THURSDAY, MAY 23 2013 >>>

In the last month, recent corruption scandals in (pick a state or country) have been compared to From Russia With Love, season two of The Sopranos, Stranger Than Fiction and Groundhog Day. In regards to momentum, The South Puget Sound Community College Theater Program sure picked the right time to stage its humor-filled tale of political corruption, View of the Dome. According to SPSCC hype, "The play follows an idealistic, young Washington attorney who persuades her former law professor to run for Congress. Ideals shrivel in the Washington air as the professor is swept into an insider's circle that includes a leering, power-drunk senator and a slinky Southern power broker." catch it at 8 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center.

2. The University of Washington Tacoma hosts Tribute to Our Troops from 12:30 to 1:30 at William Philip Hall on its campus. The event is free and open to the public. Active military, veterans, family members, friends and anyone who wants to recognize the commitment and sacrifice of those in the armed forces are all welcome to attend. Expect music by local country musician Jonathan Harris, speeches and special coins.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the starting and finishing line will be El Guadalajara on Sixth Avenue.

4. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone. Check out OlyBlues Dance at 9 p.m. inside the Eagles Ballroom.

5. The Barleywine Revue will fill The Swiss in downtown Tacoma with fiddle music beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, May 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area