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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 75, lo 53

Saturday: Straight-up sunny, hi 77, lo 58

Sunday: Iphone says rain, hi 73, lo 54

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 29: Fences

The man who calls himself Fences, Chris Mansfield, comes across as very young, in every sense of the word. His interpretations of destroyed relationships, his waffling between self-loathing and self-pity, his declarations of affection that almost sound like fishing for compliments - purposefully or not, Mansfield has painted a diverse and honest portrait of a fucked-up guy in his 20s who never knows, moment to moment, the right thing to say. For some people, this kind of flirting-with-emo music has the effect of a great many nails being dragged along a chalkboard. Others may see a bit of themselves in Mansfield's plaintive lyrics. Friday, Fences plays Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma.

• Hell's Kitchen, 9 p.m. $5-$7, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 29: Jane Elliott

Jane Elliott has led quite a life, from a third-grade school teacher in Iowa to a nationally known teacher, lecturer, diversity trainier and anti-racism activist. Elliott's Brown-Eyes/Blue-Eyes excercise is perhaps more famous than she is. Friday, in an effort brought to Tacoma by Clover Park Technical College's Officers of the Multicultural Club and the Administrators of the school's Multicultural Student Services, Elliott will deliver an event open to the public at Clover Park from 6 - 9 p.m.

• Clover Park Technical College - Bldg 23, 6-9 p.m. $25, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood,253.589.5800

>>> FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 29-30: New World Waking!

Steve Schalchlin will perform the song cycle, New World Waking! (along with selections from his musicals) this weekend, joined by students at South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia musical theater luminaries Josh Anderson, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neill. It's a benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). To read Molly Gilmore's full story, click here.

• Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, July 29-30, at 8 p.m., $20, $10 for SPSCC students, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, 360.753.8586 or olytix.org

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 30: 34th Annual Tacoma Aroma 7's Tournament

How many folks out there knew Tacoma hosts one of the biggest and best rugby 7's tournament in the entire region? OK, how many people even know what rugby 7's is? A primer may be in order. Rugby 7's is an exciting variation on the traditional game, played on smaller fields with fewer players (seven as opposed to 15. Get it?). For the last 34 years, Tacoma has hosted a summer 7's tournament featuring some of the best  men's and women's rugby teams in the area. This weekend the Tacoma Aroma 7's Tournament is back, at the Portland Avenue Playfield.

• Portland Avenue Play Fields, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 3513 Portland Ave., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, FEB. 20: Anna Popovic

Guitarist Anna Popovic is  hot. Sure, that's kind of a low-brow observation to bestow upon a musician of Popovic's skill, but then again, she's the one who decided to wear nothing but a guitar on that album cover. Really, we're just playing along. And Popovic, who other publications have dubbed the "Serbian Beauty" (she was born in the former Yugoslavia), gives us plenty to play along with. She also gives us jaw-dropping blues.

• Jazzbones, with Nolan Garret, 7 p.m., $16.50-$20, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I plan on lots of yard work - which usually includes working on my burn/tan. Saturday is laundry and toilet scrubbing, followed by a BBQ in Lewis County, featuring Busch light and ATV riding. Sunday is fiesta night at the in-laws, where mom-in-law gets wasted on half a margarita, and challenges everyone to a heated game of dominoes. Let the weekend begin!

BRETT CHIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
I'm headed on a Wild Waves meat market adventure. Here's hoping those rumors about contracting hepatitis in the wave pool turn out to be false. 

.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
As my wife's birthday was Tuesday, I'm spiriting her away to a secret location near good food, good wine, and...a farm? It's a surprise, so she'll just have to wait and see.

ALEC CLAYTON: Visual Arts Critic
I'll be at the New World Waking concert with Steve Schalchlin, Saul Tannenbaum, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neil (both of Tush Burlesque fame) Friday and Saturday nights.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Keeping it simple: Caffe Dei for dinner Friday, Ethnic Fest and Lakewood Playhouse Saturday, church Sunday.

.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
The husband, baby, dogs and I are thinking about camping and may try
to work that in. If not, we'll be sitting around making plans for our
little son's first birthday celebration.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photographer
I'm be headed to a cabin in Shelton to have a murder mystery birthday party for my daughter.

.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Features and Music Writer
This weekend, as will be most weekends for the next few months, will be a waiting game until Sunday when I can watch "Breaking Bad" and shamefully watch "True Blood."

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

MAKE A WISH >>>

Looking for that last minute gift idea? Instead of rushing to the mall, why not consider some presents that will keep on giving after Christmas is over?

Wait a minute. It's not holiday season. Why is there a make a wish tree inside Cork! Wine Bar?

Owner Nick Coughran is awesome.

Every quarter he dedicates his indoor wishing tree to a different local charity. This quarter United Way's Project:U will be the recipient of his customer's big hearts.

"I'm hoping my customers write a wish or affirmation on the notepaper I provide, tie a bow on it, then hang it on the tree. If they make a donation to Project:U – well, that would be awesome," states Coughran.

Cork! Wine Bar

4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday
4 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday
606 N. State St., Tacoma
253.212.1492

MUSICAL GOODNESS IN STORE IN PRINT & ONLINE >>>

Biff! Boom! Bam!

As you've no doubt heard and seen by now, the Weekly Volcano's Super Best of Tacoma 2011 issue hit streets today, quite possibly the finest 28-pages of T-Town related print and pictures ever produced. Or, at the very least, it's a pretty spectacular issue to thumb through on your lunch break.

Despite all the Super Best of Tacoma goodness packed inside, we didn't neglect the music. It's not our style. We wouldn't do that. You've come to depend on the Volcano for the best local music in the area, and yet again this week we've delivered.

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

THE WAREHOUSE'S SUMMER HOUSE SHOW SERIES

In the early part of 2010, the popular underground venue known as the Warehouse was forced to shut down by the City of Tacoma. The residents of the Warehouse proved intrepid in their desire to bring exciting shows to the people of Tacoma, regardless of whether they had a permanent, proper venue in which to hold them. They - Adam Ydstie, Katie Lowery, and Doug Stoeckicht - became a collective of show promoters, and continue to book shows around town under the moniker of the Warehouse.

In June the Warehouse started a series of house shows that will run until the end of the summer. Two shows have taken place so far, with two more to come. - Rev. Adam McKinney

DAMAGE REPORT: FLASH STEPS DOWN AT HELL'S KITCHEN

When I first met legendary headman of Hell's Kitchen, Ken "Flash" Connell, I immediately knew he was a force to be reckoned with. Not only was he in a killer punk band, A.M.Q.A., he was a fixture at the premier Tacoma live music venue - the world-famous Community World Theater, run by Mr. Jim May. ... - Jason McKibbin

WHAT'S THE WORD: THE ACADEMY AND CRAZE'8

The most exciting new group to emerge this year out of Tacoma has been the Academy. The crew quickly came onto the scene thanks to the veteran status of some of the members. $krilla met Eee-tree, Ghetto, Doe-Lo Rossi, Mistah Mac, Charlotte Smoot, Criss, Eli, Chad Larson and Jordan Pike at the audio-engineering program at Bates Technical College, and the rest is quickly becoming history. Some of the members MC, some produce, some sing, some play instruments and some just work the boards. The Academy is totally self-contained and are in their own zone. The crew stole the show this summer at Tacoma Hempfest where they had the crowd near the stage dancing. - Josh Rizeberg

FENCES

Fences' debut self-titled LP is almost uncomfortable in its confessional style. Listening to it feels like stumbling across a diary, flipping through as each page reveals more embarrassing secrets and painful regrets. - Rev. AM

BETTER LIVING: L.A. Lungs, The Gentleman Gluttons, Ty Segall and Nucular Aminals

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Live Local Music Listings

PLUS: Whacked Out Madness Like This

ARTS COVERAGE TO END ALL ARTS COVERAGE >>>

At this point it goes without saying. If you're looking for coverage of local arts in Tacoma, Olympia, and all points in between, the Weekly Volcano is THE place to find it. While others cut back or bow out, the Volcano pushes on, continually providing the best in local arts coverage to our fantastic readers and always looking for ways to shine a light on all the awesome creativity we see around us.

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

FEATURE: Toy Boat Theatre

"Who's to say that love needs to be soft and gentle?" That's a line from Secretary, a movie written by Erin Cressida Wilson. It could also be a fitting tag line for Dakota's Belly, Wyoming, a one-act dramedy by Wilson, in which Vern flees to his sister Dakota's ranch to escape the dissolution of his marriage. It isn't long before his wife, Trixie, shows up with a few surprises. The play is the first production by Toy Boat Theatre Company, an enterprise under the aegis of Tacoma Spaceworks. - Christian Carvajal

FEATURE: Steve Schalchlin's New World Waking!

It was a long and winding road that led songwriter, actor and pianist Steve Schalchlin from New York City to Olympia to perform a song cycle about a search for peace in a violent world.

Schalchlin will perform the song cycle, New World Waking! (along with selections from his musicals) this weekend, joined by students at South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia musical theater luminaries Josh Anderson, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neill. It's a benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). - Molly Gilmore

FILM: The Big Uneasy

Harry Shearer is best known for being funny. He voices Mr. Burns and a host of others on The Simpsons. He was a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live. He starred in This Is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind.

But there is nothing funny about The Big Uneasy, Shearer's documentary about why New Orleans flooded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The film is showing Saturday in Olympia, along with a Q&A with Shearer via Skype. - Molly Gilmore

VISUAL EDGE: Safeco Collection at Tacoma Art Museum

Over the past four years, Tacoma Art Museum has acquired more than 400 new works. Many of them were gifts from the Safeco Insurance Company collection, and many of those are currently on exhibit.

Check it out. There's some good stuff here.

The first thing to catch the eye is a large oil painting by Pacific Northwest icon Guy Anderson called "Skimming the Sea." At 6 feet by 6 1/2 feet, with bold, oblong, white forms marching like an army of fish nets across the surface, this is a strong image to welcome viewers to the show. - Alec Clayton

PLUS: South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011 >>>

1. It was a long and winding road that led songwriter, actor and pianist Steve Schalchlin from New York City to Olympia to perform a song cycle about a search for peace in a violent world. Schalchlin will perform the song cycle, New World Waking! (along with selections from his musicals) at 8 p.m. inside the Minnaert Center, joined by students at South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia musical theater luminaries Josh Anderson, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neill. It's a benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). To read Molly Gilmore's full story, click here.

2. And whilst you are on your travels in the far reaches of Puyallup, perhaps you could consider dropping in on a little Russian culture, just to make your afternoon complete. And to expand your knowledge of Russia beyond what you've seen in James Bond movies. The Puyallup Public Library will explore Russian folk culture through crafts, stories and language at 3 p.m. This event is part of the 2011 Summer Reading program at the Puyallup Public Library, which encourages children to explore "One World, Many Stories" at the Library. Second thought, unless you are younger than 12, it's best to explore something else in Puyallup.

3. Friday at the Fort is a 21 and older "date night" featuring light food and drinks, plus the musical styling of The Burren Boys of Olympia from 6-9 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Fort Nisqually Foundation, which supports the restoration, preservation historical interpretation and education of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum.

4. A bunch of hardcore folks are designing 24-page zines with a 24-hour time frame based out of the Olympia Timberline Library. We're not exactly sure when the thing starts or ends, but what we do know is zines will be read out loud at 7 p.m. followed by a dance party with Maxines and Happy Noose. That's all you really need to know.

5. The Taist of Iron reunion show will go down at 9 p.m. inside Stonegate Pizza. Blind Ambition joins the bill.

PLUS: Event suggestions in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight!

TODAY IN HANGOVERS >>>

For those of you who have been living under a damp rock, the Weekly Volcano's Super Best of Tacoma issue was released yesterday. Ipso facto, last night was the Weekly Volcano's Super Best of Tacoma Party.

Half issue release party, half general celebration and fun dress up time, the Super Best of Tacoma Party went down at the Varsity Grill without a hitch. Costumes of all kinds crowded the Varsity Grill, from the not-so-surprisingly frightening Sarah Palin to the always-cute Batgirl. Dartboard Man mingled with Tricycle Man.  Kris ‘Save Our Sonics' Brannon (more of a lifestyle than costume) hit it off with the Magical Genie.   Emcee John Munn kept the crowd entertained with comic book trivia questions. DJ dAb spun vicious ‘80s tracks that had the Gritty City Sirens burlesque troupe dancing the night away. Drinks were flowing and the food was D-lish. Sometime during the night, we even managed to give away some awards for Best of Tacoma.

(Melanie Rushforth and Damon DeRosa enjoy the paper)

(As does Doug Mackey)

(John Munn emcee)

(NWCZ Radio's Darrell Fortune)

(Sarah Palin was in attendance. She can see Tacoma from her house.)

(Batgirl or Volcano food and lifestyles scribe Jennifer Johnson?)

And before we were all stuck to the bar like flies around Sarah Palin (the real Sarah Palin, not the pretty costumed one) we chatted with a few party goers and got their take on the night's festivities. 

Un-costumed blonde girl couple Harli and Louise said they, "left their costumes at home, but were wearing them in spirit." Spirit, appropriately, because the say their favorite costume of the night had to be the Magical Genie guy.

"I can't give you a reason why other than he's real tall," said Harli. "I guess I like the burlesque girls, too."

(Magical Genie Guy)

Burlesque girls in costume? Isn't that just their work wear?

(Gritty City Sirens give some face time to the crowd)

Tricycle Man said he came to the Costume Party for one reason and one reason only: to sue the Swarner Brothers.

"You know why I'm dressed as Tricycle Man?" asked Tricycle Man. "Because I have a thick scar on my leg because of Ron Swarner."

(Alan Gorsuch as Tricycle Man)

Apparently, Ron Swarner convinced Tricycle Man to ride in a downhill tricycle race. A couple of beers were downed before said race. Beers, that may or may not have contributed to Tricycle Man's disfiguring, 30-MPH fall taken during the race.

Like any good super villain, Tricycle Man emerged from the wreckage horribly disfigured and with a vengeance for blood. Swarner litigation blood.

Lawsuit or not, a great night was had by all. Sarah Palin, Captain Planet and Construction Girl came away with best costume awards. Editor Matt Driscoll came away with biggest hangover.

See you next year, Tacoma! Just kidding. We see you every day. 

(Old Milwaukee Cafe owners Patricia "Pat" and Chad Kerth)

(Jaime Kay Jones)

(CJ Johnson Bail Bonds won Best Bail Bonds)

PHOTO CREDIT: J.M. Simpson

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...

Little Black Book

Hello again! This week takes us on a tour through the little black incident log book, where bartenders communicate, warn about weirdoes and vent.  Here are a few snippets of humor and disgust.

12/01/04

Weird dude. (High?) Glasses. Drinks Rainier on ice and is no longer welcome. Continues to creep all the females out. We asked him to leave, difficulty ensued. Once finally gone, large portion of the bar cheered and thanked us. I see no reason to allow him in when his $2 costs us $50.

5/10/08

A 40-ish couple came in. Both seemed sober. I served them each a drink and the woman immediately went into a stupor. She couldn't walk, and all she could say was, "I love you...Fuck off!" They called a ride and left relatively peacefully.

11/24/08

I kicked out two young guys who are in town from Bellingham for Thanksgiving. One is about 5'4" with two moles by his eye. The other was around 5'8", skinny, with a beard. They were on the patio talking about "homos" and flashing their sad, flaccid penises. We will definitely recognize them if the come back.

12/20/08

The snow is no longer welcome, unless it apologizes.

Hope you enjoyed a look in the little black book. Until next time, may I suggest you try a little Bulleit Rye on the rocks. It is super smooth and buttery. Cheers!

LINK: The Behind Bars collection

COMING SOON >>>

Looks as if Tacoma fashion designer Chelsia Berry Fashion Design for Women and Anew Thyme maternity clothing are moving out of the Middle Floor Merchants inside Sanford and Son and across the street to a storefront on Broadway. Our Summer Guide 2011 is currently hiding the remodel.

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011 >>>

1. Real-deal bike racing is pretty exciting all by itself. Bike racing at night, with a beer garden for spectators, in downtown Tacoma, is just plain crazy awesome. Saturday, Tacoma's second annual Twilight Criterium will offer all of the above, plus an art bike parade (weird bikes, fuzzy bikes, cool bikes, strange bikes, two-person bikes, colorful bikes, sparkly bikes, bikes with balloons, bags, and streamers), live music, a kids race and ... and did we mention the beer garden? Expect lots of spandex (for aerodynamics), and lots of good times from 3-10 p.m.

2. Rule number one about yard sales: If you want the good stuff, you've got to show up early. Pierce County Parks and Recreation's annual community yard sale - Junk In Your Trunk Sale - runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sprinker Recreation Center Parking Lot. If you don't get there early, all that will remain will be an endless stream of spice racks, Buddha statues, TV trays and Pogo Balls.

3. You don't need to attend the annual Ethnic Fest to see Tacoma is a melting pot, but it certainly doesn't hurt to help you appreciate it. That's the power of more than 15 food booths representing a multitude of delicious tastes from cultures around the world, not to mention more arts, crafts and music than you can shake a culturally diverse stick at. In its 25th year, Tacoma's Ethnic Fest is easily one of the shining moments of each summer for this city. See why from noon to 7 p.m. in Wright Park.

4. We thought artists just lie around the pool sipping lemonade all summer long. We were wrong. Today from 5-7:30 p.m. 13 www.gallerythree.org/" target="_blank">Gallery Three artists will wash off the suntan lotion and demonstrate their art outside on the plaza at 333 S. Meridian in Puyallup. Besides the art, expect music, wine and chocolates, cookies and something called "paint and win."

5. If you like your dance with a trace of the exotic, head for the Tacoma Buddhist Temple, where traditional Bon Odori dancing and taiko drum performances take over Fawcett Street as part of the Bon Odori Japanese Folk Dance Festival from 5-9 p.m. The highlight is always when paper lanterns are strung across Fawcett for the bon odori, a traditional summer street dance honoring the dead. Hundreds are expected to attend, decked out in elaborate kimonos and hapi coats to dance to traditional Japanese folk songs. Think Japanese line dancing where the older people teach the younger generation the moves. Bonus: There's now a sake garden! (screaming really loud).

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Wine tastings!

COUNTY CHARTER UP FOR DEBATE >>>

Granted, I'm relatively new to Tacoma and where I grew up we didn't have counties, but before last week I didn't know what the Pierce County Charter. I didn't know the details of why - all of a sudden - it may change.

So, I did a little research, chatted with Super Best of Tacoma "Best Activist" Justin Leighton, and now I have the facts.

Pierce County has what is referred to as "home rule," meaning our County Charter supersedes the rules of state law. Our home rule charter is essentially the County's constitution. Every 10 years citizens are elected to a committee that looks at the charter and recommends amendments. Between reviews the Pierce County Council can, by way of a two-thirds vote, directly send possible amendments to the voters of the County.

Over the past two weeks three possible amendments have been proposed: an amendment to make all County Council seats non-partisan; an amendment to make the County Executive position non-partisan; and an amendment to reduce the County Council from 7 to 5. If approved, all three would be on this November's ballot.

Debate has raged throughout the week about all three issues, with the final voting on all of them as been postponed until the second week of August.

To read up on Laurie Jinkin, TV Tacoma and the rest, click here.