MONDAY, JULY 22 2013 >>>

1. In the same way that sharks must keep swimming to keep breathing, it seems guitarist Rafael Tranquilino must fuse genres across various musical projects in order to stay afloat. His arrangements incorporate blues, funk, rock, funk, ska, metal, reggae, Latin and jazz-fusion. As accomplished as he is varied, Tranquilino can be seen every Monday night as host of Stonegate Pizza's rockin' blues, if not experimental, jam. He's one of the best guitarists in the South Sound.

2. If you've noticed we're pushing local breweries lately, you've caught us. We can't stay away from local beer. Plus, there's something about a local brewery that screams perfect date night. A couple pints of lager, a couple side salads, a doggy bag for the happy couple. ... Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery in Puyallup offers a pasta and pint combination every Monday that's easy on the wallet. Buy pasta off the menu and get any one of Powerhouse's seven beers free of charge.

3. Tacoma Rainiers games are pretty exciting. At 7 p.m. the Rainiers battle the Tucson Padres at Cheney Stadium. Who wants to stick it to Tucson?

4. The Jho Blenis and Shelly Ely Band will fill The Swiss with blues at 8 p.m.

5. The 2013 Best of Olympia "Best Band" winner Erev Rav performs at 8 p.m. in The Royal Lounge. The Klezmer orchestra delivers a kaleidoscope of original compositions and traditional melodies infused with funk, reggae, bee bop, rock and Latin rhythms.

LINK: Monday, July 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area