SUNDAY, MARCH 3 2012 >>>

1. The tragic, yet ultimately inspiring story of Rachel Corrie made its way from Olympia to around the world in a matter of days back in 2003 when The Evergreen State College student made her way to the Gaza Strip to protest the destruction of homes of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government. She was killed by an Israeli bulldozer when she stood between the heavy machinery and the house only to be crushed to death as the bulldozer went about its business. Her death sparked not only international attention and outrage but highlighted the struggle of the Palestinian people. Ten years later, it has been an extraordinary and challenging journey for the Rachel Corrie Foundation, for the Corrie family, and for those in our community and beyond who have worked tirelessly for justice and peace in Palestine/Israel, in the world, and here at home. In reflection, the Rachel Corrie Foundation hosts Remi Kanazi, Palestinian-American poet, writer, and human rights activist based in New York City for a spoken word event at 67 p.m. inside the Washington State Labor Council.

2. The Tacoma Buddhist Temple (1717 S. Fawcett, Tacoma) hosts its annual sukiyaki dinner fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 3. You may enjoy a one-pot meal of thinly sliced beef, saifun noodles, tofu, green onions and other vegetables, all lightly sautéed in a flavorful broth - as well as teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef shish kabobs, mochi ice cream and cupcakes, rice and drinks - to raise money for the temple's programs and maintenance costs.

3. If you've been dreaming of crashing a party ever since the 2005 blockbuster Wedding Crashers, then here's your chance. The Lincoln High school Alumni is hosting a 100th Birthday Bash from 2-8 p.m. at The Swiss. So what if you went to Wilson. Nolan Garrett, Big Wheel Stunt Show and island Bound are performing. Maybe you'll have a beer with retired NFL quarterback Jon Kitna.

4. From New York, Grammy nominated Bill Sims Jr. and special guests Paul Green and the Mark Riley Trio will perform at 5 p.m. at a special Blues Vespers concert at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. All proceeds will go toward the 2014 IPC/Habitat for Humanity International Build in Guatemala. Get in on the Gumbo Fundraiser Dinner after the show.

5. Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra has been popping up in local bars and restaurants, introducing folks to jazz of years gone by, as well as a few current numbers. Lately, the big band has put more emphasis on the jazz-rock fusion, some hot Latin jazz and some big band rock tunes from Chuck Berry and James Brown. That said, Maynard Ferguson hovers above the band like Obi-Wan Kenobi. Wetzel and crew perform at Stonegate Pizza at 5 p.m.

PLUS: 4th Annual Olympia Dance Festival and Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Sunday, March 3 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area