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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain showers, hi 45, lo 43

Saturday: More rain, hi 50, lo 43

Sunday: Chance of sun, hi 55, lo 43

>>> MARCH 2-4: OLY STARTUP WEEKEND

Perhaps you have the next big idea floating around in your head, but you've so far been unable to see it to fruition because you're just one little person. The coming Olympia Startup Weekend, Friday through Sunday at Saint Martin's University in Lacey, could be the answer to your dilemma. Billed as an "intense 54 hour event," Olympia Startup Weekend aims to combine great ideas with talented people and watch the creativity and innovation ensue. According to hype, "The weekend brings together people with different skill sets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them." Registration and an entry fee are required for the three-day event - go to olympia.startupweekend.org for more information.

• Saint Martin's University - Harned Hall, times and ticket info at olympia.startupweekend.org, 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, 360.491.4700

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 3: SOUTH SOUND SUSTAINABILITY EXPO

Fun fact: Before there were expos, people had no idea how to disseminate information about sustainability. It was a bleak time. Luckily, events like Saturday's South Sound Sustainability Expo at the Tacoma Convention and Trade Center have solved this problem, bringing "green" to the masses. According to hype, the South Sound Sustainability Expo is "intended to provide residents and business owners in the greater Tacoma metropolitan area a place to discover services, products, companies, and agencies in our region that address sustainability needs in our community." As part of that goal, instruction and information on everything from urban chicken cooping to waste minimization and recycling will be discussed. Transportation alternatives will also be covered, making the event's parking lot the likely target of the Tacoma Weekly editorial team. Be advised.

• Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, 1500 Broadway, Tacoma, southsoundsustainabilityexpo.org

>>> THROUGH MARCH 3: METAMORPHOSES

Your transition from indie-scenester to minivan-dad has been nothing short of a metamorphoses. So there's a good chance you'll enjoy the University of Puget Sound's take on Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses, which according to pre-production hype is "based on a series of tragic and joyous ancient Roman myths," in which characters "fall in love, lust for riches, and reach for power. Zimmerman's piece weaves a series of stories based on the classical poem Metamorphoses, written by the Roman poet Ovid (43 B.C.-A.D. 18). Directed by John Rindo, Metamorphoses runs at UPS through two weekends. Bring your minivan.

• University of Puget Sound - Norton Clapp Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, matinees at 4 p.m., Thursday, March 1 and 2 p.m., Saturday, March 3, $11 for general public, $7 for seniors (55+), students, military, and UPS students, faculty and staff, 1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, 253.879.3419

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 3: SNAKE LAKE SCIENCE FAIR

Kids these days are no damn good. You hear about it all the time. But Saturday at the Tacoma Nature Center anyone interested can get a look at some of the positive things kids are capable of - like baking soda volcanoes and paper towel strength test. It's called the Snake Lake Science Fair, and kids from throughout Tacoma - many of them homeschooled - will participate with gusto this weekend, making for an event that's sure to be both enjoyable and enlightening. And it's also free to drop in on. The kids have been working for a long time on these projects (deadline for application was in late February, and there was a $10 application fee), so we expect a topnotch science fair.

• Tacoma Nature Center, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. public viewing, free admission, 1919 S. Tyler, Tacoma, 253.591.6439

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 3: YOUNG LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

It often seems like good manners went out of style a long time ago (especially when hanging in Weekly Volcano World Headquarters). But the truth couldn't be more different. Making a good impression is as important today as it ever was - and the bottom line is today's kids just probably aren't as coached-up on it as they used to be. Enter Pierce County Parks and Recreation, and Final Touch Finishing School, which together on Saturday will offer a day-full of manners instructions for kids. The morning class, "Young Ladies & Gentleman 1," intended for ages 6 -11, will teach the basics, like table manners and introductions that don't involve fart jokes. The afternoon session, "Young Ladies & Gentleman 2,"  intended for ages 11-16, will delve a little deeper, breaking down the do's and don'ts of being a host and guest. If a need for bribery arises when signing up little Suzy and Johnny, apparently cake will be served during the afternoon class, and the morning class includes a goodie bag.

• Meridian Habitat Park, Young Ladies & Gentleman 1, 9 a.m. - noon, $35, register online at www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/onlinereg.htm  or call 253.798.4176, 14422 Meridian East, South Hill Puyallup
• Meridian Habitat Park, Young Ladies & Gentleman 2, 1-4 p.m., $45, register online at www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/onlinereg.htm  or call 253.798.4176, 14422 Meridian East, South Hill Puyallup

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 3: 100 VOICES

How many voices does one concert need? One? Several? Maybe 50? Saturday in Olympia the sixth annual 100 Voices Concert will offer more amazing voices in one place than you could ever desire, combining the talents of the Saint Martin's University Chorale, the Opera Pacifica Chorus, the South Puget Sound Community College Choirs and the Olympia Chamber Orchestra for an evening sure to be highlighted by the planned in-English performance of A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms. That's so hot. The yearly and much-loved event will be held in conjunction with Olympia Chamber Orchestra's Concert Series. Weekly Volcano theater critic Christian Carvajal will be voice number 53. Read about his adventures in the 100 Voices Concert production on our blog, Spew.

• Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at SPSCC, 7:30 p.m., $2-$17, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, 360.753.8585, olytix.org

>>> SUNDAY, MARCH 4: CARNIVAL

The Tacoma Youth Symphony Association brings its 2011-2012 season to the Rialto Theater Sunday for a performance by the much-loved Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra. Titled Carnival, and thematically including Antonín Dvorák's "Carnival Overture," Robert Huchinson's violin-piece "Maria Sampen," and Witold Lutoslawski's "Concerto for Orchestra," Sunday's afternoon concert should deliver in all facets of awesomeness. Coolest of all: 100 free main-floor tickets for students of high school age or younger will be available at the door on the day of the performance.

• Rialto Theater, 3 p.m., $6-$7, 100 free main-floor tickets for students high school age and younger will be available at the door, 310 S. Ninth, Tacoma, 253.591.5890

>>> SUNDAY, MARCH 4: OLYMPIA DANCE FESTIVAL

Jazz hands, everyone! Sunday brings the third-annual Olympia Dance Festival to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Combing the dance talents of several regional dance troupes - listed on the press release as Ballet Northwest, Debbi's Dance, Etc., Johansen Olympia Dance Center, Mas Uda Middle Eastern Dancers, Random Acts of Dance Collective (RADCO), Slieveloughane Irish Dancers, Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble and Studio West Dance Academy - this yearly event typically inspires smiles and rounds of applause. Southwest Washington is full of dance talent, and the Olympia Dance Festival routinely puts that fact on full display.

• Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 2 p.m., $10, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
My wife and I are singing Brahms's Requiem at South Puget Sound Community College (along with 150 other voices). Also, we really need to get caught up on Justified.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
This weekend I will be celebrating my 37th birthday. Saturday morning the little son and I will hit Corrina Bakery to pick up my lavender honey cake and vegan/gluten free cupcakes. We will possibly go to the zoo or something else fun. That evening my husband will make tamales and unveil his "low-key" surprise (not ponies or massages from my friends). Sunday we will go to church and rejoice that we are FINALLY getting over being sick.

JOSH RIZEBERG Tacoma Hip-Hop Writer
Friday I'm bringing in the multi-talented James Ray to guest lecture at my spoken-word/poetry class at the D.A.S.H. Center For the Arts at 6 p.m. drop-ins are encouraged! James Ray is an amazing poet, singer, and M.C. Saturday I'll be at the Red Room at The Breaklites SXSW send-off show with Chief Noo nd JaiXJerm. Sunday I'll be making a cameo in Awall A.K.A. 2-Piece's new video with Duranged Pitt and Duce 1 of Bo$$ Fam' new single, "Flawless." I'll be slapping bones, playing spades and having a good-time!

NIC LEONARD Olympia Hip-Hop Writer
I don't have anything big going on this weekend.  I plan on laying low, watching tv and writing music at my house.  I will only leave my home to re-stock on ciggerettes and food.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food & Lifestyles Writer
Going to Vagabond Opera’s CD release party at the Triple Door in Seattle on Friday. Volunteering to cleanup park trails Saturday followed by attending the first annual “Shake, Rattle & Roll” Slider Cook-Off at the Museum of Glass. Sunday is a full day of church and much needed relaxation.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
We are going to the Seattle Rep to see two plays, "I Am My Own Wife" and "Red."

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MOLLY GILMORE Arts Writer
Friday, I'll be in downtown Olympia for First Friday; a friend has an art show opening at Capitol Florist. Saturday, I'm rehearsing for a puppetry and dance performance that will be happening at the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival March 24. And Sunday afternoon, I'll be listening to Seattle a cappella ensemble The Esoterics in concert at St. John's Episcopal Church in Olympia.

JOSHUA SWAINSTON Long Feature Writer
A four year old has held me and my wife captive. We are only to be released after chaperoning said four year old to the movie The Lorax.

NIKKI TALOTTA Music Writer
This girl is not doing much. Maybe some gardening and a trip to the redbox. Haven't seen Moneyball yet, should go good with some popcorn and PBRs. Exciting stuff.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photographer
It's movie time with the chillens this weekend and maybe a trip to Northwest Trek or Gibson's for some frozen yogurt, because that's how I roll.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar