FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 2012 >>>

1. Who really knows jack about Zen? Apparently the Second City Chamber does. Tonight it presents "Zen Pathways," a concert featuring meditative musical landscapes by Claude Debussy, Sophia Gubaidulina, Alan Hovhaness and Michio Miyagi at the Tacoma Art Museum. Some have scoffed at Zen. But don't be fooled! There's something going on here, something powerful and clandestine. You must infiltrate the center and report back with all Second City Chamber's secrets. You must tell us of all its inner machinations. We are trusting you with this reconnaissance mission - just you. 7:30 p.m., $10-$27, Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.TUNE

2. Mozart's The Magic Flute is a perennial favorite that lacks the depth of Mozart's collaborations with librettist da Ponte, but it is hard to resist the broadly drawn characters and brilliant writing. A great beginner opera, especially for mature children. Check it out tonight inside Lagerquist Concert Hall. 8 p.m., 8 p.m., $5-$15, Pacific Lutheran University, Parkland, 253.535.7411

3. Shakespeare was totally punk rock. Almost four centuries before rock and roll was invented, he was writing about sex and drugs. He messed around with gender roles long before David Bowie and Iggy Pop; he didn't shy away from discussing how horrible and violent society could be; he thumbed his nose at the establishment by weaving coded messages about the rebel Catholic underground and making fun of the upper class. Tonight, the Lakewood Playhouse presents Shakespeare's tale of love, lies, gender-bending bouts of mistaken identity and mustaches that is Twelfth Night. The Playhouse warns there will be audience participation, romance and occurrences of bawdiness. Yes! 8 p.m., $18-$24, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.588.0042

4. Former Saturday Night Live funnyman Tim Meadows has stayed busy lately on Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office and The Daily Show and brings his standup act to the Tacoma Comedy Club tonight. 8 and 10:30 p.m., $20, 933 Market St., Tacoma, 253.282.7203

5. The Kim Archer Band will fill Jazzbones with R&B and blues beginning at 7:30 p.m. $7-$10, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

LINK: Friday, Nov. 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area