MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2012 >>>

1. Comedian Alysia Wood remembers getting her start at the house emcee at Tacoma's Comedy Underground. While these days Wood lives in L.A. and is prepping for the release of her debut comedy album on Standup! Records, Princess, she returns to the Northwest tonight for a celebratory (and sure to be laugh-filled) show at Stonegate Pizza. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer Dan Schlissel, Princess may well be the start of even bigger and better things for Wood.

2. As a popular poet once noted, "Makin' your way / in the world today / takes everything you've got." Yes, it's back to the coal mines, tired already from late partying at the BroHo. You need something to soak up that beer, and an artist with mad flow to screw your head on straight. We float you home, Gentle Reader, on the soothing cadences of Poetry Night at al Forno Ferruzza. That's right, it's a full-on poetry slam, slathered in delicious mozzarella. Your lingering hangover demands this. An offshoot of a beloved Portland pizzeria, al Forno offers hearty calzones and pies, a range of wines at $7 a half-carafe, and now, THE KNOWLEDGE. Preach it.

3. Catch rising Tacoma band Death By Stars tonight at Magoo's as part of Showcase Monday. DJ Pocket Square will also be in the house, with the action kicking off at 8:30 p.m.

4. Tonight at the Swiss drink beer and behold Dakota Bob & The Businessman Band, starting at 8 p.m. and featuring absolutely no cover charge.

5. Drop in on Tap Room Trivia tonight at the Harmon Tap Room on St. Helens Avenue. Look for a $50 cash prize for the winner of each round and too much fun to contain - running from 6 - 8 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region