1. The Washington Arms Collectors (WAC) is a NRA affiliated membership organization that holds the largest Gun Show in Washington State. Along with hosting the largest show in Puyallup, they also hold shows in Monroe and at the  newest addition in Enumclaw. You won't find a friendlier pro-gun event nor a better selection of firearms, ammunition, knives, militaria and accessories. 8a.m. - 3p.m., Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 9th St, 253.845.1771

2. For the month of August, Northern is pleased to exhibit the work of Olympia artist, Christopher Ross. Ross earned his BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Arts Institute and has shown his work regionally in Portland, Seattle and Olympia, as well as Kansas City. Ross' well-known local mural work adorns the walls of Old School Pizza (The Marvel Universe), The Brotherhood Lounge (The Hindu God Vishnu), Jakes on 4th (The Wizard of Oz) and the recently completed Eastside Club mural depicting a portrait gallery montage. For this exhibit, Ross addresses visual ideas of gaming culture, specifically that of the legendary role-playing adventure Dungeons & Dragons.414 1/2 Legion Way, Olympia.

3. New Direction Fest 2012 will be a space for people of the worldwide hardcore and punk community to share experiences, skills, ideas, and information about community organizing, activism, labor organizing, and other forms of radical action. This convergence will include live bands, workshops, and speakers engaged in the practical application of the radical ideas and values of hardcore punk. Music, workshops and more. 2p.m.-11:30p.m., The Eagles Ballroom, 805 4th Ave, Olympia.

4. It's sweltering outside and cooking sounds like a chore. Why not round up the kids and enjoy Family Night at Chopstix? $9.99 prime rib special and family friendly piano show. Doors open at 4p.m. Piano show starts at 5:30p.m. Chopstix is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.

5. It's the last day to take in Jane's World: A Lady Coming of Age in the Fur Trade. This exhibit profiles the life of Jane Work Tolmie, wife of Fort Nisqually's Manager, Dr. William Fraser Tolmie. Jane is a fascinating example of a young lady growing up in the Oregon Country in the 1830s and 1840s. The artifacts on display are objects that suggest Jane's life based on letters, journals etc. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is located in Point Defiance Park. www.fortnisqually.org

With a title like “The Wrecking Crew,” you know it’s got to be good.

Wednesday at the Capitol Theater in Olympia, a music documentary that is as fresh as it is informing, will play for one night only. The Wrecking Crew tells the story of American pop culture in perhaps its finest era – the 60’s and 70’s.

From the West Coast originals themselves - Beach Boys to the Monkees, The 5th Dimension to Sonny & Cher and Simon & Garfunkel, the music was phenomenal.

But the studio masters behind the scenes, like Hal Blaine, Tommy Tedesco, Glen Campbell, Plas Johnson, and trailblazing bassist Carol Kaye, have had little recognition, nicknamed ‘The Wrecking Crew’ these talents helped shaped pop music as we know it.

The Wrecking Crew features timeless interviews, valuable music clips, and clues into the heart and sweat of the team that helped propel the songs that shaped a culture.

From an interview in the New York Times, Director Denny Tedesco said, “There are 132 music cues in this film, and you’ll know 99.9 percent of them.”

Doors are at 6p.m. and Tedesco will host a Q&A after the screening & give away an exciting door prize.

Capitol Theater, $10, 206 5th Ave, Olympia, 360.754.6670.

1. Scrabble Tournament at Le Voyeur. 40 entries. Only one walks with the $100 cash prize. Hosted by Trivia-Newton John and Gary Keys. Drunk spelling competition at it's finest. 8:30p.m. sign in. 9p.m. start. 404 4th Ave, Olympia. 360.943.5710.

2. The Greta Jane Quartet is back for an evening of classic voacl jazz at the Royal. The Greta Jane Quartet features the lovely Greta Jane on vocals, Vince Brown on guitar, Cary Black on Bass, and Andrew Dorsett on Keyboard. Mad Tacos on site 7-10. $5, The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way, Olympia, 360.705.0760.

3. Plant Skool: Karl Faler hosts a monthly ethno-botanical seminar series with guest experts on the culture, propagation, and uses of a variety of plants traditionally used by Native Americans. 2-4p.m. Native Quest, 2354 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, 253.627.8033

4. Readings operate on a first-come first-serve sign-up basis. Time is limited so something in the ballpark of three poems of moderate length or one long poem and one short from each reader. Buying of drinks for the Designated Drunk is encouraged. Make it good because submissions will be considered for publication on the blogs and anthologized in a chapbook published quarterly by Last Word Press. Hours may vary without meaning or purpose. And, conveniently enough, the poetry reading will stagger off stage just in time for everyone to stumble over to Jazz Night at the Royal to tie a few more on, moron! 7:30-9:30p.m., Last Word Books, 211 4th Ave, Olympia, 360.786.9673.

5. Come see the new clouded leopard cubs at Point Defiance Zoo! Stop by the new cub den at the Cats of the Canopy exhibit and observe the clouded leopard cubs. There will be daily scheduled cub feedings at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, 5400 North Pearl St.,Tacoma, 253.591.5368.

Wolf Haven is really something special. The non-profit organization not only protects and promotes wolves; they encourage the community to interact with them in a safe, fun and educational way.

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 17, as it’s the last date to register for Wolf Haven’s final Howl-In session of the season on Saturday, August 18.

The Howl-In includes a mini-tour of the sanctuary, live musical entertainment, environmentally friendly activities, face painting, prairie walk, storytelling, eco-scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and a howling contest for all age groups! Food is available to purchase.

Since 1982, Wolf Haven has fought for wolf conservation, and the howl-in is a great way for the community and the organization to work together. Hear the wolves howl through the night and learn more about these amazing creatures.

Located in Tenino, Wolf Haven’s Howl-In runs from 6 – 9 p.m. Adults are $17, children 4 – 12 are $10, military and senior are $14 and children under 3 are free. Pre-registration is required.

3111 Offut Lake Road SE, Tenino, www.wolfhaven.org or 800.GIV.WOLF.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Want to support a worthy cause? We received this press release for a benefit show at the Swiss Tavern. The details are below...

Several local bands have teamed up to organize a concert to benefit 9-year-old Maari Dickerson who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.  Treatment for Maari includes proton radiation therapy, which is available at only three locations in the United States.  Although the treatment has been used for more than 30 years, the Dickerson's insurance company has denied coverage, stating the procedure is experimental.  Maari is scheduled to begin treatment in late August in Loma Linda, CA.

In late June, Dave and Margie Dickerson took their daughter Maari to the doctor for what they initially thought was a sinus infection. After unsuccessful treatments of antibiotics and steroids, Maari was referred to an eye surgeon who ultimately diagnosed her with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Treatment for the tumor, which is located between Maari's right eye and her brain, involves a 40-week cycle of chemotherapy and a five-week session of proton therapy, which focuses a beam of protons at the diseased tissue. Maari may lose vision in her eye, but the doctors are optimistic that the course of treatment will successfully eradicate the cancer.

Maari's father, Dave, is a teacher and the Director of Choral Music at Curtis High School in University Place School District, as well as a talented local musician who plays with a number of bands.  He and Margie are also on the music and worship staff at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor.  When Maari's diagnosis was announced, their colleagues and their families immediately came together to organize a concert and raffle.  Within days, the event had broadened to include both a live and silent auction.  "Our local band community is relatively small, and news of Maari's condition traveled fast," commented Tim Silke, an event organizer.  "We are overwhelmed by the generosity from those who know the Dickerson family and even more so by those who just want to pitch in and help this little girl get well."

The benefit event will be held on Sunday, August 12 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Swiss Tavern, 1904 Jefferson Avenue in Tacoma (all ages are welcome until 9 p.m.).  A suggested donation of $10 per person/$25 per family will be collected at the door.  Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each or five tickets for $20, and the live and silent auction will be conducted by Mike Stortini.  A full listing of available packages is available on the Friends of Maari website, www.maaridickerson.com.

The line-up for the evening includes:

3 - 4 p.m.               Billy Shew

4 - 5 p.m.               Northwest Chill

5 - 6 p.m.               Live auction

6 - 7 p.m.               Open unplugged acoustic set

7 - 8 p.m.               Nolan Garrett

8 - 9 p.m.               The Woodies

9 - 10 p.m.             The Bog Hoppers

10 - 11 p.m.           Big Wheel Stunt Show

Donations to the Dickerson family can also be made via PayPal at www.maaridickerson.com or by check to Columbia Bank, 1102 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402. Checks should be made payable to David Dickerson with "DONATION ACCOUNT" noted in the memo line.

1. 120 blocks in Tacoma neighborhoods will be celebrating the 29th annual National Night Out. Food, fun and festivities are planned to in order to help make Pierce County a safer place. National Night Out is designed to be an effective and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Find your own block party or join the Gig Harbor Police Department for their celebration on the Gig Harbor Civic Center Lawn. 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor,253.514.5966.

2. Stonegate Welcomes Host Rafael Tranquilino Band For Rockin' Blues Jam along with David Dickerson, bass and Glenn Hummel, drums. In The Rum Lounge. 9 p.m. No Cover
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. $1 Tacos & $2 Tequila Not 21? Listen To Music In Game/Dining Area while playing pool, darts or ping pong! Stonegate, 5421 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma,253.473.2255.

3. With non-stop interaction, engaging songs, comedy and surprises, Eric Herman's show will have the audience smiling from ear to ear, dancing from limb to limb and laughing from nose to foot. This event is part of Summer Reading, a Timberland Regional Library districtwide program. It is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Timberland Library and the City of Lacey Parks and Recreation, 6:30 p.m., Thomas Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey.

4. Calling all Mamas and Ladies 25 years and older. Come join in this dance aerobics class. More fun than the stair steppers and treadmills. Every Tuesday. 6 p.m., $8 drop-in, $30/month,  D.A.S.H Center for the Arts, 1504 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, 253.507.9466.

5. Martin Blank's Fluent Steps: Located in the Main Plaza Reflecting Pool, this installation is a visual exploration capturing the chase between the macro and micro qualities of water using glass. Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, 253.396.1768.

After months of ramp building and networking and organizing and problem-solving, finally the Stupid Fu@@ing Ramp Party in Olympia (SFRP) is ready for riders this Saturday.

For the third year in a row, skateboarders and D.I.Y.ers remind the community what skateboarding is all about.

Locals have been coming out of the woodwork to donate time, tools, and money to make this much-anticipated event happen. There has been a daily crew of 10 or so people to help tear down and rebuild the new ramp that’s 6.5 ft. with an extension to 7.5 ft.

Local businesses like the Rabbit Hole, Lit Fuse Tattoo and The Brotherhood Lounge have all given to the cause.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support,” said Scott Lewis, event curator.

After last year’s Salmon Jam, (SFRP’s former name) a fall-out took place amongst sponsors, prompting Lewis to take matters into his own hands. Besides hosting the party in his backyard like he has done previous years, he’s also grabbing the reins when it comes to details.

“I haven’t been able to go downtown without someone asking when the next ramp party is,” he said. “I don’t think I could not do it - it’s too cool.”

This year there are no bands, (that way there are no cops, says Lewis) but there is a whole hog roast, kegs, trophies and bragging rights for the contest winner.

“A lot of people have professional careers or a family, but they are still pushing boards, so it’s a way to see each other and have fun,” said Lewis.

Party starts at 3 p.m. $10 entry, $5 plates and $5 keg cups for 21+

Check out the facebook page for more info.

Say what? It's the end of summer already? Didn't summer just finally get here, like, a week ago?

Ah, the sad reality of Washington summers that we're already thinking of their end in early August.

The very first Thurston County Summer's End Music and Comedy Festival (T.C.S.E.) is on this Saturday and Sunday (August 11 and 12) at Deschutes River Ranch at 9725 Rich Road SE in Olympia. The purpose of this event is twofold-one, the festival is filled with live music so you can rock your ass off; two, proceeds help raise funds for the Thurston County High School's music programs, so you can rock your ass off for a good cause.

This festival features lots of live music-rock, hip hop, reggae, and beyond-as well as DJs and comedians. Most of the performers are from the Northwest.

As with any proper festival, T.C.S.E. has a lineup of vendor booths and food stalls. More importantly, there is a beer garden so make sure to have your ID handy. The Deschutes River Ranch itself is a superbly unique 25-acre venue with 30 riverside campsites and 5 acres of campground beyond that. Camping costs range from $25 to $75. Reserve a space in advance.

Festival tickets are $20 for one day, or $30 for both days. Get your tickets or reserve campsites by calling 360-918-4420.

Tacoma Art Place is closing but not entirely going away. For four and a half years TAP has been offering art classes, exhibitions and equipment to mostly underserved Tacomans. A victim of the recession, TAP now finds itself short of operating funds and is being forced to close the doors on its "brick and mortar" location at 11th and MLK in downtown Tacoma. They will close August 31.
"Unfortunately, there simply wasn't enough public support to keep the facility open," Linda Danforth, founder and first president said at the meeting announcing the closure to volunteers. "We had a good run," added current president, Deborah Dodson. "Remember, TAP itself is not closing, just this building."
In the effort not to close in the red, TAP has some fundraising plans and asks for community support. Most equipment and supplies will be offered first to members for donations, then to the public. TAP will also hold a raffle, with the drawing to be held August 29. Proceeds from the raffle will support the organization. Information will be posted to www.tacomaartplace.org as soon as details are available. Current members can also check the website for open studio hours: TAP plans to remain open with restricted hours for as long as possible, and every effort will be made to help every member finish current projects.
But even after the building is vacated, TAP will focus on outreach to satisfy its core function, which is "to reach underserved groups with arts programming," through artistic pursuit in the Tacoma area. Mobile units will reach out to local schools, community centers - everywhere art can make a difference. 
The mission of Tacoma Art Place has been and continues to be to provide access to equipment and training "that will allow more people to affordably explore their creativity and artistic ability, with a special emphasis to reach under-served individuals with free or reduced-cost memberships and to offer arts education in the community."The raffle to support TAP is for a prize package valued at more $1000. Prizes include a $100 restaurant certificate from Stanley & Seaforts, a $50 certificate for any show at the Broadway Center, $100 worth of Farmers Markets tokens, Art Bus tickets, and much more.

1. At the Capitol Theater in Olympia, a music documentary that is as fresh as it is informing, will play for one night only. The Wrecking Crew tells the story of American pop culture in perhaps its finest era – the 60’s and 70’s. From the West Coast originals themselves - Beach Boys to the Monkees, The 5th Dimension to Sonny & Cher and Simon & Garfunkel, the music was phenomenal. But the studio masters behind the scenes, like Hal Blaine, Tommy Tedesco, Glen Campbell, Plas Johnson, and trailblazing bassist Carol Kaye, have had little recognition, nicknamed ‘The Wrecking Crew’ these talents helped shaped pop music as we know it. 6 p.m. Capitol Theater, $10, 206 5th Ave, Olympia, 360.754.6670

2. Charlie Daniels and the Charlie Daniels Band will take the stage at 8 p.m. tonight. Daniels is probably best known for his hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which he won a Grammy for and was featured in Urban Cowboy. But he's also well known for being a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2008, as well as for being a heck of a nice guy. There are currently $25 Golden Circle Tickets available for this show, which includes fair admission. The Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds is located in Elma. For more information, visit www.ghcfairgrounds.com.

3. For once, we ecourage you to stay home, but only to listen to a preview of the music that will be at this Saturday's Music and Art in Wright Park. Tune in to NWCZ radio tonight and listen to Cody Foster Army and Mos Generator do that magical thing they do. 8 p.m. www.nwczradio.com.

4. 6-weeks of intensive running specific cross training. The work-outs are accessible for ALL LEVELS of runner (from beginner to expert). Each session will intersperse running with challenging cross training intervals. These work-outs are designed to increase speed, prevent injury, and improve endurance. Olympia groups will be provided location schedules upon registration. Tacoma group meets at 6PM at Wright Park. Space limited to 35 participants in each session.

5. At 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. there is an opportunity to enter the "Land of the Rising Sun" with Mr. Brian then climb the Great Wall. Make Chiyogami, Japanese paper doll bookmarks. All ages. Registration required. Openings available. www.tacomapubliclibrary.org.