THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>
WEATHER REPORTFriday: Rain and wind, hi 47, lo 39
Saturday: Showers, hi 47, lo 38
Sunday: More showers, hi 47, lo 42
Tacoma Little Theatre's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is more sketch comedy than highbrow Hamlet. It was written to appeal to Bardolaters and haters alike. The shtick is that three actors perform, or at least represent, all of Shakespeare's works in two hours, with dozens of rapid costume changes, unseemly asides and occasional improvisations for highbrow low-concept comedy. - Weekly Volcano
The 2013 Best of Olympia Best Band winner Erev Rav performs Saturday night in downtown Oly. Erev Rav pulls together with Seattle's great Orkestar Zirkonium, a brass-and-drum band, for an unforgettable night of perfectly executed dance and rhythm. With Erev Rav weighing in at seven members, and Orkestar Zirkonium with 13, the layers of instruments, the influences of sound, and the personal style of each musician heard, will surely touch each listener's soul. - Nikki McCoy
The Mid-Winter Masquerade Ball is part of Tacoma City Ballet's Soiree Series, which weaves visual arts, live music, dance performances, and other artistic media into TCB's already artsy focus. Likewise, Mid-Winter Masquerade has set out to feature several art-astic aspects all under one roof. Ancillary rooms will host short film screenings and art installations and Tacoma City Ballet's company will perform throughout the evening. Each Soiree Series event zeroes in on a visual arts focus, so as not to overwhelm attendees with too much awesomeness all at once. - Kristin Kendle
I've made it no secret that I'm a fan of the 2013 Best of Olympia Best New Band Full Moon Radio. Saturday night they will host a free EP release and one-year anniversary party at Le Voyeur. Copies of the new EP, Drop Off, will be available, and auditions for a roadie are still open for when the ladies head off on tour in March. Catch 'em with The Deep Wile and The Have At Its for a night of luscious rock 'n' roll. - NM
Speaking of releases, Horse Bodies are celebrating its CD release at the 4th Ave Tav. With Elbow Coulee and I Like Science, the show will certainly entertain. Horse Bodies have been jamming for more than five years and continue to clippity-clop its way into the ears and music libraries of South Sound rock hounds. - NM
The Grand Cinema's annual Academy Awards Party is THE way to celebrate the accomplishments of people way richer than you'll ever be, and this year the party is bigger and better than ever. While watching the Oscars on your HDTV with a bag of microwave popcorn might sound appealing, The Grand has you and your popcorn beat. The Oscars will be screened in two separate areas - one at Theatre on the Square and one in a private VIP area (that's sold out) at Studio 2. Both will have massive theater-sized screens. Aside from general cinema revelry, the party also includes other festivities, including a silent auction and a raffle in the lobby. Prizes include an autographed Felix Hernandez framed picture, Mariners tickets, local travel packages, dinner deals, museum passes and more. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. There's the annual Oscars winners' contest, too. - KK
CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
This will be an insanely busy theater weekend! Not only did my wife and I accept roles in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood (Olympia Family Theater), but I get to watch and review Hamlet (South Puget Sound Community College), The Woman in Black (Lakewood Playhouse) and A Winter's Tale (Evergreen Shakespeare). Fancy!
ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Me and me wifey gonna be doing an all-day speaking gig at The Evergreen Education Association in Vancouver, Washington.
NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Music-riddled weekend for this girl. Friday, after bartending, it's Pet Products and Fitz of Depression at McCoy's and Mos Generator and Black Pussy at the Track House. Saturday, Full Moon Radio, All's Fair in Love and War Burlesque and research on street musicians, plus a peek at all the 4th Ave Tav. Olympia Ballroom and Pig Bar.
JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
I have a real busy Saturday. I'll be teaching my spoken-word/poetry class at D.A.S.H. Then I have two shows that night. First one is a spoken-word/poetry gig at the Colored Women's Club for the Black Collective. Then later that night, Beanz & Rize will be performing at The Loch's for the second Fresh Blends Reblended. Sunday I have my niece's baby shower to attend.
TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
Friday: Six words - Morgan and the Organ Donors return!
NIC LEONARD Music Writer
Saturday night I will be guest starring at Ramblin Jacks making pizzas followed by a Free Whiskey performance at the Track House in downtown Olympia.
STEVE DUNKELBERGER Nightlife Correspondent
I'll be hitting Lakewood Playhouse for Woman in Black then Tacoma Little Theatre for Shakes-beer Abridged on Sunday. Oh and I'll be jumping into Commencement Bay for "Freezin for a Reason" Saturday morning to benefit Special Olympics.
LINK: Even more local events that we recommend
LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar