WHEN WINGS AND SMARTS COLLIDE >>>

John Hines, a teacher at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way, is one of 15 contestants competing on the JEOPARDY!Teachers Tournament, vying for the $100,000 cash prize. Hines's episode airs at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 8, on KOMO 4 TV.

To celebrate his upcoming match, Hines invites the public to watch the episode, and chow down on big piles of wings, tomorrow at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar by the Tacoma Mall. Hines has added a fundraising element to his television viewing, asking folks to help support the Foss High School football team, which he coaches.

If Hines wins his quarterfinal match tomorrow, he will advance to the semifinals and then to the two-day finals. If he loses, he'll take home $5,000. A loss in the semi-finals will nab him $10,000. However, Hines is a coach. He only sees W's — although the $50,000 second prize and $20,000 third prize aren't shabby paydays. Any one of those dollar amounts will buy more shoulder pads than a towel boy could carry.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR, THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 7:30 P.M., 4219 S. STEELE ST., TACOMA, 253.473.7699

ELECTION DAY, NOV. 6, 2012 >>>

1. If you have saddled up to one of Moctezuma's giant margaritas you know what it's like to be taken over at the Tacoma Mexican restaurant. Today, Metro Parks Tacoma's Specialized Recreation program will reverse the situation and takeover Moctezuma's grabbing 20 percent of money spent on the joint's food to support programs, scholarships and field trips for individuals with disabilities. Sadly, no one can take over its alcohol. Moctezuma's, 4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma, 253.404.3950

2. The Brotherhood Lounge in downtown Olympia bar offers election returns on its 9-foot screen beginning at 4 p.m. with happy hour until 7 p.m. 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.4153

3. It's Tuesday. You know what that means: MindTap Trivia at The Swiss. Two bucks a person; teams up to seven. Winner keeps all the cash. 7 p.m., The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821

4. Derek Kilmer hosts a bash to watch returns for his run for U.S. Representative Congressional District 6 with the Washington United for Marriage, Pierce County Democratic Party, Restore Transit Now!, Pat McCarthy, Eric Herde, Laurie Jinkins, Lauren Walker, Jeannie Darneille, Ann Dasch, Connie Ladenburg and Steve Kirby beginning at 7:45 p.m. at the fancy Hotel Murano.

5. The Mix bar in Tacoma's Triangle District is throwing an Approve R74 party and celebrating the belief that that all loving couples, including gay and lesbian couples, deserve to marry the person they love. The Mix also approves of The Breaklites busting out some rhymes around 10 p.m. The Mix, 635 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.4327

LINK: Tuesday, Nov. 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, NOV. 4, 2012 >>>

The Stacy Jones Band will play Jazzbones Sunday, along with six other artists and bands as part of the "Back to Beale Street Blues" benefit for the South Sound Blues Association, or SSBA, to send its "band of the year" winners - House of Bourbon and Blues Redemption - to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. in January. 4-10 p.m., $8-$10, Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169

Art at Work: Tacoma's Arts Month showcases just about every aspect of the arts T-town sports during the month of November - but one of the most unique facets to this dreary month of art is the studio tour program. Today, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tacoma working artists open their studios to the public. For the most part, studio tours are self-directed. While there are 55 artists on the tour and their studios are located all around Tacoma, you can visit just one or all 55 (good luck with that). Not all studios are open both days, or all hours, so check the program first. Programs are available in printed format at Tacoma's museums and many local coffee shops, and online at ArtAtWorkTacoma.com.

For the ninth year, Tacoma Art Museum hosts a Dia de los Muertos Festival. Day of the Dead, ya'll. Despite the name of the holiday, it and this festival are all about honoring life - attendees will be greeted by much color, chances to make their own arts and crafts, life-affirming mariachi music and installations. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

Two Pacific Grill staff members lost loved ones in the past two years. Chef Jessica Sewell lost her husband to cancer. Cancer also took Manager Carol Reutercrona's mother. In their memory, the PG staff will throw a benefit party for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society this afternoon at The Swiss. A silent auction will begin at 3 p.m.  The Ben Potter Band and Poodle Bomb will perform beginning at 6 p.m. A raffle will be held through the party, which end at 10 p.m. Sewell and Reutercrona are participating in the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society's Team in Training. 3-10 p.m., all ages until 8 p.m., The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.572.2821

Big band leader Rich Wetzel, no stranger to snappy sports coats and even snappier jazz numbers, will put on a damn entertaining show this afternoon. Wetzel and his 15-piece jazz rock orchestra will rattle the rum bottles at Stonegate Pizza. 4-7, Stonegate Pizza, 5421 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.473.2255

LINK: Sunday, Nov. 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

LINK: South Sound happy hours

SATURDAY NIGHT IS ALL RIGHT FOR MOONWALKING >>>

"Living the Dream," is an event that benefits South Sound Parent to Parent and Up With Down Syndrome Support Group, both local nonprofit organizations that support individuals and their families with disabilities.

Saturday night a full-on Michael Jackson memory performance will happen at the 1230 Room in Olympia. The MJ performance will be put on by Rhythm Fire School of Music and Performance featuring 19 performers - ranging from a 7-year-old singer to adults - all "living the dream."

The spear header for the event, and I might say star of the show is Dylan Kuehl, a 29-year-old drummer living with Down's syndrome. His mother, Terri Rose, is the events planner and she tells me that Kuehl has been playing drums since he was 3.

"He's been very passionate about playing Michael Jackson. He wanted a whole show. He was relentless about it," adds Rose.

The school, which usually only does a few song performances, finally gave in, and granted the students permission to do 16 songs, with rotating performers.

Kuehl will be lead drummer, but there will also be keyboards, trumpets, electric violin and other instruments.

"It's going to be rich," Rose says, with a smile in her voice.

Ethan Tucker will fill the gaps with reggae and folk tunes.

The event also features a Michael Jackson costume and dance contest with $100 going out to the winners.

Kuehl is also an international award-winning artist. If you bring three cans of food, you score an original Kuehl. You could also win fused glass jewelry by Kuehl as part of a raffle.

[1230 Room, Michael Jackson Memory Band with Ethan Tucker, Saturday, Nov. 3, 6-10 p.m., all ages, $10, 111 Washington St., Olympia]

THURSDAY, NOV. 1, 2012 >>>

1. Enrique Iglesias and Marc Anthony have their place in society ... and that place is at the bottom of a deep lake with concrete shoes tied to their feet. If you want to hear some real, authentic Latin-American music, pop into Schneebeck Concert Hall tonight to see Eddie Palmieri, one of the influential pianists and founding fathers of Latin jazz. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Palmieri has had a career spanning five decades that's included recording projects with legendary percussionist Tito Puente and other salsa greats. Known for his richly textured arrangements and intense percussive style, Palmieri (along with renowned percussionist Jose Madera and the University of Puget Sound Jazz Band) will be heating up the stage. 7:30 p.m., $5-$11, Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, 253.879.3100

2. Taller-than-average Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist makes his way back to King's Books for his annual Signed Books and Wine Auction, put on by People for Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. The shindig goes down from 5-7 p.m. and features wines and signed books from Maria Semple, Garth Stein, Molly Ringwald, Bret Easton Ellis, Ann Rule and, of course, Lindquist. 5-7 p.m., $25 suggested donation, King's Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801

3. Interested in stopping Coal Export facilities in Tacoma and our state? Attend the coal-scoping workshop tonight at the University of Puget Sound. Host Elanor Hines of NW Straits Chapter leads a discussion on what you can do protect our waterfronts from the impacts of exporting dirty coal. 6-8 p.m., free, Wyatt Hall, Room 307, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100

4. The Tacoma Art Museum will be busier than street sweepers cleaning up candy wrappers. First, it's the weekly Thursdays Ignite night at TAM, which means chillin' with drinks and crafts. Second, The Bead Factory will be in the house leading a Dia de los Muertos bracelet workshop ($20-$30) at 6 p.m. Last, the Tacoma Arts Commission launches Art at Work Month with a party that includes free apps, artists butt slaps and the presentation of the prestigious AMOCAT Awards. 6-8:30 p.m., Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

5. Chinese acrobatics and martial arts have become a big deal onstage, from Cirque du Soleil shows to casino revues. Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon features the Imperial Acrobats of China, a group formed by Las Vegas producer (and onetime acrobat) Yan Yan Shao. The show utilizes Gung Fu and Wushu martial arts, acrobatics, dance and music to tell a story. 7:30 p.m., $19-$56, Washington Center, 512 Washington St., Olympia, 360.753.8586

LINK: More Nov. 1 events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE DO GOOD >>>

It's always a good thing when you can get dressed to the nines and help to better mankind, or at least the community around you. Head to Tacoma Art Museum, Nov. 10, and you can do just that at the Get Involved Gala 2012 - or the GIG, if you're in the know. The Get Involved Gala is a fundraiser, but also a rollicking night on the town.

GIG is an event hosted by Project: U - United Way of Pierce County's team of 20- and 30-something do-gooders. Funds raised by this great gala go directly to the United Way's Community Solutions Fund.

"This fund acts as a safety net and supports over 117 local nonprofits in the area," says Alicia Carter, vocational counselor at United Way of Pierce County. "It focuses on criteria such as education, income stabilization and health."

This semi-formal event fills the hallowed halls of Tacoma Art Museum with DJs pumping out the tunes, dancers in their finery, drinks in hand, appetizers and desserts flowing freely. This year, attendees will get a special bonus - access to the new Andy Warhol exhibit from 8 to 9 p.m.

"There will also be a professional photo booth with pictures printed on-site this year," says Carter.

Face it, folks. This may be your only chance to get a prom picture as an adult!

"I think it's important to note that this is United Way Pierce County's only actual fundraising event besides workplace campaigns," says Carter. "It's also a great way for young professionals to meet other people in the community and find out about other ways to get involved."

It's best to buy your tickets in advance at GetInvolvedGala.org before Nov. 9. Tickets are $50 for one or $95 for two - woo, savings! Tickets are available at the door for $60 each, but be warned, they are available in limited quantities and there's no guarantee you'll even get in.

"We can't guarantee how many will be available at the door since there is a max number of attendees," says Carter. "You might get all dressed up and have nowhere to go!"

TACOMA ART MUSEUM, GET INVOLVED GALA, SATURDAY, NOV. 10, 8-11 P.M., $15, 1701 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA, GETINVOLVEDGALA.ORG

SCARY DAY, OCT. 31, 2012 >>>

1. The Northern had all their equipment stolen at the end of September. Please join the Brotherhood for a great show to help them recover from the loss: Full Moon Radio, Vex and Carolyn Mark will rock the house. 100 percent of door and 50 percent of bar sales after 9 p.m. to benefit Northern: Olympia All Ages Project. 9 p.m., $5 suggested donation, The Brotherhood Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N.

2. Bring out the little boils and ghouls for safe and sane trick-or-treating in downtown Sumner. The City even closes the street for the safety of the kids who will be celebrating along main street as they show off their costumes and receive treats from the merchants. 5 - 7 p.m., You can also trick-or-treat in the historic Proctor District of Tacoma from 4 - 6 p.m., and in downtown Olympia from 3 - 6 p.m.

3. Spend Halloween in the historical State Theater and experience the spooky tale of The Golem, written and performed by Daniel Flint and starring live music by Jupiter Rex. The Golem follows the story of Athanasius Pernath, a jeweler in Prague's Jewish ghetto in the late 19th century who is afflicted with a curious amnesia. When a strange man enters Pernath's life with a mysterious book, the jeweler begins his descent into a labyrinth of murder, madness, and plots of revenge and unrequited love that eventually bring him face to face with his own dark past and mortality. 8 p.m., $20, Harlequin Productions, State Theater, 202 4th Avenue East, Olympia, 360.786.0151.

4. The Spazmatics will provide a nerdy good time with 80's covers tonight at Jazzbones. Costume contest with $100 prize, drink specials and fun! 9 p.m. $7, Jazzbones, 2803 6th Ave, Tacoma, 253.396.9169.

5. Haunted Dance Night at the Deltan Club brings a costume contest, ghoulish go-go- dancers and entertainment. Ghoulish go-go dancers? Sold. 9 p.m., Deltan Club, 733 Commerce Street, Tacoma.
Tacoma.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South South

The Salon Professional Academy of Tacoma will be hosting "Sticks and Stones," the second annual RAGS to Runway fashion show at The Salon Professional Academy of Tacoma - where fashion, function and fundraising come together in an evening of community enjoyment.

The salon is located at 3702 South Fife Street Tacoma and doors open at 5:30 p.m. this evening. Tickets are on sale now at the Salon Professional Academy front desk.

Proceeds from the show and sale will benefit the YWCA Domestic Violence programs. The fashion show will give Salon Professional Academy students an opportunity to collaborate with local designers of jewelry, clothing, and accessories to create inspired high-fashion hair and makeup looks. There will be an opportunity to purchase the artists' creations that are modeled.

"It's a great opportunity for students to come together, showcase talent, be creative and help benefit the community," says Karen Shea, event facilitator.

A portion of all sales, combined with underwriting from local businesses and individuals, benefits the YWCA's domestic violence prevention and intervention programs. This year's Fashion Show and sale will continue to support and promote the YWCA's comprehensive menu of domestic violence services , which provide clients real tools to change their lives through safety, healing, and empowerment.

The RAGS WEARABLE ART concept developed in 1994 as opportunity to raise money for the YWCA while giving talented local fiber artists and clothing designers a venue to showcase and sell their work. For more information about the 18th annual RAGS Wearable Art Show, visit www.ragswearableart.org or call the RAGS hotline at 253-272-4181, ext. 352. For more about YWCA Pierce County's domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, visit www.YWCApiercecounty.org.

The Salon Professional Academy is an innovative training center and the only beauty school endorsed by Redken 5^th Avenue NYC for Excellence in Education. For more information, visit http://www.thesalonprofessionalacademytacoma.com/.

1. Come on down to Poison Apple's first annual Halloween Spook-Tacular. They will have refreshments and spooky tunes. The festivities include raffles for fun and fantstic prizes fom local buisnesses and artists! Costume contests for little AND big kids! Pumpkin coloring contest! Poison Apple spooky coloring contest! There will also be a few vendors showing off their frightening products! The Pinups Against Cancer will also have a creepy bake sale! This is an all ages event - don't be afraid to bring the kiddies. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Time Kids will also be here with their buttons and fun stuff. Raffle will be held the date of the event at 4 p.m. sharp. Noon - 6 p.m., free, 907 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Washington(253) 304-1874.

2. Put on your best costume and join in a fun, fall-themed weekend at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Come watch the animals enjoy special pumpkin enrichments and see how creative our keepers are at designing their jack-o-lanterns! *Everyone in costume will receive a $2 discount off the general zoo admission rate. The popular event features indoor and outdoor activities, as well as treats, photos and more. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Free with Zoo membership or admission $6.25-$14.50, 5400 North Pearl Street
Tacoma,(253) 591-5368.

3. Help welcome Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to Tacoma Art Museum for the eighth consecutive year. Observe or participate as artists create a tapete, or sand painting, in the museum’s lobby, while school and community groups and individuals install thematic altars remembering loved ones and raising social awareness on the atrium. This year’s tapete is an exploration of flowers, in honor of the marigolds so important to the Día de los Muertos celebration, as well as the upcoming exhibition Andy Warhol’s Flowers for Tacoma, opening November 3. Tapete and altars remain on view through the free community festival, Sunday, November 4. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free with museum membership or admission $8-$10, 1701 Pacific Ave.(253) 272-4258.

4. With Prank War, Adjustment To Society, Vex, Michael Jackson and Perjury, all money will directly benefit the grand jury resistors. Rock for a cause. For more information, go to saynothing.info and NoPoliticalRepression.wordpress.com 6:30 p.m., $7-$100, Le Voyeur, 404 4th Avenue East, Olympia,(360) 943-5710.

5. New Frontier knows how to throw a good rock show. Tonight is no exception and the bands even have a Halloweeny name theme. Shrouded In Veils with Midnight Graves 9 p.m., The New Frontier Lounge, 301 East 25th Street, Tacoma,(253) 572-4020.

The award-winning Hilltop Artists are holding their 6^th annual fundraising Luncheon, “All Fired up,” Wednesday, October 18, at Hotel Murano in Tacoma.

Attendees will hear directly from students, families and community members about the impact of Hilltop Artists' award-winning glass arts programs and outreach work. They will also be able to participate in a silent auction and share a meal with others who are invested in transforming the futures of our youth.

While it’s too late to register for the event, it is never too late to learn more about this program, who declares on their web page, “We use alternative experiential arts learning in two dedicated hot shops to create powerful change and long term outcomes in the lives of our youth and their families. Through our programs, partnerships and youth advocacy, Hilltop Artists is an acknowledged force in reducing truancy and recidivism, encouraging academic success, and increasing graduation rates.”

For more information, or to donate, visit their website here.