THURSDAY, AUG. 21 2014 >>>

1. We love "Closer to Fine" as much as the next dirt-kicker, but only ridiculous amounts of cash would have persuaded us to label the Indigo Girls as hard rockers. Which is why Amy Ray's solo albums are such a mind-blower - they pit one half of the pleasant-harmony duo against her previous hold-hands template, opting for more aggressive guitars and cutthroat lyrics. Ray performs at the Capitol Theater at 8 p.m. Come get your folk punk on.

2. The Tacoma Post office Building ART WALK! unleashes marauding gangs of craftspeople, artisans and their multitudinous admirers on the genteel people of Tacoma and the surrounding city under one, very old but bitchin' roof. In June, 300 to 400 people walked through the halls, discussing art, sipping beer and wine and wiggling a little to DJ music. Expect the same vibe from 5-9 p.m., with DJ Schematik in the Office, artwork by Mod Curio, Just Two Guys Creative, Perry Porter, Kristin Giordano, Alex Schelhammer, Abby Kok and Katlyn Hubner, just to name a few. Isaac Olsen and Nick Bulter will screen their films. Willow Eskridge, Kate Monthy and Daniel Martin present the "Ballerina Project Tacoma." Run for your art!

3. The ParkWay Tavern hosts Get Rowdy For Rhinos fundraiser benefiting Drinking For Conservation and Point Defiance AAZK. All you have to do is show up between 6 and 10 p.m. and pour alcoholic beverages down your throat. Fifty cents from each drink will be donated to the cause. There'll also be a donation bucket available, and contributions can be made online.

4. Dustin Lynch grew up listening to neo-traditional country singers Alan Jackson and Clint Black. Although born in Nashville, Lynch was raised in the small town Tullahoma, 70 miles to the southeast. In 2003, he returned to the city of his birth to make it as a country singer. At 7 p.m. Lynch will perform songs off his new album, followed by a Q&A with the audience, at Steel Creek American Whiskey Company. The all-ages show is free.

5. The lo-fi indie rock of San Diego trio Buddy Banter is the kind of laidback pop that comes across as utterly effortless. Elastic guitars call to mind the slacker goof-off rock of Mac Demarco. Much like many other artists in this era of Nostalgia, Buddy Banter make music that could've easily dominated the college radio charts in the early '90s, even as songs like "Little Devil (Come Kick It)" and its bouncy guitars almost sound like the dusty rock of the '70s. What really makes Buddy Banter shine, though, is the purely sunny air that permeates their music. Catch the band with Hot Rush, Lures and Soccer Babes at 8 p.m. in Northern.

LINK: Thursday, Aug. 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

GRAB A COFFEE POT AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 8.22.14 >>>

After U.S. planes bombed its forces in Iraq, the jihadist juggernaut that calls itself the Islamic State threatened to attack Americans "in any place," adding for good measure: "We will drown all of you in blood."

The sophistication, wealth and military might of Islamic State militants represent a major threat to the United States that may surpass that once posed by al Qaeda, U.S. military leaders said.

Iraqi Shi'ite militiamen opened fire on minority Sunni Muslims in a mosque today, killing dozens just as Baghdad is trying to build a cross-community government to fight Sunni Islamists whose rise has alarmed Western powers.

Defense Secretary Hagel and Gen. Dempsey said that U.S. airstrikes against ISIL will be limited to Iraq for the time being.

The Islamic State has grown because it seemed unstoppable. Our air strikes have changed that.

For all its horror, the beheading of an American journalist in Syria appears unlikely to change lawmakers' minds about military intervention against Islamic State extremists. It's equally unclear whether the Obama administration will be asking them to back a new U.S. approach.

The Pentagon might have to retool its $555 billion 2015 budget proposal to account for the threats posed by and actions taken against the Islamic State.

A five-step plan to stop destroy the Islamic State.

Hamas-led gunmen in Gaza executed 18 Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel today, a day after Israeli forces killed three Hamas commanders, the highest-ranking militants to die in the six-week war.

Russia ordered aid trucks across the border into eastern Ukraine without Kiev's permission, raising the danger of direct confrontation.

The Defense Department broke the law when it transferred five Taliban detainees from the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Qatar in exchange for former prisoner of war Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the Government Accountability Office said.

The U.S. Air Force is officially looking into a replacement for the Russian-made RD-180 rocket engine.

The U.S. Navy's effort to develop and install a new shipboard tactical electronic network took a major leap forward with the selection of five commercial teams to fill the fleet's needs for the next eight years.

Tattooed soldiers seeking to trade in their sergeant's stripes for a lieutenant's bar may soon see some relief from one of the Army's most controversial regulations.

Mad genius Colin Furze is back again with a new invention. This time he built himself a steel safe suit with the sole purpose of standing inside a fireworks display and enjoy the views.

For those who ditched their click-and-clacking Newton's Cradle decades ago, this Solar Marble Machine just might be the modern ball-based meditation tool of your DIY dreams. What does it "do"? Not much! But that's precisely the point.

Cool history of evolution turns lifeforms into robots.

Mythbusters fans were surprised to learn that three cast members won't be returning.

Pitchfork names the 200 best songs of the decade so far.

The Hollywood Reporter gathered 24 well-known TV show creators for a big feature.

See the trailer for the Foo Fighters' new HBO show.

Someone has too much free time on their hands ...

LINK: Original photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 2014 >>>

1. Here's a novel idea: Put rags and ribbons on the floor at the Museum of Glass. After all, there is breakable glass everywhere. Check that. Rags & Ribbons is actually a melodic rock band from Portland, Oregon. The band rocks the anthems, driven by classically-inspired piano. Progressive and post-rock influences by way of Queen, Muse, Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros color their intricate pop songs, expressing desire, yearning, regret and joy like only a band driving through Portland's business district can. The band's debut album, The Glass Masses, features elaborately structured songs with rich harmonies and dramatic hooks. Ah, there's the reason to haul a band up from Oregon: Glass. Rags & Ribbons will perform in MOG's Hot Shop in a party atmosphere featuring live glassblowing, food, drinkies and glass from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

2. Over a dozen local organizations and community projects are banding together for "Reach Out at the Well," a street outreach and volunteer recruitment fair from noon to 2 p.m. the Artesian Commons Park in downtown Olympia. Participating organizations include Community Youth Services, POWER (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights), SideWalk, Thurston County Food Bank, Partners in Prevention Education, Stonewall Youth, the Olympia Free Clinic and others. The Olympia Downtown Ambassadors will also be present. The public can expect to find resources and volunteer opportunities for housing and shelter, youth services, back to school information, free food options, free health services, low-income pet care and more.

3. Kermet Apio is the kind of comic who doesn't feel the need to use graphic language and off-color jokes to get laughs. Apio's style, which blends observational comedy, sarcasm and satire, earned him the top spot at the Seattle International Comedy Festival as well as the Great American Comedy Festival based in Nebraska. He'll bring that crazy humor to Tacoma Comedy Club at 8 and 10:30 p.m.

4. Citing musical influences like Cream, Elvis Costello and Tom Petty, Daniel Kirkpatrick puts a premium on composing songs people can sing to. For him, melody is king. Kirkpatrick and his band, The Bayonets, join Kara Hesse and Whitney Monge for a night of meaningful music at Jazzbones, beginning at 8 p.m. This is the night you drink from the top shelf.

5. Theater Artists Olympia present An Improbable Peck of Plays 3D, a night of one-act plays featuring the directing prowess of Mark Alford, Pug Bujead, Christian Carvajal, Elizabeth Lord, Morgan Picton and Vanessa Postil combined with a stellar cast at 8 p.m. at The Midnight Sun Performance Space.

LINK: Friday, Aug. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

ADAM: Well, first, would you like to explain to the nice people why you were not able to come with me to see KRY, Nicky?

NICKY: You make it sound like I had a choice. Due to what I'm calling a "medicine mishap," I was unable to attend the fun. I lost my ID and hadn't slept in three days, so it was best to leave this week's adventure to Adam. But you didn't go into this alone. Who was your sidekick this week and how did the night begin?

ADAM: I guess those are valid excuses. On the hot tip of some random drunk dude, I decided that I needed to go to The Swiss when everyone's favorite bro-down cover band KRY was playing. I would've gone alone, if need be, but luckily our friend Charlotte the Magnificent came to the rescue. We pre-gamed at Puget Sound Pizza before heading over to The Swiss to get our KRY-faces on. The place was buzzing with activity, and KRY were in full effect. I had never seen them perform, before, so I didn't know what to expect. Certainly, I didn't see the drummer's plexiglass barrier coming - you know, like the kind Phil Collins would've used. As their rendition of Eve 6's "Inside Out" played in the background, Charlotte and I immediately noticed the bachelorette party situated at the table just inside the door.

NICKY: Obviously, the random drunk stranger was on to something. Did you make it to the bar before swooping in on the nice group of ladies by the door or did you take a stroll around the bar a bit? I guess what I'm asking, Adam, is did you let any ladies twerk on you while KRY played?

ADAM: Don't get me wrong: there was twerking happening, albeit from a safe distance away from me. Charlotte and I swooped by the bachelorette party, asked what they wanted and brought them some Washington Apple shots. They were playing the classic college drinking game King's Cup, which I have never seen done in a public place. I should also mention that Charlotte had decided to adopt a Southern accent and pretend that she had just moved here from Virginia. She's way better at this than I am. After nabbing a picture with the bride-to-be, we decided that a change of venue was needed. We headed down to the bar at the Hotel Murano, where we ran into yet another bachelorette party. They're everywhere!

NICKY: 'Tis the season to put it on lock down, I suppose. So you went from a crowded, three room club where a band from the '80s played hits from the late '90s to early 2000s to a much smaller and I'm sure much more quiet hotel bar. How was that? Did you come up with a backstory about being in town for just one night on business? I feel like you should have a backstory if you drink at a hotel bar in the town you live in. It's just kind of weird.

ADAM: WHY DIDN'T I SAY I WAS A BUSINESSMAN? Oh well. We thought we were nailing it: drinking in a place where out-of-town people are staying just steps away? Perfect. Well, the place was pretty dead, save for a cluster of coupled-up 50-year-olds. I told them I was a writer and asked them how they go about picking up people at bars, and the men were sheepish at first. There were several answers that were along the lines of "ask them what their sign is," but nothing I could use. One woman was adamant about how stupid she thought this column was. She said that I should try approaching women at the grocery store, which I can't imagine doing outside of a fugue state. To complicate matters, a man at the bar said that the best way is to go to a million bars and hit on as many people as possible. Why can't this be more straightforward?

NICKY: I don't know, picking up chicks at the grocery store doesn't sound half bad, depending on what aisle they're in. I could see how hitting on as many people as possible could work, or every rejection could just kill us a little each time.

ADAM: Isn't that what's already happening?

The 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment cased it colors this mornings in a well done ceremony as it prepares for a nine month deployment to the Middle East.

The unit is part of the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, which is commanded by Col. Tim Kehoe.

The battalion is no stranger to deployments. 

Over the past seven years, the unit has served multiple tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

"This day has been a long time in coming," said Lt. Col. Ian Bennett, the battalion's commander to approximately 300 soldiers assembled in front of him.

"It is time, and we will add another chapter to ‘First Round's' history."

The 5-3 is steeped in tradition and history.

The origin can be traced back to the late 1700s when it was part of the 2nd Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers.  As to its unique motto of "First Round," that was earned at the start of the Civil War when Battery D - the forerunner of the battalion - fired the first shot at the Battle of Bull Run.

The battalion is also credited with beginning the tradition of playing Taps over the grave of a fallen comrade.

"You are well prepared for what lies ahead," commented Brig. Gen. Paul Bontrager, deputy commander, 7th Infantry Division.

"You will do the hard work of our nation, and your efforts do make a difference."

GRAB A CUP AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 8.23.14 >>>

Two suicide bombers in Iraq killed at least 17 people in apparent revenge attacks after a major assault on a Sunni mosque heightened sectarian tensions.

Unidentified war planes attacked positions of an armed faction in the Libyan capital Tripoli today.

An armed Chinese fighter jet aggressively confronted a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft earlier this week over international waters in the South China Sea.

America, Take Note: China's five military game-changers.

In Case It Wasn't Clear: U.S. considers ISIS's murder of James Foley a terrorist attack.

U.S. Central Command released two new videos Friday on its YouTube page of military Aug. 18 airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an urgent resumption of peace talks as violence continued unabated in the Gaza Strip.

According to NATO, the Russian military moved artillery units with Russian military personnel into Ukraine over the past few days and is firing on Ukrainian forces.

Trucks from a bitterly disputed Russian aid convoy to rebel-held eastern Ukraine rolled back across the border into Russia.

An American veteran has been killed in Ukraine while helping in the fight against Russian-backed separatists near the border.

The government's release of records relating to the downing of a Chinook helicopter in 2011 that killed 30 U.S. troops has been unsatisfactory, according to a complaint filed by conservative group Freedom Watch.

Less armor, but more protection?: The new, high-tech push to improve military vehicles.

Talks to reboot the military-themed comedy Enlisted via Yahoo's emerging video service ended without a deal.

John Oliver's Ferguson piece: It's worth watching Oliver's commentary on the shocking events that have taken place in Ferguson, Mo.

A teaser for the new Tarantino film has leaked.

This video of the evolution of Nike shoes since 1971 is pretty cool.

Overly attached ice bucket challenge ...

LINK: Original photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

SATURDAY, AUG. 23 2014 >>>

1. Soak up the rays, suds and music at the Tacoma's Hilltop Street Fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. At the intersection of South 11th Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way, fairgoers will choose between puppets and improv comedy, American pop band The Tenants and metal band Deathbed Confessions, the beer garden next to the BMX bike tricks demonstration team and the dunk tank, Dockyard Derby Dames demonstration and participatory drum circle, Peace Lutheran Choir and rockers The Fucking Eagles. Radio Disney, health screenings, Hilltop Heroes Awards (2 p.m.), Kids Area in People's Park with the castle of imagination, Buffalo Soldiers, booths up and down, and so much more. Sponsors include 1022 South J Cocktail Lounge, Eleven Eleven bar and Broken Spoke canned beer tavern, so that doesn't suck.

2. If little red Porsches are for emasculated middle-aged men and monster trucks are for tattooed mullet-heads in muscle shirts, what rides do cool guys roll in? The answer idles among the motorcycles in the third annual Vintage Motorcycles Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the LeMay Car Museum. That's right, see how they made them when they used to make them like they don't make them anymore - pre-1981 motorcycles, including BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Lambretta, Moto Guzzi, Norton, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Vespa and Vincent. In addition to the 450 vintage motorcycles and scooters from across the nation, LeMay will host judged classes with an awards ceremony; used bike corral and swap meet; vendors offering apparel, bike accessories and restoration services; motorcycle brands offering new motorcycles for test rides; observed Trials demonstration (motorcycle balance and control through varied terrain) by the Puget Sound Trailers Club and precision group formation demonstrations by the Tenino Motorcycle Drill Team.

3. The city of Tumwater has had a long history associated with brewing beer. To celebrate and preserve the history, the Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau and the city of Tumwater have joined together to create the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest, a day of Northwest breweries and 10,000 games from 1-8 p.m. at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Read Pappi Swarner's New Beer Column for the full scoop.

4. For a band that was essentially formed on the whim of two people talking in a bar, with one of them not really knowing how to play an instrument, Killer Ghost is as tight of a band as is going on in the psych rock world. Their recent EP, Sad Boys Magic Club, is full of bright melodies and evocative vibes. All of the calling cards of today's psychedelia remain, but what matters is the amount of character the band can bring to the table, which is made in spades with Killer Ghost. Their touring partners, Gang Cult, take a different tact. As a pairing, they are somewhat reminiscent of The Odd Couple - two sides of the same depressive coin. Whereas Killer Ghost filter their anxieties through catchy rhythms and bouncy psych rock, Gang Cult confront their issues head-on and abundantly. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full story on Killer Ghost and Gang Cult in the Music and Culture section., then catch the bands at 8 p.m. in Bob's Java Jive.

5. Neutral Boy has been on the scene for years, punk rock staples. If you opened a fridge labeled Northwest Punk, Neutral Boy would be in the crisper, right next to the tall boys. Neutral Boy's catch phrase is "Ruining Lives Since 1992". That's how much these guys love living their shit-hole dream. South Sound punk rockers are peeing their dirty black skinny jeans, because the Olympia Track House, despite rumors, is still having shows, and Neural Boy is going to fill their filthy earholes with tight fast licks and raunchy lyrics at 10 p.m.

LINK: Saturday, Aug. 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, AUG. 24 2014 >>>

1. During the Napoleonic war in 1814, Denmark lost control over Norway, a territory it had held for more than 300 years. Unable to cope, Danes hit the Copenhagen bars, a force that still has a hold on them, often times until 5 a.m. Sunday morning. Norwegian leaders quickly came together to craft a constitution that would establish their land as an independent country. Inspired by the still-relatively new Constitution of the United States (and by older French philosophy), Norway's constitution, signed in the mountain retreat of Eidsvoll May 17, 1814, created a democratic government with a balanced federal authority. With only a few amendments, it has been in continuous force ever since, making it the oldest such constitution in Europe. An exhibition celebrating this remarkable document opened on May 17, 2014 (the constitution's 200th anniversary), at the Eidsvoll Center in Norway - and now that same exhibition opens at 1 p.m. today in the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University Aug. 24. The exhibition, "1814-2014: Red White and Blue-Norwegian Constitution, American Inspiration," is made up of works by 10 renowned Norwegian modern artists - together it's a visual exploration of themes ranging from freedom and stability to the struggles facing democracy and globalization. Each of the 10 chosen artists submitted several works: bold, colorful graphics; subtle ink drawings and photographs; and oil paintings, sculptures and mixed media.

2. Love Our Local Fest, in its fourth year, takes place from 1-9 p.m. at the corner of San Francisco Avenue and Bethel Street in Olympia. The eight-hour festival, which is free to the public, will include a couple new highlights this year. "Synergy Space," hosted by Imaginal Arts, is a 30-foot geodesic dome that will house workshops, community conversations and some musical experiences. There will be Evolutionary Astrology with Ari Moshe Wolf. The festival will include a talk given by West Central Park folks. Founder of Imaginal Arts Leon Janssen will host an "Imaginal Salon." A yoga class accompanied by the Bhava Tree Band is also new. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on Love Our Local Fest.

3. The Social Bar and Grill's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping cocktails and old world red wine and watching condo residents walk their dogs. Come Sunday afternoon, resident DJ Mr. Melanin and guest DJs J-Justice, Futurewife, Radius (Chi) and TopSpin spin an eclectic and extremely tasteful selection of lounge, bossa nova and electro soul music 2-6 p.m. This triple threat of delicious happy hour specials, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Dayclub."

4. 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 no cover at 6:30 p.m. in the Cliff House.

5. Ballet Northwest's Young Choreographers Showcase, now in its 3rd year, features 10 world premiere dances created by aspiring young choreographers at 7 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center. The dances range from ballet to modern to jazz and feature a wide array of music styles.

LINK: Sunday, Aug. 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

GRAB A COFFEE POT AND READ THE MORNING REPORT FOR 8.25.14 >>>

American Peter Theo Curtis held captive for two years by an al-Qaida-linked group in Syria was released Sunday.

Islamic State fighters captured a major military air base in northeastern Syria, eliminating the last government-held outpost in a province dominated by the extremist group, activists and state.

The nine biggest myths about ISIS.

The Ukrainian military said today a group of Russian forces, in the guise of separatist rebels, had crossed into south-east Ukraine with 10 tanks and two armored infantry vehicles, aiming to open a new front in the separatist war.

While the rest of the country took to the streets to celebrate Kiev's 23 years of independence from Moscow, rebels in the east dragged out prisoners of war for a "parade of shame."

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard said it has brought down an Israeli stealth drone above the Natanz uranium enrichment site in the center of the country.

As the United States military's intervention in Iraq intensifies, so does the debate between legislative and executive branch officials about President Barack Obama's muscular use of war powers.

As the Obama administration weighs further action against the Islamic State, one of the top defense voices on the Hill is sending clear signals he expects action soon. "To the terrorists organizations who wish us harm, we're about to come after you again, all over, and we're gonna beat you, yet again," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey said if Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants pose a direct threat to the United States, he would recommend that the U.S. military act against the group in Syria.

Iran unveiled a new generation of short-range marine missiles and aerial drones, as President Hassan Rouhani said its military doctrine was based on deterring and countering threats from unnamed foreign powers.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh: Expect further integration of active, guard and reserve components

American and Chinese companies are getting caught in the crossfire of a brewing cyber war.

The Pentagon will conduct a crucial flight test of a new ultra-high speed missile this week that is a key part of the strategic weapons program of preparing arms that can attack any point on earth in 30 minutes.

U.S. submarine fleet set to shrink by 25 percent.

Osprey crew members recognized for actions during ambush.

Unexpected Pressure: Research raises concerns for new Army helmet design.

How one female officer won over her skeptical combat-arms Marines.

California's drought is so bad its mountain rose a half inch.

Maybe you don't want to commit to a playground friend for life. Maybe you just wanna meet new people, just have a casual game of hopscotch. Thankfully, there's a new app that's disrupting online playdating.

Little girl's reaction to rocket launch is awesome.

Mark David Chapman, now 59, has been denied parole for the eighth time. Chapman shot and killed John Lennon in 1980.

Richard Attenborough has died. He was 90.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For didn't do well at the box office.

Finally: A Twinx = a Twinkie stuffed with a Twix bar, wrapped in bacon, fried and doused in chocolate-caramel sauce.

John Daker!

LINK: Original photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane

MONDAY, AUG. 25 2014 >>>

1. As a band, Emby Alexander resemble Parenthetical Girls, who also dabble in experimental album structures and concepts. Combining chamber pop with modern affectations and unbridled energy is the calling card of Emby Alexander. The variety and depth of the bands to whom they're compared should say it all-among them being the Beach Boys, Van Dyke Parks, the Smiths and David Bowie - but the aggressive beauty denotes a restless worker behind all of these frantic sounds. While they don't quite possess the assertive experimentation of the Dirty Projectors, Emby Alexander don't lean on the inherent prettiness of their classical experimentation. Including looped samples and virulent percussion, Emby Alexander come prepared to attack. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Emby Alexander in the Music and Culture section, then catch the band with Middlewave, The Straws and Crowd the Sky at 8 p.m. in Northern.

2. Weekly Volcano scribe Jackie Fender has created Creative Colloquy aiming to share Tacoma's rich literary talents and foster relationships built upon mutual admiration of the written word. Held at 7 p.m. on the last Monday in B Sharp Coffee House, the spoken word night has been so successful a print publication is in the works with a driving Indiegogo campaign. CC heads back to the B this week with Pierce County Prosecutor and author Mark Lindquist in the house as the emcee, keeping Joshua Swainston, Alec Clayton (performed by actor Steve Tarry), Aaron Flett and Dawn Ellis between the lines, reading from selected pieces of work and immediately followed by an open mic. Come imbibe in libations or sip on roasted bean concoctions and watch storytellers do the thing they do best - narrate their tales.

3. A fitting fanfare to the end of August, eight piece ensemble Trumpets Five are reuniting with standard jazz tunes, modern jazz classics, and a few original tunes all expertly arranged for five voices. Seattle jazz icons Jay Thomas and Thomas Marriott are joined by Jim Sisko and Olympia trumpeters Syd Potter and Andy Omdahl for an evening of excitement and lush, harmonious blends at 8 p.m. in Rhythm & Rye.

4. The Crazy Texas Gypsies will play The Swiss' Blues Monday series at 8 p.m. Founded in 1999 by vocalist and guitarist Kenny Williams and bass player and vocalist Kevin Fraser, this rockin' blues band has opened for ZZ TOP, Ted Nugent, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, The Ford Brothers and many others. With the addition of drummer Billy Barner and keyboardist Doug Skoog in 2012, the band is crazy good.

5. Full Moon Radio, Broken Water, Kt Spit and Underpass perform at 8 p.m. at Dumpster Values clothing store in downtown Olympia.

LINK: Monday, Aug. 25 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area