TUESDAY, OCT. 4, 2011 >>>

1. It's honestly not every day that an award-winning writer the likes of Sherman Alexie comes to Puyallup. It's not even every-other day. But today, as part of Banned Books Week, Alexie will appear at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in P-town, delivering a talk focused on issues of censorship and intellectual freedom. Alexie's acclaimed novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, has been widely censored for it content - just one of many truths that makes Alexie's inclusion in this event so fitting. The event seats only 400, so those interested in attending are advised to arrive early.

2. Tuesdays seem to be the hottest night for the overeducated South Sound masses to prove their intellectual worth. And where do such brainiacs head? Glad you asked. The GEEKS head to Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub. The Tacoma watering hole is the site of John Dicker's Geeks Who Drink pub quiz night. Dicker, a genius from Colorado, has taken the Irish Pub quiz tradition to a new level with Geeks Who Drink games across the nation, including every Tuesday nights at the downtown pub, hosted by graphic artist and Weekly Volcano production assistant Holland Hume. The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people.

3. KC Brakes plays the Mandolin Café today. The acoustic action starts at 6 p.m., is all ages, and is completely free of cover charge.

4. It's Ha Ha Tuesday once again at Jazzbones on Sixth Avenue, meaning local comedian Ralph Porter will be hosting another hilarity filled night of laughs. Ha Ha Tuesdays now kick off at 8 p.m., with DJ Omar spinning afterward, starting around 10 p.m.

5. Get in on the "Songwriter Circle" at Traditions Café in Olympia tonight, starting at 7 p.m. Creativity abounds, and the good times are all ages.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight