A TASTE OF WHAT'S IN STORE IN PRINT & ONLINE >>>

Like a Fed-Exed fruitcake from Aunt Charlene or a Wesley Snipes prison sentence, this week's Volcano music section is going to hit you like a ton of proverbial bricks.

Here's what to be on the lookout for:

THE FUCKING EAGLES

Over the years, The Fucking Eagles have worked hard to make a name for themselves, not only in the supremely ubiquitous genre of garage rock, but in a city like Tacoma - where garage rock bands seem to fall from trees. - Rev. Adam McKinney

From Gran Turismo 5 ... feel free to tune out Jeff Gordon

SEAPONY

Inspired by greats like the Softies, the Field Mice and Beat Happening, Seattle trio Seapony's confectionary lo-fi pop has already caught the attention of DJs and bloggers nationwide, despite the band's relative infancy. - Jason Baxter

BETTER LIVING THROUGH MUSIC: Roy, Goldie Wilson, Kenseth Thibideau, Tacoma Gets Smashed

ROY

Ben Verellen makes music the way he makes amps - big, sturdy and with an ability to get really loud. - Matt Driscoll

GOLDIE WILSON

Goldie Wilson is a band that is in the business of making super clean, sunny, AM radio pop. - Rev. AM

Listen here

KENSETH THIBIDEAU

Utilizing minimalist tendencies, a few pop sensibilities, a subtle wash of reverb and a guiding bassline that achieves a chill-factor reminiscent of completely on-point soundtrack work - making for an atmospheric vibe perfect for late-night driving - the solo Kenseth Thibideau is an artist and composer not to take lightly. - MD

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain, hi 46, lo 40

Saturday: More rain, hi 45, lo 44

Sunday: Even more rain, hi 53, lo 51

>>> THURSDAY, DEC. 9: DICK DALE

For the uninitiated, guitarist Dick Dale initially rose to fame during the high tide of the '60s surfing craze. While some peg "surf music" as synonymous with the sunny pop of the Beach Boys, for many it's Dale's turbulent, violently fast guitar sounds - coupled with the reverb effects developed by Fender Instruments and trial-tested by Dale - that truly define the genre. On early recordings like 1961's "Shake-N-Stomp," Dale debuted what would come to be known as his signature style: insistent, relentless 16th-note picking meant to evoke, as he once put it, "the sound of waves chopping."

• Hell's Kitchen, with the Fucking Eagles, Rat City Brass, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 4: BILLY STOOPS

Billy Stoops will literally rock the dock (acoustic style) Saturday at Rock the Dock in Tacoma. If you know Junkyard Jane - and most Tacoma music fans do - you know Billy Stoops. Coincidentally, we're pretty sure we saw Stoops in full-spandex biking attire the other day at Stadium Thriftway, but that's really not important. One thing that is important is Stoops will be joined by the venerable Jim King

• Rock the Dock, 535 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.272.5004

>>> SUNDAY: TWO FIVE TREES

Look, there's a decent chance you need a Christmas tree. Or, at the very least, you know someone who needs a Christmas tree. But acquiring said Christmas tree doesn't have to cost you at least $65 for anything that doesn't look ghetto, and more importantly it doesn't need to be a huge pain in the ass. Head on down to the rarely-used Tollefson Plaza and check out Two Five Trees - the best use of this space since Volcano editor Matt Driscoll got drunk before Showcase Tacoma 2009 and totally bombed his introduction of the Helio Sequence.

• Tollefson Plaza, South 17th and Pacific Ave., Tacoma, info here

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

MATT DRISCOLL Editor (aka - the guy to blame)
Well, I got sick last Sunday and missed my appointment with the famed Northwest Convergence Zone, so I'll ACTUALLY be doing that this weekend. Otherwise, I expect some frantic consumerism in the spirit of Christmas, ANOTHER todler birthday party (What's with these toddlers and all their incesant damn birthdays?), and another dissapointing loss by my Denver Broncos (although not as dissapointing as usual, with a new coach and all...). Good times.

RON SWARNER Publisher
Although my moves lean more toward the dos-y-dos, I'll be shakin' what my momma gave me to rare funk and soul grooves Friday at Rare Groove Night inside the Tempest Lounge. Saturday, the annual day trip to a city corner tree lot should go down, followed by the obligatory wrestling match with tree lights. Although I've seen the phrase "Tacoma get smashed" a thousand times, it's now the official name for this Sunday night at The New Frontier. I might be seen at The New Frontier on said evening covered with scratches and a pint stuck to my pitch-covered hands.

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
I'm letting my new tattoo of tumbling dice heal, getting a Christmas tree, making a ton of hot toddies at the bar, hitting up Duck the Malls at the Capitol Theater, and hosting a Christmas party while a DVD of a fake fire loops in the background and five little boys run around with light sabers. Good times.

BRETT CIHON: Meat Market Correspondent
This weekend looks fairly typical: club, booze, party, booze, relax. On Friday evening I shall visit whichever establishment Mr. Driscoll deems appropriate for next week's Meat Market. Saturday I'll be attending a friend's third annual holiday sweater party. I look forward to an evening of cashmere, eggnog and tacky Santa prints. I might head up to White Pass on Sunday, but more likely I'll be nursing a hangover and watching football.

JOANN VARNELL: Theater Critic
Friday night I'll be playing the part of The Wife and attending a dance concert at School of the Arts with Mr. Varnell, SOTA teacher extraordinaire. Saturday will be a blur of house cleaning while juggling my amazingly beautiful (and possibly teething) four month old to prepare for our annual "Yuletide on the Eastside" party. Sunday follows, naturally, with church, football at Masa and putting the house back together after our aforementioned festivities.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
I'm paying a second visit to the March sisters of Little Women, courtesy of Olympia Family Theater, and my girlfriend and I are attending a friend's semi-naked graduation from Burlesque 101 in Seattle.

PAUL SCHRAG: Senior Contributor
I'm working on the next round of edits for my book, organizing a sustainable business seminar, and trying to figure out how to pay my bills next month. If I'm lucky, I'll get to see my old pal Gabe for a minute.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
I will be going to country western dance lessons tonight at Big Whisky before heading out of town for vacation.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

ANOTHER REASON TO PICK UP TOMORROW'S ISSUE OF THE VOLCANO >>>

Inspired by greats like the Softies, the Field Mice and Beat Happening, Seattle trio Seapony's confectionary lo-fi pop has already caught the attention of DJs and bloggers nationwide, despite the band's relative infancy (they formed over the summer). And though their song "With You" has the unfortunate distinction of evoking Best Coast's like-minded "When I'm With You" in both name, vibe and central lyric, it stands on its own as a fine example of how best to squeeze new life from the well-wrung retro-pop genre. Seapony's Jen Weidl and Danny Rowland corresponded with me in anticipation of their upcoming show with Weed at Northern on Sunday.

While you'll have to wait until tomorrow's issue of the Volcano drops to read that interview, for now feast your eyes and ears on this ...

HANGIN' WASHED UP >>>

In honor of the news that New Kids on the Block (AARP cards in hand) and the Backstreet Boys will play the Tacoma Dome on Friday, July 8 - with tickets going on sale through Ticketmaster this Saturday (Dec. 11) at 10 a.m. - we figured we might as well scavenge the Internet for some sort of ridiculous video. See below (paying special attention to how crazy bloated AJ McLean looks at about the 2:30 mark).

While it's easy for us to sit here and make fun of NKOTB and the Backstreet Boys (really, really, really easy), it should be noted that these two boy bands from an era gone by are still popular enough almost-certainly fill the Tacoma Dome.

The Goo Goo Dolls, on the other hand, are already at a point in their career where it's Emerald Queen Casino time.

Facts are facts.

So, would NKOTB/Backstreet Boys tix make the perfect stocking stuffer for that special someone in your life? If so, now you know what to do (starting with assessing the people in your life).

The official press release is below:

Read more...

SUNDAY, DEC. 5 >>>

1. They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, raffle shit off, and enjoy the spirit of the season. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is tonight at The Swiss, and the T-Town institution shouldn't disappoint: Mercedes Nicole, the Malcolm Clark Band, Fingertips, the Randy Oxford Band and Junkyard Jane will all be doing their part for kids and families this year. Will you?

2. Swampy, electric and bluesy, with a bad-ass junkyard feel, Portland's Hillstomp has it. Tonight, Hillstomp will be at the Spar in Old Town Tacoma.

3. It's the season for shopping - but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Today, check out JuNkTaStIc SuNdAy at Studio 6 Ballroom - an indoor market offering
"a little bit of this and that." It's sure to be awesome. If you happen to miss it this week, it'll be back on the 12^th and 19^th as well.

4. Did you miss Rich Wetzel's Big Band Christmas show yesterday at Tacoma Community College? Never fear. The crew-cut, trumpeting one is back at Stonegate tonight - a show not to miss.

5. Check out the open mic at Mandolin Café this afternoon with Denny Foreman and Friends.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 >>>

1. Meet Mary Kay Letourneau and her husband, DJ Vili Fualaau at Bull Market Bar and Grill in Parkland. We shit you not.

2. Doxology will celebrate the release of the band's latest pop-rock record, The Revolution, tonight at Jazzbones. Get your dance on.

3. OMG! Flashback alert! The Black Crowes are at the Emerald Queen Casino tonight. Shake your money maker.

4. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra - known around these parts as simply TSO - will bust out its "Sounds of the Season" performance tonight and tomorrow at the Pantages Theater. Here's one holiday tradition un-worthy of a bah humbug.

5. Countdown to Christmas tonight at the New Frontier with the iconic Girl Trouble, the Dignitaries and the Riffbrokers.  

WHAT'S WAITING FOR YOU IN PRINT AND ONLINE >>>

If you haven't already picked up the brand-spankin' new issue of the Weekly Volcano that hit streets yesterday, well, shame on you.

Luckily, you still have time to regroup. Here's a sneak peak at the goodness in store inside this week's Volcano music section ...

Dick Dale returns to Hell's Kitchen

"I play the guitar like I play the drums, which was my original instrument," guitar god and trained martial artist, Dick Dale, reveals. "In a Shaolin temple, they never allow you to touch the skin of a drum for five years, until you can tongue what you're going to play. When you learn through tonguing, it actually tattoos muscle memory on your brain with your mouth, through your hands ... I do everything on the one beat, and that's how the Shaolins do it."

Hot Panda and joyous booty shaking

"[Before starting Hot Panda] I did more theater stuff," says Hot Panda's Chris Connelly. "I did improv, and I did some comedy, and went to film school - just dabbled in a lot of different arty things for a while, and only decided to try music last. I think it's worked the best so far."

The power of mixtapes

"Mixtapes show if you can rap or not," Gazmo the Gr8 explains. He hopes that his mixtapes will generate such a buzz that when his album comes out there will already be a demand. "One day when I put out an album there will be x amount of people who say, ‘Oh I already know Gazmo. He's straight. I can buy that.'"

Doxology

Always, ALWAYS a crowd pleaser, there's simply no reason Doxology's brand of ear-friendly, modern, new school pop rock shouldn't steal the show and carry the night. Expect a lot of bodies, and a lot of new tunes from a band Tacoma has shown definite affection for in the past. - Matt Driscoll

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 >>>

1. It's Sailor Jerry time at the Blue Mouse tonight. Can you say free rum? Check details here.

2. Tacoma's acclaimed Fulcrum Gallery hosts its second annual artists market today and tomorrow - One Offs, B-Sides and Studio Gems. Names like Trevor Dickson, Jeremy Gregory, Mindy Barker, Geof Wegg, Kristin Giordano, Elise Richman, Zoe Johnson, Oliver Doriss, Amir Shawn and Zach Marvic will be featured. This will be good.

3. Hey, it's the holiday season. There's a decent chance you could find yourself at the Barnes and Noble in Olympia on Black Lake Boulevard today. If this happens, be sure to check in with the Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia, performing at 6 p.m. today and tomorrow.

4. It's time for the 15^th Annual holiday festival and tree lighting ceremony - from 4-7 p .m. today at Lakewood City Hall. Yes, Santa will be there. The tree lights at 4:30 p.m., Santa arrives at 4:45 p.m. I'm sure he's on a tight schedule this time of year, so plan accordingly - and dress warm.

5. Today marks the first day of C.I. Shenanigans foray into live music every Friday and Saturday from 8 - 11 p.m. Enjoy yourself with Collaborative Works Jazz on Ruston's beautiful waterfront.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly sunny, hi 46, lo 33

Saturday: Partly sunny, hi 43, lo 34

Sunday: Partly sunny, noticing a pattern here, hi 55, lo 38

>>> THURSDAY, DEC. 2-FRIDAY, DEC. 3: THE CASH FLOW SHOW III

This year marks Cash Flow Show III, but the package is as tight as ever. Local artists you know and love, slinging a bounty of artistic goodness priced at $25 or less, will set up shop and give you an even better-than-normal excuse to skip the malls: Help Grit City's creative types enjoy a holiday season that includes more than pocket lint and Top Ramen. Because, you know, you're supporting their work with actual money. It's a win-win.

• Mad Hat Tea Company, 1130 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.441.2111

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 4: DOXOLOGY

The Revolution is coming. No, I'm not talking about when anarchy takes control, the roads devolve into some sort of Mad Max scenario and R.R. Anderson finally gets the recognition he deserves; rather, I'm talking about Doxology's new record, The Revolution, which the band will officially celebrate the release of Saturday at Jazzbones. Always, ALWAYS a crowd pleaser, there's simply no reason Doxology's brand of ear-friendly, modern, new school pop rock shouldn't steal the show and carry the night. Put simply, Doxology, led by frontman Luke McPherson, is the kind of band the ultra-cool may not have the balls to endorse, but there's no doubt the band has mastered its craft and has all the tools necessary to sweat up the dance floor. Expect a lot of bodies, and a lot of new tunes from a band Tacoma has shown definite affection for in the past. 

• Jazzbones, with Roman Holiday, 8 p.m., $10-$12, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

>>> SATURDAY, DEC.4-SUNDAY, DEC. 5: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

Fight as you may, it's officially "the season." Kids are already sitting on various Santa laps at malls across the country, and A Christmas Story is probably already re-running on TBS. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will spend Saturday and Sunday at the Pantages Theater doling out "beloved" seasonal music, a few "familiar classics" and a maxed-out credit card full of sing-along enjoyment for the whole family. Here's one holiday favorite undeserving of a bah humbug.

• Pantages Theater, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $24-$77, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.5890

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

MATT DRISCOLL Editor (aka - the guy to blame)
So much to do, so little time ... We've got a birthday party for a four year old to attend Saturday afternoon - which jibes nicely with the Apple Cup, let me tell you what. The parents at our fancy preschool just don't give football the respect it deserves. After that, we'll Christmas tree hunt, purchase pallets of stuff at Costco, run to Fife so I can buy cigarettes, write letters to Santa, avoid the malls, and generally lay low - in no particular order. Sunday evening I'll be stopping by the Northwest Convergence Zone Podcast to catch up with Darrell Fortune and the gang once again - my monthly appearance on the show to pimp the Cup Check column.

RON SWARNER Publisher
Friday night I'll hangout with tattoo types at the Blue Mouse Theatre getting loaded on rum punch and learning about the life of Sailor Jerry, the aesthetic vanguard who valued and embraced the mastery of Japanese tattooing. Saturday, after I wrestle with outdoor Christmas lights, the Lovely Kate and I will check out Kim Archer at Maxwell's Speakeasy, then head over to the Girl Trouble Christmas Show at the New Frontier to see how the holiday season is treating KP's physique. I hope the band will hurl Wig Out magazines into the crowd. Sunday, I'll drop by the Friends of the Holidays show at The Swiss.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Features Writer
Friday, I'll probably be seeing Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry at the Blue Mouse. It is advertised as being 21+, which I hope means that there will be lots of rum available. Afterward, I'll hustle (pun!) on down to the New Frontier for the Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside show. She was a definite highlight at Squeak & Squawk, so I'm excited to see her again. As for the rest of the weekend, I can assure you that booze will be involved.

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
This Saturday my baby boy is turning five! Lots of craziness going down at Chuck E Cheeses. Cake, pizza, creepy mechanical rock show, and the newest edition - a booth where the birthday kid can try and catch as many flying tickets as possible. If I survive the birthday bash, Sunday promises an adult shindig worth celebrating! My work X-mas party - where fancy clothes, family style Italian dinner, red wine and secret Santas all come together in a glorious gathering of love and mayhem. Cheers!

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
After my first 3 days of post maternity-leave work I'll be attending the Beautiful Angle holiday party/fundraiser at King's books on Friday night. Then I plan to sit with my son by the fire, drink cider and bask in the glow of Christmas tree lights. Also on the docket is a nap, shopping for our annual Christmas tree ornaments and pretending I'm just a wee more exciting.

JENNIFER JOHNSON: Lifestyle/Leisure Writer
A Christmas Carol at ACT Theatre in Seattle Friday. Saturday morning I'm taking advantage of free admission for Bank of America account holders day at Tacoma Art Museum followed by violin holiday concert and Festival of the Nativity that night. Sunday I'll go back to TAM for a little bit of Winterfest before heading to church.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
Well, Weekly Volcano, I'm glad you asked.  I have two rehearsals for TLT's Frost/Nixon this week, as I'm playing Bob Zelnick.  Friday is my girlfriend's office Christmas party, so I plan to behave myself (at least more than her boss).  Saturday I'm seeing Blood Relations in the Midnight Sun, and Sunday afternoon it's off to OLT for Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Correspondent
I will be out and about with the kiddos with a possible trip to the Blue Mouse Theater Saturday to see "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole."

STEPH DEROSA Columnist
I am so busy this weekend that there is a possibility my head will explode.  Friday night Kate Swarner and I will be prepping gingerbread houses on Joint Base Lewis-McChord for the Children's Museum of Tacoma's annual Gingerbread Jamboree.  Saturday Kate and I will return bright and early with our friend Lindsey to JBLM for a day full of frosting, candy, and glorious gingerbread house decorating with families who have loved ones out of the country for the holidays.  Saturday evening we will attend yet another birthday party (I should buy stock in Barbies), and Sunday my family will be attending the original Gingerbread Jamboree at Hotel Murano without me because I will be workin' at my favorite beer store, 99 Bottles!  I'm hoping to annoy my new 99 Bottles co-workers by overusing the beer phrase "brew-ha-ha".  Let's see how long it takes.

ALEC CLAYTON: Columnist
Going to see "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at Lakewood Playhouse.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

THE WARRIOR'S WAY OPENS THIS WEEK >>>

Note: While this is a slow week for movies, I'm just way too swamped to review a trailer for an upcoming movie. So, I've asked my 13-year-old cousin, Gavin McKinney, to review The Warrior's Way for me.

He did, and you'll be able to catch it in tomorrow's Weekly Volcano.

Until then, the trailer ...