Poppy and Co. Goes Permanent after Spaceworks

The Spaceworks program links businesses, artists, and other groups with empty spaces. Most of the empty spaces are downtown or in Hilltop. In the past six months, three businesses have planted themselves as a result of Spaceworks. The most recent is Poppy & Co.-a co-op of furniture artists located at 765 Broadway.

The store is open for business, but will have a grand opening celebration on September 14.

Poppy & Co. combines the power of several furniture businesses-Modern Cottage Company, Nest, Bride on a Bike, Euphemeral Designs, and Mod Century. All of these are owned and operated by women-girl power!

Furniture styles represented range from pre-WWII through modern stylings. The artists on tap do a range of things to furniture-paint it, add hardware to it, repair it, reupholster.

"As individual women we all dreamed of having this nature of business, but were limited in our ability to do it alone," says Merri Van Houte, owner of Nest. "As a group, we found our path quickly. We bonded, we grew, we overcame, we learned a great deal about business, ourselves and each other and we built our courage and passion and drive to make the next big leap."

Rock Tiki wants to be weird tonight. Rock Tiki will go to The Harmon Tap Room and Beer Garden. Not only does The Harmon have great beer and excellent food, but on Thursday nights The Harmon exhibits goldfish races in their beer garden. The races start at 8:30 PM so get there early and enjoy dinner before the strange sets in. For more information visit http://harmonbrewingco.com/taproom/index.html.

                Maybe you can't handle the strange that The Harmon has to offer, maybe you're an intellectual. If so, visit the RAM on Ruston way. Thursday night is Geeks who Drink night. Trivia starts at 8:30, and prizes include gift certificates and free Pints, but if you get there early for dinner, The RAM offers a 15% discount on all food for anyone with military ID. To get a better idea of what to expect, visit www.geekswhodrink.com/96.

                Maybe you're a card shark. O'Malleys is perfect for you! Not only does the Poker Tournament start at 8 PM, but Blue Moons are $3 and Chili Cheeseburgers are only $5. Then, at 10 PM, a live DJ will arrive, supposedly bringing the funk, as well as soul, Reggae, and Rock. Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/omalleys-irish-pub/246616364819?sk=info.

For those uninterested in Thursday night drinking, the Varsity Grill offers Buy One Get One half off of all burgers on Thursdays, not to mention kids eat free with the purchase of one adult entrée. For more information visit http://varsitygrill.com/happening.php.

Reading about 25 promising talents of independent film on a magazine page or tiny smartphone screen is one thing. But getting to interact with these talents and seeing their work in a theater makes the experience much more ... I don't know ... 3-D perhaps?

For the third year in a row, The Grand Cinema has, like the film adaptations that occasionally run there, brought words to life - in this case, an evolving article Filmmaker Magazine has published since 1998 entitled "25 New Faces of Independent Film."

We all know The Grand can put on a show; its upcoming Tacoma Film Festival rises in prestige every autumn. So in 2010, executive director Philip Cowan decided to harness his theater's passion for all things indie and construct a new kind of festival, one that celebrates the emerging artists profiled in the article.

"I'm still surprised that no cinema tried this before we did," Cowan notes.

All the fun takes places under The Grand's roof, and lasts for a full week, starting today and finishing Aug. 23.

The 25 New Faces festival has achieved something unique - an interactive event aimed at driving scores of movie lovers into the theater, yet still remains personal and intimate. This happens mainly through the presence of the filmmakers themselves. Cowan and his staff make it a priority each year to bring as many of the 25 as possible into Tacoma. (Let's face it: a "new faces" festival without faces just wouldn't have a strong impact.)

Considering these moviemakers hail from all over the country, the fact that 20 will arrive on our shores over the next week is pretty impressive. The Grand covers every visitor's travel expenses and accommodations, making this one event the nonprofit's biggest annual investment. Needless to say, Cowan considers it all money well spent.

In his opinion, "Putting (together) a quality artistic package is something nonprofits should be doing when they can."

Before we get the chance to pick these artists' brains and hear their entertaining behind-the-scenes tales, we take in the hard-won fruits of their labors. Features will play each day of the fest, with repeat showings of collected shorts sprinkled here and there. (See the full schedule and which filmmakers will attend at www.grandcinema.com.) Though everyone will find something worthy to watch, In the Family may draw the biggest crowd on Aug. 21 due to Cowan's very enthusiastic review.

"It just seemed so real to me and it really pulled me in," he says, and admits to feeling "perfectly giddy that we'll be able to have (first-time writer-director-star Patrick Wang) here to screen the film."

Sometimes a film quietly comes along that blindsides you with the force of its message and vision. But you're still here, reading an article about another article that spawned a film festival. Time to buy a movie ticket or two and meet a new face - or 25.            

Opera Alley in downtown Tacoma will be transformed into a street fair like no other on Saturday.

From 3 to 10 p.m., the third annual Tacoma Block Party will be brimming with fun activities and unexpected excitement.

"Two things that jump out at me for this year is the atmosphere and the interactive aspect," says Justin Mayfield, the event's organizer. 

Mayfield and a devoted team of volunteers, together with Local Life, a nonprofit committed to promoting holistic collaborations, and Downtown Tacoma Neighbors, have come together to offer this free event for the community.

"When you walk into the block party, it's not going to be your typical fair," says Mayfield. "It's going to beg you to move, paint, groove, talk to your neighbors - it's going to be intoxicating."

Mayfield says the décor will play off last year's theme of parachutes and umbrellas but will include new adornments. There will be impromptu live music on stage and a variety of activities for partygoers to do.

More than 50 activities are planned for this year's event.

One creative activity is Operation Art, a take on the game Operation (like when you were a kid, says Mayfield). The bodies of one boy and one girl will be painted on a wall. Participants will spin to determine what body part to throw a paint-filled balloon at.

Another event is Downtown Is... People will have the chance to artfully display their idea of what downtown is, or should be, on past issues of the Weekly Volcano (hey, we're good for something). The papers will then be threaded together and put on exhibit.

More interactive elements include the construction of a giant yarn ball made of old linens that will be torn into strips, a giant life-size chess board with two-feet tall pieces and an organized community mural.

There will also, of course, be food, such as Puget Sound Pizza and popsicles from Hilltop Pop Shop, but even the food options have an interactive twist, with a D.I.Y peanut butter and jelly stand.

The whole event will culminate in a dance party complete with DJ. There is also a beer and wine garden for attendees 21 and older.                 

Mayfield says the community response has been very encouraging and business participation has been excellent. Fifteen downtown businesses are involved in this year's event.

"We want to have a place to celebrate downtown, a place where we live, work and play, and to encourage others to do the same," Mayfield says. "We want to make the world a better place, one neighborhood at a time."

(Tacoma Block Party, Opera Alley; St. Helens between South 9th and Market Streets; and Ben Gilbert Park. 3 to 10 p.m.)

TGIF! Let's celebrate!

1. Featuring members of doom band Neurosis and old school hardcore punk band the Rickets, Jesus F*cking Christ is going to melt faces at the official rock bar of Olympia, McCoys. Show starts at 9 p.m. and costs a measley $3. 420 4th Ave, Olympia, 360.352.0690.

2. The all girl gun club Pistols & Petticoats hosts a meet and greet and membership drive at the Brotherhood Tavern today at 5:30 p.m. That's smack in the middle of happy hour, so drinks are $2. Come learn about the empowerment and education of guns and meet the creative women involved. Pistols & Petticoats swag for sale. 119 Capitol Way, Olympia. 360.352.4153. Link here to read full article.

3. Cinema on the Sound presents the outdoor screening of The Goonies. Grab a blanket and come out for an unforgettable Friday evening in August! Bring the family, they'll supply the stars! Movie begins at dusk and pre-movie entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Free, Chambers Creek Properties, University Place, 253.798.4141.

4. The Grand Cinema is proud to be the only cinema in America to present the films from each year's "25 New Faces of Independent Film" as named annually by Filmmaker Magazine. This year's group of filmmakers has now been named and 22 filmmakers will be coming to Tacoma! You'll have a chance to meet directors, animators, producers and actors. Every screening from Friday the 17th through Tuesday the 21st will have at least one filmmaker in attendance to answer your questions after the screening. Normal Grand Cinema ticket prices apply: you get the film and the filmmaker for the same price! The schedule with movie descriptions can be found here: www.grandcinema.com

5. Jason Kertson and The Immortals, the 15-year olds who have worked with Megadeth's Dave Mustaine, release their new CD "Afraid" at the Louie G's in Fife. The all-ages line up includes Klover Jane, Riot in Rhythm and The Fail Safe Project. 8 p.m. $7, 5219 Pacific Hwy E, Fife.

Both Olympia and Fife are hosting pet- themed festivities this Saturday. Fife has the Barknum & Wagley’s Paw-nival and Olympia has the Pet Parade.

The 83^rd Annual Pet Parade theme this year is “cartoon crazy,” where folks can dress their pet in any cartoony way they want. Participants need only show up, bring their pet, (be it hamster, dog, ferret or llama) and have fun. Over 1,000 people and pets will parade their way through downtown Olympia. Line up begins at 8 a.m. at Heritage Park, where judging takes place. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Participants will walk eight blocks, ending in Sylvester Park, where prizes will be awarded. Free goodie bags and ice cream will also be available after the parade. Heritage Park is located on Water Street, next to Capitol Lake. 360. 754.5420.

Despite the cheesy name, Barknum & Wagley’s Paw-nival will be fun for the whole family. Brought to you be AARF and Puget Sound Pet Rescue, the event features food, games, live music and trained dog demonstrations. There are also contests for best costume and most tricks. Four different animal rescues will be on site with dogs ready for adoption. 12 - 4 p.m. Located at Paws-Abilities, 7338 26^th St. E, Fife. 800.730.3794.

While we humans enjoy our salmon season in the Northwest, we aren't the only ones waiting for the succulent red fish flesh. Salmon season means seal vs. salmon smack-down action.

Head down to the 5th Street dam and bridge in Olympia, stand on the overlook above the water, and wait. If the salmon are in, you'll know it and will soon see the shadowy forms of salmon under the water. The salmon return to the Deschutes River each year to spawn.

Where salmon struggle upstream, the seals will follow.

Right now, there aren't a lot of salmon, but there are seals already waiting and watching. In the coming weeks, the salmon will arrive in increasing numbers through the rest of August and into September and October. You'll know the viewing is good when you drive toward the 5th Street Bridge and are greeted by rows of butts.

If you're looking for a wild dance club in Seattle's University District, Fusion Ultra Lounge should be your first stop. Not only is the music loud, but the dance floor includes flashing lights and stripper poles; although the poles only purpose is to allow college girls to maintain their balance while they jersey turnpike.
Did we mention the music is loud? So loud, in fact, there's no way anyone can hear you from more than two feet away. Luckily, there's no need to be heard; the atmosphere at Fusion Ultra lounge only accommodates men to slip through the crowd of dancing girls and join them.
Fusion Ultra Lounge is fully stocked with three separated bars; that means a person only needs to be eighteen years old to get into the club, while the 21 and over crowd can quench their thirst in the designated drinking areas. In case you aren't catching our drift, Fusion Ultra Lounge is filled with eighteen year old college girls from the nearby University of Washington.
There is a fifteen dollar cover charge, and a strictly enforced dress code: no white tees, hoodies, sports apparel, or athletic wear. However, the cover charge is only ten dollars for the 21 and over crowd, as you will most likely spend more than five dollars on their one dollar Jello shots and two dollar well drinks. For information on upcoming events at Fusion Ultra lounge, and pictures of the mayhem, visit clubfusionseattle.ning.com

Friday night in Tacoma, does Rock Tiki need to say anything else? Rock Tiki wants to know, were you born yesterday? If not then you must know Tacoma is full of magical stores dispensing wonderful mixtures of alcohol and other, less important liquids. This night is what Rock Tiki spends all week training for, so let's get down to brass tacks and Jaeger Bombs. Speaking of Jaeger Bombs, stop by O'Malley's for $5 Mini Bombs and $7 Turkey Bacon Phillys, then stay for the live bands at 9 PM. www.facebook.com/pages/omalleys-irish-pub/246616364819?sk=info. Head over to Charley's Pub for $5.50 Jaeger Bombs and stay for the no buy-in Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at 6 PM. www.facebook.com/CharleysPub.  If you find yourself on 6^th Ave. stop by Jazzbones for live music, tonight's performer is Res Deus. Show starts at 7 PM and tickets are $7 at the door. jazzbonestacoma.com/

Rock Tiki's favorite place on 6^th Ave. is the Backstage Bar and Grill. Live music, great drinks, and plenty of space to go wild on the dance floor, the Backstage Bar and Grill is perfect for a night of drunken fun and dancing. Furthermore, if you get a little too drunk, as Rock Tiki is sure to do, the Backstage Bar and Grill is open until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays for Breakfast, because there is nothing Rock Tiki enjoys more than getting drunk and pigging out on pancakes. Not only is there no cover charge, but military get 10% off entire tab with ID, and if military mentions this website at the door, Lunch or Dinner is buy one get one free: www.backstagebartacoma.com/About-Us.html.

1. This is the first ever Olympia Summer Brew Fest to benefit the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Development (Incubator) Program, which helps strengthen the local economy and create successful small businesses. Now you can help out your community (maybe even your country) by enjoying over 60 different beers from 30+ hand-picked breweries. In addition, it is past time that the capital city had a brew fest to call its own. Beer has always been an important part of Olympia's heritage, so come out and join the celebration! 12 - 10 p.m., $30, $25/military, $5/designated driver, Port Plaza, Olympia, www.olybrewfest.com.

2. Click! Cable TV partners with the Grand Cinema to present Free Family Films every 3rd Saturday of each month. Movies begin at 10:00am. Limited to the first 100 in attendance. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Today's showing is Alvin and the Chipmunks. 606 South Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, 253.593.4474.

3. Get down to some improvised grooves played by great musicians while you paint, eat, dance, play and create. Then strike up a conversation in the beer garden, if you're of age (21+). The feel of the night is all about tasting the fruit of collaboration. What would it feel like to collaborate with your neighbors for grassroots art, tackling neighborhood challenges and generally helping to make the world a better place, one neighborhood at a time? 3 - 10 p.m., Opera Alley, Tacoma.

4. Celebrate summer fun at Allan Yorke Park. The event is packed with entertainment for the whole family! Friday's events include stage shows, fireworks, and vendor booths. The fun continues all day Saturday with the Fun Run, Parade, Car Show, Kids Zone, stage shows, and much more. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Allan Yorke Park, 7203 W Tapps Hwy E., Bonney Lake.

5. The Biker Bash & Big Bad Bike Show promises fun. Tattoo artist, live band, pin striping, Mary's Leathers, face painting, stunt team, bikini bike wash, raffles, and lots of bikes! Northwest Harley-Davidson, 8000 Freedom Lane Northeast Lacey, 360.705.8515.