WEEKEND HUSTLE: Dance Party, Art of Chocolate Walk, "Neon Man," Sacred Harp Singing, Illuminated Ball and more ...

By Volcano Staff on February 1, 2013

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly sunny, some fog, hi 50, lo 36

Saturday: Partly sunny, some fog, hi 50, lo 38

Sunday: Partly sunny, some fog, hi 49, lo 39

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 1: TACOMAPOCALYPSE III

We'll be frank. Apocalypse-like events usually only happen once. If an apocalypse-like event ever returns, it's either really bad news, or a sign that things weren't that apocalyptic in the first place. The good news about the Treefish Studio-produced "Tacomapocalypse III," set to inhabit Amocat Café during the month of February starting Friday, is neither statement is true. A collection of two and three-dimensional art that's heavy on the zombie, and designed to offer a gruesome alternative to the usual Valentines-style lovey-dovey crap that's everywhere else this time of year, Tacomapocalypse III is the sequel to last year's successful Zombie "Tacomapocalypse II." The electronic musical stylings of local musician Gibson Starkweather will rock the walls of Amocat. Technophobic Android will also make a special appearance.

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 2: ART OF CHOCOLATE WALK

Those who have already caved and thrown out their New Year's resolution to abstain from sweets, prepare to get giddy. Gig Harbor, the quaint gateway city of the Olympic Peninsula, hosts the fourth annual Art of Chocolate Walk Saturday. Held in conjunction with the Gig Harbor First Saturday Art Walk, The Art of Chocolate is designed to be a walking tour of art and sweets. The idea is to get your passport stamped by as many participating locations as possible, for a chance at a number of prizes - perhaps more important, however, The Art of Chocolate promises an opportunity to sample chocolates and confections, check out cookbooks on chocolate and chat with sweet-makers. — Weekly Volcano

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 2: SACRED HARP SINGING

Shape note singing dates back centuries to early singing schools, with each solfoge note of the scale being given a different shape to ease sight-reading. When groups gather, they form a "hollow square" with the four voice parts of a typical choir facing one another. No pitch pipes or other instruments tune the group - that's done by the song leader. Who is that? Whoever's turn it is. They stand facing the tenors, who always have the melody. Want to see all of this in action? The Scared Harp Singing sing-along goes down Saturday at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. - WV

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 2: ILLUMINATED BALL

Last year's Illuminated Ball - the Procession of the Species main annual fundraiser - turned the Eagles Hall in Olympia into an enchanted forest. An intricate tree canopy decorated the walls and ceiling, and all around, tables, chairs and especially people, were glowing, glittering and celebrating illumination. How will it look this year? Live music by The Brown Edition, an illuminated pageant, no host bar and appetizers, plus all things glowing, lovely and artistic will make for a splendid evening. - NM

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 2: "NEON MAN" AND BRAD UPTON

Watching Henrik Bothe's "neon man" routine, where he lines his body with glowing tubes, shuts off the lights and creates an onstage animation is worth the admission alone. Bothe also escapes a straight jacket while riding a unicycle, and juggles with four legs. Paired with national touring comedian Brad Uptown and his side-busting jokes, the duo go together like hippies and Haight Street. And just as if you were on the infamous street in San Fransisco, expect tracers (from the neon man) and uncontrollable bouts of laughter. — Nikki McCoy

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 2: DANCE PARTY

Thank heaven, the days are getting longer, new green buds are sprouting and seasonal light disorder is hopefully wearing off. One good way to shake off that winter funk is to get out and dance your fucking ass off. Seriously, close your eyes and shake that thing. Weekly Volcano you catch the Polyrhythmics and AKA and the Heart Hurt Goods at the Olympia Ballroom. With at least eight instruments aboard, Polyrhythmics busts out the funk like no other, and always bring a packed house. - NM

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
After seeing Cirque du Soleil's "Amaluna" Thursday night, we're catching "Next to Normal" at Capital Playhouse and Olympia Family Theater's all-youth production of "James and the Giant Peach." Oh, and apparently there's some sort of ballgame on Sunday?

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
This weekend's a tough call. There's a perfectly good show at the New Frontier, featuring Wes Sp8 and members of Solvents (whom I really enjoy). OR, there's a Santee show up in Seattle at the awesome all-ages mecca, the Vera Project, which I haven't visited since I was underage. Might be fun to go back.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Gabi and I are going to the opening of "Out of the Silence," a very special art exhibition to raise awareness of anti-gay bullying and in support of Pizza Klatch, a group that provides support (and pizza) to students at six high schools in Thurston County. The opening is Friday night starting at 5 p.m. at the Urban Onion in Oly.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Friday, I'm going to party it up with my cousin Tess, who is really like my best friend and sister, too. (Hey girl! Wassup? Shout out to you on your birthday! Coco!! XOXO!) I'm pretty sure there will be dancing and enchiladas involved. Saturday, I will clamber onto my roof with a big janitor's broom and a bottle of vinegar and scrub out the moss that's growing through shingles like all that alien vegetation in Stephen King's "Creepshow." Sunday is R & R and football.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer

This is the first weekend of February; the month where winter can either hit hardest or ease toward spring. In that end I look forward to that spring optimism by planning a beach hike. It is going to be 55 on the coast Saturday! Sorry bands, films, art shows. You'll have to wait. Then on Sunday I'm going to the Motorcycle exhibit at the Washington State History Museum.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Nightlife Correspondent
Well, Nugget got a new puppy, Luke Skywalker Dunkelberger, so I imagine I'll be covered in puppy spit and fur by the end of the weekend. Other than that, I'll be watching "Grease" with the girl child and going to the Free Radical Media Exchange to drop off and pick up some more hard-bound lovin'.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar