THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>
WEATHER REPORTFriday: Rain, hi 54, lo 47
Saturday: Rain, hi 50, lo 44
Sunday: Rain, hi 46, lo 43
Whether you plan to ride, a teddy bear and Lego set strapped to your bike, or you plan to watch, waving from the streets, the 35th annual Olympia Toy Run is always an anticipated event on the holiday calendar. Tens of thousands of spectators will line the streets from Lacey to Olympia as motorcycles swarm by, their engines rumbling in a mass chorus of goodwill, to drop off toys for tots through The Salvation Army's Toy 'n' Joy Shop program. "For this day, we are one sister/brotherhood of riders thinking of the smiles our toys will bring to kids' faces," reads the event page. Somehow, the juxtaposition of gnarly tattooed bikers wielding cuddly dolls and candy canes makes the world seem a better place. - Nikki McCoy
This Saturday and Sunday, Olympia Film Society's presents The Banff Film Festival, a festival of more than 30 films documenting the trials, tribulations and humor that transpire in the wilderness. The event is a benefit for the Olympia Mountaineers - a nonprofit organization founded in 1906 and dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of natural areas. The festival is on worldwide tour and is already sold out in Seattle. While the Mountaineers cater to all skill levels, the movies highlight the extremes of outdoor adventures. From 90-second shorts to one-hour features, the films shown in Olympia are hand-selected by a group of Mountaineers. Each night plays six to eight films, with up to 16 different flicks over the two days. It is encouraged to buy tickets for both nights to see the most films. The event page boasts, "We try to showcase a variety of sports and interests that feature adventure, culture and adrenaline charged action." While only a few brave souls may willing to hurl themselves off cliffs, kayak down dangerous bodies of water or trek across arctic tundras, you can bet your best Nalgene bottle there are plenty of people who want to watch. Note: The Banff Film Festival will also show Dec 3-4 at Tacoma's Rialto Theater. — NM
Fight as you may, it's officially "the season." Kids are already sitting on various Santa laps at malls across the country, and A Christmas Story is probably already re-running on TBS. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra will spend Sunday at the Pantages Theater with the Tacoma Youth Chorus and jaw-dropping vocalist Maria Valenzuela doling out beloved seasonal music produced by TSO arranger Bo Ayars to create a unique, never-before-heard program. — Weekly Volcano
We all love to sing. Singing is fun; singing is cool. However, life is cruel, and as much as we all love to sing, well, we can't. We suck. Or, to put this in a positive manner, there are those who can sing solo and there are those who should always, always, sing in groups. The larger the better. For those of you, who fall into the second category, head to Lakewood Sunday. The community and choir of Christ Lutheran Church present a "Messiah Sing-Along" so you can sing to your tone-deaf little heart's content.
They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, raffle stuff off and enjoy the spirit of the season. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is Sunday at The Swiss, and the T-town institution shouldn't disappoint: Mark Riley Trio, Tahoma Souls Alive, Junkyard Jane, Gin Creek, T-Town Aces, Fingertips and Tumbling Dice will all be doing their part for underprivileged families this year. Look, these times are tough for everyone, but if you can have a fun night out while also making someone else's life a little better, We call that Yahtzee. — WV
CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing The Wind in the Willows at Olympia Family Theater and Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Ho, ho, ho!
REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Whatever I end up doing, whiskey will certainly play the biggest role in my weekend plans. I'll utilize Potter's bottom shelf in convalescing after a week of toiling at this regrettable temp job. Fun fact about me: I am literally a Reverend. Which means that I can marry you -- nay, I WILL marry you. Hire me for your wedding. If it's a same-sex marriage, that'd be ideal. Hit me up. Get me away from this temp job.
ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Friday night we're going to see Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Saturday is the Stonewall Youth Center auction in Oly. Sunday up to Federal Way to see Cinderella at Centerstage. And believe me, it's not your grandma's Cinderella.
NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Saturday we will be celebrating my oldest boy's 7th birthday at Bonjour Cupcakes! Later that night I will be missing the Argonaut, Mosquito Hawk, Lozen, etc. show at The New Frontier because the babysitter fell through. So instead, I will likely be watching Star Wars (again) and making fart jokes with my kids. Sunday is The Brotherhood Holiday party where we dine on authentic Italian food and drink vino at Trinacria, then stumble back next door to the Broho and drink more. Cause that's how us bartenders roll.
JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Work. Work. Aaaand maybe checking out the stache-capades going on at the Metronome Coffee tonight. There's sure to be some memorable whiskers to be seen. Those shenanigans may make me feel better about all of the gift fairs I'm sure to miss thanks to the masses' breakfast needs I must serve Saturday and Sunday. I'm also contemplating making some funky cocktail recipes come to life too. Tis the season for warmed drinks and pumpkin flavored everything, including cocktails.
JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Continuing with last week's Christmas theme, the husband, toddler and I will attend the Beautiful Angle Holiday Party tonight at Fulcrum Gallery. Saturday, I'll be heading to Tacoma Little Theatre to review Miracle on 34th St. while the 2 year old has quality time with Dad. After church Sunday, we will head to a friend's house for a gender reveal party for one of our favorite couple's incubating baby.
TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
All ages shows were once a staple of Olympia's must do weekend; and for many it still is. This weekend at the Olympia All Ages Project's venue, Northern, The Babies, Sitka and some awesome local acts treat the town to all-ages action. I highly recommend supporting any all-ages show. But more importantly, you got to ask yourself, what do I got to do that is better than supporting local, all-ages music.
JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Tonight I'll start the weekend by going to the Colored Women's Club. From 6-9 p.m. is Antonio Edwards' farewell show. He's moving to California. Antonio was the 2007 Tacoma Poet Laureate. He is my favorite poet from Tacoma ever! I'll miss him. After that I'll probably drive up north to Seattle and hit the Zulu-Jam. They have one every month, but this one is huge. It's the History Edition, so they have a lot of old-school Seattle B-Boy/Girl crews having reunions. Saturday and Sunday I'll be helping my D.A.S.H. family with its production of Dream Girls. It's at Charles Wright; tickets are still available. I just get there and move heavy stuff and get bossed around.
STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photog About Town
I have one of those date type things with one of those female type people, so wish me luck. I'll also be hitting the Amocat Cafe's beer and music thing tonight and then Ukulele Fest at the Asian Pacific Cultural Center Sunday. Oh, and I have to fix my fence.
NIC LEONARD Music Writer
I will be heading down to Portland to spend time with my girlfriend for her birthday. Probably hitting up various bars and maybe a show or two.
ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend, I'm spending some time with a very amazing and beautiful girl who's name I will not disclose - you know who you are. Our time will likely be spent laughing, drinking hot chocolate and discussing the extent to which one should feel threatened if they cross paths with a hippopotamus.
KRISTIN KENDLE Arts and Features Writer
Shopping, cookies, more shopping, and then more cookies.
LINK: Even more local events that we recommend
LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar