FRIDAY, JULY 19 2013 >>>
1. If you know Lynn Di Nino, you know she's a quirky Tacoma artist who always makes a big splash in whatever she does - from the 100th Monkey parties, to rolling heads downhill on First Night, to her Suitcase Sightings. One of Di Nino's ongoing projects is the monthly Tripod Slideshow. The July 19 edition is titled "Quirky Tacoma," and features images submitted by both amateurs and professionals of quirky, iconic or offbeat images of Tacoma. Laugh-master Doug Mackey emcees the show, which is divided in three sections. About 200 pictures will be shown on a digital projector, and NOT an actual slide projector, because that would be almost as antiquated as, say, sending something by snail mail. Catch it at 7 p.m. in Madera Furniture Company's showroom.
2. Now in its fifth year, the annual Summer Garden Party at the W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park has proven to be a delightful evening showcasing a Tacoma gem. It's a fun social time for people to come and enjoy the conservatory and mingle. Scheduled for Friday, music by classical and rock violinist Grace Youn will be performed outside in the gazebo adjacent to a roped-off wine garden in view of lush perennials. Expect raffle prizes during its 5:30-7 p.m. run.
3. Bring your picnic supper and the whole family and participate in games, music and dancing of the mid-1800s during 19th Century Family Night from 6-9 p.m. at Fort Nisqually in Point Defiance Park. Kids of all ages will enjoy the special firings of the candy cannon throughout the evening. Lemonade and ice cream will be available while supplies last.
4. Tacoma Musical Playhouse's second production of Ragtime (the first was seven years ago) is as trenchantly absorbing as Downton Abbey. Ragtime is a show about how America gets made, one sweeping change at a time, one small life at a time, one gut decision at a time. It was a work in progress a century ago and still is. You'll find yourself humming its main theme days later, hoping its idealistic characters built a nation they could love. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Ragtime in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.
5. Death By Stars' post-punk-rock-psychedelia makes you DANCE. at 9 p.m., come experience Death By Stars live at the Harmon Tap Room with guests Battersea (SEA) and Souvenir Driver (PDX). "This night is all about the local love," says Death By Stars guitarist Patrick Galactic, "and there's gonna be a LOT of it!"
LINK: Friday, July 19 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area
