ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Yesterday's comment of the day came from Niki in response to our feature Top 10 reasons to save The Blue Mouse Theatre.

Niki writes,

It was my first job and I begged for months to be hired. I don't know any other better first job (or job in general, really) that could make a person so happy to go to work. Help keep it alive, people!!

SHARE THE SPIRIT >>>

The holidays are officially, officially upon us. If the hustle and bustle of trying to find the perfect gift is making you wonder what the holidays are really about, you might want to consider the less fortunate. There's nothing like giving back to make you thankful for what you have. Yes, it's hard to find time. One of the easiest ways to do good deeds is to find ways to contribute with activities you'd likely be doing anyhow, such as drinking and gabbing with friends.

So peel off your Scrooge duds and drape on something dapper because The Social Bar & Grill will host a fundraiser Saturday ... and there will be drinks.

A group of do-gooders will raise mad funds in support of YWCA Pierce County with its LML (Love My Life) 3rd annual holiday party Saturday. I'm told the Social's featured cocktail will be a Madras ($7), which is vodka, cranberry juice with a touch of citrus from orange juice. The specialty cocktail proceeds will benefit the YWCA.

Bring unwrapped gifts for the wee-ones to teens of families in need.

The fundraising team will also be accepting donations of bottled wine to be featured at YWCA's January fundraiser, The Glam that Gives.

The party will play host to live entertainment, ample libations and good eats.  

Can you think of an easier way to help members of our community and benefit a local non-profit? I'm thinking this is as good as it gets.

Parking is available on the street as well as some reserved spaces in the garage under the Thea's Landing Condominiums. The Social will validate parking from the Museum of Glasses garage for three hours or less.

THE SOCIAL BAR AND GRILL, SATURDAY, DEC. 8, 7 P.M., 1715 DOCK ST., TACOMA, 253.301.3835

TOYS FOR KIDS + FREE APPS = HOLIDAY SPIRIT >>>

"For the past twelve years, I have collected toys that are later delivered to the many sick kids at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital on Christmas Day," says Silvia Cordova-Tapia. "It warms my heart to know that these kids will realize they are loved and that life is precious. I feel honored to have the opportunity to serve these kids each year."

Yes, for 12 years Santa Silvia, as she is known throughout the halls of Mary Bridge, has collected toys for the kids. Friday, Dec. 7 at the Varsity Grill in downtown Tacoma, Santa Silvia taps into the holiday spirit again. From noon to 7 p.m. Santa Silvia and her elves will begin collecting donated toys, supporting children in our community who often can't be at home for Christmas.

"On Christmas Eve, two other people and I - and I'm hoping I can get a Santa Claus, too - will be delivering the toys to the ER at Mary Bridge. That's the good part," she says. "It's breathtaking."

Tapia has organized this toy collection every year since 1999, when a chance encounter with a doctor at Children's Hospital in Seattle inspired her to do something to help. At first, she collected toys for Children's Hospital, but later began a collection for Mary Bridge instead, to better serve her own community.

As an early present, Varsity Grill will serve a free happy hour appetizer or offer 50 percent off a regular menu item to those who donate toys.

Also Friday at Varsity Grill, KIRO TV and Toys for Tots will kick off their toy drive. Bring a toy and donate to either cause - or both! There will be donation boxes for both, side by side. Or bring cash, which will go to Toys for Tots.

After the kick-off, Santa Silvia's toy drive will continue through Dec. 23. To donate, bring a new, unwrapped toy, ideally for a child ages 5 to 12. There's a shortage of toys donated this year, so please donate.

VARISTY GRILL, 1114 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.627.1229

SUNDAY, DEC 2 2012 >>>

1. Few instruments allow you to rock out at Christmas like a ukulele - no, really. The Ukulele Festival showcases jazz guitarist turned ukulele powerhouse Michael Powers, Monday Ukulele Ohana, other musicians, hula dancers and Hawaiian food. This is basically your only chance to pretend we live in a warm climate. Take it! Tickets are $5. The event starts at 11 a.m. at the Asia Pacific Culture Center, 4815 S. Tacoma Way.

2. If you're one of those people who lock themselves in the bathroom when you go to parties at other people's houses so you can go through their medicine cabinets in peace, the 2012 Holiday Tour of Historic Homes is the ideal way to indulge your voyeuristic habit. From noon to 4 p.m. the tour will take you through sixvproperties built between 1890 and 1940 on the west side of Olympia, as well as the pioneer Bigelow House. Tickets are $15 and include refreshments at the Bigelow House on the day of the tour.

3. They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, raffle stuff off and enjoy the spirit of the season. The Friends of the Holidays benefit from 3-10:30 p.m. at The Swiss, and the T-town institution shouldn't disappoint: Mark Riley Trio, Tahoma Souls Alive, Junkyard Jane, Gin Creek, T-Town Aces, Fingertips and Tumbling Dice will all be doing their part for underprivileged families this year. Look, these times are tough for everyone, but if you can have a fun night out while also making someone else's life a little better, We call that Yahtzee.

4. For years, trumpeter Rich Wetzel and his big band Groovin' Higher Orchestra has been popping up in local bars and restaurants, introducing folks to jazz of years gone by, as well as a few current numbers. At 5 p.m. Wetzel and crew will celebrate the holidays with bag band tunes inside Stonegate Pizza.

5. The routine is simple. You look through the songbooks scattered around the joint, write down a song title and your name on a piece of paper, and hand it to the deejay. In a few minutes, you'll hear him say, "Dave, c'mon down," and the fantasy begins. You're Bob Dylan or Shania Twain - or whoever the hell you want to be. It's cheap therapy, if nothing else. The Mix in Tacoma's Triangle District will fire up its karaoke at 9 p.m.

PLUS: Several events going down today are highlighted in the Weekly Volcano's Weekend Hustle

LINK: Sunday, Dec. 2 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain, hi 54, lo 47

Saturday: Rain, hi 50, lo 44

Sunday: Rain, hi 46, lo 43

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 1: OLYMPIA TOY RUN

Whether you plan to ride, a teddy bear and Lego set strapped to your bike, or you plan to watch, waving from the streets, the 35th annual Olympia Toy Run is always an anticipated event on the holiday calendar. Tens of thousands of spectators will line the streets from Lacey to Olympia as motorcycles swarm by, their engines rumbling in a mass chorus of goodwill, to drop off toys for tots through The Salvation Army's Toy 'n' Joy Shop program. "For this day, we are one sister/brotherhood of riders thinking of the smiles our toys will bring to kids' faces," reads the event page. Somehow, the juxtaposition of gnarly tattooed bikers wielding cuddly dolls and candy canes makes the world seem a better place. - Nikki McCoy

• South Sound Center, Saturday, Dec 1, 10 a.m. gate opens; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. performers; 1 p.m. ride leaves, new unwrapped toy or $10-$15, 711 Sleater-Kinney Road SE, Lacey. Ride arrives at Marathon Park, Deschutes Parkway, Olympia.

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 1-SUNDAY, DEC. 2: BANFF FILM FESTIVAL

This Saturday and Sunday, Olympia Film Society's presents The Banff Film Festival, a festival of more than 30 films documenting the trials, tribulations and humor that transpire in the wilderness. The event is a benefit for the Olympia Mountaineers - a nonprofit organization founded in 1906 and dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of natural areas. The festival is on worldwide tour and is already sold out in Seattle.  While the Mountaineers cater to all skill levels, the movies highlight the extremes of outdoor adventures. From 90-second shorts to one-hour features, the films shown in Olympia are hand-selected by a group of Mountaineers. Each night plays six to eight films, with up to 16 different flicks over the two days. It is encouraged to buy tickets for both nights to see the most films. The event page boasts, "We try to showcase a variety of sports and interests that feature adventure, culture and adrenaline charged action." While only a few brave souls may willing to hurl themselves off cliffs, kayak down dangerous bodies of water or trek across arctic tundras, you can bet your best Nalgene bottle there are plenty of people who want to watch.  Note: The Banff Film Festival will also show Dec 3-4 at Tacoma's Rialto Theater. — NM

• Capitol Theater, Dec 1, 7 p.m., $14 Dec 2, 6 p.m., $12, $23 for both nights, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670

>>> SUNDAY DEC. 2: 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 will spend Sunday at the Pantages Theater with the Tacoma Youth Chorus and jaw-dropping vocalist Maria Valenzuela doling out beloved seasonal music produced by TSO arranger Bo Ayars to create a unique, never-before-heard program. — Weekly Volcano

• Pantages Theater, 2:30 p.m., $24-$77, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894

>>> SUNDAY DEC. 2: "MESSIAH SING-ALONG"

We all love to sing. Singing is fun; singing is cool. However, life is cruel, and as much as we all love to sing, well, we can't.  We suck. Or, to put this in a positive manner, there are those who can sing solo and there are those who should always, always, sing in groups. The larger the better. For those of you, who fall into the second category, head to Lakewood Sunday. The community and choir of Christ Lutheran Church present a "Messiah Sing-Along" so you can sing to your tone-deaf little heart's content. 

• Christ Lutheran Church, 2 p.m., $10, 8211 112th St. S.W., Lakewood, 253.582.0331

>>> SUNDAY, DEC. 2: FRIENDS OF THE HOLIDAYS

They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, raffle stuff off and enjoy the spirit of the season. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is Sunday at The Swiss, and the T-town institution shouldn't disappoint: Mark Riley Trio, Tahoma Souls Alive, Junkyard Jane, Gin Creek, T-Town Aces, Fingertips and Tumbling Dice will all be doing their part for underprivileged families this year. Look, these times are tough for everyone, but if you can have a fun night out while also making someone else's life a little better, We call that Yahtzee. — WV

• The Swiss, 3-10:30 p.m., $10 donation, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing The Wind in the Willows at Olympia Family Theater and Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Ho, ho, ho!

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Whatever I end up doing, whiskey will certainly play the biggest role in my weekend plans. I'll utilize Potter's bottom shelf in convalescing after a week of toiling at this regrettable temp job. Fun fact about me: I am literally a Reverend. Which means that I can marry you -- nay, I WILL marry you. Hire me for your wedding. If it's a same-sex marriage, that'd be ideal. Hit me up. Get me away from this temp job.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Friday night we're going to see Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Saturday is the Stonewall Youth Center auction in Oly. Sunday up to Federal Way to see Cinderella at Centerstage. And believe me, it's not your grandma's Cinderella.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Saturday we will be celebrating my oldest boy's 7th birthday at Bonjour Cupcakes! Later that night I will be missing the Argonaut, Mosquito Hawk, Lozen, etc. show at The New Frontier because the babysitter fell through. So instead, I will likely be watching Star Wars (again) and making fart jokes with my kids. Sunday is The Brotherhood Holiday party where we dine on authentic Italian food and drink vino at Trinacria, then stumble back next door to the Broho and drink more. Cause that's how us bartenders roll.

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Work. Work. Aaaand maybe checking out the stache-capades going on at the Metronome Coffee tonight. There's sure to be some memorable whiskers to be seen. Those shenanigans may make me feel better about all of the gift fairs I'm sure to miss thanks to the masses' breakfast needs I must serve Saturday and Sunday. I'm also contemplating making some funky cocktail recipes come to life too. Tis the season for warmed drinks and pumpkin flavored everything, including cocktails.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Continuing with last week's Christmas theme, the husband, toddler and I will attend the Beautiful Angle Holiday Party tonight at Fulcrum Gallery. Saturday, I'll be heading to Tacoma Little Theatre to review Miracle on 34th St. while the 2 year old has quality time with Dad. After church Sunday, we will head to a friend's house for a gender reveal party for one of our favorite couple's incubating baby.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
All ages shows were once a staple of Olympia's must do weekend; and for many it still is. This weekend at the Olympia All Ages Project's venue, Northern, The Babies, Sitka and some awesome local acts treat the town to all-ages action. I highly recommend supporting any all-ages show. But more importantly, you got to ask yourself, what do I got to do that is better than supporting local, all-ages music.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Tonight I'll start the weekend by going to the Colored Women's Club. From 6-9 p.m. is Antonio Edwards' farewell show. He's moving to California. Antonio was the 2007 Tacoma Poet Laureate. He is my favorite poet from Tacoma ever! I'll miss him. After that I'll probably drive up north to Seattle and hit the Zulu-Jam. They have one every month, but this one is huge. It's the History Edition, so they have a lot of old-school Seattle B-Boy/Girl crews having reunions. Saturday and Sunday I'll be helping my D.A.S.H. family with its production of Dream Girls. It's at Charles Wright; tickets are still available. I just get there and move heavy stuff and get bossed around.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photog About Town
I have one of those date type things with one of those female type people, so wish me luck. I'll also be hitting the Amocat Cafe's beer and music thing tonight and then Ukulele Fest at the Asian Pacific Cultural Center Sunday. Oh, and I have to fix my fence.

NIC LEONARD Music Writer
I will be heading down to Portland to spend time with my girlfriend for her birthday. Probably hitting up various bars and maybe a show or two.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend, I'm spending some time with a very amazing and beautiful girl who's name I will not disclose - you know who you are. Our time will likely be spent laughing, drinking hot chocolate and discussing the extent to which one should feel threatened if they cross paths with a hippopotamus.

KRISTIN KENDLE Arts and Features Writer
Shopping, cookies, more shopping, and then more cookies.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FRIDAY, NOV. 30 2012 >>>

1. Today Fulcrum Gallery opens a show of poster art from Beautiful Angle called "The Mystery/Myth Folio." And its kicking it off with the annual Beautiful Angle Holiday Party at 7 p.m. Beautiful Angle, the guerilla poster people, has been doing its thing for 10 years. The opening party coincides with its annual poster sale, and all money collected from the poster sale will go to Campus MLK to support their various programs. There will be plenty of food, drink, music, posters and the best crowd in town.

2. The Tacoma Community College Symphonic Band and clarinet soloist Peggy Dees-Moseley will explore design and meaning in music through wide variety of concert repertoire, including Holst's "Second Suite in F," Bach's "Prelude and Fuge in B-flat Major," Vaughan Williams' "Toccata Marziale," Carroll's Song of Lir," Rossini's "Introduction, Theme, and Variations (with Peggy Dees-Moseley, clarinet)," Gorb's "Bridgewater Breeze" and Potter's "Finnegan's Wake" at 7:30 p.m. inside the TCC Building 2 Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

3. The Top of Tacoma Bar and Café will host a Pray For Snow Party tonight to raise money for the Wheelies so the band may purchase equipment stolen from its practice spot so the band may finish its first full-length record, which will be released on Tacoma-based Swoon Records. Musician Luke Larsen, a bartender at the Top, has psychedelic reggae band Mighty High booked for the night, which means an awesome dance party could break out. We're sure bonus points will be awarded to those dancing in ski and snowboard boots. Tacoma's BLEACH clothing will dole out free shwag. And Everybody's Brewing also has its hands in this shindig.

4. There are, of course, downsides to being in a KISS cover band. Your tongue is always being compared unfavorably to Gene Simmons' tongue, the Stryper impressionists won't talk to you because of that whole Satan thing, and, worst of all, since your pores are constantly clogged with clown-white makeup, you've got more zits than a 16-year-old fry cook. But, on the plus side, you can write off guitar strings, studded leather and custom-made, hand-crafted chrome codpieces. KISS tribute band Dr. Love joins Rush tribute band 2112 at 9 p.m. inside The Backstage Bar and Grill in Tacoma.

5. It's always a bit of an event when local boy Eliot Lipp returns to Tacoma. Lipp embraces an old-school approach to arranging beats and synths and samples to create the kind of mélange that would find itself perfectly comfortable in a DJ's box of go-to vinyl. Whether tackling ambient soundscapes or club-bumping jams, Lipp manages to leave his own identifiable imprint on whatever he creates. Dance to him tonight with Killaz Wit Kindness and Jasia 10 at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge.

LINK: Friday, Nov. 30 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

BLUE FRIDAY >>>

Tacoma Goodwill Industries is known for its expansive used goods and clothing stores. While Goodwill stores can yield amazing deals, sometimes you really have to work those racks to find that prize Prada sweater or Lucky jeans.

But not anymore.

Goodwill is trying something new.

Friday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m., blue - an upscale boutique by Goodwill - will open at 2520 N. Proctor St. in Tacoma.

Yes, the title is lowercase.

"A nice property opened up ... fun fact: first property to open up in Proctor in 9 years," says Amanda Bedell, communications manager at Tacoma Goodwill Industries. "Proctor was one of about six neighborhoods we were looking at to introduce blue. The right combination of location and walkability made for a clear choice."

blue will be smaller than most Goodwill stores at 2,000 square feet. Instead of the usual round of home goods and miscellany, blue will focus on unique and upscale - the crème de la crème of second hand, if you will.

"Throughout the years, we've seen a steady stream of brand name clothing, shoes, purses and vintage furniture, all items that would sell well in a boutique setting. The blue concept was to find a place to showcase items like Coach Purses, Lucky and 7 for Mankind Jeans, Ugg and Coach Shoes and vintage home décor," explains Bedell.

Much like other stores, though, revenue from blue will go toward the Goodwill mission, provide job training and other services. Donations will also be accepted at the store.

BLUE, GRAND OPENING, FRIDAY, NOV. 30, 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY, 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. SUNDAY, 2520 N. PROCTOR ST., 253.573.6500

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Weekly Volcano’s Afternoon Delight newsletter features breaking news, stories, calendar picks and more sent directly to your inbox Monday-Friday. It’s completely free to subscribers, but costs $10,000 if you don't like it. You will like it. It's sweet and sour and makes you pucker and swoon. Sign up here:

KICK THIS AROUND >>>

Independent theaters all around the nation are facing a challenge - go digital or go dark. The Blue Mouse Theatre in Tacoma's Proctor District stares this dilemma right in the lens. Without the budget to finance the $100,000 required to switch its 35mm projectors over to digital, Blue Mouse is asking fans and friends for help. It has launched a Help Save the Blue Mouse Theatre Kickstarter campaign, hoping to raise the funds by mid-January 2013. With the new digital projector, the theater will be able to keep with the times, but also anticipates much higher image and sound quality.

"The Blue Mouse does not have the ability to finance this major capital expenditure out of its annual earnings. Our best option is to ask you, our loyal Blue Mouse patrons and the community to help us keep our doors open by making a contribution toward this historical transition. This change will ensure the same quality of programming and allow us to continue offering the latest movies,” states its Kickstarter page.

Don't know why you should bother? Here are 10 reasons to help you understand the awesome that is Blue Mouse.

10. The Blue Mouse has only 11 more years until its 100th birthday! The theater has been screening movies consistently for 89 years, making it the longest continuously running movie house in the state.

9. Blue Mouse oozes with historical ambiance. The building is on the Tacoma, state and national historic registers. Even though theater managers in the 1930s painted over some original detailing, the theater has been restored to its original charm. Today, light sconces, terrazzo floors, the mahogany doors and other details are original work.

8. Blue Mouse has housed the Tacoma Sister Cities Movie Festival for 10 years. The Sister Cities festival focuses on films from Tacoma's 11 sister cities, which include such far-flung destinations as Davao, Philippines; Aalesund, Norway; and Kitakyushu, Japan.

7. This is just about the only theater left on the face of the planet that doesn't charge $10 for an evening show, and it is the only discount theater left in Tacoma. Regular shows are $5. Tuesdays and matinees are just $4. Mondays are $3.

6. Not only does the building score historical merit, but artistic as well. Many moons ago Dale Chihuly designed the blue mice scurrying along the marquee.

5. You can do the "Time Warp" at The Blue Mouse again and again and again. Most saturdays the theater screens The Rocky Horror Picture Show at midnight. Bonus: the Blue Mousketeers dress up and re-enact the madness on the front stage below the screen.

4. The popcorn is so delicious many people come in off the street just to buy it, according to theater manager Susan Evans. You can also bring in your Blue Mouse coffee cup and receive free coffee during a show.

3. You may rent the theater and have your own party, or your kid's birthday party, making little Johnny the coolest kid on the block.

2. Blue Mouse sits in the middle of the cozy Proctor District surrounded by restaurants and shops. Proctor has a little village feel to it. You won't find that quaintness at mass-market Regal and Galaxy theaters.

1. The Blue Mouse is about community. Blue Mouse moviegoers have been plopping down in its seats movies since childhood. Many walk to the shows. Many had their first date at the Mouse. The Blue Mouse Theatre is your kind, sweet grandfather.

-----------------------------------------------------

>>> The Weekly Volcano's Afternoon Delight newsletter features breaking news, stories, calendar picks and more sent directly to your inbox Monday-Friday. It's completely free to subscribers, but costs $10,000 if you don't like it. You will like it. It's sweet and sour and makes you pucker and swoon.

Sign up here:

253HEART MUSIC FEST KICKOFF >>>

"House music is not a business; it's a community of people who like to dance. In order for the community to maintain and grow, the people that make up this community have to continually contribute," explains local DJ and promoter Chris Savenetti. "And that contribution can be anything from coming to dance to the music, to introducing others to this sound, to providing a night for the community to gather, to producing the music, or from a DJ standpoint, playing the music provided by the community. It is circular, and is essential for survival, because without one of those elements it cannot continue."

Savenetti loves house music. He's been spinning it since the dawn of time. And he will continue to spin it until the end of time.

"DJ dAb and I will continue to spin and support house music in the South Sound," he says, a little depressed after his beloved house music home, Tempest Lounge, closed this summer.

For those who would enjoy a little Savenetti house should drop by Dorky's Arcade Wednesday night. Savenetti is producing the DJ portion of this year's 253heart Music Festival. "This will be the first DJ night ever for the festival," says Savenetti.

Savenetti will spin alongside DJs Mr. Melanin, dAb, Deron "Suga" Jones, D:Fi and Ninja Kat. Besides house music, expect drum 'n' bass, jazzy rhythms, soul, funk and electro dance. 

Why Dorky's?

"Why not?" replies Savenetti. "It's an awesome place. Play games, listen to music, drink beer."

Admission to the 253Heart Music Festival DJ night, as well as all the live music venues during the three-day festival, is two cans of non-perishable food earmarked for local food banks.

"There's really great music being made every day. House music is not for everybody, and that is fine, but we're not going to compromise the music to make it appeal to everyone. It's for people who like to dance and have fun," says Savenetti

Sounds like a plan.

DORKY'S ARCADE, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21, 9 P.M., ALL AGES, BEER AND WINE FOR 21+, TWO CANS OF FOOD ADMISSION, 754 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA, 253.627.4156

LINK: 253Heart Music Festival schedule

CAKE AND ART FOR GOOD >>>

To celebrate and honor the Pierce County AIDS Foundation's 25 years of service, South Sound artists created pieces in every medium - mixed media, pen and ink, acrylics, charcoal, and more - with one common thread: the red AIDS awareness ribbon is woven into the artwork either literally or symbolically.

Ten selected pieces are currently on display at Corina Bakery and will remain up until Nov. 30. On Dec. 1, the art will be sold via silent auction at the Tacoma Art Museum on World AIDS Day.

So scope out your piece and get ready to bid, yo.

Coinciding with Thursday's Art Walk, Corina Bakery will host Art for AIDS 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. During the event, attendees can meet the artists of the 10 selected pieces and hob nob over light refreshments.

The 10 artists in attendance and their media are: Patrushka (gouache on wood); Jennifer Preston Chushcoff (mixed media encaustic), Cheri O'Brien (gouache on watercolor paper), Megan Johnson (mixed media), Kathryn Anderson (acrylic on canvas), Roland Hamel & Elena Hamel (text with pen and ink), Savy Jane (acrylic and charcoal), Barbra Anderson (watercolor paint and pencil), Malinda Ayers (acrylic), and Susan Russell Hall (mixed media).

Most of the artists are local or have ties to the Tacoma or Northwest community.

You can go look up what gouache is now. No one is looking.

CORINA BAKERY, THURSDAY, NOV. 15, 5-7 P.M., 602 FAWCETT AVE., TACOMA, 253.627.5070