FRIDAY, APRIL 11 2014 >>>

1. If someone asks, "How are you?" and you smile warmly and say, "I feel great and life is amazing," something is clearly wrong with you and you should be shunned. We mean, obviously. Life is one giant death-defying chase. Don't believe us? Catch six, thrilling real-life stories from local people who found themselves in a chase: on rollerblades, with government officials, after a murder suspect, for sexiness, for a reason to live and as fast as the speed of sound. It's called Drunken Telegraph, and the chase begins at 7:30 p.m. in Broadway Center's Studio III. Got a chase story? After the main-stage performers, audience members can take their own turn sharing stories on the spot during the "Story Slam." Do tell.

OK, if you are going to have nine bands play a show, it's awesome to start at 4:30 in the afternoon, and it's awesome to make it all ages. So, there's that going for Captain Jack Fest '14. The other thing going is it's at The Midnight Sun, which is going through some changes. But, perhaps, the most important thing is the line-up totally rules. Do I write about our 2014 Best of Olympia Best New Band winner Fruit Juice and their poppy, fantastic dance vibe? Do we write about Mosquito Hawk's sexy, tight, space-themed rock? Or do we write about Captain Algebra's punk/metal, Karp-esque skills? Man, Olympia rules.

Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly, when performed well, fulfills all of the promise of what opera can be. It is a perfect story of innocent love and betrayal. Cio-Cio-San - Butterfly's Japanese name - is one of the best-developed and most sympathetic characters in the operatic repertoire.  And the music that envelops this touching tale is rich with melody and orchestration. Opera lovers look forward to seeing it time and time again, and many a novice has come to love opera through Butterfly.  Experience Tacoma Opera's version at 7:30 p.m. in the Pantages Theater.

Pacific Lutheran University's Dance Concert 2014 is a repertory dance concert comprised of dances created by PLU student choreographers, PLU's Dance Team, and two works of professional choreography by Director Paula J. Peters and guest choreographer Mary Reardon. A variety of choreographic works featuring upbeat rhythms, strong and succinct movements, and elegant sophistication revealed through serious and comical pieces will hit Eastvold Auditorium's stage at 7:30 p.m.

5. The Portland Cello Project and Stephanie Anne Johnson - who enjoyed an extended run on NBC's "The Voice - will perform at 8 p.m. in the Blue Mouse Theater. 

LINK: Friday, April 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area