FRIDAY, JAN. 11 2013 >>>

1. Weekly Volcano art critic Alec Clayton says the "Greek and Roman Mythology" exhibition at Tacoma Community College is outstanding. The operative word is strength - depicted strength of character, purpose and ideology; beauty and strength in the human body, and strong drawing and composition. There is also a lot of humor and wisdom in the way these contemporary South Sound artists react to ancient myths. The artists reception will be from 4-7 p.m.

2. Jeannine Hall Gailey, poet laureate of Redmond, will anchor at 7 p.m. Distinguished Writer Series night at King's Books. Besides penning Becoming the Villainess (Steel Toe Books, 2006) and She Returns to the Floating World (Kistune Books, 2011) Gailey has appeared in American Poetry Review, The Iowa Review and Prairie Schooner. After Gailey's reading, there will be an open mic for local, courageous poets. Sign up is at 6:45 p.m. and all are welcome.

3. Another Amocat Live singer-songwriter concert consumes the Amocat Cafe at 7 p.m., this version featuring the musical talents of John Saunders, Bjorn Parker, Jeremy Bush, Mitchell James, Dave Hannon and house band, the Collaborators. Those in the know will arrive at 5 p.m. for Tacoma Brewing Company brews.

4. The Oly Rocks Sandy! Benefit concertfeaturing The Dave BenSam Trio, The Oly Mountain Boys and The Tune Stranglers will be held at 7 p.m. inside The Royal Lounge. Proceeds will go to New Jersey Strong, a charity helping Hurricane Sandy victims rebuild.

5. Broadway nerds are in for a treat Friday. Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway Song & Dance will consume the Pantages Theater's stage at 7:30 p.m. with songs from hit musicals through the past century. Four veteran Broadway stars and an equally all-star New York band will perform some of the most well-known tunes and choreography from heavy hitters like The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, CATS and Chicago. Read Kristin Kendle's preview of the show here.

LINK: Friday, Jan. 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area