FRIDAY, APRIL 26 2013 >>>
1. Dropping Gems is a Pacific Northwest record label that specializes in various forms of electronica. Fittingly, in their showcase produced by NW Sounds and KUPS, Dropping Gems will be featuring several flavors of electronic music beginning at 7 p.m. isnide Oppenheimer Cafe on the University of Puget Sound campus. Most immediately appealing, perhaps, is Natasha Kmeto, whose soulful vocals liven and enrich her nominally snaky beats (and who, it must be noted has been gaining a very respectable following on YouTube with her song, "Pleasure Delay"). Ghost Feet favor disorienting glitches and ethereal field recordings, while filters hip-hop through liquid-smooth IDM. DJAO's ambient drone and Brownbear's beat-centric bombast round out what will be an eclectic night of dance and texture-based electronica. It'll all be no doubt rather heady and perfect accompaniment for any of a wide variety of interesting substances. Dancer's choice on that one. - Rev. Adam McKinney
2. As you all know, Olympia Arts Walk is this weekend, which means more art than you can shake a paintbrush at, tons of people crowding the streets in costume and character, and music at every venue. Friday evening, Full Moon Radio, Glass Elevator and The Hard Way will be rocking a free performance at 5 p.m. inside the Capitol Theater. Accompanying the indie rockers will be a debut screening of both Full Moon Radio and Glass Elevator's new music videos. Please do yourself a favor and take advantage of this special performance. It's not everyday you get to see local talent as good as these bands grab the stage at Capitol Theater for free. Plus, it's an early show, giving plenty of time for other Arts Walk activities - including the luminary procession, which will be right outside the theater's front door. - Nikki McCoy
3. Bring your "A" game and retro tennis apparel (optional) to the 4th annual 2013 AIASWW Wii Tennis Tournament at 5:30 p.m. inside BLRB architects in downtown Tacoma. Join Spaceworks Tacoma, friends and supporters for a fun night of Wii Tennis at the cool offices of BLRB. Spaceworks will appreciate your support through your entry fee (at the door) of $20 for players or $10 for spectators, which includes both food and drink.
4. Well, it's almost here. The end of the season. No more plays, no more dance recitals, no more spoken word standing on a cube, ever. OK, not ever. However, it will be one looonnng summer of American Idol reruns, we tell you what. How about one more, just for old time's sake? Pacific Lutheran University Dance Ensemble presents Dance 2013, a collection of dances in the style of jazz, modern, ballet and hip-hop at 7:30 p.m. inside Olson Auditorium. In all, the performance features nine student choreographers, 72 dancers and musicians and that dude working the lights. You might want to check those numbers. Aaahh, let's end the season by giving each other a big hug.
5. It's a weekend of anniversaries for one of the most popular pubs in Tacoma. The Swiss celebrates the 100th anniversary of the building it inhabits, 20 years of ownership by Jack McQuade and 10 years since Vicci Martinez first hopped up on its stage. By some sort of mathematical property, three anniversaries logically equates to three days of music. A diamond who shined even brighter after landing a spot on reality show The Voice local girl Vicci Martinez will anchor The Swiss' weekend events with a show tonight at 7 p.m. Read Nikki McCoy's feature on The Swiss' anniversary here.
LINK: Friday, April 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area
