SATURDAY, DEC. 21 2013 >>>
1. Slutty Hearts' recent EP, Bones in the Snow, opens by referencing Nancy Sinatra. It's a fitting introduction to the Slutty Hearts ethos, which shares some qualities with Sinatra's spooky romanticism. Dark garage pop gems positively drip from the mouths and fingers of Slutty Hearts - devoted exercises in melodicism and attitude. Like the Violent Femmes (or Seattle's Pillow Army, for that matter), Slutty Hearts' band name tips off the listener with opposing and contradictory terms. Yes, there's an element of sleazy party-hardy energy to their music, but there's just as much swooning vocals and evocative lyrics to counterbalance the danciness. Catch the band with Vox Mod and Back From Hiatus at 8 p.m. in Bob's Java Jive. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on the Slutty Hearts in the Music & Culture section.
2. There are some hobbies better kept quiet. You know, the ones you do alone in your basement late at night. And then there are some truly cool hobbies, like model railroads. These should be celebrated and dragged out in the open for all to admire - which is why the Model Train Festival, downtown Tacoma's biggest model railroad exposition (taking into account, of course, the relatively small size of the subjects at hand because they are, of course, models), will run 10 days beginning today at 10 a.m. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy every floor of the Washington State History Museum filled with operating modular layouts. Santa is in the house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21-23. And, remember to look both ways before crossing, and keep your pennies to yourself.
3. There's nothing better than this holiday recipe: great holiday flick, warm and cozy movie theater, hot buttery popcorn and some sweet treats. Well, the wonderful and eclectic Grand Cinema in Tacoma launches two holiday classics today. The movie version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is sure to delight the kiddies and adults alike. Based on the family classic holiday TV show, watch the creepy ole' Grinch's heart grow giddy with the holiday spirit in this endearing flick. It's free for the first 100 people through the door for this 10 a.m. flick. For those who prefer a bit of a darker production, check out Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale at 10 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. Set in Finland, the unusual and terrifically bizarre plot features disappearing children, a kidnapped Santa, vengeful elves and some debauchery. Cool. Oh, and need a last-minute gift? The Grand has great movie and dinner gift certificate packages.
4. The Tacoma Brewing Co. is celebrating Gingerfest from 5-9 p.m. This will be the first time all three of its hard ginger ales - white, golden and spicy - will be on tap simultaneously. According to the Tacoma Brewing Co.'s owner Morgan Alexander, all the hard ginger ales are made on site, in small handcrafted batches. And what exactly is a "hard" ginger ale? According to Alexander, the flavors are more complex and not as sweet. Gingerfest will highlight TCB's versatility by utilizing the ales in custom cocktails. What's more, Alexander states if you come dressed as your favorite redhead, you'll get a dollar off your first drink. Here are a few of my costume suggestions: Amy Pond, Ginny Weasley, Conan O'Brien, Vincent Van Gogh, Molly Ringwald, Dana Scully, Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals, Willie Nelson and everyone's favorite Tacoma redhead, Lynn Di Nino. 5. NWCZ Radio's Night of Gritness Presents - A Merry Gritness will be held at 8 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge. OK, the title is a bit redundant. That said, maybe NWCZ needed twice the grit in the title considering the confirmed line-up: Big Wheel Stunt Show, Fred Speakman, Gavin Guss, Halcion Halo, Bandolier, Regan Lane, The Harolds, The Gimmer That Stole Christmas and The Reindeer Droppings. Best of all, the money collected will go to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Donations of food will also be collected. Expect an evening of both holiday and original tunes. Bandolier even promises to play "some awesome Festivus songs." Maybe "O Festivus Pole, O Festivus Pole"? BONUS: Kurt Lindsay rocking the Franciscan Polar Plaza ice rink from 7-9 p.m.
PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center LINK: Saturday, Dec. 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area