5 Things To Do Today: Let's Ride!, The Great Gatsby, Renoir, Diamond Experience and more ...

By Volcano Staff on June 18, 2013

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 2013 >>>

1. Since its introduction in 1894, the motorcycle has spawned a variety of cultures and uses. As basic transportation, as leisure activity or as a die-hard lifestyle, millions of people have a love affair with Choppers, Crotch Rockets, Thumpers and all things two-wheeled. The action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motocycling The Northwest at the Washington State History Museum is a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. It's Tuesday and that means The Grand Cinema unleashes another special film as part of its Tuesday Film Series. Today at 1:40 and 6:30 p.m. The Grand will screen bio-doc Renoir, a look at the  elderly painter Auguste Renoir who finds inspiration in a new model. Read John Kephart's preview on the Walkie Talkie blog.

3. With a 90-minute set featuring around 20 of Diamond's hits – ranging from his early work for television shows, such as The Monkees ("I'm A Believer") to songs from his movie "The Jazz Singer" – Neil Diamond tribute band The Diamond Experience will rock the Red Wind Casino from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

4. A poignant story of lost love in the greatest tradition of Greek tragedies told through the recollections of WWI veteran Nick Carraway. A relatively rich young mid-western bachelor living on Long Island Sound and attempting to break into the bond business, Carraway finds himself in the opulent lifestyle of the rich and famous. But very soon he is drawn into the  messy lives of a distant cousin and her abusive, philandering husband, an odd female golfer and a mysterious man, his rich and somewhat eccentric neighbor. Sounds like a read right up the Banned Book Club's alley. The club will discuss The Great Gatsby at 7 p.m. inside Doyle's Public House.

5. If hearing the sound of your own cackling voice echoing off the walls of your shower stall has you craving the sound of something a bit more harmonious, check out the local songbirds at Victory Music Open Mic at the Antique Sandwich Co. It's guaranteed to be jam-packed with gorgeous sounds and humbling verses, as the South Sound's greatest up-and-coming acoustic musicians bare their souls impromptu-style. Performances start at 7 p.m., and if you're thinking that your shower-time ballads are ready for public consumption, you can sign up for your own moment in the, er, sun at 6.

LINK: Tuesday, June 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area