TGIF!

1. Bring your picnic supper and the whole family and participate in games, music and dancing of the mid-1800s during 19th Century Family Night at Fort Nisqually in Point Defiance Park. Kids of all ages will enjoy the special firings of the Candy Cannon throughout the evening. Lemonade and ice cream will be available while supplies last.6-9 pm, Free with membership or admission, $6-$7.50, 5400 N. Pearl Street, Tacoma.

2. Have you ever stood in an old cemetery and thought, "How I wish these stones could talk"? The Fort Nisqually Time Travelers, a select group of living history re-enactors, had that same thought. Together with the Tacoma Cemeteries and Tacoma Historical Society they invite you to experience Tacoma's history as it comes to life in a unique, fascinating way at the Fourth Annual Living History Cemetery Tour. Eight reenactors will portray people who had an impact on our history as they share their life stories from their grave sites. This year, we celebrate the railroad, boats and trails of all varieties that have had a great influence on Tacoma with our theme, “Rails, Trails and Sails”. Tours last one hour and start every 20 minutes. advanced tickets are required ($8) and available Tuesday through Saturday at the Cemetery, (253) 472-3369. *As the cemetery ground is often uneven, comfortable walking shoes are encouraged. 6-7:40 pm Fri, 5:40-7:40 pm Sat. Tacoma Cemetery: 4801 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma.

3. West Side Story in the park...Bring your lawn, blanket or sleeping bag. Dress warm. Free popcorn and sodas provided. Movies begin at sundown. Donkey Creek Park
8714 North Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

4. Summer wine tasting at Safeway is a great way to spend happy hour today. Bring a friend to try Waterbrook Melange Noir, Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc, and Waterbrook Chardonnay. Ask the wine department Steward Jennifer Elkins at the store how to compliment your next summer picnic outing or dinner menus from our fine wine selection. 3-7 pm. Safeway: 2411 North Proctor, Tacoma.

5. We are hearing really good things about the Kids At Play production of Little Shop of Horrors at Capital Playhouse in Olympia.  7 pm. $15. www.capitalplayhouse.com/buy.

In the first of a series of live music events throughout the summer, Tacoma's Freighthouse Square will host a live performance Saturday evening by recording artist and Northwest native Shyan Selah.

The event is the culmination of a community partnership between Freighthouse Square and The Gap at Tacoma Mall. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. inside Foss Hall.

Selah is returning home to the Northwest from recording his latest album project, City of Angels, in Los Angeles. On Saturday he will launch the viral release of his first single "Pink Butterfly," as well as honor those who are in the fight against breast cancer. Selah will be performing with his band, The Republic of Sound, and will take time to honor breast cancer survivors in the community as he prepares for the retail release of his single in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Already accomplished in his work as President/CEO of Brave New World (BNW Global), as an artist Selah has created a style of music that is both unique and commercial. A modern musician raised on the greatest icons in music from The Beatles to James Brown, Selah is poised to take his special sound of hip-hop, rock and soul music mainstream with a brand new band that is designed to fully embody his specialized fusion of rock, hip-hop and soul music as the perfect backdrop to his hard hitting, gritty yet spiritual lyrics.

BNW will host a series of live music events throughout the summer at the Freighthouse Square, including live music performances, industry networking, music seminars, workshops and youth talent auditions. In addition for each event, BNW Global will be raising awareness of key social causes throughout the local community and beyond.

"Freighthouse Square is very happy to be working with BNW Global to create and host some very community oriented events here," Lonee Peschon, who manages and handles commercial leasing for Freighthouse Square, said in a release. "We are extremely pleased to support the release of Shyan Selah's "Pink Butterfly" and the occasion to honor those who are fighting breast cancer."

"With what started as a series of daytime performances catered to serenading the great people of the Tacoma Dome District, BNW Global is happy to call this wonderful area its new home," Lance Azucena, director of promotions for BNW Global, added.

This event is free to the public.

If, thanks to youth or agoraphobia, you've never seen the 1982 musical stage version of Little Shop of Horrors, you've missed something special. Strange story short, nebbishy Seymour Krelborn tries to escape Skid Row by raising a bloodthirsty plant. He names the diabolical alien flytrap Audrey II (Audrey Junior in Roger Corman's original 1960 B-movie) in homage to his buxom blonde coworker, cooed memorably by Ellen Greene off Broadway and in Frank Oz's 1986 movie adaptation. Audrey I gets the honor of belting the lovely Ashman/Menken ballad "Somewhere That's Green," which its composers practically rewrote as "Part of Your World" for 1989's The Little Mermaid. It'd be all but impossible to play Audrey any better than Greene played her; so for Capital Playhouse's Kids at Play version, Alessa Daniel doesn't try very hard to do otherwise.

It's tough to pull off a polished Little Shop. The broad, multiethnic characters are tricky to cast without tipping into stereotype, an issue this production largely avoids. Even tougher is Audrey II itself, which grows from a mere spud to the floral equivalent of a T-Rex. Capital's flora is puppeteered by Anthony Toney and voiced by Miles Forte. Nick Main's Orin Scrivello, DDS, owes as much to Tim Curry as to Steve Martin, and it works. (Don't search for Bill Murray's masochist, Arthur Denton, though; he doesn't appear in stage productions.) The triune Greek chorus is well cast, and I enjoyed Jordan Mullins as Seymour - even if he is too darn handsome for the role.

Bruce Haasl's multifunctional set nods in the direction of Sesame Street, and Troy Arnold Fisher's keyboards and combo are on point. The production suffers from a bit of school-play sloppiness, but enthusiasm (and skillful choreography by Patrick Wigren and director Heidi Fredericks) covers a multitude of sins.

The summer Kids at Play program moves so quickly that this will be its only production lasting longer than one weekend. For that reason, while I will be seeing another show, I won't be reviewing it here. Instead, I'll take this opportunity to promote what looks to be a delightfully entertaining (and reasonably priced!) summer program. Next weekend brings The Wiz, Charlie Smalls's 1974 "Super Soul Musical" version of The Wizard of Oz. The first weekend in August is devoted to Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, followed by the irresistible "Hard Knock Life" of Annie. I'll be at Fisher's production of the Les Misérables "School Edition," opening Aug. 17, which somehow manages to pack most of the 1985 epic's songs into two hours. It'll be a great refresher course for Tom Hooper's movie version, which opens in December. I can't wait.

At last Sunday's matinee of Little Shop, my wife and I couldn't take our eyes off a kindergarten-sized audience member. He sat in the front row, whispered eagerly to his mom (I'm guessing), and broke into hysterical squeals after every pratfall.  His eyes went big as hubcaps when the larger Audrey IIs were revealed, and he sat in pure rapture through every twist and turn. Kids at Play, it looks like that kid is headed your way soon. Break a leg, little dude.

[Capital Playhouse Kids at Play, Little Shop of Horrors, Fri.-Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., $18, 612 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.2744]

This weekend is the 5^th annual Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival put on by the Hawks Prairie Rotary. The event is known for its family fun environment, like face painting and games for kids, special guests like Ciscoe Morris and Chef Jimbo Jitsu, and for mushroom tastings of all kinds. This year steps it up for adults though, with a 21+ mushroom and wine pairing, and an emphasis on education and cooking demonstrations.

"We're trying to not only show the food side, but also the educational side," says Cory Lopardi, this year's Chair. Educational speeches and demonstrations on the many health benefits of mushrooms, how to harvest, and cooking techniques are a just a few topics.

Located at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey, at Steilacoom and Marvin Roads, the event runs 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $5 for both days and children 12 and under are free.

Just down the road at Harmony Hall (9101 Steilacoom Rd SE) on Saturday night from 6 - 9 p.m., is the Mushroom and Wine Event, where $25 will get you seven local paired wine and mushroom tastings, live music, dancing, access to a silent wine auction and admission to both days.

"It's an opportunity for adults to have something different," says Lopardi.

www.pnwmushroomfest.com

Engine House No. 9 will host a sour beer fest tomorrow.

They will have 10 draft sours, 3 of which will be their own crafted selections, and several bottle choices. The fest will run from 5 to close, but they suggest you come down early, as there is no guarantee they won't run out.

Here is the beer lineup posted on their Facebook:

E9 Love Child Kriek
E9 Petite Sour
E9 Wild Child
Russian River Supplication
Rodenbach Gra Cru
Schooner Exact Raspberry Brown
New Belgium La Folie
New Belgium Imp Berliner
Bear Republic Tartar
Double Mountain Devil Kriek
There will also be Russian River Sanctification, Lost Abby Red Poppy, LambicX and 3 or 4 other Belgian Lambics to try in bottles.

Happy Thirsty Thursday Everyone!

Sometimes, you just have to throw caution to the wind-you know, take a chance on an outdoor event even though you live in the Northwest and you understand logically that there's a 90% chance you're going to get rained on. But sometimes it's just worth it. The Concert at the Capitol is one of those times.

On July 29, at 5:00 p.m., the lawn in front of the Capitol will become one big party (a tame party-we're not talking Ibiza here). The Olympia Symphony will put on a show of their greatest hits from its past seasons in celebration of its 60^th anniversary!

Best of all-this concert is free and all ages are welcome.

Considering that concert seating is on a lawn, bring a blanket, towel, or other object if you do not wish to mingle directly with nature. Concert attendees are also welcome to bring picnics or snacks to munch upon as they listen to the soft sounds of Beethoven, Haydn, and more.

1. Bring the whole family out for a fun, family golf evening at the short William's Nine course at Meadow Park in Lakewood. Fees include a special bag tag for adults, and free golf balls & hot dog for the kids. Adult and youth golf equipment available upon request. Held the last Wednesday of each month May-August. www.MeadowParkGolf.com. 7108 Lakewood Drive West, Tacoma. starts at 4 p.m. $12-$15, 5-18 years Free.

2. Stink hosts a Belgian beer tasting tonight.  Belgian beers are some of the most food friendly and complex of all beverages. Won't you put down that IPA for an hour or so and refresh in the frothy, tasty glow that is provided by Kent Wetzler and Wetten Imports? $10 per person includes some tasty snacks and beer. 628 St Helens Ave
Tacoma.

3. You may have seen Maria Jost's work around town and wondered who it was by. This elusive artist would make a limited number of prints and then, under the light of the moon, put them up around town on telephone poles and vacant buildings. If you were fortunate enough to grab one of her prints, most likely it had staple holes and rips in it. Now you have an opportunity to not only buy unblemished prints as well as the original art pieces tonight, 6 p.m. at Amocat Cafe, 625 St Helens Ave, Tacoma. As a bonus, Kaletron will be making his special awesome brand of music for the event.

4. Cosmic BINGO - this new entertainment craze sweeping the country takes a very old game of chance, applies some shock therapy, and creates an entertainment option that today's younger generation are flocking to. Cosmic bingo is played in a stimulating, high energy, black light environment that is driven by DJ entertainment and the players favorite song titles. BJ's Bingo; 4411 Pacific Highway E.; Fife. 11 p.m. $7 buy in pack.

5.Come sketch from a live model! Easels will be provided but artists must bring their own materials. All skill levels are welcome. All skill levels are welcome. On the last session of each month there is an optional group critique that all artists are welcome to participate in. Questions? Call Tim Mansen at (253) 579-6908 or email tim.mansen@gmail.com. www.tacomaacademyoffineart.com. $15 per session on a drop-in basis. Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma. 6:30-9:30 pm.

1.Not your typical party. Join us as we celebrate Tacoma's Best. We're crashing Jazzbones and listening to musical stylings by Big Wheel Stunt Show and surprise special guests. Get your snapshot in with Uncle Sam, rub elbows with Tacoma's Best as they receive their awards, and enter to win your own freakin prizes! 6 p.m. 2803 6th Ave, Tacoma www.weeklyvolcano.com/commerce/southsoundland/2012/06/BEST-OF-TACOMA-2012/

2.Shop Talk is about Building Connections. Connections are key to having your business promoted by word of mouth throughout the community! Tap into the community that is already in a Local First mind-set looking for business just like yours! Start the buzz at Shop Talk! RSVP here: tacomashoptalk.eventbrite.com. Tacoma Shop Talk is a Go Local Event building strong Local and Independent businesses in Tacoma/Pierce County. 5 p.m. Social Bar and Grill, 1715 Dock St, Tacoma

3.Visit with Tacoma Rose Society members as they do summer pruning (deadheading) in the rose garden. Bring your questions on rose-growing, care and maintenance along with work gloves and pruners if you have them. This is a great opportunity to learn about rose growing, care and maintenance from experienced rosarians while lending a hand with this necessary and much-appreciated volunteer work. Pre-registration is not required, simply show up at the Point Defiance Rose Garden (5400 N. Pearl St.) and join in. Experience is not necessary but participants are asked to bring their own gardening gloves and pruners.4-6 p.m.

4.Scandalicious! Come one, come all! Enjoy a Night of History and Hilarity with Rock Candy Burlesque! Back to The Royal for a second show, unravel some historic trails just for you, Rock Candy style! Bring your trivia knowledge and win raffle tickets to win prizes. 8 p.m. The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way, Olympia.

5.Queer Rock Camp! Put on by Stonewall Youth, enjoy music performances by queer and allied volunteers and participants of the camp. 7:30 p.m. Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Ave.

I'm not even sure I should share this lovely Olympia secret, but it's just too good to keep to myself...Ben Moore's restaurant and bar actually gives away free dinner on Monday nights (with purchase of an alcoholic beverage, but hey, that's a perk.) About six weeks ago, a little handwritten sign showed up on Ben Moore's front door saying, "Free Dinner Monday Nights!" Since then, the fabulous cooks have been able to serve up to 90 people a dinner, complete with dinner salad and a roll. Dishes like Chili Verde with green chili and Pork Roast with stuffing have been keeping the bellies of Olympians full and content, for free. Whether it's a classic martini or a yellow beer, the mandatory drinks are great, too. The atmosphere in Ben Moore's is funky, eclectic and old school, where the bartenders still dress up. And the folks that saddle up to the bar or kick back in a booth are always friendly and fine. 112 4^th Ave, Olympia. 360.357.7527.

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