SATURDAY, OCT. 22, 2011 >>>

1. As we've mentioned before, Perry Acker is named like a single dude, but it's actually a band ... a band that's on the rise. Not only did Perry Acker win a Ford earlier this year (as part of the national battle of the bands - Ford "Gimme The Gig" contest), but the band has been gaining steam locally through a string of memorable live performances and a lot of hard work. Tonight, Perry Acker will throw a CD release show at the Rialto Theater for the band's latest record, Path To Freedom. This should be a good one.

2. As far as worthy causes go, it doesn't get much worthy than this. Today, the AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma will present its fourth annual Halloween Ball & Auction, running from 6-11 p.m. at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center and this year packing a theme of, "The Silver Screen." Naturally, money raised will go toward the AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma. You can register online here. If you're still on the fence, here's a look at the AIDS Housing Association's purpose statement: "To provide services which ensure that persons ill with AIDS, and in need of supportive living, are provided enriched housing - including the opportunity to stabilize their condition, to achieve the medical adherence necessary to prolong life, or to receive support for end-of-life issues in an atmosphere that emphasizes individual dignity, respect for diversity and human connectedness."

3. I Low is the latest persona of Colin Reynolds, a local Tacoman who cut his teeth in the Dear Records community under the name Tree Roots in the Basement. Reynolds later refined his considerable skill for performing in the subways of New York. Initially beginning his musical life emulating indie rock icons like Death Cab for Cutie and Minus the Bear and continuing on through roots rock, I Low has emerged as a composite of all the sights and sounds Reynolds has taken in while busking on the streets or taking the stage. Frequently vulnerable lyrically, the music of I Low trades equal time in downtrodden analog pop and serenely drifting folk. It's unclear where the evolution of Reynolds will end, but it's safe to say that we haven't reached it yet. Tonight catch I Low and others at Metronome Coffee in Tacoma.

4. Tonight the Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia will host a Los Angeles-based band that crosses musical boundaries, meshing rock, Americana, folk, funk, hip-hop and much more.  Quetzal Flores created the band Quetzal in the early ‘90s to push the limits of Chicano music - and he definitely ended up doing so, finding plenty of musical success in the process. See the band live tonight.

5. Tonight comedian Susanne Lee/Lucky DeLuxe will be at the Grit City Comedy Club in Tacoma.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight