THURSDAY, JUNE 27 2013 >>>

1. Do you find science less than thrilling? Maybe all those memories of sitting in biology class while your teacher prattled on about the phylum classification of the thorny-headed worm has put you off forever. But what if you could listen to an exciting presentation about researching and planning for dangerous viral outbreaks, followed by the screening of a cult classic ABOUT a dangerous worldwide viral outbreak and its consequences? How could you say no to that? At 6:45 p.m. The Grand Cinema and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department present "Science on Screen." Emerging Diseases expert Dr. James Bales, and disease outbreak control public health leader Nigel Turner (try fitting that on to a business card!) will give just such a presentation. This will immediately be followed by the 1995 film 12 Monkeys. The next lecture and film in this series will undoubtedly be about an attack of giant thorny-headed worms. 

2. At 7 p.m., three local writers will take to the hallowed spaces of King's Books for a reading - an evening of good old fashioned storytelling in Tacoma's most awesome of bookstores. The three writers: Titus Burley, Melissa Thayer and Joshua Swainston seek to entertain you with their clever words, their wit, their art.

3. The four-day America's Classic Jazz Festival in Lacey kicks off today with an upbeat mix of ragtime, jazz, swing and blues on the menu. Saint Martin's University will transform into Dixieland during the festivities presented by the Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Society. The "Kick Off Party" from 7-10:30 p.m. features bands West End, High Sierra/Brady McKay and Wally's Warehouse Waifs. For a complete festival schedule, check out olyjazz.com baby.

4. The Barleywine Revue will fill The Swiss with bluegrass beginning at 8 p.m.

5. Punk bands Kramer, the Mormon Trannys, Enemy Combatants and Raptor Tractor play a free 8 p.m. show at O'Malley's Irish Pub in Tacoma.

LINK: Thursday, June 27 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area