Jazz dances in the evening air and the smell of blossoms intoxicate (or maybe it's the wine). Now in its third year, the annual Summer Garden Party at the Conservatory has proven to be a delightful evening showcasing a Tacoma gem.

"It's a fun social time for people to come and enjoy the conservatory and mingle," says W.W. Seymour Conservatory Manager Mary Anderson. Scheduled for Friday, music by jazz trio Musig Christensen Hume will be performed outside in the gazebo adjacent to a roped-off wine garden in view of lush perennials.

Affairs Catering in University Place will provide the eats; expect roast beef and cheddar finger sandwiches made on freshly baked bread, and an array of sugary nibbles: chocolate raspberry, lemon, nightmare, Nanaimo and pecan bars, plus chocolate brownies. Also enjoy fruit platters and mixed nuts while admiring incredible flora. Champagne and wine will be provided by Wildside Wine of Tacoma. Past years have seen alcohol-free tropical punch and sparkling ciders as well.

The $20 ticket price includes admission to the party, two drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres, tickets for savory and sweet plates, live music, a plant to take home and the chance to win glass art from Hilltop Artists. Attire is garden party casual to jeans; everyone is welcome.

[W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park, Summer Garden Party, Friday, July 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m., 100 tickets available, $20, 316 S. G St., Tacoma, 253.591.5330]

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL COVERAGE AS DRUNK AS YOU ARE >>>

"We've got a whole new game, folks."

We've all heard this expression said in tie games. Not just games, either.  The whole "new game" idea has transcended into popular life - politics and such. The idea that all past discretions are put behind is a popular one. 

This ‘getting  to start fresh' sentiment also helps when a single team struggles up from the gutter to reach even. A  .500 record, is an important mile mark for any struggling organization. It signifies winning just as many games as losing (obvious, we know).  At that point, the team can imagine they've started over; started fresh. And where the season goes from there, it's up to the team.

This past Sunday, the Tacoma Rainiers (48-49) hit the .500 mark, beating the Salt Lake Bees by a score of 4-1. It marked the first time the Rainiers were playing .500 ball since the fourth game of the 2011 season.

Sunday was a big day. Who cares that the Rainiers dropped their very next game to the Bees? Who cares that the Rainiers are a full twelve games behind the division leading Reno Aces? The Rainiers were, for a brief moment, back at zero. Starting fresh. After that win on Sunday, it almost felt like a new season.

Almost.

-Last night, the Rainiers once again dropped below .500 after losing to the Tuscon Padres 15-14 in eleven innings. The game was a whacky one, with the Rainiers leading by as much as eight runs heading into the bottom of the seventh. Both the Rainiers and the Padres had over twenty hits and the teams combined to score twenty-nine runs.  Third baseman Alex Liddi was a standout for the Rainiers, hitting two triples and a home run.

Listening to the game, here at the Volcano we agreed that Minor League baseball can often times resemble college football more than Major League Baseball. As Rainiers fans, this is both exciting and very, very frustrating.

- Volcano object of lust and on-again off-again Rainier outfielder Mike Carp has taken leave to the Mariniers for the second time this season. In return the Mariners sent down big man outfielder Carlos Peguero. Peguero struggled at the plate during his time with the Mariners. Luckily, those struggles don't seem to have followed him down to T-town. In last night's slugfest, Peguero went 3-for-6.

- After a strong outing, Rainiers' RHP Luke French was named the Rainiers' Pitcher of the Week in the USS Mariner's Minor League Wrap. French obviously heard he was named as one of the negatives in the Weekly Volcano's mid-season review. Devastated after being called out by his favorite alternative weekly, French did everything he could to turn his game around. Nice work, French. But you still have more making up to do.

-We don't know for sure if Luke French has ever read the Weekly Volcano.  We just assume he has. In fact, we assume every player on the Rainiers reads the rag religiously.

-In more pitcher news, knuckleballer Charlie Haeger was released from the Rainiers last week. This saddens us, but we look forward to a drastic shift in the team's overall strike-to-ball ratio.

The Rainiers try to reach .500 again tonight when they face the Tucson Padres at 7 p.m.. With a victory the team can, once again, start fresh.

LINK: The "Rainiers Minute" collection

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Bob in response to our recent Drink(s) guide features on places to drink with old people.

Bob writes,

Both good candidates. The Flying Boots and the tavern on 84th and park ave behind the asian mart are also always full of old people.

But nothing in tacoma comes close in geezers to the Elks club. 10 years ago or so I used to go play snooker up there in my mid 20's with a buddy of mine who was a member and in his late 60's at the time. I was always, ALWAYS the only one in there who was under 40/50, and 99% of the people there were older than 40/50, more like 65+++. They poured RIDICULOUS drinks, and they were super cheap. I also remember a pitcher of beer (oly) was $4. Was also kind of funny because they so need younger members I would get hit up by every old guy in there to join, and they all offered to sponsor me, ha ha. Nice group of folks there though, and a really nice facility. Was like drinking and shooting snooker in a senior citizen home...but I loved it! Old people are great!

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011 >>>

1. It's the third Thursday of the month in Tacoma and you know what that means! It's Art Walk time! There's a ton of stuff going on, including the growingly famous Art Bus. Find more info about all of it here.

2. The Musicianers from El Paso, Tex. play tonight at The New Frontier Lounge. You can find the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

3. Get Your Hands on Some Clay!

4. In Puyallup it's time for Open Social Knit & Crochet at Yellow House Yarns. Find info here.

5. In Fife, Jared Blake (dude from NBC's The Voice), along with Rane Stone, Jason Kertson and Dudley Taft will unleash the tunes at Louie G's. As the pizza joint/venue prides itself on, the action will be all ages.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

MASSIMO OPENS FOR BUSINESS >>>

Not since before Mama Stortini's closed up shop has puttanesca, salsiccia or saltimbocca been available in University Place. Only a few weeks past schedule, Massimo Italian Bar and Grill in University Place opened Sunday, July 17.

Graphic designer Michelle L. reports dinner Monday was hit and miss, "Cannelloni de Carnegie wasn't that great, but chicken Marsala and steamed clams were good," she says. She recommends custard cream with berries for dessert. She said of the service, "My server Shannon was great."

Wanting a firsthand taste, I headed to University Place Tuesday on a foodie field trip. An elderly woman on her way out as we arrived held her to-go box high and declared with full smile, "It's excellent and I have some to take home."

Inside I noticed the décor has come together nicely - pictures and mirrors hang on the walls, with vases and flowers here and there and padded benches facing a revamped fireplace. Instead of sparse, it's tastefully reserved and a bit rustic.

Lunch was shared with food blogger Emily Larberg Cook and security agent Dan Maze. Not midday drinkers, we merely skimmed the wine list. Many bottles are less than $40, more less than $30; a full page of by-the-glass wine has a $7 median price. Spooning garlicky olive oil spiked with vibrant red and green pepper and herb bits on thinly sliced white bread to prime our appetites, we went over the menu. Our server tells us the olive oil blend is made in-house and sold in a wine bottle for $19.

Pizza comes in seven-inch and 12-inch options; as appetizer we had a seven-inch Verduro ($5.95). Pie crust was light golden brown on one side and pale on the other. Very thin crust was only baked on the bottom; the top remained gummy and wet. Larberg guessed the wetness stemmed from large chunks of marinated artichoke hearts soaking the dough. I hate to knock plentiful toppings — halved olives, white onion, roasted red pepper pieces, garlic and mozzarella cheese were in full effect — but when they keep pizza crust from baking thoroughly, toppings should be cut back or a better baking method employed. On the side that was baked longer, the crust edge held its own. Larberg didn't think it was too dense, classifying it as crunchy on the outside and chewy inside. "If it was a breadstick it wouldn't need dip," she offers.

At operating partner Rich Johnson's suggestion I ordered Panino de Carne. A half sandwich with soup ($6.50), the sandwich was generous in size though most of that was bread. Difficult to get my mouth around, I finally smashed it down with my hand.  Adding marinara (or any sauce) would combat dryness. Well-done steak pieces could have used less cooking time and been sliced more thinly. The other ingredients of fresh basil, roasted red pepper and mozzarella cheese are always a winning combination.  Minestrone soup, though packed full of vegetables, was unremarkable.

Capellini Positano / Photo credit: Emily Larberg Cook

Linguine Sorrento ($9.95) arrived over-cooked and under-spiced. It was taken back with no fuss and quickly replaced with Capellini Positano ($8.95). Lemon overwhelmed the new dish - pasta was cooked al dente (which is tricky to achieve with such thin noodles), prawns were tail-on and not deveined. Maze's dish of Rigatoni con Salsiccia ($7.95) was the winner. The fragrant fennel scent in Italian sausage wafted from the bowl - fresh basil, sundried tomato and cream sauce covered al dente pasta. Maze's huge smile said it all: A+

While waiting for dessert and reveling in our surroundings, it was hard to imagine the restaurant was ever Captain Nemo's.

Tiramisu / Photo credit: Emily Larberg Cook

Tiramisu ($5.50) was cakey, layered and not doused in a liquor-infused sauce mimicking thin pudding. Those accustomed to tiramisu being saucy might consider this one dry. Not a fan of the chocolate syrup used to zigzag the dessert and plate, I'd guess it was Hersey's or similar by the flat one-dimensional taste.

We unanimously loved the panacotta ($6.50) - strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries became a berry doted slurry poured over custard cream.

Service was on point throughout the meal. Overall the food was good, but just that. The people running Massimo are not new to the restaurant industry; I'll wait to return and hope needed tweaks have been made.

Lunch and dinner portions match pricing. The menu is accessible and family-friendly. Now open for lunch and dinner, call for exact days and hours.

[Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way, University Place, 253.503.1902]

WE WISH IT WAS HELD TODAY >>>

Hop head. Sounds like a euphemism for a speed addict, no? Or a professional pogo stick stunt artist. Maybe a bunny-loving furry. Well, it's none of those things. Hops go in beer, and hop heads like 'em crafty. Drink 80 craft beers from more than 40 breweries the first weekend in September when the Tacoma Craft Beer Festival sets up at the 21^st Street Park along Dock Street. Read this press release for the scoop:

Tacoma, WA. - The third annual Tacoma Craft Beer Festival presented by Fred Meyer will be held Saturday September 3rd, from noon to 9pm at 21st Street Park located at 2101 Dock St in downtown Tacoma, with all profits benefiting The Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound. This event is being held to bring together those that are passionate about craft beer, and to further build community while promoting this amazing beverage in the South Sound. Please hop on board for our third year! This event will surely be one to look forward to annually.

Admission includes a 5.5 oz commemorative taster glass and ten tasting tokens for over eighty craft beers from over forty breweries. There will also be food vendors, live entertainment and games. This event is 21+ with ID.

Read more...

Comment On This Post

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 72, lo 50

Saturday: Sunny, hi 78, lo 55

Sunday: Still sunny (could it be?), hi 82, lo 58

>>> THURSDAY, JULY 21: Best of the 72 Hour Film Competition

Each year, the 72 Hour Film Competition draws out the best and the brightest filmmakers Tacoma (and the entire region, really) has to offer. There's a reason the event has become an anticipated yearly cinematic happening. Tonight, join Go Local Tacoma for a special presentation of the Best of the 72 Hour Film Competition from last spring. The action goes down in Tollefson Plaza of all places and runs from 8:30 - 10 p.m.

• Tollefson Plaza, 8:30 - 10 p.m., free, Commerce St. and S. 17th St., Tacoma, 

>>> THURSDAY - SUNDAY: Oleanna

Weekly Volcano theater critic extraordinaire Christian Carvajal plays one of two rolls in the current Olympia Little Theater production of David Mamet's Oleanna. Ever wanted to see what he looks like ... and better yet scrutinize him on the boards like he scrutinizes local theater companies? Now's your chance. Though we had trouble reviewing a production one of our main theater critics is a part of, Carvajal did deliver an impassioned and well-written plea for your attendance on this, the play's final weekend.

• Olympia Little Theater, 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, $12,  1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia, 360.357.3471

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 23: Luthiers Convention

Lutherie, for the uninitiated, is the craft of guitar-building, as well as the making of other stringed instruments such as violins and lutes. One who takes part in lutherie is known as a luthier. Every three years, the Guild of American Luthiers holds a convention at Pacific Lutheran University. The convention is exclusively for members of the Guild on all five days, except for Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m. At that time, the convention and all of its various exhibits and booths will be open to perusal by the public. To read Rev. Adam McKinney's full story, click here.

• PLU, 1 - 5 p.m., University Center, Bldg 34, 12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma
  luth.org/convention/2011

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 23: Paper repair with Gudrun Aurand

Got some old paper you want to make new again? Or, just want something kind of unique and artistically kick-ass to do this Saturday? Drop in on local "paper conservator" Gudrun Aurand at King's for a class and history lesson on paper and how to conduct your own "archivally-sound" paper repair. Time permitting, Aurand will bust into a Q&A portion at the end, so come prepared with any ongoing paper repair questions you may have.

• King's Books,2-4 p.m., 218 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma,253.272.8801

>>> SUNDAY, JULY 24: Mario Kart tournament at Northern

The irony craze coupled with the seemingly natural human affinity for nostalgia makes old video games, pretty much, the coolest shit ever. You can see the sparkle in an aging hipster's eye at the mention of them. Sunday, a benefit for Northern at Northern offers usually unfathomable Nintendo Mario Kart tournament awesomeness. Fabulous prizes and a raffle? Yep. SNES and Nintendo 64? Of course. Snacks for 50 cents? Damn straight. The semi-finals and finals will be played on a big screen.

• Northern, 2 p.m. warm-up, 3 p.m. start, $5 entry, 321 Fourth Ave., Olympia, northernolympia.org

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

MATT DRISCOLL: Editor
Do the words, "Cleaning up the mess that occurs when you hire the Hedge Hunter to cut down an out-of-control 35-foot high English laurel," sound like a good time to you? Then come on over!

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We have our last five shows of Oleanna, and my mom's wedding reception is this Sunday. Happiness abounds!

.

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
Olympia artist Kathy Gore Fuss is having a studio tour Sunday. I'll be there.

.

BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent
I hear mutterings of an Evergreen party this weekend. That's a can't miss. Other than that, just enjoying all the beautiful sun we've been basking in lately. Oh, wait....

Jennifer Johnson Food and Lifestyles Writer
Study for finals, a dinner date at Black Bottle in Seattle (gasp! she's leaving Pierce County?), think about going to the gym Saturday morning, create superhero costume out of existing possessions (this should be good) for Super Best of Tacoma party, and hit the garden (sunshine please cooperate). Attend church Sunday.

Steve Dunkelberger Photographer
Kiddo weekend at Tacoma Art Museum and the waterfront, and maybe a movie before we go to the family cabin for a pow-wow.

.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY: Music & Features Writer
I finally have some weekend plans--both kind of novel. Friday, it's that ridiculous show at the roller rink, which is bound to be super fun. Saturday, I'm going to hit one of Bobby Slayton's shows at the Tacoma Comedy Club. I've only been there for open mics, so I'm interested to see how they handle such a big show.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

GOODNESS IN STORE IN PRINT & ONLINE >>>

Despite the fact craziness abounds at Weekly Volcano World Headquarters these days - what, with Super Best of Tacoma 2011 less than a week away- we still managed to scrap together the best local music coverage you'll find anywhere in the South Sound. And, naturally, we stuck it in the issue of the Volcano that hit streets today. It's kind of our "thing." Or, one of our "things."

Here's a sneak peek at the musical goodness in store in print and online ...

NXNW METAL FEST

Metal shows are so prevalent in Tacoma that they may be taken for granted, instead of being given the spotlight some of these bands deserve. NXNW Metal Fest aims to correct this by devoting three whole days to a dizzying assortment of bands, ranging from hardcore to mainstream metal to death and speed metal. From Friday, July 22, through Sunday, July 24, Sixth Avenue - specifically the Backstage Bar & Grill - will be the absolute loudest place in Tacoma. - Rev AM

NOT FROM BROOKLYN

The show, known as Rock & Roller, will feature local favorites Oh Dear!, Blanco Bronco, Rooftop Warrior and the quickly up-and-coming indie rockers Not From Brooklyn. Incorporating hip-hop beats and some electronic instrumentation into an indie rock mold, Not From Brooklyn have swiftly found an untapped sound in Tacoma, helping them to stand out from the largely punk/garage/metal-leaning bands in town. - Rev. AM

KOOMANIACS

Who are the Koomaniacs? They are Whikid Maticuless and Savi Suazi and ya need to stop sleeping on them. The Koomaniacs are a Hilltop, Tacoma, group and they are exciting! They have a 11-track self-titled debut on SoundCloud right now. This group is highly energetic, lyrical and original, and there's nothing out there like them right now. Whikid has a more humorous, sing-songy flow, while Savi has a snarlier, sinister style. - Josh Rizeberg

THE DAMAGE REPORT with JASON MCKIBBIN

Last week's Rockstar Mayhem Fest sure lived up to it's name, leaving me with a concussion and a gushing head wound! HELL YEAH!!! Local band Drown Mary sounded awesome and got the early crowd pumped. Oregon's the Athiarchists drove the kids nuts, but things started to get serious when Straight Line Stitch‘s female-fronted metal got the pit going! - Jason McKibbin

BETTER LIVING THROUGH MUSIC: Violent Vickie, Goldteeth, the Never Never ...

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Live local music listings for the entire South Sound

THE BEST ARTS COVERAGE IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

With the publication of the Volcano's annual Best of Tacoma issue now a mere week away, even more of my time this week than last has been spent wading through the best of the best in Tacoma and Pierce County art over the last year. And, naturally, I'm reminded once again just how much amazing stuff happens right here in our neck of the woods.

This week is no different, out on the street, and in the pages of the Weekly Volcano.

Here's a look at the arts coverage waiting for you in print and online.

FEATURE: WALK TACOMA/WALK POETIC

(PHOTO: Courtesy Facebook/Downtown on the Go)

For an hour and a half on a Friday afternoon, why not get up off your booty and commune with Tacoma on foot? Walk Tacoma/Walk Poetic is a new event debuting this year that aims to put participants in touch with the Brewery District in a whole new way.

During Walk Tacoma/Walk Poetic, participants will join local poet Lucas Smiraldo as he leads the walk and guides his flock to think and write about their surroundings. It's  based on a similar event in Portland, Ore., and organized by Downtown on the Go - an organization set on reducing single-occupancy vehicles in downtown Tacoma and encouraging commuters to consider options beyond their cars.

Downtown on the Go, headed by Manager Kristina Walker, designed five walking maps of the downtown core, and it is one of these that Walk Tacoma/Walk Poetic will follow. Each participant will receive a swag bag with all five of the walking maps, some water and snacks for their journeys.

"We wanted to stick with our mission of reducing the drive into downtown Tacoma, while also getting people out and enjoying Tacoma on the ground level," says Walker.  - Kristin Kendle

FEATURE: COMIC BOOK INK HEADS TO COMIC CON (AGAIN)

(Courtesy Comic Book Ink/James Stowe)

A gangly, bespectacled teenager stares at his hands in disbelief.

"What's happening to me?" he asks himself. "I feel - different!"

So says Peter Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15, and just like that dumbstruck adolescent, the comic book industry finds itself in the midst of a radioactive growth spurt. From the corporate-owned publishers all the way down to the friendly neighborhood retailers nationwide, change is in the air. The San Diego Comic-Con (July 21-24 this year) - the world's largest and most-publicized geek gathering, known colloquially as the SDCC - is likewise evolving. The smartest comic book retailers, like John Munn of Comic Book Ink (CBI), are innovating and adapting in order to keep up. For the eighth year in a row, Comic Book Ink will be competing for the "Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award." In the hope of increasing the odds of winning the accolade at this year's Eisner Awards ceremony, Comic Book Ink has engineered a secret weapon: a 12-page narrative advertisement in pamphlet form, illustrated by graphic designer James Stowe. - Jason Baxter

FEATURE: BOBBY SLAYTON

When I call Bobby Slayton, he picks up and immediately starts talking. It takes him mentioning Tacoma for me to realize that I've not reached a voicemail. And then it's off to the races.

Bobby Slayton is a veteran comedian, a road warrior who's been at it for more than 30 years, a man given the moniker "Pitbull of Comedy" somewhere along the line - and it actually fits.

"How old are you?" says Slayton toward the beginning of what became a half-hour phone interview.

"I'm 22," I say.

"OK, so you're a kid," says Slayton. "Jimmy Olsen - let me call you Jimmy Olsen. Don't call me chief. ... What's really frightening is I've been married longer than you've been alive! Holy fuck, you're really making me feel old."

Slayton is a real pro. After a few minutes in conversation, it becomes abundantly clear to me that he's done a million interviews in his time as a comic, and that nothing could be more natural than speaking to a perfect stranger about the business. - Rev. Adam McKinney

THEATER: OLEANNA

"I just want to smack her!" Let's face it, you're unlikely to hear an audience member gasp anything like that at Summer in the Sixties or Godspell, but she wasn't complaining. In a way, she was cheering. I'll explain. The smack-worthy character in question was Carol, a student played by Deya Ozburn, who had just accused John, played by me, of a horrible crime. Was she right? Maybe so. It's a question every audience member must decide for him- or herself, because the answer will not be spoon-fed.

Look, this isn't a review. I'm in Oleanna, so I'm hardly unbiased, but I hope you'll take my word for it that this play has impact. ... - Christian Carvajal

VISUAL EDGE: HOT FUSION

(“Passage of the Americas-triptych”: Oil on canvas by Scott J. Morgan currently on display at B2 Fine Art Courtesy B2 Fine Art Gallery)

Hot colors in bold abstract configurations are the order of the day at B2 Fine Art Gallery/Studio in Hot Fusion: Explorations into Abstraction. Hot Fusion, part one of a two-part show, is currently on display and features works by Todd Clark, Yvette Neumann, Judy Hintz Cox and Scott J. Morgan.

The art is beautifully crafted and well designed, but a wee bit too perfect for my taste - a little too slick and commercial. I prefer a little more rawness, unless it's purposefully cold with a machine-made look such as in hard-edge abstraction, which is a whole different animal from what we see here.

Of the four artists, Neumann has the most expressive style. Her large, two-panel painting, "Inflection," is controlled action in bright colors, with organic shapes flowing as though in a fast-moving river from upper left to lower right. Less bombastic but more nicely unified are a group of three smaller pieces that are predominantly yellow in color. Best of all are a couple of paintings with fields of loosely brushed white and gray with little bits of jagged shapes in many colors of rough and gritty paint that look as if they've been covered with a blanket of snow with little hints of what's hidden underneath peeking out here and there. - Alec Clayton

PLUS: Arts & Entertainment Calendar

PLUS: Movies

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from cj in response to Matt Driscoll's latest Cup Check column, in which he questions the recent endorsement deals Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has signed.

CJ writes,

I totally agree with you marmar...i mean it all comes down to RACE...he did his time...get over it people...i've heard people say he should never be able to play football again, but you have a white QB that has raped not one but two women, and never served any jail time for it, no one is asking for his head, but the black QB who killed dogs, NOT Humans, didnt rape any innocent women, and who DID go to prison for two years, gets out changes his life and finally putting the pieces of his life back together then people are asking for his head...like marmar said, "Just shut up and look in the mirror LOSERS"