THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>
WEATHER REPORTFriday: Mostly sunny, hi 84, lo 56
Saturday: Sunny, hi 85, lo 56
Sunday: Iphone says still sunny, hi 89, lo 56
>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: WE ARE ONE AT THE FALLING OF THE SUN
Celebrate the release of We Are One at the Falling of the Sun, a new children's book by local author and illustrator Tasha Ina Church, Friday at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Promotional info for the event bills the new book as, "A children's book with great social and cultural implications," and says Church, "grew up in a multicultural home and loved to read. She wanted to create a book like We Are One to help fill the void in relevant storytelling for those who grew up in a multi-ethnic household." It seems she's done just that. As a bonus for attending, expect free admission to the museum, "friendly dialogue," not to mention appetizers and refreshments.
>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: STRUT FOR A MUTT
People can be miserable. Dogs, on the other hand, are always pretty awesome. There's just something about unconditional love and the ability to chase a tennis ball for hours on end that always wins us over. Friday, Tacoma's London Couture independent clothing store presents the second annual "Strut for a Mutt" fashion show, scheduled to go down in Opera Alley and featuring catering by AmeRAWcan Bistro, entertainment by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma and Shannel (of RuPaul's Drag Race TV show), and treats throughout from the Mix (read: wine and munchies). All proceeds of the Strut for a Mutt event go to Puyallup's Metro Animal Shelter.
>>> SEPT. 9 - 25: THE PUYALLUP FAIR
As massive as the Puyallup Fair has become, P-Town's long-forgotten small-town identity still runs through it, part of the undeniable charm of the whole thing. But these days, part of the appeal of the Fair also lies in the modern-day, big-time entertainment options it provides. Over the course of its 17 days the Fair will welcome as part of its Concert Series acts like Larry the Cable Guy, the Flaming Lips, Chicago, Counting Crows, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Sammy Hagar and Trace Adkins. Grab a Krusty Pup and get down.
>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: MATTER TURNS TWO
Matter art gallery in Olympia is an area favorite - both to artists immersed in the arts scene and to the casual artistic appreciator. Saturday, Matter celebrates two years of success with a birthday party from 4 - 7 p.m. The good times will feature artist discussions, live music and "festive" refreshments, according to hype. Musically, Vince Brown and violinist Michael Gray of Pearl Django will be doling out the tunes.
>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: BIG WHISKY PARKING LOT PARTY
Country music, mechanical bull, and a hope for clear skies will provide the backdrop for dance fanatics Saturday in the parking lot behind Big Whisky Saloon. By our count this is the fourth time the downtown Tacoma country-western themed club has hosted a massive party in its parking lot - although it has removed "Redneck" from the title. Did rednecks complain? Anyway, the 100.7 FM The Wolf-sponsored meat market will feature live music from Jonathan Harris and Robbie Walden & The Gunslingers, and outdoor dance floor, drinks, horseshoe pits, barbecue and the said "Bubba the Mechanical Bull."
>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: TACOMA FOOD CO-OP GRAND OPENING PARTY
Have we adequately expressed yet how excited we are to have the Tacoma Food Co-op officially open? If you answered no, you may not be paying attention ... because we've been drooling and blabbering about the awesomeness of the Tacoma Food Co-op for months now (actually, years). In late August, after plenty of grueling legwork, the Tacoma Food Co-op officially opened. Saturday, it officially celebrates this opening with a day-long grand opening party, including samples from the co-op's many vendors and lots of smiles and high fives. Come see what all the fuss is about.
>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: POISON
No, not the band. Sunday at King's Books in Tacoma, author Karla Stover and teacher Frances Snyder will delve into the ins and outs of poison, from ancient Greece to Agatha Christie. According to hype, " Discover the unexpected as this presentation explores nature's most poisonous plants and compounds, and how they have been used for thousands of years, both in fact and fiction."
>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S
Alzheimer's disease has the capability to ravage individuals and families. It's a truly nasty affliction, impacting both the people who get it and those who have to care for them. According to the Alzheimer's Association's own numbers, there are over five million Americans living with Alzheimer's, and 11 million more serving as caregivers. Sunday at Annie Wright School, the Alzheimer's Association offers the Walk to End Alzheimer's as an opportunity for you to pitch in and help the situation. The idea is to raise money and awareness, and maybe have a good time in the process. Those interested in participating can call or email Stephanie Watson at 206.529.3874 or stephanie.watson@alzwa.org.
ALEC CLAYTON Volcano Visual Arts Critic
Saturday I'll hit Matter's second anniversary party in the afternoon then rush home for dinner and off to Capital Playhouse for Brighton Beach Memoirs.
JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Volunteer work Saturday AM, birthday party that afternoon, Flight of Phanuel at Louie G's in Fife that night. Church on Sunday. Generally taking it easy after long Labor Day weekend and my own birthday last week. Sheesh, having a lot of fun is hard.
BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
After a holiday weekend bust, I will be headed back to Surreal Ultra Lounge to diligently evaluate the Meat Market scene.
STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Hitting the Puyallup Fair on Friday and the Junk in the Trunk city yard sale in Lakewood on Saturday. I'll also be restringing one of my ukuleles after I managed to snap yet another string while rocking out to AC/DC for the ukulele song book.... Don't ask. Daddy likes to rock from time to time. The dog is not pleased when I do.
CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We're seeing Capital Playhouse's first-ever non-musical production, Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. Then on Sunday, we're bidding a fond farewell to our pal Amy Shephard, who's Exeter-bound.
MATT DRISCOLL: Editor
If all goes according to plan I'll be joining the Pierce County Council's Tim Farrell on a doorbelling excursion Saturday north of Orting. Farrell is ramping up his campaign for Assesor Treasurer. Sunday is all about football. And I'm on vacation all next week, so sayonara, beotches!