THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 >>>

1. Almost exactly a year ago the Washington D.C. comedy troupe Capitol Steps descended on Olympia and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, bringing with it a full bag of political humor and clever song parodies about things that rhyme with Scalia. Major laughs ensued. Tonight the Steps return to our state capital, no doubt full of new material thanks to a whole year of new inspirations - from the seemingly endless Republican presidential candidate debates to the many sweater vests of Rick Santorum.

2. PLU debuts David Lindsey-Abaire's Rabbit Hole tonight at the school's Studio Theater. The production starts at 7:30 p.m. According to hype, "Ultimately, as Rabbit Hole so beautifully demonstrates, compassion for ourselves and for each other makes us stronger as individuals and wiser as a community."

3. Slide in and catch Sandy Harvey in the Piano Lounge at El Gaucho in Tacoma tonight. The swank gets heavy around 6 p.m.

4. Thursday is the new start of the weekend, and what better way to kick things off than the open mic and "Musicians Night" at Tacoma's Rock the Dock Pub & Grill and hosted by Big D of 9 Pound Hammer? There's really not. The fun starts at 9 p.m. and there's absolutely no cover.

5. Weekly Volcano hip-hop columnist Josh Rizeberg gave us the lowdown this week on Hacienda Real. Tonight, check out the club for yourself during "Thursday Night South Sound with Skrilla and DJ J City." Expect a Top 40 party kicking off at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight