. Yeah, sure, you can stay home to keep dry, pop some corn, and watch whatever you rented from your couch, but you really should make it out to The Grand Cinema and Tacoma Community College hosted Diversity Film Festival. Today's 2:30 p.m. feature is Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Hollywood's idea of a stirring call for racial justice.

5. The Sunday-night malaise bums out even the happiest of partyers: a day spent slothing around in pajamas, a week of work hanging in the near future. It's time to shake off those blues, put on a clean shirt and head into town to listen to some, well, blues. The Spar in Old Town Tacoma features live blues every Sunday evening from 7-11 p.m. Sit back, snack on some of The Spar's scrumptious grub and listen as local blues musicians do their best to conjure up the spirits of Muddy Waters, Son House and Robert Johnson. Tonight, Blues Redemption sets up in the corner.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Blues Jam, hosted by Tim Hall. 8 pm.

Engine House No. 9 Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. The Kareem Kandi Band. All Ages. 6-9 pm. NC.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Jazzbones Kid's Jam, hosted by Randy Oxford. All Ages. 6 pm. NC.

Lady Luck's Cowgirl Up Steakhouse and Saloon Tacoma - Parkland. Tatoosh. 4-8 pm.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Open Mic, with Denny Foreman & Friends. All Ages. 6 pm. NC.

Marine View Church Tacoma. Darren Motamedy Band. All Ages. 5 pm. NC.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Hightower, The Narcs, Hands Of Toil. 9 pm.

Pantages Theater Tacoma - Downtown. Ryan Mello Campaign Kickoff, with Kim Archer. All Ages. 5:30 pm.

The Spar Tacoma - Old Town. Blues Redemption. 8 pm. NC.

Steilacoom Pub and Grill Steilacoom. Sunday open mic with Jeanlizabeth. 8 pm. NC.

The Swiss Tacoma - Downtown. Japan Relief Benefit with Malcolm Clark Band, Loose Gravel and the Quarry, Randy Oxford Band, One World Taiko, Fingertips, Norma Beach, Kim Archer and New Old Stock. There will be silent auction, raffles, eight bands, great food, drink and drawings. Proceeds go to The Red Cross. 2-10 pm. $10 suggested donation.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. Benefit For Japan, with Joe Baque, Michael Olsen, Steve Luceno, Scott Cossu, The Straw Hat String Band, Steve Munger Quintet. All Ages. 2 pm. Donations. Open Shape Note Singing Group. All Ages. 5 pm. NC.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

IT'S HAPPY HOUR RIGHT NOW >>>

Fish Tale Brew Pub in downtown Olympia caters to graveyard-shifters and anyone else who needs a little help getting through the morning with inexpensive large ass beers on the weekends.

Happy Hour: 9-11 a.m. weekends

Cheap Buzz: $3.50 for 20-ounce Imperial pints; $2.50 for 16 ounce pints (excluding specialty ales)

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour Mobile App

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2011 >>>

1. Have your mind blown tonight at Northern in Olympia, where "Northern Flickers: Animation and Experimental Films" kicks off at 8 p.m. with Eric Ostrowski and more.

2. John Brodeur's tour takes him to the Mandolin Café in Tacoma today. Or, if Broduer isn't your musical cup of tea, check out the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

3. The Graphic Novel Club in Tacoma meets on the second Monday of every month at the delicious 1022 South. Guess what? Today is the second Monday of the month! Join the Graphic Novel Club starting at 7 p.m. April's book is Stitches: A Memoir by David Small. Or, if graphic novels aren't your bag, try the Volcano's seemingly endless local events calendar here.

4. The new open mic night at O'Malley's is actually called an "open stage," but you get the idea. Every Monday it's hosted by duo Seven's Revenge. Action starts at 9 p.m.

5. Need some cash? Good at trivia? Trivia at the Harmon Tap Room offers a $50 prize to the winner of each round of their Tuesday trivia night.

NO PAIN, (ELEV8)TION GAIN >>>

Embedded on the couch, listening to the one millionth day of rain rattle my Pabst cans in the backyard, a thought occurs to me: Life isn't what it used to be. Duh. So, all channel-flipped out, I ball myself into a fetal position on the couch and pray for the end of the moisture.

But then the sedative hiss of televised nothingness yanks me back to life. Just when the mind was racing to conclusions that maybe I need to pick up those rusted Pabst cans, some weirdo network in the 600 range of channels pops on Battle of the Network Stars.

You could act a little more excited.

Remember the 13 televised years of B-List celebrities with their feathered hair and short shorts making complete asses of themselves as they navigated an obstacle course to B-List victory?

I do. It was awesome, especially when Mackenzie Phillips and Tina Yothers squared off. In your face Dancing with Stars!

This Saturday, Tacoma will witness its own public obstacle course excitement as folks will run, jump, climb and crawl through Northend streets. Unfortunately, Elev8 Fitness owner and (ELEV8)TION GAIN organizer Kjersten Salzman says Joyce DeWitt or Dolph Lundgren haven't registered yet, but there's still time - although the event is capped at 300 people so act now.

"Yes, this is the first event of this kind for Tacoma," explains Salzman. "I have participated in events like it and thought, ‘hey, we could do that ... better.' Since I personally hate to run unless there is a ball to kick, goal to score or someone chasing me, I never participate in the runs we have in Tacoma. I thought (ELEV8)TION GAIN would give the athletes and people like me something different to compete in and Tacoma something new to offer."

The obstacles Salzman chose are certainly challenging but are able to be completed by all. Each obstacle has modifications for different endurance levels.

"I wanted an event that was literally for anyone and everyone (over 21 so we can drink afterwards of course)," Salzman adds. "I also wanted it to be a challenge just to see if you can do it. This is why there are no chip times, winners or age categories to place in at (ELEV8)TION GAIN. This is an all out, can I hack it event."

Unlike Battle of the Network Stars, there won't be marshals to make sure you stay in bounds (no official course either) or tattle tails if you don't do a challenge. It's up to each individual how hard he or she wants to push it.

As for the obstacle challenges, you won't see Scott Baio rope swing across a water hazard. You won't see Heather Thomas in an egg on spoon race with Kristy McNichol. You won't see Erik Estrada losing in roller-skating to one of the girls in Eight is Enough." Instead, you'll see your neighbors performing pushups, squats, burpees, star jumps, Amy crawls using the Tabata Protocol, which consists of eight intervals or 20 seconds of all-out maximal exertion with 10 seconds of rest per exercise. You'll toss a medicine ball, maneuver a kettlebell and mess with a giant tire until you want to puke.

"We have tested the course. It's not a walk in the park. Its challenging in a "I did it, I'm dirty, I might vomit (if you really push yourself) but I feel really good about what I just accomplished" sort of way," says Salzman.

The after party is at Terry's Office Tavern across from the Elev8 Fitness studio on Proctor Street. Expect a beer garden, band, food specials - and all participants get a free beer.

All your questions may be answered on the (ELEV8)TION GAIN FAQ page here.

And you never know. You might see the chick from Buck Rogers battling the guy from BJ and the Bear in a timed plank hold during (ELEV8)TION GAIN. It would elevate the after party no doubt.

(ELEV8)TION GAIN

Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m., $65
course to be announced soon on the event's website
Register here

UPDATE: The event will begin at Sherman Elementary School

FIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH FIVE ANGLES >>>

Transitions in life and in art can be momentous. A historic building comes tumbling down and precious memories fall along with the rubble, yet in its place something grander may arise. There's an accident. Perhaps someone is disfigured, and his life is changed forever. For better or for worse? In the show Progression: Photographic Images on the theme of Transformation at Fulcrum Gallery, five photographers interpret the theme of transformation narratively and metaphorically. Their various interpretations of the theme are each unique.

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

[Fulcrum Gallery, Progression: Photographic Images on the theme of Transformation, noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and by appointment, through May 14, 1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.250.0520]

GREAT TIME FOR A LATE CROWD >>>

When I arrive at the R & R's weekly rockaraoke, the guy at the door tells me it's a late crowd. I sigh. Of course. The one time I show up early it's a late crowd. But I head in anyway, ready to put my crankiness aside and give a fair, honest review.

Located next to a hardware store and a fitness center, the R & R has a little too much strip mall mise-en-scène for my tastes. The place is new and clean, but lacks character. Polished tables and chairs match the bar's dark lighting. New pool tables, beer signs and TVs playing TNA Wrestling dot the large space. It's a nice tavern, but where's the shake? The sizzle? 

The sizzle, as it turns out, can be found in the clientele.

To read Brett Cihon's full account, click here.

[R & R Live, Open until 2 a.m., $3 cover for live band karaoke, 9807 224th Street East #120, Graham, 253.375.7155]

15 MINUTES OF GLORY >>>

We're gonna skip the 4:20 humor because weeds jokes aren't particularly funny while sober, but after we pound a beer at 4:20 p.m. inside Meconi's Tacoma Pub & Eatery, we might pop back in here and bust one out. This longtime locals joint - which has held its own as fancy downtown Tacoma joints popped up around it - offer a weekday "4:20 At Meconi's" happy hour bump. For 15 minutes, owner Dave Meconi and crew will serve $1 beers, wells and wine pours - one per person.

Just got reamed by the boss? Printed 500 pages with a typo in the headline?

Grab a fast, cheap pop.

HAPPY HOUR: 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday

CHEAP BUZZ: $2.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon draft pints; $3 Bud Light draft pints; $3.50 microbrews and well drinks

DON'T SKIP: Happy hour $3.99 beer battered onion rings.

[Meconi's Tacoma Pub & Eatery, open until 2 a.m. daily, 709 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3388]

LINK: More happy hours going on right now

LINK: Free South Sound Mobile App

BLOCKING IN THE ROUND IS HARD >>>

The first show I ever directed was The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin. It was staged in a fair-sized college proscenium theater, meaning the elevated stage was framed by a rectangular arch. The entire audience watched the show from a single direction. There was a time when almost every play was staged in this manner; it was so common, in fact, that it's part of the reason a movie image has a rectangular shape. I don't think I'm being immodest when I tell you that first production was a raging success.

Not so, I'm afraid, for my second production, Boys' Life by Howard Korder. That play was staged in a black box theater, which can have almost any configuration. I elected to stage it in the round, meaning audiences would view it from all four sides. The truth is I had no idea what I was doing, and it showed. My grad school advisor made me re-block the entire show, meaning give the actors new places to stand and directions to move, halfway through final tech week. My actors regarded me as a dunce, but at least they could now be seen by the audience.

Blocking in the round is hard. It took me a long time to gain competence at it. I think we directors are preconditioned by movies and TV to imagine our shows in proscenium. It's as if we've spent our whole lives enrolled in osmotic proscenium directing school. Most of the time, when I watch a show in the round, I can tell exactly where the director was sitting throughout the rehearsal period. All the action is aimed in one direction, usually toward the seat the director would have chosen if the show were a movie. Any audience member not sitting in that section is obliged to watch the backs of actors' heads. The problem occurs so frequently that I've taken to choosing the most out-of-the-way seat in the house, just to see whether the director values my vantage point or not.

If you're directing in the round and your playing space is rectangular, the simplest way to get this right is to move your actors along the diagonals of the space. If two actors are having a conversation, they should be looking at each other along one of the diagonals. Ergo, the only way an audience member could be looking at the back of an actor's head is if said audience member were standing in an entrance or aisle. This seems simple enough, until you realize your set designer placed every stick of furniture in your way! This should be discussed with your designers long before rehearsal begins, because many amateur designers are likewise untrained in proper staging for arena theaters. A large couch looks awkward wedged diagonally into a corner of the stage. When blocking in the round, furniture should be kept small so that it fits into the spaces toward which actors should move. Proper blocking in the round also lessens the bane of lighting designers' existences, which is piercing lights shining directly into the tender retinas of a paying customer.

Most important, a director should sit in a different chair every night, especially when blocking for thrust or arena spaces. If you don't have a great view, then neither will the patron who pays to sit there on opening night. Still worse, the person sitting there just might be your critic.

Four months ago the Tacoma City Council voted 6-3 to build a surface parking lot at the vacant property on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 12^th Avenue. The parking lot is being constructed at the request of DaVita Inc. with the help of state grants from Governor Christine Gregoire originally intended to help keep Russell Investments in Tacoma. The site, formerly Sauro's Cleanerama, is unique because of its prime location and also because it is dug out, sitting nearly 25 feet underground - a feature that might have been appealing to developers despite the site's history as an unintentional toxic dump for perchloroethylene, a dry cleaning chemical found there in dangerous levels until a joint effort between Tacoma and the Washington State Department of Ecology to clean up the mess. Last week construction crews began filling the enormous hole with dirt. Once the hole is filled, the surface parking lot will be installed.

Throughout the process of approving the parking lot project councilmen Ryan Mello and David Boe have been vocal in their opposition of the plan and what they perceive as a lack of economic and urban design foresight by fellow council members and City Manager Eric Anderson. As crews worked to fill the hole Friday the two men stopped by to marvel at what they see as a travesty and a blown opportunity.

"Here we have a site that has alley access that's right off the 705 exit, (with) an entrance onto 705 a half block away, a light rail station a block away, a convention center and a hotel," observes Boe. "This place is screaming out for development. This is an urban design crime."

To read the full interview by Zach Powers, click here.