A LOOK BACK >>>

As the Weekly Volcano finishes its last eggnog before switching back to vodka, we threw on "Best Years" by Whitesnake and tallied up the most popular stories on our website from this past year. The top of the heap swells with our Best Of issues, Tournament of Pizza contest, concert reviews, 5 Things To Do Today blog posts, the Sexy Issue, marijuana stories, nightlife coverage, the truth about Craig James and those hookers, Ivan the gorilla story, Santa Says Blog, restaurant openings and Cheney Stadium and Tacoma Rainiers posts. Also, you're still fired up about the Funky Monkey leaving the airwaves.

Of course, there were many music, arts and entertainment stories that caught your eye this past year. Sprinkled among the stories listed above were feature stories on cultural issues, visual and performing arts reviews, band interviews and more.

But, before we get into the list, a big thanks to everyone for hanging with us this year: clicking around our website, walking the streets with the print issue under your arm and joining us at our parties and events. We are humbled by the support and committed to delivering a local, potent editorial mix. The Weekly Volcano has many awesome things in store for 2012, so stay tuned.

Without further ado, here's a look back at the top music, arts and entertainment stories of the year based on page views. 

Boy or a girl: Conversations about gender in elementary classrooms by Alec Clayton

Catch him while you can: Macklemore heads back to Olympia and The Royal Lounge by Nic Leonard

Riot Grrrl Movement: Revolution girl-style - then and now by Jason Baxter

Vicci Martinez: Tacoma singer shows America her voice by Rev. Adam McKinney

Tacoma Comedy Club set to move: A new home at the former Rhythm and Brews location seems like just what the doctor ordered by Steph DeRosa

Oh Gee whiz: Motopony partners with Southwest Airlines for a somewhat ridiculous promotion by Matt Driscoll

Summer Guide 2011: ECETI Ranch by Brett Cihon

A perfect story: Local filmmaker Chad Ruin and actors Joe Rosati, Ashley Cozine and Scott C. Brown strike success with "A Perfect Life" by Alec Clayton

Photos: Project: U's Get Involved Gala by Ron Swarner 

This week's Volcano music section: Louie G's, Gazmo the Gr8, Baby Gramps, Arts Walk music by Matt Driscoll

What were your favorite 2011 Weekly Volcano stories?