THURSDAY, SEPT. 15, 2011 >>>

1. Do you like drag kings and queens? They've 'em, hanging low and taped up high. Do you like singing show tunes? Do you like disco? Do you like to shoot pool? There's a table in the lower level. But the Weekly Volcano digs The Mix's Thursday 9 p.m. karaoke where you can sing it loud, sister. DJ Rick has a big book and after a couple $5 Jagerbombs or $5 vodka Red Bulls (Thursday night specials), you know "Go West" by the Pet Shop Boys is coming out.

2. In the nine years since its debut, the Juried Art Exhibit at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College has not only grown in scope, but it's also become a favorite for South Sound art lovers. Nearly 40 artists - a who's who of the South Sound arts scene - have works in the ninth annual show, which opens at 10 a.m. for a five-week run.

3. Earlier this week we assigned you the task of investigating artist Nola Tresslar's Zen Art© at flow Gallery & Studio in the Tacoma Dome District. The time has come. The reception for her "Full Spectrum" show runs 5-8 p.m. Please report your findings.

4. Paralysis, in legs or the government, is not a good thing. That's why it's important we have lecture series aimed at combating paralysis. Mostly about combating paralysis in the government, but who knows? These lecturers are smart people.  The first of three "conversations" in Tacoma's 2011 lecture series kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Washington Tacoma's Carwein Auditorium. The talk, featuring former Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and others, is titled "Policy, Politics & Paralysis: How to Turn Ideas into Action." Action, of course, being the opposite of paralysis.

5. The Third Thursday Art Bus tours art exhibits during Tacoma's Third Thursday Art Walk leaving the Tacoma Art Museum at 6 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. at The Swiss. This month's guest tour guide will be renowned local author and Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. To reserve your spot on the bus, click here.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Thursday Nightlife It List