MONDAY, NOV. 11 2013 >>>

1. The historical epoch of Armistice Day began with the Nov. 11, 1918, signing of a ceasefire between Germany and the Allied powers of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson initiated it. In the South Sound, we're reminded of war's impact more often than people in most other cities. But even so, it's not often enough. Our freedoms, our heritage and the way of life we enjoy today are made possible because of our military veterans. Today's 95th anniversary of Veterans Day honors all of America's veterans for their patriotism, service and sacrifice. And for their families, there is no better time than now to recognize them and give thanks for the remarkable sacrifices they have made. For stories and events honoring our local veterans, visit the Veterans Day Command Center.

2. The Pioneer Park Pavilion in Puyallup is the site of a Veterans Day celebration at 1 p.m. Enjoy the JBLM Army Jazz Combo along with words from guest speaker Tommie Lamb, the Tuskegee Airmen Chapter president.

3. In celebration of Veterans Day, the Washington State History Museum hosts a riveting stage adaptation of the best-selling novel, If All the Sky Were Paper. Local actors from the NW Playwrights Alliance will read from a collection of wartime letters revealing a range of emotions experienced by veterans and active duty military personnel. The stage production, which happens from 2-3 p.m., is part of an all-day celebration at the downtown Tacoma Museum.

4. 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 at 8 p.m. as host of Stonegate Pizza's rockin' blues, if not experimental, jam.

5. While all of the glossy, radio-ready electro-pop and achingly beautiful, heartfelt lyrics of Melanie Valera's (aka Tender Forever) recordings were well on display during this year's Squeak and Squawk Music Festival, what we weren't expecting was how utterly charming and downright funny Valera is in a live setting. Kicking off her shoes and dancing down in the pit with the audience members, Valera announced herself as a mesmerizing performer. Narrating youtube videos via projection screen, conducting percussion with Wii remotes, making a shaved-head picture of Britney Spears both silly and inspiring - Tender Forever is a stunning live act, and one that you shouldn't dare miss at 8 p.m. with Poppet and Mirrorgloss at The New Frontier Lounge.

LINK: Monday, Nov. 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area