THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 >>>

1. Tacoma's Third Thursday Artwalk is awesome ... the only trouble is it's completely unwalkable. Thankfully, for the last two years Tacoma has had the Art Bus to rely on - the creation of T-Town's own Angela Jossy, and pretty much the bestest idea there ever was. Each Third Thursday the Art Bus shuttles riders from gallery to gallery, and from museum to museum, accomplishing more than any one person could ever dream of on foot, and at the same time building a communal vibe that's worth its weight in gold. Tonight from 5:45-9 p.m., in celebration of two years of Art Bus - there'll be TWO BUSES and TWO ROUTES! Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson and former Washington State Rep turned stand-up comic Dennis Flannigan will act as the celebrity guides, ensuring all involved experience maximum artistic enjoyment. Find more Art Bus information at TacomaArtBus.com.

2. Speaking of Tacoma's Third Thursday Artwalk, there are many worthy exhibits to check out tonight, such as Lynn Di Nino's Survivor show at flow, Creatures of Habit at Fulcrum Gallery, Lisa Mereddy at 253 Collective, pop-up book artist Shawn Sheehy at Pacific Lutheran University and others. Click here for a preview of these shows and more.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - held meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. is appropriately the Runners' St. Patrick Day outing - based at Doyle's Public House. Wear green and make a damn fool of yourself.

4. Portland (and the world's) most fearsome and slovenly Pogues tribute band K.M.R.I.A. will hold court at 7 p.m. inside the Olympic Club Hotel and Theater in Centralia. This, my friends, will be a party.

5. Composer Claude Debussy loved a good party. Yes, he would perform his multilayered harmonic "tone poems" in European concert halls. However, he really loved to mix it up with the party animals, playing his piano in the crowded cafes of Montmartre and the famous Chat Noir cabaret. So, after the Pacific Lutheran University pianists celebrate Debussy's 150^th birthday in grand fashion inside Lagerquist Hall beginning at 8 p.m., grab them outside the front door and whisk them off to the Java Jive. Debussy and PBR will bring life to that old piano.

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