THURSDAY, AUG. 25, 2011 >>>

1. We've long held the notion that going out on the weekends just ain't what it used to be. All of your favorite bars are packed with people you don't know/like/understand; RV traffic is infuriating, and on and on.  Whatever.  It's "Anything Goes" every Thursday night at Chopstix on Sixth Avenue. Dueling piano players perform before lovely chiquitas grinding to Whitesnake, Sinatra, Beyonce and others while tossing back $4 specials, beginning at 9 p.m. What's going on Friday morning and afternoon that's so important, anyway? 

2. When your car starts looking like it's been crapped on by a big brown bear, you take it to Brown Bear Car Wash to get it all cleaned up. Today, in celebration of its 54th anniversary, the Seattle-based company will wash your ride for free.

3. From the tandem-riding Doublemint girls of the '60s to the insufferable Olsens, identical twins twins have always been fun. Another set of identical twins are making the scene, or rather scenery. Identical twins Don and Ron Snowden have their unidentical art on display through Sept. 30 at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. Don does watercolors, pen and ink and even instant coffee. Ron does watercolors too, concentrating on scenery. A reception for the TwinArt show runs from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Center. Get in on the drawing to win a painting from Don and Ron, or Ron or Don.  

4. Do drunken debauchery, sexual innuendo and '80s game shows describe your ideal Thursday night? Yup, us too. Beginning at 8 p.m. the Northern Pacific Coffee Co. will shove comedians Pat Stayblack and Vanna Fight in front of a wheel for a night of Real Misfortune. 

5. The Swiss in downtown Tacoma host a Maurice The Fish Records Showcase beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound