SATURDAY, DEC. 22, 2012 >>>

1. Scoff if you will, but there was a time when the ukulele was the electric guitar of the musical world. Far more dangerous than the mandolin, and sexier than your great-grandmother's bob haircut, it was the instrument of choice for rowdy college party kids - at least the rowdy party kids that could afford raccoon coats. Fast forward 90 years, and you'll find a ukulele revival brewing in the South Sound. Leading the charge is the Monday Ukulele Ohana - a group of uke enthusiasts that meet every Monday night at the Asian Pacific Culture Center to jam. Tonight, 7-9 p.m., the MUO will perform holiday music on the Electric Salchow Stage at the Franciscan Polar Plaza ice rink. It's beginning to look a lot like Don Ho baby!

2. To prepare yourself for tired artichoke dip and meatballs in mystery sauce - which defy beer to begin with, plus the fact that few people serve decent beer at parties - always follow one rule of thumb. BYOB. One to give, one to drink. If you practice safe beer, you'll be much happier. Wingman Brewers will be pouring winter beers Peppermint Milk Stout, Rye Barleywine, Maple scotch Ale and Belgian sour Blend - beginning at 6 p.m. The Tacoma brewer will also be selling 22-ounce filled bottles of White Betty (Tripel with Semillion wine grapes) and Black Widow (Dubbel with Tempranillo wine grapes). The best news, all the beers are available for growler fills to make the holiday party that much better.

3. There are many upsetting things about the Christmas and New Year's season - increased credit card debt, unresolved decades-long family pain, the spiritual vacuum at the core of our culture, trying to get into the spirit of things. ... At 7 p.m. the Redroom - Tacoma's all-ages club at 23^rd and Tacoma Avenue South - hosts a free Xmas Party featuring hardcore bands Oblivion, Cowardice, Sojourner, Crooks To Kings, Earth Mother and Safe & Sound. Todd "Snack Pants" Davis will be Skinhead Santa Claus and there will be a photo booth.

4. Ethan Tucker may only be in his early 20s, but he has already made a big name for himself in musical circles throughout the U.S. The Olympia singer-songwriter has been performing regularly since the age of 16 incorporates multiple genres such as jazz, blues, folk, and reggae in his sound. Catch Tucker at 9 p.m. inside Doyle's Public House.

5. Tonight at 9 p.m. inside Bob's Java Jive, DJs dAb, Chris Savenetti, The Suga Plum Fairy and Ninja Kat will spins '80s tunes including New Wave, electro and soul jams. What to wear? Wear lacey socks and a custom leather jacket. 

PLUS: Proctor Farmers Market, holiday stage shows and more in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, Dec. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area