THURSDAY, JULY 24 2014 >>>

1. While still dealing with ongoing famine, drought and political corruption, Zimbabwe has still managed to export some of the world's most infectiously joyful music: complex sounds characterized by soaring melodies, intricate vocal harmonies and the kind of polyrhythmic percussion that can induce a collective trance. Zimbabwean Music Festival offers three days of workshops on diverse aspects of Zimbabwean culture, free afternoon concerts, an African Marketplace and ticketed evening concerts at the University of Puget Sound. On opening night at 9 p.m. (tonight), internationally acclaimed Afro-fusion sensation Mokoomba, led by talented vocalist Mathias Muzaza, draws on traditional Tonga music while embracing the diverse music cultures of southern Africa at Schneebeck Concert Hall. Afternoon concerts and the Zimfest marketplace open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 25-27.

2. The Copper Door in Tacoma's Stadium District hosts those pioneers from Alaskan Brewing Co. beginning at 6 p.m. for a Brewer's night featuring beers such as the Icy Bay IPA, giveaways and prizes.

3. Acclaimed singer Hilary Gardner grew up in Wasilla, Alaska infatuated with New York City. Her stunning recording debut, The Great City, is part love letter, part lament to New York and the big dreams it represents. In 2010, Hilary was chosen by the Frank Sinatra estate to appear as the live, onstage singer in Tony-award winner Twyla Tharp's "Come Fly Away." Impressed yet? Multi-platinum recording artist Moby featured Hilary prominently on his 2009 release, Wait For Me. Gotcha! Catch the acclaimed jazz singer from 7-9 p.m. in the Mary Baker Russell Amphitheatre as part of Pacific Lutheran University's Jazz Under the Stars series.

4. Arrows & Stones, Southtowne Lanes and Streetlight Fire play an all-ages show at 8 p.m. in Le Voyeur Café and Lounge in Olympia.

5. Readers voted the Kareem Kandi Band Best Jazz Band in our 2014 Best of Tacoma issue, which is on the street today. Catch this amazing jazz band for free at 8:30 p.m. in the Hotel Murano's lobby.

LINK: Thursday, July 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area