FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014 >>>

1. When 25-year-old Ben Rice opened his mouth to sing, we did not expect to hear the voice of an old soul, belted out in the honey-haggard tone of one who has been singing for a career, but that's exactly what happened. Combine with quick-picking on the guitar (sometimes on a cigar-box guitar), throw in some resonators, and you get roots-rock-blues-Americana for the new generation. Ben Rice and the Illamatics will perform at 9 p.m. in Stonegate Pizza.

2. Olympia Spring Arts Walk - a celebration of music, theater and art - is proof Oly knows how to have a good time. It's one huge block party. It's a great place to bring the kids during the day and then hit the bars at night. All of downtown Olympia is transformed into a giant smorgasbord of food, fun, art and music for an entire weekend, more specifically this weekend - April 25-26. The fun kicks off tonight from 5-10 p.m., including a Nirvana tribute concert at the Capitol Theater.

3. Each year, the Lakewood Sister Cities Association holds a three-day festival highlighting the culture of one of its sister cities. This year, the organization is proud to bring the rich culture of Okinawa, Japan to the area with its 2014 International Festival and ArtsFest Celebration. Tonight features ArtsFest, with a showcase of student and veteran artwork from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pierce College. There will be a reception following the exhibition and an opportunity to meet the artists in person. The Clover Park High School entertainers will provide entertainment.

4. If you've ever wanted to get levitated, drowned in a milk jug, or penetrated by Spikes of Doom, now's your chance. Married illusionists Kevin and Cindy Spencer were named "Magicians of the Year" by the International Magicians Society in 2009, and yes, they do call people up out of the audience to get ensorcelled within an inch of their lives. Kevin has a habit (swiped from Harry Houdini) of walking through brick walls, so catch his act at 7:30 p.m. in the Pantages Theater before he does himself any permanent craniofacial damage.

5. A Leaf and The Sound and The Fury perform at 8 p.m. in Metronome Coffee in Tacoma. According to the Internet, "It's gonna be a rad show!!!"

LINK: Friday, April 25 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area