SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2012 >>>

1. The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen it in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. At 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Park Pavilion, the Northwest Sinfonietta will be joined by violinist Marié Rossano for Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, followed by Schubert's 4th Symphony, named "Tragic." Be ready for plenty of pathos.

2. Speaking of the Northwest Sinfonietta, after its 2 p.m. concert at the Pioneer Park Pavilion, the musicians will walk over to Gallery Three for a post-concert discussion from 4-6 p.m. After the discussion, Gallery Three will bust out the wine and chocolates. Oh, almost forgot, Gallery Three hosts three of its new artists - Joan Nicholson, pastels; Jerome Petteys, illustration; and Anette Lusher, acrylics - for a 2:30 p.m. reception.

3. Entertainer and storyteller extraordinaire Elizabeth Lord returns to the stage at 2 and 4 p.m. the next two Sundays in support of the venue she's been such a huge part of over the years - the Midnight Sun. Designed as an interactive variety show geared toward young audiences featuring the wit of Lord and the musical contributions of local favorites Scuff & Al, "Tall Tales and Silly Songs" is part of the "Save The Sun" benefit series, with proceeds going to Prodigal Sun Productions, the managing non-profit organization for The Midnight Sun Performance Space.

4. Puget Sound Music For Youth Association hosts a jam session featuring PSMFYA bands at 2 p.m. inside The Swiss. No, this will rock.

5. Mambo musician Tito Puente Jr., following in his father's footsteps and drawing from his musical catalogue, will hit Tacoma and the Rilato Theater at 3 p.m. According to hype, Puente, "brings the sounds of Latin jazz bursting with energetic rhythms and contagious melodies for a new generation." In addition to the music, Puente and KCTS 9 educator Antonio Gomez will take part in a pre-event lecture.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region

LINK: South Sound happy hour food and drinks