For nerds, this weekend is a very special one, for it contains within the mysterious power of Star Wars Day. May 4th (as in "may the 4th be with you," nudge nudge, wink wink), while an unofficial holiday, is still a fervently celebrated one, and 2014's installment couldn't have come at a more perfect time, as the cast of J.J. Abrams' forthcoming Star Wars film was just made public.
No doubt the Internet will be choked with nerdy arguments over the casting of people like Inside Llewyn Davis star Oscar Isaac and Girls' Adam Driver (also of Llewyn Davis' best scene: "OUTER SPACE!"). While endless speculation and debate is what nerds do best, it might be nice to leave vitriol aside for May 4th, and sit down with the One True TrilogyTM (Prequels? What prequels?). Those movies? They age like a motherfucker, so enjoy.
In other nerd-adjacent news, a new monthly dance party is coming to The New Frontier Lounge. From some of the same people that brought us the very popular Future Bass DJ night, we now have Smart People. Look, I get that it's a very tenuous connection between nerd culture and a dance event that just happens to be called "Smart People," but you like compliments, don't you? All you brainy readers out there. I like your glasses. Is that a new haircut? You so smart.
As advertised, the DJs will be drawing from all sorts of influences, even outside of the usual R&B and electronica, bringing in indie rock, boogie-woogie and disco. Tacoma just doesn't get enough dancing in, so you'd be wise to consider Smart People your monthly reminder to get out of your comfort zone for a while and embrace the beat.
SMART PEOPLE, w/ Mr. Melanin and other DJs, doors at 9 p.m., The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, no cover before 10:30 p.m., $5 after, 253.572.4020
>>> Antihero
After you've been sated by your potent mainlining of the Star Wars trilogy, head on over to Jazzbones for a very worthy cause. Musicians for Oso is a benefit show whose proceeds go directly to those affected by the tragic mudslide in Oso. A disquieting event, to be sure, but the lineup of bands assembled for the show is tremendous and very, very loud. And it's all ages, to boot!
The Oso mudslide was a tremendous disaster, so if you can help out while getting your eardrums blown out, why wouldn't you?
MUSICIANS FOR OSO, w/ Antihero, Jamie Nova, Black Powder County, The Mothership, Wanz, 5 p.m., Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, $12, $10 advance, 253.396.9169