TUESDAY, AUG. 2, 2011 >>>

1. We'll be talking about Northern in Olympia a lot this week, as the completely awesome all-ages venue is scheduled to close after this coming weekend - with a reopening in a new space planned for September. Look for a cover story by Brett Cihon and Nikki Talotta coming this Thursday. Until then, check out Tara Jane O'Neil, Nikaido Kazumi and Mount Eerie tonight at Northern and celebrate all the space has to offer.

2. Perry Acker will be a part of the Ted Brown Music Outreach Guitar Clinic tonight at Jazzbones. The band has a lot of buzz right now - see why. Also, see if they show up driving a Ford Fiesta.

3. The Karpeles Manuscript Museum next to Wright Park in Tacoma is something of a hidden gem. Most have never dropped in on the amazing collection of original manuscripts housed in the ornate aging structure. That can change today. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Karpeles Manuscript Museum is showing a collection of Sigmund Freud's manuscripts through Aug. 31.

4. In Gig Harbor it's time once again for Summer Sounds at Skansie Brothers Park, this evening with Swing Reunion Orchestra.

5.On South Tacoma Way, the Rafael Tranquilino Band's "rockin' blues" have become a Stonegate Pizza staple.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight!

MONDAY, AUG. 1, 2011 >>>

1. Mondays mean it's "Open Stage" night at O'Malley's on Sixth Avenue in Tacoma, hosted by Seven's Revenge.

2. Drop in on Micro Monday with DJ Melodica at Magoo's Annex and expand your musical horizons and knowledge.

3. Of course, we're predictable ... but you start talking about an event simply billed as "Drunken Poetry" and you've got our attention. See the magic of "Drunken Poetry" yourself tonight at Last Word Books in Oly.

4. Margy Pepper will perform tonight at Northern in Olympia. Support a great all ages venue while you can.

5. Get down with some beer pong at Steilacoom Pub and Grill ... because nothing says Monday night like beer pong.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight!

For two days at the end of July each year Ethnic Fest turns Wright Park into a sea of people, languages, art, causes, music and merchandise. In its 25th year, the festival is Tacoma's liveliest celebration of citizen diversity.

I hit the park early in the day, just as things were kicking off. Tacoma City councilman Marty Campbell opened the festivities with a brief welcome from the main stage. Anchoring the west end of the park, the Kabuki Academy put on live music and dance performances throughout the day. I caught the demonstration of the shamisen, a Japanese 3-string guitar with a raw percussive sound. The emcee engaged the crowd by humorously announcing "three singers and one bald guy named Paul" and thanking the audience for "the many clapping hands" after spats of applause.

In front of the Multicare main stage, people staked out their spots, spreading blankets under the trees and enjoying pizza, massive sugary elephant ears, shish kabobs balanced on spiced rice, hot wings, barbeque slathered ribs, stir-fry, noodles and cheese covered tamales - all coming from the long row of food vendors along the park's outer edge. Sounds of world fusion, Latin beat and Middle Eastern music poured from speakers. Dances from Samoa, Tahiti and Korea were a visual treat. As the day wore on, crowds thickened and lines 15-20 deep formed for heaping plates of beef bulgogi, rice and kimchi ($5.99) at the Korean Women's Association booth. I wished I had room but didn't regret the tasty Jamaican jerk chicken pocket and coconut water I'd already eaten.

There's no swimming pool this year, though with the revamped kids' area and water feature "sprayground" (part of the slick, new playground at Wright Park) I doubt anyone missed it. Suddenly feeling the heat on my very Irish skin, I dipped into the shade at the nearest booth. I recognized Anita Jones, who has a NALI natural body care products line and vends at many local outdoor markets and festivals. "I try to be at all the best ones," she offers with a warm smile. She patiently explained benefits of salt scrubs and different soaps to those stopping by. Eying my red shoulders, she offered a bottle of blended avocado oil and aloe.

Jones' booth is one of many, a varying collection at Ethnic Fest, each stocked with all manner of trinket, garb and handmade items as well as mass produced art, crafts and wares. These booths fill the park's inner grassy area. A breeze brought with it the scent of roasting corn fresh from the booth Michelle Amiotte and family run.

An interactive art tent with tables and art supplies provides a place for kids to take a break from being waist high in a tall adult crowd. Along the northern side of the park I met Tacoma School Board candidate and University of Puget Sound professor Dexter Gordon. "Tacoma is a vibrant community. Look at everyone here today," he says, his beaming smile contagious as he gestures to festival attendees.

At the park's opposite end, the energetic, dance-off action on the D.A.S.H Center for the Arts stage drew attention away from the much larger main stage and garnered cheers, hollers and a lot of applause. Kids 11-years-old and younger showed off their undeniable talent, much of it hard to fathom. Unabashed enjoyment was apparent in their faces. Earlier in the day I'd paused at the same stage to listen to spoken word. Tony "Illaphant" Innouvong fired off a powerful, thought-provoking performance.

To the left, guys shot hoops just like it was any other rain-free day in the park. Plenty of families opted to bring their own lunch; coolers spilled out big bowls of potato salad, pasta and cold drinks. Some folks even brought grills; the scent from which rivaled the professional food hawkers.

Reggae sensation and local favorite Alex Duncan closes out the free festival at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 75, lo 53

Saturday: Straight-up sunny, hi 77, lo 58

Sunday: Iphone says rain, hi 73, lo 54

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 29: Fences

The man who calls himself Fences, Chris Mansfield, comes across as very young, in every sense of the word. His interpretations of destroyed relationships, his waffling between self-loathing and self-pity, his declarations of affection that almost sound like fishing for compliments - purposefully or not, Mansfield has painted a diverse and honest portrait of a fucked-up guy in his 20s who never knows, moment to moment, the right thing to say. For some people, this kind of flirting-with-emo music has the effect of a great many nails being dragged along a chalkboard. Others may see a bit of themselves in Mansfield's plaintive lyrics. Friday, Fences plays Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma.

• Hell's Kitchen, 9 p.m. $5-$7, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 29: Jane Elliott

Jane Elliott has led quite a life, from a third-grade school teacher in Iowa to a nationally known teacher, lecturer, diversity trainier and anti-racism activist. Elliott's Brown-Eyes/Blue-Eyes excercise is perhaps more famous than she is. Friday, in an effort brought to Tacoma by Clover Park Technical College's Officers of the Multicultural Club and the Administrators of the school's Multicultural Student Services, Elliott will deliver an event open to the public at Clover Park from 6 - 9 p.m.

• Clover Park Technical College - Bldg 23, 6-9 p.m. $25, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood,253.589.5800

>>> FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 29-30: New World Waking!

Steve Schalchlin will perform the song cycle, New World Waking! (along with selections from his musicals) this weekend, joined by students at South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia musical theater luminaries Josh Anderson, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neill. It's a benefit for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). To read Molly Gilmore's full story, click here.

• Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, July 29-30, at 8 p.m., $20, $10 for SPSCC students, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, 360.753.8586 or olytix.org

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 30: 34th Annual Tacoma Aroma 7's Tournament

How many folks out there knew Tacoma hosts one of the biggest and best rugby 7's tournament in the entire region? OK, how many people even know what rugby 7's is? A primer may be in order. Rugby 7's is an exciting variation on the traditional game, played on smaller fields with fewer players (seven as opposed to 15. Get it?). For the last 34 years, Tacoma has hosted a summer 7's tournament featuring some of the best  men's and women's rugby teams in the area. This weekend the Tacoma Aroma 7's Tournament is back, at the Portland Avenue Playfield.

• Portland Avenue Play Fields, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 3513 Portland Ave., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, FEB. 20: Anna Popovic

Guitarist Anna Popovic is  hot. Sure, that's kind of a low-brow observation to bestow upon a musician of Popovic's skill, but then again, she's the one who decided to wear nothing but a guitar on that album cover. Really, we're just playing along. And Popovic, who other publications have dubbed the "Serbian Beauty" (she was born in the former Yugoslavia), gives us plenty to play along with. She also gives us jaw-dropping blues.

• Jazzbones, with Nolan Garret, 7 p.m., $16.50-$20, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I plan on lots of yard work - which usually includes working on my burn/tan. Saturday is laundry and toilet scrubbing, followed by a BBQ in Lewis County, featuring Busch light and ATV riding. Sunday is fiesta night at the in-laws, where mom-in-law gets wasted on half a margarita, and challenges everyone to a heated game of dominoes. Let the weekend begin!

BRETT CHIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
I'm headed on a Wild Waves meat market adventure. Here's hoping those rumors about contracting hepatitis in the wave pool turn out to be false. 

.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
As my wife's birthday was Tuesday, I'm spiriting her away to a secret location near good food, good wine, and...a farm? It's a surprise, so she'll just have to wait and see.

ALEC CLAYTON: Visual Arts Critic
I'll be at the New World Waking concert with Steve Schalchlin, Saul Tannenbaum, Christina Collins and Lauren O'Neil (both of Tush Burlesque fame) Friday and Saturday nights.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Keeping it simple: Caffe Dei for dinner Friday, Ethnic Fest and Lakewood Playhouse Saturday, church Sunday.

.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
The husband, baby, dogs and I are thinking about camping and may try
to work that in. If not, we'll be sitting around making plans for our
little son's first birthday celebration.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photographer
I'm be headed to a cabin in Shelton to have a murder mystery birthday party for my daughter.

.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Features and Music Writer
This weekend, as will be most weekends for the next few months, will be a waiting game until Sunday when I can watch "Breaking Bad" and shamefully watch "True Blood."

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

SPACEWORKS IS RAD >>>

Last night as part of Tacoma's Third Thursday Art Walk four new Spaceworks-affiliated studios opened their doors the public as part of a celebratory art block party. Participants in the party included Toy Boat Theater (a new theater troupe who Christian Carvajal will have a story on next week), musician and composer Nate Dybevik and Fab-5's latest venture, Fabitat.

On board the Art Bus as usual, the Volcano's Publisher Ron Swarner snapped some photos and shot some video of Fabitat's contributions to the good times. Swarner reports high energy and a wealth of smiles.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 72, lo 50

Saturday: Sunny, hi 78, lo 55

Sunday: Still sunny (could it be?), hi 82, lo 58

>>> THURSDAY, JULY 21: Best of the 72 Hour Film Competition

Each year, the 72 Hour Film Competition draws out the best and the brightest filmmakers Tacoma (and the entire region, really) has to offer. There's a reason the event has become an anticipated yearly cinematic happening. Tonight, join Go Local Tacoma for a special presentation of the Best of the 72 Hour Film Competition from last spring. The action goes down in Tollefson Plaza of all places and runs from 8:30 - 10 p.m.

• Tollefson Plaza, 8:30 - 10 p.m., free, Commerce St. and S. 17th St., Tacoma, 

>>> THURSDAY - SUNDAY: Oleanna

Weekly Volcano theater critic extraordinaire Christian Carvajal plays one of two rolls in the current Olympia Little Theater production of David Mamet's Oleanna. Ever wanted to see what he looks like ... and better yet scrutinize him on the boards like he scrutinizes local theater companies? Now's your chance. Though we had trouble reviewing a production one of our main theater critics is a part of, Carvajal did deliver an impassioned and well-written plea for your attendance on this, the play's final weekend.

• Olympia Little Theater, 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, $12,  1925 Miller Ave. NE, Olympia, 360.357.3471

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 23: Luthiers Convention

Lutherie, for the uninitiated, is the craft of guitar-building, as well as the making of other stringed instruments such as violins and lutes. One who takes part in lutherie is known as a luthier. Every three years, the Guild of American Luthiers holds a convention at Pacific Lutheran University. The convention is exclusively for members of the Guild on all five days, except for Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m. At that time, the convention and all of its various exhibits and booths will be open to perusal by the public. To read Rev. Adam McKinney's full story, click here.

• PLU, 1 - 5 p.m., University Center, Bldg 34, 12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma
  luth.org/convention/2011

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 23: Paper repair with Gudrun Aurand

Got some old paper you want to make new again? Or, just want something kind of unique and artistically kick-ass to do this Saturday? Drop in on local "paper conservator" Gudrun Aurand at King's for a class and history lesson on paper and how to conduct your own "archivally-sound" paper repair. Time permitting, Aurand will bust into a Q&A portion at the end, so come prepared with any ongoing paper repair questions you may have.

• King's Books,2-4 p.m., 218 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma,253.272.8801

>>> SUNDAY, JULY 24: Mario Kart tournament at Northern

The irony craze coupled with the seemingly natural human affinity for nostalgia makes old video games, pretty much, the coolest shit ever. You can see the sparkle in an aging hipster's eye at the mention of them. Sunday, a benefit for Northern at Northern offers usually unfathomable Nintendo Mario Kart tournament awesomeness. Fabulous prizes and a raffle? Yep. SNES and Nintendo 64? Of course. Snacks for 50 cents? Damn straight. The semi-finals and finals will be played on a big screen.

• Northern, 2 p.m. warm-up, 3 p.m. start, $5 entry, 321 Fourth Ave., Olympia, northernolympia.org

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

MATT DRISCOLL: Editor
Do the words, "Cleaning up the mess that occurs when you hire the Hedge Hunter to cut down an out-of-control 35-foot high English laurel," sound like a good time to you? Then come on over!

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We have our last five shows of Oleanna, and my mom's wedding reception is this Sunday. Happiness abounds!

.

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
Olympia artist Kathy Gore Fuss is having a studio tour Sunday. I'll be there.

.

BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent
I hear mutterings of an Evergreen party this weekend. That's a can't miss. Other than that, just enjoying all the beautiful sun we've been basking in lately. Oh, wait....

Jennifer Johnson Food and Lifestyles Writer
Study for finals, a dinner date at Black Bottle in Seattle (gasp! she's leaving Pierce County?), think about going to the gym Saturday morning, create superhero costume out of existing possessions (this should be good) for Super Best of Tacoma party, and hit the garden (sunshine please cooperate). Attend church Sunday.

Steve Dunkelberger Photographer
Kiddo weekend at Tacoma Art Museum and the waterfront, and maybe a movie before we go to the family cabin for a pow-wow.

.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY: Music & Features Writer
I finally have some weekend plans--both kind of novel. Friday, it's that ridiculous show at the roller rink, which is bound to be super fun. Saturday, I'm going to hit one of Bobby Slayton's shows at the Tacoma Comedy Club. I've only been there for open mics, so I'm interested to see how they handle such a big show.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011 >>>

1. It's the third Thursday of the month in Tacoma and you know what that means! It's Art Walk time! There's a ton of stuff going on, including the growingly famous Art Bus. Find more info about all of it here.

2. The Musicianers from El Paso, Tex. play tonight at The New Frontier Lounge. You can find the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

3. Get Your Hands on Some Clay!

4. In Puyallup it's time for Open Social Knit & Crochet at Yellow House Yarns. Find info here.

5. In Fife, Jared Blake (dude from NBC's The Voice), along with Rane Stone, Jason Kertson and Dudley Taft will unleash the tunes at Louie G's. As the pizza joint/venue prides itself on, the action will be all ages.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

SING-ALONG THIS SATURDAY IN LACEY >>>

There's something about "Grease," at least for the romantic. It's a story as old as time: Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy. Girl gets boy back via makeup, hair products, tight clothes and high heels.

It's kind of like Romeo and Juliet, except instead of drinking poison because his true love appears to be dead, Romeo is bummed that she's a prude in a poodle skirt, so he goes drag racing and listens to advice from friends who are, it seems, even stupider than he is.

In any case, the '50s seem to continue to hold a weird fascination as the last time that anyone believed life was simple or that anyone was playing by the rules. And pop-culture cred of the 1978 film and 1971 theatrical musical continues, with revivals and tours and even songs featured on "Glee."

Why this walk down memory lane?

The City of Lacey is featuring a sing-along version of the 1978 film as part of its free summer movie series. That means there'll be words on screen - not that I'd need them, because I know every word. The film screens Saturday, July 23 at dusk.

Ready? Here goes:

"I got chills, they're multiplyin', and I'm losin' control, ‘cause the power you're supplyin', it's electrifyin'."

[Huntamer Park, dusk, free, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey, 360.491.0857]

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 >>>

1. It may seem like a strange title, but don't let that stop you from seeing Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. Find details here.

2. Dreams Jaded rocks the 6th Avenue Farmers Market today. It promises to be swell. But, if that doesn't sound like your musical cup of tea, the Volcano's extensive South Sound live local music listings can be found here.

3. Tim Hall & The Band Real Times plugs in at 7:30 p.m. at the Summit Pub in Puyallup.

4. Like karaoke? Like bowling? Love Parkland? Combine all three tonight at the Bull Market and Grill at Paradise Bowl.

5. The Banned Book Club meets tonight at the Tempest Lounge in Tacoma. Get there.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

WHAT WHAT! >>>

Last night at midnight, in movie theaters far and wide -- including ones in Lakewood -- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 debuted, thus closing the cinematic door on one of the most popular and followed stories of all time. People will always remember where they were when the last Harry Potter movie dropped (or something).

Volcano photographer Jen Cook-Asaro certainly will, as she was stationed at the Regal Lakewood Cinema, tasked with capturing the magic ...

(PHOTOS: Jen Cook-Asaro)

To read Rev. Adam McKinney's review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 click here.