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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly sunny, hi 70, lo 52

Saturday: Rain, hi 62, lo 53

Sunday: Partly cloudy, hi 64, lo 53

>>> OPENS THURSDAY, JUNE 16: Summer in the Sixties

Harlequin Productions in Olympia has already proven they can take on the musical -- and specifically the rock 'n' roll musical -- with skill and vigor. Theater-goers need only recall last year's Sixties Kicks for an example of this fact. For the 2011 season, Harlequin dives into Summer in the Sixties, billed as "another Harlequin Original Musical Celebration! Power to the Party!" Expect great tunes from the late '60s pumped out by a real band, and -- again according to the hype -- "some interesting ways to look at and listen to a remarkable cultural revolution." 

• Harlequin Productions - The State Theater, Summer in the Sixties, through July 17, 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 5307 N. Pearl St., Ruston, 360.786.0151

>>> FRIDAY, JUNE 17: MATT COUGHLIN AND THE GROWLERS

Matt Coughlin and the Growlers have labeled their style as "funktry" - a combination of funk and country, natch. Coughlin grew up in Montana, raised by a couple of hippies. "They're folkies from back in the day," says Coughlin. "They got me playing piano and playing the guitar and singing and whatnot. I carried that through high school, and found out that girls like it when you play guitar and sing." Friday, Matt Coughlin and the Growlers will be at the Swiss in Tacoma, joined by another band Coughlin sometimes jams with - Phunkatron and the Double Deuce Horns. It should be epic.

• The Swiss Pub, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821

>>> FRIDAY, JUNE 17: TOMMY EMMANUEL

Sure, it's tempting to make a Crocodile Dundee joke and call it good when discussing guitarist Tommy Emmanuel's upcoming Tacoma gig. Emmanuel is a native Australian - mix this with our well-known laziness and it's  fairly predictable how things might work out. But let us not wallow in "You call THAT a knife?" jabs for once, and instead simply focus on the fact Emmanuel's career is one for the history books (in Australia and beyond) and a chance to see him is not to be missed.

• Rialto Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$39.50, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890

>>> SATURDAY, JUNE 18: TITLOW LODGE CENTENNIAL

As the story goes (or at least the Metro Parks press release), "Titlow Lodge first opened a century ago as a three-and-a-half story Swiss chalet-style waterfront destination known as the Hotel Hesperides. The grand waterfront resort hotel was designed by renowned Tacoma architect Frederick Heath. Among Heath’s most well-known and iconic designs are Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park and Stadium High School’s conversion from an upscale hotel to a public school with its awe inspiring bowl." These days, of course, Titlow Lodge serves as a destination point for those enjoying Titlow Park (at the western end of Sixth Avenue in Tacoma). Or, it WILL ONCE AGAIN serve as a destination point for those enjoying Titlow Park when the Lodge officially reopens after renovation Saturday as part of a centenial celebration. The formal program kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a discussion on the History of Hotel Hesperides & Transition to Titlow Lodge set to include Frederick Heath's grandson. Then, enjoy light refreshments and music on the veranda at the open house that runs until 3 p.m.

• Titlow Lodge, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., 8425 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
Giving my magic eight-ball a good shake, I asked if this weekend will bring me money, friends, sleeping in, and barbeque ribs. The answer? All signs point to yes.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
I'm seeing shows at Harlequin in Olympia and Paradise in Gig Harbor, and if those two theaters ever got married, their celebrity couple portmanteau would be HarlotEyes. I would totally see a show at HarlotEyes Productions.

STEPH DEROSA: Person, Place or Thing Correspondent
Friday I will be attending a Girl Scout dance party. Fortunately for all involved, they asked me to create the music mix. All day Saturday my ass will be helping prepare for the Children's Museum of Tacoma's annual summer fundraiser - Playing Under the Stars.  Saturday night, Kate Swarner and I will bring our very handsome dates to said event, drink copious amounts of wine, and prevent our dates from spending more money than what's in the bank. Sunday I will attempt to gather the tools necessary to re-create my very own at-home "Minute to Win It" game.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Glorious summer! This weekend I've got some plans - playin music at church, barn door cinema, hanging out. The most exciting thing will be prepping for my trip to Texas with my VERY mobile 10 month old where I will bask in the heat (no air conditioners) and translate "up" into the several different things it actually means.

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
I'll be seeing the new show at Fulcrum, doing some web design work and a bit of re-writing on my screenplay of The Backside of Nowhere based on some helpful insights provided after Wednesday's reading.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer 
Climbing Mount Never-Rest, choral concert in Olympia, much needed downtime, hunting for perfect hashbrowns.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Teaching my photo class at Tacoma Art Place and going to the Rainiers game with the kids. Then kiddo fun on Father's Day.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

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