MUSICAL GOODNESS IN STORE IN PRINT & ONLINE >>>

There are just some things in life you can count on. Taxes. Dimwitted Tea Baggers decrying taxes. Starbucks trying to force that damn "treat receipt" on you. It all just comes with the territory of living.

On the positive front, an awesomely-packed music section every week from the Weekly Volcano is one more thing you can count on from life.

Here's a look at the musical goodness in store this week in print and online ...

INDIE: STRANGE VINE

At first glance, Strange Vine is a typical rock 'n' roll two-piece. Consisting of Ian Blesse on drums and Toby Cordova on guitar, the really intriguing aspect of the band comes when Blesse-while still manning the percussion with his right hand-begins playing organ with his left hand. It's a really neat trick that ends up resembling something like a tightrope act. That Blesse is able to create strong and inventive beats with his right hand while providing mostly rumbling bass notes with his left on the Rhodes is both impressive and, ultimately, beneficial to the sound of the band. - Rev. Adam McKinney  

HIP-HOP: SECOND FAMILY

"Whatever form you need, you know we has it," Element spits on "Intro (Welcome to the Gateway)," the first track off Second Family's latest album, Gateway Drug. El and partner in rhyme NoQuezt, together Second Family, are local street hip-hop heavyweights, a rep earned by their debut album Caskets & Funeral Homes and furthered by Sleep Deprivation - a  2011 Super Best of Tacoma Editor's Pick for "Best Mixtape." But July's freely downloadable Gateway Drug is a conscious effort to temper the gangsta-ness and reach more listeners. ... - Joe Gustav

HIP-HOP: THIRD EYE THEORY

This week we review Third Eye Theory's new compilation release, Sorry For the Weight, which is available for free download on the Internet. The album has a dirty, underground, humorous vibe throughout, evident in the album cover artwork and in Abadawn's funny, weird, nasty and humorous intro to the effort. Once the music starts, though, it's well done, moody, underground, lyrical hip-hop. ... - Josh Rizeberg

PUNK & METAL: THE DAMAGE REPORT with JASON MCKIBBIN

I'm back! Sorry I missed you all last week. The Slayer/Rob Zombie/Exodus show took a lot out of me. (Or was it partying with Chris Cricket Johnson and the ladies after?) Besides seeing Exodus pull off the "Wall of Death" with Kerry King, and witnessing Rob Zombie with most of Marilyn Manson's band use more fire than KISS, and standing in awe of Slayer with Gary Holt of Exodus playing leads on a rippin' set of old classics and new gems, I had the pleasure of meeting metal comedian Brian Posehn as he was headed backstage! A great night of metal with great friends! - Jason McKibbin

JUST PLAIN FUN: THE RED ELVISES

Led by a fearless leader known as Igor Yuzov, Red Elvises is a trashy, kitchy, lurid ball of energy that tears through towns and venues with reckless abandon, and no small amount of winking ridiculousness. - Rev. AM

PLUS: Better Living Through Music - Bandolier, Electric Falcons, Presidents of the United States of America

PLUS: Complete Live Local Music Listings

PLUS: Concert Alert

PLUS: Madness Like This

WELCOME ZARA >>>

This morning Tacoma Chamber Executive Tom Pierson, Community and Economic Development Director Ryan Petty, Zara Mediterranean Cuisine General Manager Chip Venzone and others cheered on Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland as she welcomed Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to the corner of 15th and Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma by slicing a red ribbon with giant scissors.

Zara Mediterranean Cuisine will open this Friday.

Weekly Volcano food critic Jennifer Johnson attended Zara's private celebration Tuesday. Johnson offers her impressions here.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Sunny, hi 78, lo 53

Saturday: Sunny, hi 83, lo 58

Sunday: Iphone says still sunny, hi 80, lo 60

>>> AUG. 18 - SEPT. 10: MAURITIUS

Opening Thursday, Harlequin Productions' latest work features both stamp collecting and danger. No, really. Described aptly as a "comic-thriller,' Mauritius is the story of, "a valuable stamp collection discovered in the refuse of a family estate begins a desperate battle between ethics and desire." If that doesn't sound awesome to you you're dead inside.

• Harlequin Productions - State Theater, Aug. 18 - Sept. 10, 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia, harlequinproductions.org

>>> AUG. 19-21: HELSING JUNCTION SLEEPOVER

This weekend marks the yearly Helsing Junction Sleepover, a three-day, K Records-powered, jaw-dropping musical happening that's as original as it is awesome. Utilizing the 30-acre Helsing Junction organic farm in Rochester, the Helsing Junction Sleepover makes smiles and memories by combining the type of boundary-busting tunes K Records is known for with wholesome fun like picnics and swimming. This year's lineup is too long to list, but includes The Hive Dwellers, Arrington de Dionyso's Malaikat dan Singa, Joey Casio and others.

• Helsing Junction organic farm, $30 adv pass, $8-$12 by day, event, $2 camping, 12013 Independence Rd. Rochester, krecs.com 

>>> SATURDAY, AUG. 20: DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY

One of the biggest positives Tacoma has going for it is the feeling of connectivity and community that's blossoming here. Tacoma isn't big, and with a positive (albeit uniquely T-Town) mindset it's easy to get channeled into all sorts of brilliant creativity and progressive momentum. Saturday, organized by Downtown Tacoma Neighbors and the non-profit Local Life, the Downtown Block Party will engulf Opera Alley from 5 - 10 p.m. Expect a boatload of arts activities, lots of goodness for the kids, music pouring out of every corner, awesome demonstrations and even a beer garden. It'll be the place to be - guaranteed.

• Opera Alley, 5 - 10 p.m., free, dtownttownneighbors.com

>>> SATURDAY, AUG. 20: IT CAME FROM THE PLANET TUSH!

"Stage-ready makeup for burlesque is called ‘full drag,' " explains Frida Fondle of Olympia's Tush Burlesque. "It's a great homage to the drag queens, who really do exemplify the ultimate of feminine glamour. When we are putting on our makeup for the stage, we aspire to look as glamorous as drag queens." Saturday, Olympia's Tush troupe will lead what's sure to be an enraptured audience through a burlesque tribute to sci-fi and fantasy. According to hype, "The TUSH troupe along with members of the aerialist group Tall House Consortium and special guest Mercury Troy from A Wink & a Smile will send you to another planet this night!" Awesome.

•   Capitol Theater, 9 p.m., $12-$15, 206 Fifth Ave., 18+, Olympia, 360.754.6670

>>> SUNDAY, AUG. 21: RED ELVISES

Red Elvises is a perpetually-touring party band that does a damn admirable job of embodying the essence of absurdity. Mixing elements of art deco, bossa nova, punk, rockabilly, surf, lounge, Middle Eastern and Eastern European music, Red Elvises is a particularly difficult band to summarize. Led by a fearless leader known as Igor Yuzov, Red Elvises is a trashy, kitchy, lurid ball of energy that tears through towns and venues with reckless abandon, and no small amount of winking ridiculousness. Seeing the band live, expect garish animal-prints and elements of similar oddball groups like Reverend Horton Heat, the Billy Nayer Show and Gogol Bordello. Above all, remember to dance your ass off.

•   Jazzbones, 9 p.m., $15, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
Aside from rocking out at the Electric Falcon's show Saturday at McCoys, I plan to take it super easy this weekend - enjoy what's left of "summer." Maybe a backyard picnic with the kiddies, and perhaps a Sunday evening at The Brotherhood, for free movie night, where Eddie Murphy: Raw is playing. I might even get a little reading in. Life is good.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music and Film Writer
The other night, at the bar, I was talking to someone about the strategy that goes into playing Rock-Paper-Scissors. He said that you can win every time if you know how to play the game, and that he'd mastered it. We played one round and he won. The next round, I won. This weekend, I will be standing naked in front of a mirror, playing countless games of Rock-Paper-Scissors with myself, so that I can figure out what my tells are. Is it advisable to ingest mescaline when doing this? Or, would I then be playing against a mysterious, naked Native American? Or Jim Morrison? Eh, I guess we'll see...

BRETT CHIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
I'm going camping (read:drinking). And since the Rainiers are getting into the race, I'll be following baseball, too.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
My father-in-law is playing guitar at a church picnic, and I'm scheduled to review Mauritius from Harlequin. But other than that and a thermonuclear-grade tweak binge, my weekend is clear.

ALEC CLAYTON: Visual Arts Critic
Geez, is it that time again already? I haven't yet recovered from this past weekend. OK. I'm going to see the comic thriller Mauritius at Harlequin Productions, and I'll probably take in some art exhibit to review for this fine publication.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Volunteering for Paint Tacoma Beautiful Saturday morning, followed by attending the Downtown Block Party in Opera Alley. Church Sunday.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
My in-laws are arriving on Friday to see my little one year old son. We will visit with them all weekend and then on Sunday will have the little son dedicated at church followed by lunch with the in-laws, godparents an a few friends.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photographer
Captain America with the Marvel Comic lover in the house and then the Downtown Block Party on Saturday to see what folks have to offer.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

BE SURE TO STAY HYDRATED >>>

It's the middle of August, which also means the end of summer is on the horizon, or something. In just a few short months we'll all be hunkering inside complaining about how cold it is, completely forgetting that just a few months prior we were doing the same thing, complaining about how hot it was. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts and stroll through galleries, museums and business tonight during Third Thursday Artwalk. From a councilman hosted bus ride to a party in a hair salon, plus a few glasses of cheap wine, and November seems a faraway land.

Officially running from 5-8 p.m. throughout downtown Tacoma, and these days beyond, Artwalk provides a few thrills, and a few chills, and without price of admission.

Oh, if you'd rather not walk, and have a guided tour, the Art Bus launches from the Tacoma Art Museum's sidewalk at 6 p.m. traveling to Viceroy Gallery, B2 Fine Art Gallery, Embellish Multispace Salon, Brick House Gallery, MLK Spaceworks, Jazzbones, Throwing Mud Gallery, 253 Collective and ending at The Swiss. Tacoma City Councilman David Boe will ride shotgun, pointing out architectural wonders, dropping history bombs and previewing each stop. Get in on the party here.

Here are a few spaces participating in tonight's art walk:

TACOMA ART MUSEUM: In conjunction with Dale Chihuly's Northwest TAM will host the free workshop "Caring for Collection" from 5-8 p.m. TAM will tell you if you're destroying your own art work (stop smoking next to your artwork!). You'll also learn the best ways to display your collections. At 6 p.m., Stoneweaver artist and native Linda Levier will discuss the significance of the Edward S. Curtis's North American Indian portfolio to local Native American groups. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

BKB & CO.: Deborah Bushinski from Minnetonka, Minn., has her tessoro jewelry on display. 1734 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6884 

SPACEWORKS TACOMA: Spaceworks Tacoma gobbled up empty storefronts in downtown Tacoma spitting them back out full of dreams - art studios, film production houses, pop-up stores and theater spaces - in three to six month stints. It's brilliant, really. Spaceworks blows out one candle tonight with a bash featuring performances from the talented D.A.S.H. Center students, live music by Fritha Strand Davern, Nat Dybevik, Your are Plural and others, scenes and laughs from Toy Boat Theatre and hella cool break dancing and live painting from the Fab-5 team. 5-8 p.m., 1300 Block of MLK Way, Hilltop Tacoma

253 COLLECTIVE: Member photographer Kate Lynch shows off her images of eagles, hummingbirds, shorebirds, and songbirds juxtaposed with photographs and photo illustrations of trees under the title "For the Birds & the Trees." 6-8 p.m., 19th and South Jefferson, Tacoma

MOUSAI STUDIOS: Ballroom Instructors opened this dance studio in Tacoma's Triangle District. Tonight, there's a reception for local artist and 253 Collective member Megan Kilen as people dance about smartly. 5-8 p.m., 759 St Helens Ave., Tacoma

EMBELLISH MULTISPACE SALON: Mad Hat Tea Co. co-owner and artist Maureen McHugh will exhibit her Acrylic and the fabulous flow and words and splotches of India ink inside the downtown Tacoma hair salon. Bonus: Najamoniq Todd and Del Brown will DJing the party, which also happens to be a birthday celebration for Embellish owner Patricia Lecy-Davis. 6-9 p.m., 1121 Court D, Tacoma

BRICK HOUSE GALLERY: Photographs of Winston Swift Boyer and Ralff Somoff will hang in this small, but awesome space. The Brick House always has the best free food. 5-8 p.m., 1123 S. Fawcett, Tacoma

MAVI CONTEMPORARY ART: This fancy space next to The Grand Cinema celebrates its one-year anniversary tonight featuring the works of William Quinn and Michael Loos, with a solo installation by Elizabeth Ashe in the front vault. 5-8:30 p.m., 502 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

HILLTOPATOMIC >>>

The "artistic revival" of Hilltop is in full effect. If you haven't taken notice you're missing the boat. Tonight offers a chance to gather at Fulcrum Gallery for a reception featuring music, poetry and spoken word. 6 Deep the Messenger will go hard with the spoken word, Miz Floes will delve into the poetry, Makeup Monsters and Tallest Tree will dole out the indie rock, and Jalen, DJ Broam, E.S. and Chonie Diego will break out the electronic goodness. Earlier in the evening a year of Spaceworks Tacoma will be celebrated at surrounding venues.

[Fulcrum Gallery, 8-11 p.m., $7, 1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma. 253.250.0520]

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment comes from Celia in response to our lighthearted prediction of Saturday's Undy 5000 - raising money and awareness for colon cancer. The prediction was a joke (as all our predictions are), but Celia's point remains valid.

Celia writes,

If it raises money, and is fun at the same time, why not?

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

Winthrop Woes: Want to buy a hotel? (News Tribune)

Fey Way: Tacoma City Councilman Jake Fey will be running for the Legislature again. (News Tribune)

Drinking Booze In Stores: State liquor stores to offer free samples, including the South Sound (Seattle PI)

Weird: In Japan people have turned in $78 million found in the post-earthquake wreckage. (Gawker)

Dethroned: Burger King has dropped its creepy king mascot. (USA Today)

Conan Update: Our beloved ginger beanpole isn't doing so hot. (A.V. Club)

Today In Creepy: Bill Murray's head attached to Betty White's body. (Jezebel)

In The Kitchen: Carrot Darth Vader (Sushi Chef Japan)

LINK: Movies open today!

FRIDAY, AUG. 19, 2011 >>>

1. Had a chance to drop in on Pastiche yet? It's "a wine bar," as the upscale full name "Pastiche - a wine bar" reveals. But tonight  it's also a beer bar, one hosting a tasting from 6-9 p.m. of two kegs (pale ale and sessions) supplied by Tacoma's own Wingman Brewers. It's going to be one hell of an evening. Music and food specials are also in the mix, or as the hype more eloquently states, expect "refreshing beer, live rag tag piano tunes and good eats!"

2. For 15 years, The Presidents of the United States of America have been rocking for their throngs of fans. And 2011 is no different. Before hitting up this year's Bumbershoot with the signature melodic pop punk that helped shape Pacific Northwest's alternative scene in the '90s, the Presidents are doing fans and families a favor by performing with guest and grunger Krist Novoselic (yes, of Nirvana) at the Southwest Washington Fair in Chehalis today. It also happens to be half price admission day at the fair. Hells yeah! That means you can make a quick drive south and catch these legends for only $5 - getting in on gobs of cotton candy, yards of livestock and enough rides to twist your guts for a week in the process. 

3. There is a certain honey-drenched, sunny pop sound that is often aspired toward by bands seeking to reclaim a classic '60s and '70s aesthetic. It can be hard to achieve, but Bandolier does well at approaching this quality in a clean and honest way. Theirs is a sincere embodiment of that carefree love of music that sometimes gets lost on the road to street cred or alternative posturing. Bandolier cares about little more than the careful crafting of a hook and the exuberant live show experience. The band exceeds in spades at both endeavors, as tonight's CD release party at the New Frontier will surely prove.

4. Drop in on the monthly Mouths & Mics spoken word and poetry open mic with former Tacoma poet laureate Antonio Edwards Jr. tonight at Café Messina. Mouths & Mics runs from 7 - 9 p.m. on the third Friday of every month.

5. Friday afternoon means one thing at Ninth and Commerce in downtown Tacoma. It's Frost Park Chalk Off time! Catch the creativity in person.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight!

LAST 10 >>>

Need more ideas for local dining experiences? Here are a few restaurants the Weekly Volcano has reviewed lately - in no particular order - to whet your appetite.

Zara set to dazzle: First bite at downtown Tacoma's new Mediterranean spot By Jennifer Johnson

Vacation in your backyard: Express Cuisine on Vashon Island isn't the Chinese drive-thru joint it sounds like By Jake and Jason de Paul

Peppercorn Bistro & Bar: Unexpected goodness in Federal Way By Jennifer Johnson

Spew: First in at Marrow By Jennifer Johnson

Karma will get you: Satisfying your Northern Indian food cravings in Puyallup By Jake and Jason de Paul

Spew: Time to get Social By Jennifer Johnson

No surprises: Puyallup's Comfort Food Cafe does healthy with a smile By Jake and Jason de Paul

Doted on: Jennifer Johnson and Jason de Paul share a meal at JW Restaurant in Gig Harbor By Jennifer Johnson and Jason de Paul

Food Carts: Lunch in Oly just got better By Brett Cihon

Spew: Left's Burger Shack is a win By Jennifer Johnson

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

HEY KIDS! DO YOU LIKE THE BANJO? >>>

Despite whatever other confusing ideas its, ahem, rather unfortunate name might bring forth, clogging is an underappreciated art form.  So come spread the love - as well as the funds - Saturday as the Eclectic Cloggers join Deadwood Revival, Northern Departure, Blackberry Bushes and many other bands for a day of bluegrass and clogging.  You'll get a full day's excitement, including a pie contest (difficult to judge with all that clogging going on) and old-time crafts demonstrations (traditional clog making, I imagine). So clog on down (sorry, sorry) and kick up your, er, never mind. 

Olalla Bluegrass Festival

Saturday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m., $10-$12, $36 family pass
$10 rough camping a night
South Kitsap Southern Little League Field, Olalla
website