SUNDAY, OCT. 27 2013 >>>

1. A good harmonica player seems like he or she never breathes, he or she just blows and blows and blows until his or her ears say enough, and the intricate collection of notes and rhythms hangs over the audience like a heavy lace curtain. That's about the time people start screaming like wildcats and demanding more, which is exactly what will happen at 5 p.m. when the ninth annual Blues Vespers Harmonica Showcase blows into Tacoma's Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Paul Green & Straight Shot host the affair with Steve Bailey, Stacy Jones, Kim Field, Dan O'Bryant and others. The combined talent (and personalities) will be an indescribable treat for the ears and eyes, and you will walk away jaw hanging like a codfish.

2. The frights are upon us once again, and there are, as always, plenty of ways to spend the Devil's holiday. The Weekly Volcano has listed the parties, the theater performances, haunted houses, the kids fare and the rock 'n' roll here - it's up to you to decide where you'll go, and, of course, what you'll wear. Boo, South Sound.

3. Cindy McCoy has battled and survived breast cancer twice before. She lost her son tragically in 2005, and now she is in the midst of another hardship: she has been diagnosed with terminal stage IV spindle cell sarcoma. McCoy's spirit has reached far and wide, and from 5-9 p.m., a benefit will be held in her honor at The Swiss. Live music by local acts, including The Voice's Vicci Martinez, will be part of the celebration. A silent auction will take place as well, with donated items including a weekend cabin getaway; a custom-made gun safe; a $1,000 Home Depot gift card with three days labor; artwork; window tinting; and a private performance by Martinez. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on tonight's benefit show here.

4. The Mix will host a unique art exhibit where you will experience works from local artists, live music, figure drawing, live performances, fashion, body painting and much from 5:30-9:30 p.m. There will even be an interactive human Tetris game (you read that right). Local vendors will also be present selling merch. There will be wine and snacks as well as a full bar. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

5. At 7:30 p.m., Tacoma's Broadway Center welcomes Ian Anderson to its Pantages Theater stage. He and his mates will perform Thick As A Brick in its entirety for the first time since 1972, then follows up with TAAB 2. This will be Anderson's only West Coast stop this tour. Read Nikki McCoy's interview with Ian Anderson in the Music and Culture section.

LINK: Sunday, Oct. 27 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area