5 Things To Do Today: Ritzy Retro Night, Jamie Joseph Trunk, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Jessica Lynne ...

By Volcano Staff on September 26, 2014

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 2014 >>>

1. Who doesn't like a little pizzazz with their jazz? Short answer? No one. Jazzy tunes inherently beg to be paired with a little spice, like a beer and a plate of nachos (don't hold the jalapenos), like a fine wine and ... well, actually pairing wine and spicy food is kind of tricky. Jazzbones has noted this pairing potential and set out to create the perfect show - soulful tunes both local and from afar coupled with just the right amount of spice. Enter the tri-fold powerhouse that is Davina and The Vagabons, Chmpagne Sunday and Gritty City Sirens. Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on this ritzy retro night of serious girl power on our Walkie Talkie blog., then catch the show at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

2. Henry Louis Gates Jr., the renowned historian, author, and filmmaker, popularly known for his Public Broadcasting Service series Finding Your Roots, will speak at University of Puget Sound at 4 p.m. A theorist and cultural critic and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Gates will lecture on "Genealogy and Genetics" in the Memorial Fieldhouse. Admission is $20 for the general public and free for Puget Sound faculty and staff, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Attendees to the 2014 Race & Pedagogy National Conference enter free, after their purchase of one-day or three-day tickets to the conference.

3. Compass Rose Tacoma hosts a Jamie Joseph Trunk Party with sips and treats from 4-8 p.m. Working together in Seattle, Jamie and Jeremy Joseph convey their artistic vision by focusing on bringing light, shape, and an organic framework to some of the most beautiful stones in the world. Jamie has an artisan's aesthetic and her collections are renowned for meticulous craftsmanship, signature stone cutting techniques, and an abundance of color. A woodworker and craftsman in his own right, Jeremy Joseph is the head stone cutter. The Proctor District store will keep the jewelry on display throughout the weekend.

4. Tacoma Brewing Company celebrates the fist bottling of its Dr. Alexander's Hard Ginger Ale with a release party from 5-9 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Ginger and receive a buck off your first bottle. Expect ginger ale cocktails tonight, too.

5. The music typically coming out of Denmark leans toward art punk, power electronics and cold synth pop. Jessica Lynne, who grew up 60 km south of Copenhagen, sings country music. Country Music Television had an effect, as did rural life, with cows outside the church windows. Whatever, Lynne relocated to the Pacific Northwest to be with family, and has struck up a relationship with local label Maurice the Fish Records. We found her Spiritual Cowgirl release on Spotify to be lyrically rich and melodically pleasing. Catch her at 8 p.m.at The Hub in Gig Harbor.

LINK: Friday, Sept. 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area