SATURDAY, SEPT. 24, 2011 >>>

1. Of all the big-name acts on this year's Puyallup Fair Concert Series itinerary, none seems more at home in a cut-off sleeve flannel and trucker hat than comedian and redneck icon Larry the Cable Guy (sorry Adam Duritz of Counting Crows). And this bodes well for Larry, seeing as he'll be in Puyallup tonight, and P-Town feels pretty at home in a cut-off sleeve flannel and trucker hat itself. It's the perfect pairing; Larry the Cable Guy and Puyallup - like peas in a pod. Git-r-done, yo.

2. The Broadway Center invites you to, "Grab a group of girlfriends, make it a mother daughter outing, or send your wife and friends to take the champagne stocked party busses from Grassi's on Pacific Ave for a Tacoma day trip and shopping spree." What's that about a day of shopping and champagne, you ask? It's an event known as "Retail Therapy," and although it may seem a bit indulgent (and stereotypically advertised) it's all for an amazingly worthy cause - the Broadway Center's arts educations programs. Did we mention the included continental breakfast and lunch buffet? More info can be found at broadwaycenter.org.

3. Tonight, Campfire OK will be performing at The Space, a gorgeous venue in Opera Alley. Behind the performers will be a floor-to-ceiling window facing out over Industrial Tacoma, glowing as it does with alien orange, as steam rises slowly from buildings. There are few other venues and few other performers that are capable of creating the kind of magic that Campfire OK and The Space will generate right before your eyes. To read Rev. Adam McKinney's story on Campfire OK, click here.

4. Ready for gruff and grizzled? Merle Haggard plays with Kris Kristofferson tonight at Little Creek Casino.

5. The 5th Annual Mt. Rainier Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Mineral Lake Event Center goes down today, featuring more quality blues in one spot than you're likely to find anywhere, any time. Catch Nick Vigarino's Back Porch Stomp, Little Bill and the Bluenotes, Deb Rhymer, the Randy Oxford Band, Maia Santel and Her All Star Blend, the Rafael Tranqulino Band and plenty of other worthy acts.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2011 >>>

1. This evening, the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom presents the newest installment of the monthly Tripod Slide Shows series, welcoming local photographers Kevin Frietas (yes, he of feedtacoma.com), Sharon Styer and chip Van Gilder's presentation of Tacoma, a digital slideshow featuring works that capture Grit City. Now in its seventh month, the Tripod series at Madera is structured to let three photographers show 15 minutes of slides under one unifying theme. This one-time event should be awesome. It runs from 7 - 8:30 p.m., and there's a $5 donation requested at the door.

2. Today kicks off the What You Got Fest in Olympia. Find our feature story on the two-day event here. And find more details on the What You Got Fest by visiting the website.

3. Bloomington, Indiana's Murder By Death will take the Jazzbones stage tonight, dispensing multi-faceted indie rock to the masses and paying homage to the 1976 Robert Moore film in name. Led by guitarist Adam Turla, over the course of a 10-plus year career (the band originally went by the name Little Joe Gould) Murder By Death has made a career on brainy, well-written alt-country tinged tunes that rely on storytelling and keen musicianship, not to mention the electric cello styling of founding member Sarah Balliet.

4. "Bible stories, witches and whiskey." Admit it. You're a bit curious now. Well that's just a sampling of the influences of Witchburn. Some might attend this show for the eye-candy of the women on the stage, some might prefer the heavy Southern guitar riffs, and some might just like a heavier brand of rock. One thing is for sure: the music of Witchburn is an enchanting combination of all three. Just in case the audience isn't convinced of the unconventional nature of this rock and roll brigade, an electric violin is thrown in for legitimate artistic measure. Be prepared for passionate metal delivered with gritty energy and confident musical ability when Witchburn sets Hell's Kitchen aflame.

5. Drop in on the 26^th episode of Season Four of the Frost Park Chalk-Off. It's sure to be spellbinding. While you're there, ask local artist and rabble-rouser RR Anderson about this awesome new (tiny) Eric Anderson Memorial Parking Lot sign.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly sunny, hi 79, lo 58

Saturday: Partly sunny, hi 78, lo 57

Sunday: Showers possible, hi 63, lo 54

>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 23: TRIPOD FOCUS ON TACOMA

Friday, the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom presents the newest installment of the monthly Tripod Slide Shows series, welcoming local photographers Kevin Frietas (yes, he of feedtacoma.com), Sharon Styer and chip Van Gilder's presentation of Tacoma, a digital slideshow featuring works that capture Grit City. Now in its seventh month, the Tripod series at Madera is structured to let three photographers show 15 minutes of slides under one unifying theme. This one-time event should be awesome.

• Madera Architectural Elements Showroom, 7 - 8:30 p.m., $5 donation at the door, 2210 Court A, Tacoma

>>> SEPT. 23-24: WHAT YOU GOT FEST

The What You Got Fest offers films, bands, skateboard ramps, free workshops, a chance to watch a mural being painted outside the Capitol Theater - and zombies. The ghoulish creatures are a pop-culture trend with staying power, and they'll be modeling in the Olympia youth art festival's trash fashion show. "In the trash world, zombies represent stuff that doesn't really go away," said Ruby Re-Usable, who helped youth organizers with a workshop on and materials for creating trash fashion. "Plastic bags get ratty, and they might break up into little pieces, but regular plastic bags do not decompose. They're like the undead." With music by DJ Selector Dub Narcotic (aka Calvin Johnson), the fashion show (6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24) looks like a highlight of this year's festival. To read Molly Gilmore's full feature on this weekend's What You Got Festival in Olympia, click here.

• Capitol Theater, $5 per day, $8 for both, free for workshops and outdoor activities, 206 Fifth Ave. S.E., Olympia, 360.754.6670, olympiafilmsociety.org

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 24: K-Pop Contest for Non-Koreans

Love Korean pop music? Not Korean? Well then, you may already know about Saturday's second annual "K-Pop Contest for Non-Koreans." We felt the need to put that in quotations just so you know it's the actual name, not just a somewhat questionable (yet wholly accurate) description that we came up with. Produced by Radio Hankook, the contest is open to all Non-Korean U.S. residents, age 12 years and older, and is patterned after an event originally held last year at the Knutzen Family Theatre in Federal Way. Basically, non-Koreans take the stage and bust out Korean pop songs, in competition, for the delight of all in attendance. According to hype the contest was "originally created to bring together the many different ethnic communities of Puget Sound," becoming, "a meeting place for people who share one common interest; their love for Korean Pop Music and the Korean culture."

• Pantages Theater, 6 p.m., $10-$20, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894 

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 25: JAZZ JAM SESSION

The thing about Tacoma's Jazzbones is it rarely hosts jazz. You'd assume by the club's name that it was all jazz, all the time; but in truth history has seen more DJ nights, KRY shows, foam partiers and co-ed Jager-bomb orgies than nights of actual jazz. The good news is, at least for jazz aficionados, Sundays at Jazzbones have now been claimed by the genre that loaned the club its name, because Kareem Kandi is now hosting a weekly jazz jam session sure to cap the week of in style. The jazz jam is all ages and has no cover, so bring the kids out with you.

• Jazzbones, 7:30 p.m., all ages, NC, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 25: NEVER SHOUT NEVER

Look, we're old and jaded here at the Volcano. When we hear a band like Never Shout Never we can't help but scoff, squirm, and throw up a little in our mouths. We're assholes like that ... old and jaded, like we mentioned. We're, basically, the exact opposite of a youthful, hopeful, innocent, teenage girl - the kind of demographic we assume makes up the bulk of Never Shout Never's fanbase. The kind of person who doesn't look at contemporary mainstream pop music (and, to be honest, contemporary American culture as a whole) as instantly start groveling about how we're all headed to hell in a hand basket. If this sounds like you, check out Never Shout Never, The Maine, A Rocket to the Moon and The Downtown Fiction Sunday at the Puyallup Fair, closing down this year's Fair Concert Series.

• Puyallup Fair, 4 p.m., $30, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup  

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music/Film Critic
Saturday, I'm going to try and hit up both the Campfire OK show at The Space, and the Night Beats at the New Frontier. Monday night at Magoo's, I'll be doing a guest DJ set with DJ Melodica for Micro Mondays.

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
I'll be seeing Lord Franzannian's Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudeville Show Friday night at the Midnight Sun in Oly and Something Wicked This Way Comes at Lakewood Playhouse Saturday night. Sunday I plan to zone out on the couch in front of the TV if I'm awake at all.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Hitting the town in Olympia Friday night, volunteer work Saturday morning, church dinner followed by Marguerite's b-day at the Mix. Church and rest on Sunday.

BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
Is this the last weekend of summer? Is that an official thing? If this is the last weekend of the summer, than I'll be dancing in the sun. If it's already technically fall, I plan to spend the weekend dwelling. I ain't ready for winter yet. 

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
Aah, the weekend ... Thursday I'm going to Blue Scholars, baby. Friday is Lord Franzannian's Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudeville Show, and Saturday is girl's night out! Sunday is reserved for recovering from aforementioned activities.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
I have a dinner engagement on Friday and a play reading on Saturday. That's it, really. Wow. It's thrilling how boring I am at the moment.

JOE IZENMAN: Theater/Music Critic
Saturday Deborah Page is packing up and trucking down to Rainier, Wash. for the End of Summer MS Benefit at the Hidden River Music Society. And the fruits of Sunday you will no doubt read next Thursday, as I view and review Something Wicked This Way Comes at Lakewood Playhouse.

JOANN VARNELL: Theater Critic
This weekend I will be home with the little son while my better half gets to play recording engineer, attend a swanky fundraiser and go to a Master's class. I clearly have the better deal.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
The boy child turns five .... Shhhhh he is getting a bike.

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LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22, 2011 >>>

1. Celebrate the completion of the the traditional Ting, or Chinese pavilion, in Chinese Reconciliation Park today at 2 p.m. with Tacoma mayor Marilyn Strickland and vice mayor Chen Qi and a delegation from Fuzhou, China. It's been in the works for a year. Find more info here.

2. Gina Belliveau will perform  this evening at The Mandolin Cafe. The singer-songwriter action starts at 6 p.m., with no cover.

3. The day is finally here! Blue Scholars will lay it down tonight at the Royal Lounge in Olympia, part of a massive national tour for the group's recent Cinémetropolis record.

4. Drop in on the "Come Out and Play" open mic tonight at the Tempest Lounge, hosted by the venerable Kim Archer and Nick Sandy. It's all-ages and runs from 7 - 10 p.m.

5. Comedian Collin Moulton will stop by the Tacoma Comedy Club this weekend, starting tonight. Laughs seems sure to follow.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, 2011 >>>

1. Have you dropped in on this year's Puyallup Fair yet? You've only got one weekend left. But, better yet, try visiting the Fair on a weekday - like today. The crowds will be smaller but the fun will be the same. At the Fair stop by Jooley's "Super Awesome Sideshow" by the Red Gate, a Fair-style take on Jooley Heaps' Box Top Vintage. Also, Flaming Lips play the Puyallup Fair Concert Series tonight.

2. Itching for a topnotch Rage Against the Machine cover band? Who's not? Luckily, tonight at Jazzbones catch Bullet In Your Head, which fits the aforementioned bill. According to the hype, the show is a benefit "in the memory of Renae Hardin for John and Jackson Hardin."

3. Have you stopped by the new Tacoma City Grocer downtown? How about the new Tacoma Food Co-op? On a relatively slow Hump Day, both ventures would be well worth your time.

4. It's open mic night at the Northern Pacific Coffee Co. on Garfield street in Parkland, down the road from PLU.

5. In Olympia, check out the blues jam with band Blues Attitude tonight at Charlie's Sports Bar and Grill. It kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

MONDAY, SEPT. 19, 2011 >>>

1. Legal scholar Kenji Yoshino will be at the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus tonight discussing "Shakespearean drama and the role it plays in critical crises in contemporary life, law and current affairs," according to hype. Yoshino will draw from his new book A Thousand Times More Fair.

2. The Old Family Circus's national tour will hit the Mandolin Café tonight at 6 p.m. The action is all ages.

3. You haven't lived until you've experienced a "Uke-A-Thon." Trust us. Luckily, tonight at Traditions Café in Olympia there will be just that - a Uke-A-Thon featuring Ukalaliens, Kate Power, Steve Einhorn and the Quiet American.

4. Drop in on Meditation Monday at the Lakewood Progressive Spiritual Center, or "The Center," to those in the know. The relaxation runs from 6 - 8 p.m. and will cost you $10. There is a punch card option.

5. Are you ready for Toxic Karaoke? Not even sure what Toxic Karaoke is? Find out tonight at Lady Luck Cowgirl Up Steakhouse and Saloon.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 84, lo 56

Saturday: Sunny, hi 85, lo 56

Sunday: Iphone says still sunny, hi 89, lo 56

>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: WE ARE ONE AT THE FALLING OF THE SUN

Celebrate the release of We Are One at the Falling of the Sun, a new children's book by local author and illustrator Tasha Ina Church, Friday at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Promotional info for the event bills the new book as, "A children's book with great social and cultural implications," and says Church, "grew up in a multicultural home and loved to read. She wanted to create a book like We Are One to help fill the void in relevant storytelling for those who grew up in a multi-ethnic household." It seems she's done just that. As a bonus for attending, expect free admission to the museum, "friendly dialogue," not to mention appetizers and refreshments.

• Washington State History Museum, 5 - 8 p.m., free, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma

>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: STRUT FOR A MUTT

People can be miserable. Dogs, on the other hand, are always pretty awesome. There's just something about unconditional love and the ability to chase a tennis ball for hours on end that always wins us over. Friday, Tacoma's London Couture independent clothing store presents the second annual "Strut for a Mutt" fashion show, scheduled to go down in Opera Alley and featuring catering by AmeRAWcan Bistro, entertainment by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma and Shannel (of RuPaul's Drag Race TV show), and treats throughout from the Mix (read: wine and munchies). All proceeds of the Strut for a Mutt event go to Puyallup's Metro Animal Shelter.

• Opera Alley - Downtown Tacoma, 7 p.m. cocktail hour, 8 p.m. show, $20 in advance, $30 door, 746 Broadway, Tacoma

>>> SEPT. 9 - 25: THE PUYALLUP FAIR

As massive as the Puyallup Fair has become, P-Town's long-forgotten small-town identity still runs through it, part of the undeniable charm of the whole thing. But these days, part of the appeal of the Fair also lies in the modern-day, big-time entertainment options it provides. Over the course of its 17 days the Fair will welcome as part of its Concert Series acts like Larry the Cable Guy, the Flaming Lips, Chicago, Counting Crows, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Sammy Hagar and Trace Adkins. Grab a Krusty Pup and get down.

• The Puyallup Fair, Sept. 9-25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, $11 adults, $9 student and seniors, children younger than 5 are free, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup, thefair.com

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: MATTER TURNS TWO

Matter art gallery in Olympia is an area favorite - both to artists immersed in the arts scene and to the casual artistic appreciator. Saturday, Matter celebrates two years of success with a birthday party from 4 - 7 p.m. The good times will feature artist discussions, live music and "festive" refreshments, according to hype. Musically, Vince Brown and violinist Michael Gray of Pearl Django will be doling out the tunes.

• Matter, 4-7 p.m., free, 113 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia  

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: BIG WHISKY PARKING LOT PARTY

Country music, mechanical bull, and a hope for clear skies will provide the backdrop for dance fanatics Saturday in the parking lot behind Big Whisky Saloon. By our count this is the fourth time the downtown Tacoma country-western themed club has hosted a massive party in its parking lot - although it has removed "Redneck" from the title. Did rednecks complain? Anyway, the 100.7 FM The Wolf-sponsored meat market will feature live music from Jonathan Harris and Robbie Walden & The Gunslingers, and outdoor dance floor, drinks, horseshoe pits, barbecue and the said "Bubba the Mechanical Bull."

• Big Whisky Saloon, Saturday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., free cove rbefore 6 p.m., 100 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.272.0777 

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: TACOMA FOOD CO-OP GRAND OPENING PARTY

Have we adequately expressed yet how excited we are to have the Tacoma Food Co-op officially open? If you answered no, you may not be paying attention ... because we've been drooling and blabbering about the awesomeness of the Tacoma Food Co-op for months now (actually, years). In late August, after plenty of grueling legwork, the Tacoma Food Co-op officially opened. Saturday, it officially celebrates this opening with a day-long grand opening party, including samples from the co-op's many vendors and lots of smiles and high fives. Come see what all the fuss is about.

• Tacoma Food Co-op, 2 p.m., 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3344

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: POISON

No, not the band. Sunday at King's Books in Tacoma, author Karla Stover and teacher Frances Snyder will delve into the ins and outs of poison, from ancient Greece to Agatha Christie. According to hype, " Discover the unexpected as this presentation explores nature's most poisonous plants and compounds, and how they have been used for thousands of years, both in fact and fiction."

• King's Books, 2 p.m., free, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

Alzheimer's disease has the capability to ravage individuals and families. It's a truly nasty affliction, impacting both the people who get it and those who have to care for them. According to the Alzheimer's Association's own numbers, there are over five million Americans living with Alzheimer's, and 11 million more serving as caregivers. Sunday at Annie Wright School, the Alzheimer's Association offers the Walk to End Alzheimer's as an opportunity for you to pitch in and help the situation. The idea is to raise money and awareness, and maybe have a good time in the process. Those interested in participating can call or email Stephanie Watson at 206.529.3874 or stephanie.watson@alzwa.org.

• Annie Wright School, 10 a.m., 827 North Tacoma Ave., Tacoma

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

ALEC CLAYTON Volcano Visual Arts Critic
Saturday I'll hit Matter's second anniversary party in the afternoon then rush home for dinner and off to Capital Playhouse for Brighton Beach Memoirs.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Volunteer work Saturday AM, birthday party that afternoon, Flight of Phanuel at Louie G's in Fife that night. Church on Sunday. Generally taking it easy after long Labor Day weekend and my own birthday last week. Sheesh, having a lot of fun is hard.

BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
After a holiday weekend bust, I will be headed back to Surreal Ultra Lounge to diligently evaluate the Meat Market scene.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Hitting the Puyallup Fair on Friday and the Junk in the Trunk city yard sale in Lakewood on Saturday. I'll also be restringing one of my ukuleles after I managed to snap yet another string while rocking out to AC/DC for the ukulele song book.... Don't ask. Daddy likes to rock from time to time. The dog is not pleased when I do.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We're seeing Capital Playhouse's first-ever non-musical production, Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. Then on Sunday, we're bidding a fond farewell to our pal Amy Shephard, who's Exeter-bound.

MATT DRISCOLL: Editor
If all goes according to plan I'll be joining the Pierce County Council's Tim Farrell on a doorbelling excursion Saturday north of Orting. Farrell is ramping up his campaign for Assesor Treasurer. Sunday is all about football. And I'm on vacation all next week, so sayonara, beotches!

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

AN ALL-AGES PROJECT >>>

A month ago the prominent Olympia all-ages venue and gallery space Northern was forced to vacate its home in the Cunningham building due to its landlord's new vision. The Weekly Volcano wrote a piece on the displacement here.

Still homeless, Northern set up a Kickstarter campaign 30 days ago to raise funds for a new space. (If you're not famil­iar, fig­ure Kick­starter is on tar­get to be the new norm in financ­ing inde­pen­dent projects and, likely, beyond.) The campaign has less than 30 days remaining.

If you would like to donate to Northern's cause, click here for its Kickstarter page.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 4, 2011 >>>

1. When it comes to finding live blues in Tacoma, there's rarely a better bet than Sunday night at the Spar in Old Town. This week, the Spar welcomes national touring blues act the Avey Brothers, best known near the Illinois-Iowa border but becoming a well known name in blues thanks to tireless touring and strong performances at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Doling out classics and originals, the Avey Brothers remind is the blues is anything but dead.

2. Josiah & Sam Bogle drop some music on today's South Tacoma Farmers Market, which kicks off at 11 a,m. and runs to 3 p.m. in the Heritage Bank parking lot at S. 56^th and Washington Street.

3. Jazzbones is all about the ‘90s. Earlier this week the club welcomed Marcy Playground. Tonight, check out the "Foam Fest II" featuring DJ J-Fresh.

4. Make today the day you check out the Woven Stories: Native American Basketry of the Pacific Northwestexhibit at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor.

5. Drop in on the weekly all-ages community drum circle at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma today, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Those interested can bring their own drum or borrow one at the event.

LINK: Arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

MASSIVE MUSIC FEST KICKS OFF IN SEATTLE >>>

The usual disclaimer: I go to Bumbershoot for the bands I don't know, not the ones I do. So my daily previews are always a little thin on knowledge. But regardless, here are a few places where your trusty Weekly Volcano representative will be on day one of the fest:

12:00 PM - Campfire Ok (Fountain Lawn)
Me and banjo have really been getting along well lately. The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Son, Kimo Muraki. So starting off with a band promising "brass, piano, banjo and acoustic guitar" seemed like the way to go. Especially one coming to Tacoma for a Warehouse house show not long after their Bumbershoot appearance.

1:30 PM - Craft Spells (Fountain Lawn)
The number of acts this year that promise heavy use of a loop pedal is a little overwhelming, so we'll start with Craft Spells and see if we've had enough. If not convinced, we may move on to Brite Futures in the Key, or Kris Orlowski at the EMP.

2:45 PM - PUSA (Key Arena)
Go see this show. Seriously. They're too much fun not to. Chris Ballew and crew rock out like nobody's business, and you're not likely to see another act having more fun on the stage all weekend.

4:15 PM - Väsen (Mural Amphitheatre)
I went to PLU, so I knew a few Swedes, and one of them turned me onto a group called Garmarna. And if Väsen's brand of Swedish folk bears even a little resemblance to Garmarna's, then it's not something I am willing to miss, even a little.

5:30 PM - Twisted Fairy Tales (SIFF Cinema)
I wasn't able to catch any of the short films last year, and it made me a little sad. Since the only overlapping music that caught my eye had the word "loops" in the description, let's assume I'll be all looped out and ready for a short or two.

7:00 PM - Colin Meloy & Carson Ellis: Wildwood (Leo K. Theatre)
Time to spread the culture around a little bit. Whether you like the band or not, nobody who's taken more than a cursory listen to the Decemberists would be shocked to learn that Colin Meloy has a Master's degree in Creative Writing. Story songs are his business, and now he's made story books his business, too, with illustrator/wife Carson Ellis. Worth a gander.

9:15 PM - Minus the Bear (Fisher Green)
Is it wrong that the main reason I like these guys is for their song titles? Even if those titles have nothing to do with the songs? Maybe. But that's OK. A little wrong never hurt anyone. Neither did a little prog rock.

See you all on the grass. I'll be the guy who looks like me.