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!

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

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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.

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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