WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13 2013 >>>

1. C-Money is a trumpeter best known for his work with stoner-reggae outfit Slightly Stoopid. Backed by the Players Inc., his style can still be described as stoney, but skews less toward the sounds of Jamaica and more toward the R&B rhythms of the States. C-Money and the Players Inc perform at 8 p.m. with Agent 22, Mightly High and The Syndicate at Jazzbones.

2. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., something unique will happen in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop. An artist will return for the second of two back-to-back residencies, a rare occurrence to be sure. Said artist is Raven Skyriver, maker of intriguingly real-looking marine creatures large and small. He scored two residencies in a row by winning two separate awards at the Red Hot Party & Auction last September. He won both the People's Choice and Artists' Choice awards, each came with a hot shop residency.

3. Since its introduction in 1894, the motorcycle has spawned a variety of cultures and uses. As basic transportation, as leisure activity or as a die-hard lifestyle, millions of people have a love affair with Choppers, Crotch Rockets, Thumpers and all things two-wheeled. The action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motocycling The Northwest at the Washington State History Museum is a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Many associate the banjo with The Beverly Hillbillies - or rather, bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs strumming its theme song. Vince Brown certainly knows his way around a bluegrass banjo, but he also explores jazz with his banjo, which isn't a big leap from progressive bluegrass. Blending bluegrass, folk, jazz, and other genres, Brown is considered one of the South Sound's foremost banjo virtuosos. The upbeat Brown - who adds his talent to Hot Club Sandwich, Tune Stranglers, Greta Jane Quartet, and plays and teaches guitar, banjo and ukulele in Olympia - strums everything every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. inside the Swing Wine Bar & Café. 

5. Saxophonist Kareem Kandi's sound is virtually unrelated to the roomy traditions of soul saxes, honking saxes or deep-chested boudoir ballad saxes. It derives from the classic, free, often enthusiastic tradition of Joshua Redman as filtered through Dexter Gordon and Sonny Stitt, all of whose shadows can be traced-Redman in Kandi's funky organicism, Gordon in his dynamic harmonics, Stitt in the intensity that coats his every note with a Gritty City finish. Kandi has been hanging with organist Delvon Lamarr and drummer Adam Kessler, which has added groovy innovation to Kandi's sound. The Kareem Kandi Band heads back to The Swiss at 7 p.m. for another Wednesday open jam session.

LINK: Wednesday, Feb. 13 arts and entertainment calendar in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR >>>

From the Bronte sisters to Maya Angelou to J.K. Rowling, women writers have oft changed the face of the literary world.

In Tacoma, the Hilltop Women's Writing Collective seeks to build a community of women from all backgrounds, all ages and all writing levels into a once-monthly mingling of talent and ideas. The group has met on the third Sunday of each month since November 2012 - the brain child of 2011 UPS graduate Olivia Weitz and Mary Fox of Write@253.

Girl power!

"Because The Hilltop Women's Writing Collective provides a variety of workshops that are free to all women who enter 1310 MLK Way, I hope women from various stages of writing development and expertise will come to share their ideas, their processes and will feel supported as we continue to transform our imaginations into physical structures," says Necashaw Montgomery, coordinator of the writing group.

Saturday, Feb. 16 the Collective will have its first workshop of the year. Each meeting starts off with an introduction and story from one of the members and then moves into a workshop session. February's workshop will be led by Renee Simms, a visiting assistant professor of African American Studies at the University of Puget Sound, who has taught creative writing in many settings. Montgomery says exactly what Simms will teach is a "pleasant mystery," but will focus on interpretations of good and evil/morally complex issues for readers.

Women of any writing skill level are welcome and the event is free to the public, but do RSVP.

Keep an eye out. There may even be meets that allow men in the future.

@WRITE253, SATURDAY, FEB. 16, NOON TO 2:30 P.M., 1310 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY, TACOMA, RSVP HILLTOPWOMENWRITE.253@GMAIL.COM

You can get a sandwich just about anywhere, but if you want to wrap your muzzle around a monument, then you need to go to the new masters of sandwich-making - Peterson Bros. 1111. Justin and Robbie Peterson opened the "Eleven Eleven" this summer in the Hilltop Tacoma neighborhood. From the moment the idea sparked, the brothers set out to make the best sandwiches in the South Sound. Man, I think they've done it.

The instant you walk in to the well-worn joint you are likely to be greeted by both Peterson brothers, as they've worked hard to create a neighborhood feel. If you ride the friendly vibe and ask their opinion on what sandwich to order - one gives nod to the Cuban and the other points toward the Reuben.

I chose the Reuben - one of the best sandwiches I've ever tasted.

The come-to-Jesus Reuben starts with a grilled marbled rye hoagie smeared with garlic butter, which makes this monster easy to handle. Thin sliced pastrami, sauerkraut warm off the grill, melted Swiss cheese make every bite a trumpet horns from heaven experience.  As if that isn't enough, the Peterson brothers add just a hint of horseradish to their housemade Thousand Island dressing.

The Reuben is wet and excellent, drooling Thousand Island dressing and kraut juice all over everything.

I didn't get more than two blocks down the road when I turned back and pondered ordering another. Seriously.

PETERSON BROS. 1111, 11 A.M. TO 2 A.M. DAILY, 1111 S. 11th ST., TACOMA, 253.284.1111

LINK: Vote for Best Sandwich in the South Sound

LINK: Peterson Bros. 1111 back story

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Memo to Memo's Mexican Food Restaurant opening in the spot where Mango Salsa served Lakewood (9602 Bridgeport Way) for about two months: Make better tasting food than Mango Salsa.

Also of note in Lakewood: Starbucks on 100th Street closed.

Yes, another Valentine's Day is upon us. Obvious expectations on this "special" day include the following: grumpy singles, unsavory public displays of affection, overly excitable girlfriends, an arsenal of disgruntled Hallmark employees, and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate. But before the Weekly Volcano goes on, let us anticipate a few of your nagging questions. First, yes, chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac! And, no, it's not all right to buy her (or him) the Snicker's Family Pak and call it a night. We hate to break it to you, but that's just not worthy of your Valentine.

Below are a few events and parties in the South Sound worthy of your Valentine:

Be sure to grab local sweets for Valentine's Day.

If you hurry, you might be able to score these local gifts for Valentine's Day.

It's almost certain that restaurants are booked tonight. That said, you might want to take a look at South Sound restaurants serving special Valentine's Day meals. Oh, and what if you could score these awesome restaurant seats in Tacoma and Olympia?

The Swiss is celebrating relationships forged at the downtown Tacoma pub. It has erected a Love Wall and a Divorce Shredder.

TUSH! Burlesque and the Gritty City Sirens are a part of the Sweet & Spicy: A Valentine's Day Burlesque show tonight at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. There's more burlesque next week.

The Weekly Volcano presents six South Sound love stories.

Our Music Calendar has live music, DJs and comedy tonight in the South Sound.

The Weekly Volcano's Events Calendar has a variety of Valentine's Day activities in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area.

Maybe, all you want to do is drink and stare at a wall.

THURSDAY, DEC. 14 2013 >>>

1. Here's your pick-up line: "Was your daddy a thief? Because he stole the stars and put them in your eyes." Where to use it? Check out the Weekly Volcano's Valentine's Day Command Center.

2. After six long years of closure due to safety issues, the Murray Morgan Bridge saw the dawn of a new era Friday, Feb. 1. The bridge reopen to car traffic - as well as bicycle and foot traffic via new pathways - just in time for its 100th birthday celebration Friday. This past week downtown businesses offered discounts and Harmon Brewery distributed Eleventh Street IPA in celebration of the old steel bridge over the Thea Foss Waterway reconnecting the Port of Tacoma with downtown Tacoma. The official rededication ceremony begins with the Light the Bridge fun run/walk at 6 p.m. Originally, fireworks were planned to light up the skies, but the fireworks company pulled out. That won't stop Tacoma. Instead, Light the Bridge organizers ask all participants to wear headlamps and/or carry flashlights or glow sticks. Advance registration was required. Go watch the craziness.

3. Oh, boy. Will relationships be destroyed tonight? It's Thursday. It's Valentine's Day. The Tacoma Runners run EVERY Thursday. No. Matter. What. The group begins its 3-mile run at 6 p.m. in front of their beloved Harmon Tap Room. Will an angry spouse toss belongings at a runner from a car window? Keep an eye on Twitter.

4. Speaking of the Harmon Tap Room, we imagine a few Tacoma Runners will stick around until 8 p.m. when Harmon Brewing hosts its Eleventh Street IPA release party. Bonus: The talented Kurt Lindsay will perform.

5. Look, it wouldn't be fair for us to draw conclusions and/or reaffirm stereotypes about people who are big into bluegrass music just because the Oly Mountain Boys will perform at 8 p.m. inside the historic Spar Cafe in Olympia. No, that would not be fair and we will not partake in such blind musical bigotry. We'll tactfully avoid referencing the film Deliverance when discussing the musical genre, and we'll steer clear of family tree jokes that involve fans of bluegrass marrying cousins. Why? Because we're bigger than that. Plus, when the band proclaims its mission is to "reinvigorate the bluegrass genre by bringing the original bluegrass sound of the 1950s to a new generation of fans," we kind of believe them, especially after taking a listen to the passion guitarist Chris Rutledge, mandolin player Derek McSwain, banjo player Tye Menser, bassist Phil Post and fiddle player Josh Grice get down with. Yep, we're taking the high road on this one.

LINK: Thursday, Feb. 14 arts and entertainment event sin the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FAST-PACED AWESOMENESS >>>

Whoever said scientists consist solely of freaks and geeks who can mentally compute the velocity of their own pee is a big fat liar. Believe it or not, next Thursday's quest for art will lead you directly to the steps of science. That's right, the University of Puget Sound and Tacoma Art Museum have teamed up to present an Art+Science Salon - an evening of 10 artists and scientists delivering 10-minute presentations - Pecha Kucha style - Thursday, Feb. 21 the Tacoma Art Museum.

Let's read a press release:

TACOMA, Wash. - Artists and scientists tend to live and work in very different worlds. But in major cities across three continents the question is being asked: "Is there something to be gained in our understanding of humankind by encouraging scientists and artists to share their ideas?"

Siddharth Ramakrishnan, the new Jennie M. Caruthers Chair in Neuroscience at University of Puget Sound, asked this question several years ago. He began sharing his scientific inspirations with artists and together they created new ways of looking at things. When the Columbia University researcher arrived in Tacoma this year, he found there are many here keen to do the same.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, University of Puget Sound and Tacoma Art Museum will present the first Art+Science Salon, running 6-8 p.m. at Tacoma Art Museum, in the Art Resource Center on the third floor. Everyone is welcome to the free event, which runs on the museum's regular Third Thursday free admission day.

The evening will include five-minute presentations by 10 artists and scientists in what is known as Pecha Kucha style: a fast-paced series of presentations that encourage the synthesizing of ideas.

"It's all about getting some connections happening between artists and scientists," Ramakrishnan said. "We're hopeful that people will be inspired by others' work and decide to go out for a coffee and talk about working together."

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BUY THOSE TICKETS NOW AND SAVE >>>

Nick Drake hasn't been with us for nearly 40 years, but his legacy lives on. You need only listen to Seattle-basedDamien Jurado, who plays The Warehouse's "Candle Lit Show" Friday, March 8, to figure that much out. Jurado is firmly rooted in sad, melancholic, gorgeous Drake country. Fans of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska will like Jurado's music. And, for that matter, so might fans of Raymond Carver or Flannery O'Connor - yep, Jurado's a literary dude.

Tickets are on sale now for this intimate show at the Urban Grace Church in downtown Tacoma. if you buy your tickets through Brown Paper Tickets before Feb. 22, it'll only cost you a 10 spot. Afterward, it's $12 advance or $15 at the door.

FRIDAY, FEB. 15 2013 >>>

1. On any given morning, after eating her daily oatmeal, and feeding her several dogs, legendary musician Roberta Flack gets busy in her New York City home - busy rehearsing, busy planning, busy listening to or writing music. "I'm a busy person. I have a busy personality," Flack says over the phone. "I have ongoing commitments constantly. ... And now with the Internet slapping you in the face, there's really no excuse. You gotta be motivated to move and make something." All this gusto from a woman who has enchanted the jazz, soul and R&B scene with her singing, songwriting and piano skills since the late '60s, earning two consecutive Grammy awards in '73 and '74 with chart-toppers, "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song," respectively. See her perform at 7:30 p.m. inside the Pantages Theater. Read Nikki McCoy's interview with Roberta Flack in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

2. After six long years of closure due to safety issues, the Murray Morgan Bridge saw the dawn of a new era Friday, Feb. 1. The bridge reopened to car traffic - as well as bicycle and foot traffic via new pathways - just in time for its 100th birthday celebration today. This past week downtown businesses offered discounts and Harmon Brewery distributed Eleventh Street IPA in celebration of the old steel bridge over the Thea Foss Waterway reconnecting the Port of Tacoma with downtown Tacoma. An official dedication ceremony with local dignitaries will be held at 10 a.m. The event will take place near the bridge at the intersection of 11th and A streets.

3. Stroll through the W.W. Seymour Conservatory sipping on wine or champagne and indulge on handmade chocolates or chocolate covered strawberries from French Hen Bistro while Andy Carlson fills the space with melodies from 5:30-7 p.m. Be present at 6:30 for a drawing of a Hilltop Artist's glass piece.

4. These are digital days, and they're thick with artists - artists who push the technological boundaries of expression further with every bend of a circuit, every twitch of a knob, every densely packed recontextualization of what's come before. The cartoonland of Mark Monlux; the extremes of Ryan Loiselle's weird humor; the virtual tablet painting of John Carlton: This is not some graying curator's business as usual. This is not the sort of art, of creative industry, that's regularly encompassed by a city's more old-school contingent of galleries and exhibitions. You want to bust these ghosts out of the machine, so to speak? Who you gonna call? Lynn di Nino and her monthly TRIPOD Slide Show. See three slideshows on digital art and how these three artists make it from 7-8:30 p.m. at Madera Furniture Company a couple blocks from El Gaucho.

5. Drag show troupe New Queens on the Block has produced shows at the Urban Onion since September, dropping a themed show on Olympia every third Friday of the month. In December, the New Queens added holiday flair to its fabulous affair. In March, the show will geek out to a Comicon theme. Tonight at 9 p.m., Valentine's Day is front an dcenter with "The Lupanara: A Burlesque Themed Drag Variety Show" at the Onion. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on New Queens on the Block.

LINK: Friday, Feb. 14 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

DISPOSABLE HEROES >>>

When you think of fighting pollution and harmful waste, the images that come to mind are often of oil spills; nuclear meltdowns and bottlenose dolphins caught in tuna nets. Typically, you don't think of bowling pins, magnets, beanbags and tops.

The Andersons do.

Ms. Darcy and RR Anderson, wife and husband, want to help the planet, but they also wanted to encourage art. The couple found a way to do both. With their new venture Tinkertopia, they want to repurpose junk for potential art projects.

Tinkertopia will be a destination unlike any other in the South Sound. Once it finds and sets up a storefront, it will be a hub for cheap and locally sourced repurposed items, ideal for use in artwork, home renovations or whatever floats your boat.

"Our mission is to divert as much reusable artsy/crafty materials from the waste stream as possible and the response so far has been very positive," says R.R. Anderson. "They have these stores in Vancouver B.C., Portlandia and Lynnwood, but not in Tacoma."

Tinkertopia is searching for a storefront, both in partnership with Spaceworks and on its own. Anderson is banking on the word of a live psychic phone network that the store will be open in the next month or so.

On the flip side, if you have old stuff that you really feel could have a future in someone else's project, the Tinkermobile is there for you. Call 253.778.6539, email rerun@tinkertopia.com or tweet @RerunTinkerCrab to schedule a pick up. The Tinkermobile will arrive, decked out in what Anderson likes to call "unbridled cartooning skills."

A full list of types of materials accepted is on Tinkertopia's website.