MONDAY, NOV 5, 2012 >>>

1. Flamenco song and dance is - pretty much - sexier than you'll ever be (even if you grow your hair out like Antonio Banderas). It's a bummer. Luckily, like an un-sexy sponge, you can sop up the sexy sweat Flamenco exudes and use it to your advantage. Flamenco Casa Patas will hit the Washington Center in Olympia tonight. Direct from Madrid, Spain, the show promises a thrilling adventure with new lead dancer Karen Lugo, dancer Jose Maldonado and their eclectic instruments and voices. Be free. 8 p.m., $21-$32, Washington Center, 512 Washington St., Olympia, 360.753.8586

2. The stretch of Pacific Avenue from Seventh to 17^th streets in downtown Tacoma will finally receive a makeover thanks to nearly $4 million in state and federal public works grants that arrived this summer, bringing the total to $8.3 million to add new sidewalks, street lighting, paving, shared roadway bicycle markings (sharrows), green stormwater infrastructure including 14 new rain gardens and new landscaping. All the players in the project will gather at 9:30 a.m. for a groundbreaking ceremony to kickoff construction of the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Project. 9:30 a.m., Fireman's Park, 803 A St., Tacoma

3. You know what makes a kick ass happy hour more kick ass? When Kim Archer performs during it. Known for her raw, powerhouse performances and personable interaction with her audiences, Archer will make $5 wells that much better. 4 p.m., no cover, Salty's at Redondo Beach, 28201 Redondo Beach Drive. S., Des Moines, 253.946.0636

4. The Northwest Repertory Singers will be practicing for its Strike the Harp, Ring the Bells, Sound the Oboe Christmas concert, which will be staged in the middle of December. And when the NWS practices, it goes big and invites the public. It's never too early for traditional carols and favorite songs of the season. OK, maybe it is, but whatever. 7-9:30 p.m., free, Mason Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison, Tacoma

5. The S.R.O. Swing Band, described as a "16-piece jazz band playing music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, will perform an all-ages show tonight at the Imperial Dragon. 7 p.m., no cover, Imperial Dragon, 6805 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.5477

LINK: Monday, Nov. 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area