FRIDAY, MAY 16 2014 >>>

1. Ever feel like walking into a room and watching people sing and dance? Cultura Cabaret, self-proclaimed as Tacoma's only dinner theater cabaret, will present the opportunity for the first time when it pulls back the curtain at 6:45, 8:45 and 10 p.m. in the Cultura Events Center. Channeling the 1920s, the vaudevillian show will see emcee Armitage Shanks introduce singer Pearl Posh, pole dancer Lusty Zinns, circus performer Jenny Penny and burlesque performers Sofia Delish, Boom Boom L'Roux and Rosie Cheex in a theater-in-a-round, intimate dinner setting. Diners are so close to the performance they will feel as if they are part of the show.

2. Only Lovers Left Alive is the latest from writer-director Jim Jarmusch (of Coffee and Cigarettes and Ghost Dog fame). The film focuses on Adam (Tom Hiddleston), and his wife, Eve (Tilda Swinton), a married couple who, despite being very much in love, are separated. Several centuries of familiarity breeds a lot of contempt and a few years of absence might make their hearts grow fonder, provided no one puts a stake through them. Adam and Eve are vampires that don't squander the gift of eternal unlife slap-fighting with Taylor Lautner for Kristen Stewart's affections. They do what most people would do if given limitless time and opportunity: Everything. Catch the film at 1, 3:40, 6:20 and (;05 p.m. in The Grand Cinema.

3. Hailing from Oakland, Steel Cranes are a no-nonsense duo composed of Tracy Shapiro and Amanda Shuckle. Their brand of wiry, nervy post-punk recalls badasses such as PJ Harvey and Patti Smith. The assault of guitar and drums is dialed in to a degree that would be exhausting if it weren't so exhilarating.Catch the band with the Redwood Plan and Japanese Game Show at 7 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

4. Louisiana guitarist/vocalist Tab Benoit specializes in old-school Cajun blues - soulful, spicy stuff from the deep Bayou blended with elements of Texas-style blues-rock and vintage New Orleans funk. Catch him at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

5. The F---ing Eagles, Blanco Bronco, Raptor Tractor and masonsapron help Tacoma booking guy Chuck Gosk celebrate his dirty 30, so expect debauchery and beers beginning at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge. We mean a lot of beers.

LINK: Friday, May 16 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area