DJ NIGHTS: Til Thursday

By Ron Swarner on August 9, 2011

THURSDAY A DJ COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE >>>

DJ Aaron Mack grew up on the East Coast. He left Pittsburgh for Tacoma feeling right at home as Grit City has the same look and feel as the second-largest city in the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Around 2007, gazing at his stacks and files of music, he jumped into the game spinning at Puget Sound Pizza. Today, he has a regular Thursday night gig at the Acme Tavern.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Does your "Til Thursday" shows have a theme?

DJ AARON MACK: Yes, I lean heavily toward the post-punk music of the '80s. However, I do mix it up a bit with anything and everything that seems to come from that influence.

VOLCANO: We see you have invited DJ Melodica to join you Thursday.

MACK: Melodica plays music primarily from an era I really love, and as he puts it, he is also "all over the map" and he really makes it work. I am hoping to sit down with him and trade some music over a few beers in the near future.

VOLCANO: What does the Acme have up its gritty sleeve for the night?

MACK: I am not certain what drink specials Steve (owner and bartender of the Acme) is planning Thursday night. He always does something fun. I do know the Acme has some of the best wells on this end of town — ringing in at $3.50.

VOLCANO: Rumor is there's a secret password.

MACK: The secret word is for our Facebook friends. We have been having a little fun with it. One week everyone coming in would walk up to Steve and just say, "stripper pole" to get Acme's specials, which also set the mood for the night. Well ... I guess I can give you this week's word. Whisper to Steve, "I see dead people" and you're hooked up.

VOLCANO: We won't tell anyone. By the way, does the stripper pole see action?

MACK: Every week a few people try out the dancing pole. There is often a group of girls hovering around it and you just know they are working up the nerve. Of course, it's just a matter of a few rounds before they are on it. I am yet to see anyone on it that seems to be a professional.

Til Thursday

With DJs Aaron Mack and MelodicaThursday, Aug. 11, 9 p.m., no cover
Acme Tavern, 1310 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
253.272.1892