THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Chance of sun, hi 48, lo 38

Saturday: Another chance of sun, hi 48, lo 38

Sunday: And back to rain, hi 48, lo 39

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: MOMIX

MOMIX has dazzled Olympia before. And while the self-described dancer-illusionists of MOMIX may not catch many art and dance enthusiasts off guard in this, the troupe's third trip to the Washington Center, there's no doubt MOMIX will entertain and awe everyone wise enough to be in attendance. As far as pushing the envelope of dance goes, this is about as good as it gets. But a more helpful description for those new to the magic of MOMIX may be in order, so for that let's turn to the Washington Center's website, which says MOMIX, "has been transporting audiences from their everyday lives to a rich fantasy world in over 22 countries for 30 years. Through a magical combination of movement, illusion, sound, color, and light, Artistic Director Moses Pendleton integrates athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props, and pure talent to create a wildly entertaining, transcendent evening that is like no other." See you there.

• Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $11-$42, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: GET INVOLVED GALA

Project: U - a group of 20- and 30-somethings that parties in the name of United Way and community charities - will host the fancy-schmancy Get Involved Gala, a.k.a The GIG, from 8-11 p.m. this Saturday at the Tacoma Art Museum. With proceeds benefiting United Way of Pierce County's Community Solution Fund, party people will dress up, drink wine, nibble and win prizes while wearing their best cocktail attire. This is the inaugural GIG event, but Project: U has eyes on making it an annual premiere social/charity event. The Project: U asks attendees to wear cocktail dresses and at least slacks and ties for the gents. The Weekly Volcano is a proud sponsor. Be sure to say "hi" in the wine line.

• Tacoma Art Museum, 8-11 p.m., $35 here, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 5: MICKEY AVALON

Rapper Mickey Avalon isn't the first musician to champion the motto, "Live fast, die young & look good in your grave" (as is printed proudly at the very top of Avalon's website). He's probably not even the most recent. But chances are Avalon is the only member of the esteemed, previously described crowd of self-destructive entertainers scheduled to play Jazzbones Saturday night. Reportedly a member of the Los Angeles-based graffiti crew CBS (Can't Be Stopped / City Bomb Squad), a one-time heroin addict and male prostitute, and a collaborator with former MTV VJ Simon Rex, it seems Avalon has experienced no shortage of excitement, drama, close calls and failures during his journey. These days he's experiencing a few of the positives life has to offer, most applicable to this space success within the world of music. A former member of rap group Dyslexic Speedreaders, and with a penchant for penning lyrics about the grittier side of life, Avalon's T-town gig should go off like gangbusters.

• Jazzbones, 8 p.m., 21+, $25, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> NOV. 5-6: ... Like There's No Tomorrow

It's snow porn at its finest. This weekend, Warren Miller Entertainment presents its 62nd winter sports film, ...Like There's No Tomorrow. Ski bums and snowboarding enthusiasts will surely flock to Tacoma's Broadway Center for a chance to catch this latest Warren Miller Entertainment joint, shot in India, New Zealand, Chile, British Columbia "and beyond," according  promotions. U.S. skiing legend and gold-medalist at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Jonny Moseley narrates and hosts the film, which will show twice Saturday and once on Sunday.

LINK: Warren Miller Prefunc Party

• Pantages Theater, 5 & 9 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, $21, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890

>>> SUNDAY, NOV. 6: FALL FOOD & CRAFTS BAZAAR

The Tacoma Buddhist Temple hosts a free Fall Food & Crafts Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food costs vary). Bobble Tiki loves the sound of that and was all set to go, until he discovered that Buddhism helps you wake up and find your true self.  Bobble Tiki has made a career of being both unconscious and shallow, so maybe this event isn't for him.

• Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1717 S Fawcett Ave., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, NOV. 6: BACK TO BEALE ST. 2012 FUNDRAISER

Every year in Memphis the top blues act in the world gather for one of the biggest blues competitions known to man - on Beale Street, of course. Also, every year the South Sound Blues Association holds a competition (usually in June) to choose one lucky band to represent them and the entire region at said competition in Memphis. This, naturally, takes money - which is where Sunday's fundraiser at the Swiss in Tacoma comes into play. But the action isn't just about raising money - it's also about catching an amazing array of local blues talent. Starting at 4 p.m., Sunday's Back To Beale Street 2012 Fundraiser bill includes Jumpin' Josh and Felicia, Blues Buskers, Fingertips, Blues Redemption, the CD Woodbury Band and the Red Hot Blues Sisters. South Sound Blues Association members pay $8 at the door, everyone else doles out $10 - but it's all worth it.

• The Swiss, 4 - 10:30 p.m., $8-$10, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, southsoundblues.com

>>> WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts CriticBusy, busy weekend for me. Friday night I'm going to see "Java Tacoma Episode 38," the live Tacoma soap opera at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Saturday night it's the Coffee Strong 3rd anniversary celebration, and Sunday morning it's the SAGE Olympia Sunday Brunch. For those who don't know, SAGE is a nationwide organization serving GLBTQ seniors and the Olympia chapter is the first on the West Coast.

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I'm filling a weekend shift at the bar while the hubby parties at the Red Fang/Mastodon show in Portland. Something tells me that all those one dollars bills I'm gonna make are going to find themselves a new home in Portland...

JOANN VARNELL: Theater Critic
After a busy weekend in Vancouver and a busy week running errands, I'm hoping that I don't have a ton to do. My one productive and Volcano related activity will be to catch the 2nd "Episode" of  "Java Tacoma" at Trinity Presbyterian on 6th Ave. We'll see what an original script from a local author has to offer.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Teaching my Night-time photography class for Tacoma Art Place on Friday, slots are still available. Then shooting Joan Rivers at her meet and greet at Broadway Center. Saturday will bring some church training and the Java Tacoma Episode 38 show.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

TUNE IN FROM 8-9 PM OR REGRET IT FOREVER >>>

Last night was big for us. Tonight will be even bigger.

Crossing a long-desired item off our collective bucket list, last night the Weekly Volcano recorded the very first episode of Volcano Radio - the Volcano's new Internet radio show and podcast.

It was the "maiden voyage," as I pointed out at least 87 times during last night's taping.

Don't believe me? Think I couldn't possibly use the classification, "maiden voyage" 87 times in a one-hour show?

You can listen yourself, tonight from 8-9 p.m., at NWCZRadio.com. Think of it as your chance to get in on something special before it sells out, moves to LA, gets bloated and eventually drinks itself to death.

While our first take was, shall we say, occasionally rough around the edges, I encourage everyone to tune in tonight. Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist was cool enough to stop by as Volcano Radio's very first guest, and it only gets better from there. A big thanks also goes out to the show's amazingly capable producer, Wonderboy, and the NWCZ's Darrell Fortune - without whom none of this would be possible.

Here are some pictures from last night's fun, courtesy of the one-and-only Bandito Betty.

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist appears on Volcano Radio

Steph DeRosa and Rev. Adam McKinney listen to Matt Driscoll say something awkward

Bandito Betty was in the house with a "Dating Disaster" story

Fun was had by all

More info ...

Brought to you by the same questionable folks who make the Weekly Volcano, the South Sound's only alternative newsweekly, Volcano Radio is designed to be an every-Thursday audio companion to the arts, music, dining, entertainment and local current events coverage you've come to depend on from the paper and website. Occasionally it even succeeds.

Hosted by Volcano editor Matt Driscoll and Volcano music columnist Rev. Adam McKinney, and featuring regular contributions from Volcano scribes like Steph DeRosa, Jennifer Johnson, Christopher Wood and more, Volcano Radio airs every Thursday from 8 - 9 p.m. on NWCZRadio.com. Volcano Radio is also available for download as a podcast every week at weeklyvolcano.com

DO YOU KNOW YOUR TACOMA HISTORY ... AND LOVE FOOD? >>

Foodcaching is a new smart phone app alerting customers of awesome food deals at 16 restaurants in the greater Tacoma area. You may download the app for free on your iPhone and Android here.

Every local foodie app launch deserves an awesome treasure hunt game to go with it, right?

Right.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with Foodcaching for the True Tacoman game. Every Tuesday and Friday right here on Spew, we'll post a Tacoma history trivia provided by the Washington State History Museum. If you know the answer, run to one of the 16 participating restaurants, come clean with answer and you'll receive points on your Foodcaching app, which you downloaded free here. We'll be running the True Tacoman trivia game through the end of the year.

The person will the most points on Dec. 31 will be crowned the True Tacoma and be flooded with various food prizes.

Here's today's Tacoma trivia question

The present day building which houses the Washington State History Research Center in Tacoma dates back to 1911, when the Washington State Historical Society shared space with another historical organization, the Ferry Museum. Clinton P. Ferry - the Tacoma businessman for whom the Ferry Museum was named - was given a special name in the City of Destiny. Was it:

A) The Duke of Tacoma

B) The Robber Baron

C) The Crown Prince

D) Skookum Clint.

Answer the question correctly at one of the 16 participating restaurants below and score points - besides the awesome food deals from the restaurant. The correct answer will be revealed Tuesday Nov. 8 on Spew. Also keep an eye on this blog for bonus game points and a special invite to the True Tacoman Game Party in early 2012.

Oh, you can download the free app here.

Participating restaurants

• 1022 South, 1022 South J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8588, Facebook
• Capers Cafe & Take Home, 2602 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.4444, Facebook
• Dirty Oscar's Annex, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588, Facebook
• Dorky's Arcade, 754 Pacfic Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.4156, Facebook
• Harmon Brewery & Eatery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2739, Facebook
• Harmon Tap Room, 204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.212.2725, Facebook
• The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.683.4606, Facebook
• Jake's Bar & Bistro, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom, 253.581.3300, Website
• Massimo Italian Bar & Grill, 4020 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.503.1902, Facebook
• Marrow Kitchen & Bar, 2717 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.267.5299, Facebook
• Over The Moon Cafe, 709 Court C/Opera Alley, Tacoma, 253.284.3722, Facebook
• Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, Facebook
• The Social Bar & Grill, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.3835, Facebook
• STINK Cheese & Meat, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347, Facebook
• Top of Tacoma Bar & Cafe, 3529 Mckinley Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1502, Facebook
• TWOKOI Japanese Restaurant, 1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, Facebook

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

More Than Glass Balls: The 2,000-mile-long debris field from the March tsunami in Japan is headed our way. (News Tribune)

Social Media Vs. Emergency Preparedness: Join Social Media Club Tacoma and chat  with WSDOT, Pierce County Emergency Management, American Red Cross and other groups. (SMC Tacoma)

It's On: True Tacoman game matches local history with good food. (Weekly Volcano)

Unemployment Rate: The U.S. economy added 80,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate eased from 9.1 percent to 9 percent. About 13.9 million Americans were still out of work last month. (CNN)

R.I.P. Flattus Maximus: GWAR guitarist found dead. (Billboard)

R.I.P. Sam Beauregarde: Willy Wonka star died of cancer. (E Online)

R. Crumb: The Complete Record Cover Collection. (boing boing)

Lights, Camera, Plastic: Fifteen movie scenes recreated with LEGO. (Geekologie)

FRIDAY, NOV. 4, 2011 >>>

1. As an MC, Macklemore is somewhat difficult to pin down. His lyrics can venture into proud declarations of heritage ("Irish Celebration"), sentimental ruminations on his hometown and childhood ("My Oh My," which he recently performed on the grass of Safeco Field, in honor of Dave Niehaus), or the absurd (as in "And We Danced," a patently ridiculous party jam featuring Macklemore affecting a faux-serious British accent). All the while, his flow remains strong, and his voice distinct. Frequently, though, Macklemore's greatest strength is the music created for him by his producer, Ryan Lewis. Especially effective is the sampling of Beirut's gorgeous "Scenic World" accordion line in Macklemore's "Irish Celebration." It gives the song an air of epicness and importance beyond the power of the rhymes. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis play the Capitol Theater in Olympia tonight.

2. Gems, a band playing the New Frontier tonight as part of the Umber Sleeping CD release party, take the synths out on auditory explorations. The band's songs are equally built for black lights and full dance floors as they are solo listening in the dark of one's home. This is a show of different, yet simpatico bands, rounded out by the on-the-rise Not From Brooklyn - yet another band that manages to synthesize the electronic and the analog.

3. Since her days on The Tonight Show in the 1970s, Joan Rivers has been a comedic icon. Now 78, Rivers, as captured in Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (last year's film documentary about her life) seems to fear just one thing: a blank calendar. Co-host of E! Entertainment TV's Fashion Police, she also stars with her daughter, Melissa, on their reality show Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? - which has been renewed for its second season on WE network starting in January. When not lambasting celebs for their sartorial mishaps or videotaping Melissa in the shower, Rivers travels the country performing stand-up. Tonight Rivers lands in Tacoma, playing the Pantages Theater with Brad Upton.

4. Want to get up close and personal with the Weekly Volcano's Steve Dunkelberger? Who doesn't? Better yet: want to improve your nighttime photography skills in the process? All of these irresistible opportunities collide tonight at Tacoma Art Place when Dunkelberger leads a "Basic Nighttime Photography" class from 8 - 10 p.m. According to the hype, Dunkelberger's class will demonstrate "that great photography doesn't demand expensive camera equipment." Find more info here.

5. The evocativeness of the name Tender Forever is unusually representative of the music that Tender Forever (AKA Melanie Valera) creates. It may be somewhat hard to track amongst the invigorating percussion that permeates the music, but Tender Forever's lyrics have a strong center in the intimate and revealing. Valera's slick arrangements do their part in creating a wall around the personal revelations that inhabit her songs, but a tender, beating heart lives in her music. Tonight Tender Forever plays the Midnight Sun in Olympia, a show co-produced by the Olympia All-Ages Association and Northern.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

LINK: Freebies this week

HOUSING FOR ALL >>>

The Weekly Volcano is partnering with the United Way of Pierce County to run a 12-month campaign focused on the issue of homelessness and affordable housing. We will be highlighting community efforts around the issue and helping raise funds to go directly toward affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity

For those feeling a little empty inside this holiday season, Maureen Fife has the perfect gift - no wrapping required.

"Come out and volunteer," says Fife, Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity chief executive officer. "It's an incredible gift someone can give themselves."

It's also a gift that can help put a roof over someone's head this holiday season. Habitat for Humanity builds between 20 to 25 houses a year in the South Sound, and is currently working on a 13-house development in Tacoma at 86th St. and South Ainsworth and another project in Tillicum. When finished, the development in Tacoma will feature a community garden, a tot lot and a basketball court.

"It was a neighborhood eyesore before we started work on it," Fife says.

The goal is to have the development completed by June. But from around Thanksgiving until March, the stream of volunteers starts to slow down, says Jason Gauthier, director of volunteer services.

"We're hoping to change that this year," Gauthier adds.

Even if a person has never picked up a tape measure or a hammer, they can still help out at a Habitat for Humanity job site.

"It's a great learning experience for them," Gauthier continues. "We do everything we can to make sure a volunteer has a great day at the job site."

Project managers at each site delegate tasks and help volunteers learn how to operate power tools.

"We're going to teach you the skills you need for the day," he says. "We'll teach you if you want to learn."

Volunteers also get the chance to work directly with the future homeowner on the job site, creating a real connection to the project. For groups of more than five people that want to volunteer, Habitat will even send a representative out to meet with the group and give the new volunteer orientation.

Those who would like to give in other ways can do so by donating items to the Habitat for Humanity Store, located at 505 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma.

"If you're getting something new and you're getting rid of something, the Habitat store can always use it," Fife says. "The store is an enormous resource for low income families."

The store accepts appliances, furniture, lighting fixtures, cabinets and other items.

"Anything that people purchase at the store goes right back into building houses," Fife says.

The store can also recycle various used items for cash.

"Nothing is wasted," Fife adds.

You can help

Homelessness and access to affordable housing is a critical issue for our community.  In 2010 - during a 24 hour annual "count" - 1,807 persons were counted as homeless. However, it is estimated that 4 to 5 times more people will be homeless during any year than can be counted on any given night. 

For more information on volunteering at a job site or donating items to the Habitat store, visit www.tpc-habitat.org.

To donate money to United Way's effort to provide affordable housing to those in need, text HOUSE to 20222 and donate $10 to provide housing for all.

For more information on United Way's housing programs, click here.

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

I didn't expect to talk jazz last night during the Harmon's Pray For Snow Party. Sitting under snowflake decorations, jazz enthusiast Jerry and I discussed the jazz scenes of New York and San Francisco during the '50s. As we were jostled by hordes donning ski jackets and goggles, I asked Jerry if he's seen any recent jazz that blew him away.

"I recently saw this big band right here at the Harmon," he said pointing to the front of the room. "There must have been twenty guys, and a trumpeter was leading them. They worked this joint. It was cool."

Instantly, I knew he was speaking of Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra. Wetzel and his big band have been popping up in local bars and restaurants, introducing folks to jazz of years gone by, as well as a few current numbers. Saturday, Wetzel and co. will blow away the kids at the all-ages Louie G's Pizzeria.

I caught up to Wetzel before his Saturday gig.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: When did you realize the music game would be your life?

RICH WETZEL: By junior high I knew. I was hooked. All through high school I had no doubt, this was what I would do. I listened to jazz constantly, attended live shows, played in every band I possibly could. I loved it ever since.

VOLCANO:  On stage you look as if your mind is going hundred miles an hour - directing traffic, counting beats, etc. Do you ever just fall into a musical trance onstage?

WETZEL: I never fall into a trance other than a few moments when I'm having a particularly good night, playing on another level, and in the moment enjoying the experience. Otherwise, I am having fun - but also directing traffic for solos, open sections and thinking of the show; making it entertaining.

VOLCANO: Do you have a special set scheduled for Saturday night?

WETZEL: Yes we do, a bit more emphasis on the jazz-rock fusion, some hot Latin jazz and some big band rock tunes from CHASE, Chuck Berry and James Brown.

VOLCANO: What's your go-to pizza?

WETZEL: Anything with lots of meat. I never go for those veggie pizzas (laughing).

VOLCANO: If you could have anyone, dead or alive, play next to you Saturday night, who would it be?

WETZEL: There are two people. I have been lucky enough to have the incredible Arturo Sandoval play with us and I got to play in his band in LA. The other, who has passed on - also a major inspiration to me - would have been the great Maynard Ferguson. He and his playing is what really lit my fire, got me passionate about playing.

[Louie G's Pizzeria, Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra, Saturday, Nov. 5, 8-011 p.m., all ages, $5, 5219 Pacific Hwy. E., Tacoma, 253.926.9700]

ART AT WORK MONTH >>>

Last night during the Art at Work Opening Party at the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Arts Commission Board of Commissioners Chair Sarah Idstrom and Vice Chair Traci Kelly spent several minutes listing all the accomplishments of the 2011 AMOCAT Arts Award for "Community Outreach by an Artist" winner Stella Haioulani, which included filmmaker, DJ, poet and, of course, founder of Free Ya Mind and its popular last Friday open mic.

Haioulani's introduction seemed to go one forever, longer than the introductions of her fellow accomplished AMOCAT winners: Candi Hall of D.A.S.H. ("Community Outreach by an Organization"), MaryAnn Anderson with The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation ("Arts Patron") and David Fischer of the Broadway Center ("Arts Leadership"). You may read all the accomplishments of the AMOCAT Arts Award winners here.

Then Haioulani stood at the podium with her award - happy, humble and down to earth like most of the folks that make up Tacoma arts scene - and read a poem SHE WROTE THAT MORNING about what AMOCAT meant to her.

To hear her poetic words, click the audio player above (click here if you can't see it, or dowload it here).

To see a few photos from last night's ceremony, click here.

LINK: Art At Work Tacoma Studio Tours Nov. 5-6

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND TODAY >>>

It's On!: Art at Work Studio Tours begin this morning. (Spaceworks Tacoma)

You Can Call It ... Another Lovely Day: Pacific Avenue streetscape wayfinding open house is scheduled for Nov. 9. (Forward Tacoma)

Oh Oh Big Ol' Jet Airliner: Rick Perry rides free on a bunch of private jets. (New York Times)

Andy Rooney: Dead at 92. (CNN)

The Terminal: California woman, unable to pay bag fees, stuck in airport for eight days. (Time)

Sounds Like Something Sid And Marty Krofft Would Lead: The FBI has declared the Juggalos a gang, officially. (Wired)

Ground Beef Is Not A Valid Form Of Identification: Drunk Florida dude tries to give police tacos as ID. (LA Weekly)

Party Harder Tonight: This awful webpage somewhere says we have an extra hour of sleep tonight. (Greenwich Mean Time)

All In The Family: Parents called to school about Junior's fighting get in a fight in the car on the way home. (Des Moines Register)

Shaken Not Stirred: New Bond film called Skyfall. (BBC)

Dance GIFs In The Heezy!: Put on some Violent Femmes and take it all in, y'all. (Pajiba)

SATURDAY, NOV. 5, 2011 >>>

1. Project: U - a group of 20- and 30-somethings that parties in the name of United Way and community charities - will host the fancy-schmancy Get Involved Gala, a.k.a The GIG, from 8-11 p.m. tonight at the Tacoma Art Museum. With proceeds benefiting United Way of Pierce County's Community Solution Fund, party people will dress up, drink wine, nibble and win prizes while wearing their best cocktail attire. This is the inaugural GIG event, but Project: U has eyes on making it an annual premiere social/charity event. The Project: U asks attendees to wear cocktail dresses and at least slacks and ties for the gents. The Weekly Volcano is a proud sponsor. Be sure to say "hi" in the wine line.

2. MOMIX has dazzled Olympia before. And while the self-described dancer-illusionists of MOMIX may not catch many art and dance enthusiasts off guard tonight in this, the troupe's third trip to the Washington Center, there's no doubt MOMIX will entertain and awe everyone wise enough to be in attendance. As far as pushing the envelope of dance goes, this is about as good as it gets. But a more helpful description for those new to the magic of MOMIX may be in order, so for that let's turn to the Washington Center's website, which says MOMIX, "has been transporting audiences from their everyday lives to a rich fantasy world in over 22 countries for 30 years. Through a magical combination of movement, illusion, sound, color, and light, Artistic Director Moses Pendleton integrates athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props, and pure talent to create a wildly entertaining, transcendent evening that is like no other."

3. Hell's Kitchen and tattoos go together like Bert and Ernie, like Hansel and Gretel, like hipsters and questionable facial hair. So it's no surprise that the annual Hell's Kitchen Tattoo Extravaganza is back for its seventh year, going down tonight and promising music from the likes of C.F.A. and Neutralboy along with the requisite tattoo contests, cash prizes and bad-ass trophies for the inked-up winners. The event is sponsored by Tsunami Tattoo and Action Tattoo, with entries will be accepted between 5-9 p.m. Judging runs from 9-11 p.m. before the music carries the party home.

4. Rapper Mickey Avalon isn't the first musician to champion the motto, "Live fast, die young & look good in your grave" (as is printed proudly at the very top of Avalon's website). He's probably not even the most recent. But chances are Avalon is the only member of the esteemed, previously described crowd of self-destructive entertainers scheduled to play Jazzbones tonight. Reportedly a member of the Los Angeles-based graffiti crew CBS (Can't Be Stopped / City Bomb Squad), a one-time heroin addict and male prostitute, and a collaborator with former MTV VJ Simon Rex, it seems Avalon has experienced no shortage of excitement, drama, close calls and failures during his journey. These days he's experiencing a few of the positives life has to offer, most applicable to this space success within the world of music. A former member of rap group Dyslexic Speedreaders, and with a penchant for penning lyrics about the grittier side of life, Avalon's T-town gig should go off like gangbusters.

5. It's the tenth anniversary of Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, and as usual one of the highlights of this year's festivities promises to be the studio tours -- available for your enjoyment today and tomorrow. In all 57 artists are participating in this year's studio tours, with plenty of familiar faces and also some new, exciting ones. Even better, you can create your own self-guided route for the stuido tours - choosing who and what to see -- or you can let the Art Bus help, taking one of the two Art Bus led tours departing from the Tacoma Art Museum today. Find all the info you need right here.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight