5 Things To Do Today: David Sedaris, Alder Arts Walk, Procession of the Species, Liar's Club and more ...

By Volcano Staff on April 27, 2013

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 2013 >>>

1. David Sedaris' highly imaginative, ridiculous, true and frequently heartbreaking content is derived from commonplace observations and events. The invitation you'll have at 7:30 p.m. inside the Pantages to pull up a chair and hear the stories Sedaris has to tell is a wonderful thing. Listening to Sedaris on This American Life is always entertaining, and we adore his books, but seeing David Sedaris live and watching his facial expressions and gestures as he reads and speaks is just awesome.

2. The 5th annual Alder Arts Walk — technically independent from the University of Puget Sound and ASUPS - happens around the university today and tomorrow at five houses along or near Alder Street, and carryies the theme "Apocalypse." Each house engages an idea inherent to the overarching End of Days theme, an idea that will be explored by acts and activities throughout the day: with the exception of Brunch, the houses are named for the Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Conquest, War, Famine and Death. Check the schedule for a detailed line-up of art and bands, live updates and some apocalyptic historical anecdote at alderartswalk.tumblr.com.

3. Last night the Olympia Arts Walk was off the hook with beautiful weather, awesome music and the streets and clubs packed with people. The festivites conitnue today, including the main event - the thing that has made Olympia's Arts Walk legendary - the Procession of the Species (elaborate animal costumes, no motor vehicles allowed). The 19th annual Procession of the Species begins at 4:30 p.m. Maps with complete listings of shows and events are available throughout downtown.

4. We saw the bluesy, power pop band Liar's Club perform numerous times during the early '90s. One of my favorite Liar's Club shows was when the band opened Pandemonium mag's 1993 Christmas party at the Red Roof in Lakewood. The Rhino Humpers, Running with Scissors, Tramps of Panic were on the bill. KGRG DJ Christine McLeod celebrated her 21st birthday that night during the Malchicks' set. Tacoma TV star Spud Goodman announced a few acts while his sidekick Accordion Joe, donning an Elvis suit, performed classic rock hits between bands. Liar's Club performed their hit, "Espresso Girl" that night. Just shy of 20 years later, Jayson Jarmon, Scott McPherson and Kevo X. Thomson have reformed Liar's Club for a new poplicious album, Come and Go, with Sean Gaffmey and Dana Sims. The band will host a record release party at 8 p.m. at The Harmon.

5. Inspired by the lack of variety in dance music in Tacoma, Calvin Murphy and Omar Stokes founded Ocean Grooves Entertainment in January 1999. They started off strong that February with Monday night shows at the 6th & Proctor Bar & Grill (later became Hell's Kitchen) and dedicated Mondays to underground dance music showcasing various DJs from Seattle, plus Tacoma favorites such as Donald Glaude and DJ dAb. Speaking of Ocean Grooves and Glaude, the two pair up again at 9 p.m. for a show at Jazzbones. 

LINK: Saturday, April 27 arts and entertainmetn events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area