John Keister from the Seattle comedy Almost Live! will be at the Royal Lounge this Saturday in Olympia.

Keister, a native of Seattle, wrote for The Rocket and initially joined KING-TV as a music reviewer on a program called REV in 1984. Keister joined Almost Live! from 1988 - 1999 and won 12 Emmy Awards for his work with the show.

Many of us grew up with Keister's quirky comedy and lean toward local celebrities, hot issues and home-town flair.

"He's got a lot of history for the Seattle area," says Baurice Nelson, who's bringing Keister to town. "He's such a household name that it'll be like you've got a buddy in the room telling interesting stories."

With the election coming up, Nelson thought Keister would be a perfect fit since he's also known for his political angle.

Nelson, who has been the go-to for comedy in the Olympia area since the 90's is also bringing in Duane Goad to perform with Keister.

"He's seasoned and he could be a headliner," says Nelson of Goad. "If you come to the show, you'll remember that Duane was great."

Special guest Monica Nevi will also perform.

The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., doors 7:30, show 8:30, tickets $12 in advance www.Baurice.com

1. The Pine Hearts, with their mandolin and banjo and guitar are super easy to listen to. Bluegrassy with some earth tones and a little nod towards simpler times, The Pine Hearts go great with beer, BBQ and friends. 9 p.m., free, The Pig Bar (South Bay BBQ,) 619 Legion Way, Olympia, (360) 943-6900.

2. Join in the laughs at the 2nd Annual Grit City Comedy Contest! You will see 8-10 comics go head to head with their best 10 minutes for your votes. The audience will vote for their top three comics to move forward for the finals on Saturday. Make plans now to come for two great nights packed with comedy! To help you with that, those that come to tonight’s show will be given a chance to purchase discounted tickets on site for the Saturday show for $10. 9 p.m. $13.70 Grit City Comedy Club, 445 Tacoma Ave. South, Tacoma, (253) 961-4262, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/275084.

3. “8” is the new play by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar, Big Love.) The play chronicles the historic trial in the Prop 8 federal case for marriage equality in California. Come hear exactly what the court transcript says – hear both sides! Each performance features great actors from every stage in the South Sound. Following each performance, there will be a Q&A with Washington State Representative Chris Reykdal and other marriage equality advocates. 7:30 p.m., $10, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, (360) 753-8585.

4. This musical vaudeville is set in roaring twenties Chicago - chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. 8 p.m., $20 - $29, Tacoma Musical Playhouse Narrows Theater, 7116 6th Avenue, (253) 565-6867.

5. Grindhouse Theater Presents, on rare, glorious 35 mm film, The Return of the Living Dead. When a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage through Louisville, Kentucky seeking their favorite food - brains. 9 p.m., $9, The Grand Cinema, 606 South Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, (253) 593-4474.

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.

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.

                On the shady Seattle sidewalk of 2^nd Street between Pike and Pine, Rock Tiki feeds the parking meter as a young, smiling black gentleman approaches saying, "I am so glad to see you." As Rock Tiki checks his pocket for spare change, he continues with "I have vodka," pointing to a bulge in his jacket, "Very cheap, $20." Rock Tiki wonders, Is this what the world has come to? Buying cheap alcohol on the street out of desperation for fun? Rock Tiki has the solution. Noc Noc Club on 2^nd street deals in late night boozey fun. Don't let the small storefront trick you, the interior is very roomy. Past the bar and booths lies a dance floor lit with expensive flashy lights. But that's not all, there are also expensive moving lights, and expensive colorful lights, plus a not so expensive light shining on the DJ, the demigod of the dance floor, controlling his subjects with entrancing beats. Sitting at the bar, surrounded by music, and fixated on the TV playing "Idiots and Angels," a young lady asks Rock Tiki if he's ok. What Rock Tiki should have said is "I've had a few too many." What Rock Tiki did say was, "Blarbit kormany." Rock Tiki takes a cab home tonight. If you're worried about privacy, don't be! There is none! Upon opening the Men's Room door, the man at the urinal is momentarily exposed to the entire club. Drinks are cheap, food is good, if you're looking for spot to dance and meet new people, as you inevitably will, Noc Noc is the place for you.

The forecast for the next few days calls for mostly sunny skies with the temperature hovering around 70 degrees. What a great time to get outside for some fall gardening.

We spoke with Gabe Valbert, owner of Gardensphere, an urban gardening resource store in Tacoma, about what should be done in the vegetable and flower garden this time of year.

“Right now through the end of October is a great time to plant garlic and shallots,” said Valbert.

Other parts of the vegetable garden need attention to prepare for the upcoming winter months.

“Try to rip out everything that looks tired,” advised Valbert. “Then you can either plant a crop cover (from seed) that will grow all winter and you can work back into the soil in spring, or you can leave it alone and make sure to blend in fertilizer and compost before planting.”

For guaranteed color in spring, plant bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths along borders, in beds or containers. Now through early November is the best time to plant these pleasant flowers that will bloom year after year.

Tips on planting bulbs?

“Every bulb needs a different depth,” said Valbert. “Make sure you read the package.”

“Also mix in a high phosphorous fertilizer such as bulb food or fish bone meal to ensure lots of color.”

Of course, I was reminded of this fine holiday by my dear friend, who drinks Busch Light every Friday, who loves NASCAR and who likes to do country-song karaoke through her Playstation while drinking said Busch Lite.

Well, folks, let us raise our glasses to her and to all fellow beer drinkers across the nation, whether it's a piss yellow frosty tall boy or a high-grade organic ale in a lukewarm glass, cheers to a nation of beers!

And in spirit of the day and of my NASCAR lovin' girlfriend, here's a recipe for beer can chicken.

1. Prepare your grill for indirect heat. If you are using charcoal, put the coals on one side of the grill, leaving another side free of coals. If you are using a gas grill, fire up only half of the burners.

2. Remove neck and giblets from cavity of chicken, if the chicken came with them. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, and thyme in a little bowl, then sprinkle it all over the chicken.

3. Make sure the beer can is open, and only half-filled with beer (drink the other half!) If you want, you can put a sprig of thyme (or another herb like rosemary or sage) in the beer can. Lower the chicken on to the open can, so that the chicken is sitting upright, with the can in its cavity. Place the chicken on the cool side of the grill, using the legs and beer can as a tripod to support the chicken on the grill and keep it stable.

4. Cover the grill and walk away. Do not even check the chicken for at least an hour. After an hour, check the chicken and refresh the coals if needed (if you are using a charcoal grill). Keep checking the chicken every 15 minutes or so, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F - 165°F.

1. This event celebrates the return of salmon and highlights the hard work accomplished by multiple groups to help ensure a successful run. Enjoy fish painting, marine touch tanks, green boating, bird house building, yummy salmon burgers, a salmon obstacle course, and more. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., free, Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, (253) 845-2973

2. People familiar with the work of local artist and author Nikki McClure marvel at her intricate paper-cut designs, created with nothing more than a sheet of paper and a precision blade. How does she do it? McClure will demonstrate her process at the Lacey Timberland Library on Saturday, September 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. She will also read from her children's book "Apple," which will be available for purchase and signing. The program is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. - noon, free, Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE, Lacey,(360)491-3860.

3. Zombies are taking over T-Town - and no - not the bath salt eating kind, but the kind that in real life are fun-loving people who want to get gory for a good cause. Tacoma Zombpocalypse is also a preparedness expo for doomsday. Expect live music from the Hot Roddin Romeos and lots of contest and prizes. This is a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., $5 - $12, Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, 2611 East E Street, Tacoma, www.tacomazombpocalypse.com

4. The Moon Festival is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. This family-friendly celebration will bring together businesses, residents, community groups and visitors from all areas of Pierce County and beyond for a safe, fun, cultural experience. This annual waterfront event will also highlight the progress of a collaborated project between the City of Tacoma and its citizens to build the commemorated Chinese Reconciliation Park. Mid-Autumn Festival ("Zhongqiu Jie" in Mandarin Chinese), is a traditional holiday widely celebrated in Aisa, that marks the end of summer and autumn’s equinox, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest (thus the nickname “moon festival”).2 - 9 p.m., free, 1741 N. Schuster Parkway, Tacoma,(253) 330-8828.

5. Want to meet a former Mariner? Brian Hunter will be in Olympia throwing down some batting moves. "I'm excited to meet someone that has played pro ball and see if I can get some pointers," says employee Joe Matt. Donations will be given to charity in support of Hunter's DH Foundation and the Vintage 9 Foundation. 1 - 4 p.m., donations, Airport Golf and Batting Center, 8080 Center Street Southwest, Tumwater,(360) 786-8626.

                Tonight Rock Tiki will be at Grit City Comedy to watch the 2^nd annual Grit City Comedy Contest. Grit City Comedy is a stand-up comedy stage attached to Malarkey's Pool and Brew at 6^th Ave. and Tacoma Ave. tickets are $15 and the show starts at 9 PM. Show up early and enjoy a burger and a beer or a game of pool in Malarkey's. For more information, visit www.gritcitycomedy.com.

                Take a chance at Jazzbones on 6^th Ave. Featuring Stay Grounded and Rooted Skies.  tickets are $10 at the door, and the show starts at 8 PM. Jazzbones main floor includes seating and a dance floor while the second story combines balcony seating and mingling space. Jazzbones serves traditional bar food as well as a separate sushi menu. Check it all out at www.jazzbonestacoma.com.

Finally, head to Old Town Tacoma and enjoy live music at The Spar. Performing tonight is Red. The Spar also offers a wide variety of food and drinks. For more information, visit www.the-spar.com.

On Sunday Rock Tiki likes to start drinking around Noon, and Charley's Pub never disappoints. Sundays Charley's features Free pool, as well as a pool tournament starting at 3 PM. As always Charley's has no buy-in Texas hold ‘em tournaments at 3 PM and 6 PM, and, of course, Karaoke at 9 PM. After Charley's, Rock Tiki will go to Slappy's Garage to enjoy beer and free pool. For more information, visit slappysgarage.blogspot.com.

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Northern, Olympia’s premier all ages venue and art space, was burglarized Friday night.

All of their equipment, including two main Mackie speakers, two Mackie monitors, a mixing board, the snake, eleven microphones, direct inputs, and power strips were taken from Northern’s storage space.

“We had a show Friday night that wrapped up around midnight and when someone came back to open up for Saturday’s show, they noticed that one of the windows had been smashed and all the equipment had been stolen,” said Mariella Luz, executive director of Northern.

Luz estimates that it will cost $3,000 to replace the stolen equipment.

Luz’s theory was that the criminals couldn’t have been on foot because there was too much equipment, and it had to be at night, because they took the time to get the main speakers that were hanging from the ceiling, and took time to unscrew everything from the racks.

“We did call the cops and they dusted for fingerprints, so hopefully that will lead to something,” said an optimistic Luz, “Thankfully the artwork wasn’t taken and the building wasn’t vandalized.”

Northern’s facebook page asks for help, “Please help spread the word, particularly to people who work in music stores or buy musical equipment. Thanks so much for the support, everyone!”

Another way to support Northern is to attend their first-ever silent auction.

The opening reception will be held during the annual fall Artswalk, Friday, October 5, 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, October 6, 12-5 p.m. With over 50 artists participating, there are original artworks available for every budget. Donated work includes paintings, mixed media works, drawings, prints, watercolors, photographs, wearable crafts, sculptures, ceramics and even a professionally engineered remix for an original song. All proceeds of the silent auction will directly contribute to Northern’s operational expenses and support their continued commitment to Olympia’s musical and artistic community.

Interested parties may bid on items during the opening and throughout the month. The gallery will be hosting weekend hours throughout October to facilitate bidding.

Some of the participating artists include: Chelsea Baker, Joe Batt, Judith Baumann, Aimee Biggerstaff, Sara Calland, Nikki McClure and Christopher Ross.

http://www.olympiaallages.org/