BENEFIT SHOW FOR REED RILEY >>>

National darling Vicci Martinez returns to her hometown of Tacoma Sunday to play a benefit show for her former manager, Reed Riley. Apparently, Riley needs triple bypass surgery and it's not a cheap procedure. Tickets are $25 and go on sale at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29 on Jazzbones' website. Riley posted a message of appreciation on his Facebook.

VICCI MARTINEZ HAS A HEART OF GOLD !!
I can't tell you how overwhelmed with emotion I am right now as I announce a special acoustic concert, on my behalf, by Vicci this Sunday night at Jazzbones in Tacoma. The purpose of this last minute show is to help raise funds to see me through open heart surgery which is tentatively scheduled for the coming weeks. Those of you who know me understand how precious my relationship is with Vicci. We are family and I have so many special memories of our time together since I first began representing Vicci when she was 16 years old. I hope to share some of those great times with you on Sunday night but I imagine none will compare with this once in a lifetime experience that Vicci is giving me on Sunday. The sacrifice she is making to interupt her busy work schedule in Los Angeles preparing for the upcoming release of her new album by Universal Republic, to be in Tacoma for me, is immense and heartfelt. Details are still being finalized but what we know at this point is that it's Sun, Mar 4, 7pm, tickets are $25 in advance and will go on sale tomorrow at 5pm on www.jazzbones.com. Check back on Jazzbones Facebook page in the coming days for updates on special guests. I sure hope to see your beautiful faces in attendance. And finally, my sincere gratitude to Vicci's manager, Beth Tallman, for putting this event together and making it happen. I love you, Beth.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15, 2012 >>>

1. If you've got a wicked sensation right now in your music nerve, there's good reason for that: The Sammy Steele Band, SweetKiss Momma, Black Top Demon and Psycho 78 will take the stage at Jazzbones around 8 p.m. to crank it for Bill Rachal, who's battling cancer. Besides awesome music, your (suggested) $10 donation will score you an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner plus the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Do it.

2. Park enthusiasts will gather at 1 and 5:30 p.m. inside the Tacoma Nature Center and go off on how much they love Point Defiance Park. At some point someone will funnel the happiness into a discussion about the anxiously awaited pedestrian connection between the Ruston Way promenade and Point Defiance Park. Then, like clockwork, someone will mention Never Never Land and the whole crowd will faint. A must see.

3. Community arts activist Bill Cleveland argues that in times of violence, upheaval, and cultural dislocation, art is a key tool for confronting darkness and eventually rebuilding communities. Do you dig? Drop by the University of Washington Tacoma's Joy Building at 5 p.m. and hear Cleveland explain himself.

4. An reception for Tacoma artist Mark Hoppmann's show Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crows: The Art of Mark Hoppmann will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Collins Library on the University of Puget Sound campus. At 7 p.m. Hoppmann will most likely discuss how The Book of Kells inspired him to create his awesome illustrations.

5. Beginning at 7 p.m., DJ Sc fires up his laptop and mixer stocked with old school soul ballads and new school pop during ladies night at the Tempest Lounge.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: South Sound happy hours

A FUNDRAISER FOR POWER >>>

In time for a swell 30^th anniversary appearance, Annie returns to the silver screen this Saturday, Feb. 18, at Olympia's Capitol Theater. But don't come looking for a 3-D reboot like some of these supposed "classics" Hollywood plans to dig up this year. (The Phantom Menace? Wow.) Instead, clear your throat, rehearse those pipes and get ready to belt out song after song from this feel-good musical, and all for a good cause to boot. Every suggested $10 donation collected at the door benefits Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights.

But please, call the organization POWER. Save that golden voice of yours for the singing.

With offices in Olympia and Seattle, POWER serves the oftentimes powerless (children, seniors, the disabled), working to ensure sufficient social programs exist for these groups. Interestingly, low-income parents comprise over 80-percent of the organization's membership, imbuing the public cry for action with a personal perspective.

"We work hard to get our voice heard," says Monica Peabody, Director of POWER (wish I had a job title like that). "We don't have money to hire lobbyists, but we do have our stories, and we do have our experiences, and we think that our stories and our experiences can challenge misconceptions and stereotypes."

Peabody's fundraising team has decided to tackle serious issues in a distinctive way - with a lighthearted, bubbly piece of movie magic involving one spunky redhead. "I love the character of Annie because she's ... fearless and fierce," says Sfirah Madrone, POWER's office manager and volunteer coordinator.

Tasked with injecting some fun into this fundraiser, committee member Jennifer Kenny recognizes in this hard knock life of ours the power of optimism, creativity and community - three necessary ingredients for any sing-along.

"There's a lot of gloom and doom in the news out there, and we're fighting a pretty big effort here for economic rights," says Kenny, "but it doesn't mean we can't come together and celebrate our own strengths."

With a theater full of voices shouting the lyrics to "Tomorrow" this weekend, gloom is definitely on notice. The show starts 2:30 p.m.. Discover more about POWER by visiting the organization's website at www.mamapower.org. 

[The Capitol Theater, POWER Presents Annie Sing-along Benefit, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. doors, 2:30 p.m. screening, $10 suggested donation (pay what you can), 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.754.6670, olympiafilsociety.org]

FRIDAY, FEB. 10, 2012 >>>

1. Musically, it's a huge night. The Cherry Poppin' Daddies (straight from the ‘90s) play Jazzbones on Sixth Avenue. Former Volcano scribe Heather Loepp and Santee play the Space tonight as part of a benefit for the Squeak & Squawk music festival in April. And let us not forget the Variety Hour's CD release show tonight at Hell's Kitchen. Boom.

2. If it's laughs you're looking for find comedian Chris Franjola at Tacoma Comedy Club and Duane Goad at the Grit City Comedy Club. Both shows will run you $15.

3. If you're like most people, there's part of you that really enjoys shaking your ass without regret. Luckily, Tacoma's Camp 6 is holding its first "Commence Dance Party" (in what's to be a regular series of dance parties) at the New Frontier Lounge.

4. Poet and author Jane Alynn joins the Distinguished Writer Series tonight at King's Books. With two published collections of poems to her name, Necessity of Flight and Threads & Dust, Alynn is an award-winning wordsmith who should be enjoyable to hear read. The event starts at 7 p.m.

5. In Olympia, the first-ever Oly Music Awards Pre-show - generating hype and excitement for the forthcoming first-ever Oly Music Awards - will go down at Le Voyeur, bringing Jabi Shriki to the stage in celebration of a new record, as well as Fight for Change, Elbow Coulee (in the band's first show back with a new lineup) and the debut of Brian Carsten's Point Process. Things kick off at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Plan your weekend with the Volcano's WEEKEND HUSTLE

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT >>>

What's our favorite thing about the "Boobie Bash" scheduled for Valentine's Day at Hell's Kitchen? Well, you'll be happy to know the fact it inspired the Tacoma Weekly to run with the headline "Show your love for boobies this Valentine's Day" is only second on our list.

Yes, it's hard to top the cause behind this event, even for schmucks like us.

Raising money for the "Team Lisa' Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure account - who's namesake, Lisa Gauthun, is diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer according to Clare Jensen's story in the Tacoma Weekly - the "Boobie Bash" promises live music from Moron Broz, Blood Hunger, Deathbed Confessions and Czar, as well as burlesque performances and raffle prizes galore.

[Hell's Kitchen, with Moron Broz, Blood Hunger, Deathbed Confessions, Czar, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

FOR A GREAT CAUSE >>>

A gaggle of 20- and 30-somethings will throw down - and maybe throw up (unlikely) - on behalf of United Way Pierce County tomorrow night. The tenderhearted tipplers known as Project: U will takeover the Varsity Grill as a fundraiser and food drive for United Way.

The Varsity Grill has generously agreed to donate 20 percent of all sales proceeds from the evening to United Way in the fight to improve the lives of all in Pierce County.

Although Project: U is driven by 20- and 30-somethings, you can certainly join the fun if your main project is getting your old bones to move.

In addition to the donated sales, Project: U is collecting canned food donations that will be donated to the F.I.S.H. food banks in Pierce County.

Visit www.facebook.com/UWPCprojectu for more information. 

[Varsity Grill, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30-9 p.m., no cover, 1114 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.1229]

Fight homelessness

Homelessness and access to affordable housing is a critical issue for our community.  In 2010 - during a 24 hour annual "count" - 1,807 persons were counted as homeless. However, it is estimated that four to five times more people will be homeless during any year than can be counted on any given night. 

To donate money to United Way's effort to provide affordable housing to those in need, text HOUSE to 20222 and donate $10 to provide housing for all.

For more information on United Way's housing programs, click here.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4, 2012 >>>

1. A wonderful therapeutic effect happens when people and horses connect. The same can be said when people connect with comedians. Although, sometimes the comedians make fun of your mother. Anyway, the folks at Changing Rein in Graham, where self-discovery and healing happens through working with and riding horses, hosts a fundraiser at 5 p.m. at the Grit City Comedy Club in Tacoma. Tacoma comedian and entertainer Mike Agostini headlines the benefit show.

2. Zumba officially began in 2001, combining hip-shaking Latin-inspired dance moves and aerobics. Now in more than 125 countries, it has a fan base that is almost cult-like in their devotion. If you want to see the phenomenon for yourself, Zumba big-wig Kass Martin will drop in on Tacoma's Studio 138 at 10 a.m. for two hours of craziness.

3. Tacoma author Marissa Meyer will discuss and sign her book Cinder at 2 p.m. inside the Wheelock Library. Come listen to what happens when a cyborg girl finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle.

4. Playwright August Wilson is best known for his Pittsburgh Cycle - a series of 10 plays each set in a different decade recalling the struggles and comedies of the African American experience in the 20th Century. That's what happens when you win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama for something. At 3 p.m., the Broadway Center, Northwest Playwrights Alliance and hosting venue Washington State History Museum bring us Two Trains Running, part of Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle recalling Civil Rights Era Pittsburgh in 1969. Hype on the Broadway Center website describes the play, saying "In spite of the political and social change that sweeps through the nation, many of the characters are too cynical and down-trodden to experience hope for the future or even rage for the ongoing tragedies."

5. I Defy, CFA, Attitude Adjustment, Konkhra and Contrast The Water will rock Hell's Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m.

PLUS: Scrapartsmusic show details in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

UNDERGROUND HIP-HOP >>>

Unlicensed radio broadcasts, popularly referred to as pirate radio, come and go by necessity. Stations surface only to disappear without notice, generally because operators get information that the authorities are closing in or the Federal Communications Commission has physically pulled the plug and seized their equipment. Somehow, though, Free Radio Olympia, an Olympia signal, has managed to remain a part of the landscape on and off since 2002, thanks to loyal listeners, frequency changes, benefit shows and weekly rag cover stories written by blindfolded writers.

Another benefit concert for Free Radio Olympia will be held tonight at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia. The underground hip-hop show will feature Smear, Purgatory, Drey Payton, Xero Ours, Vizual Noize, 12:12, Beats Me and Crazy Monk. A donation of $3 is requested. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. At midnight a dubstep, drum 'n' bass dance party will fire up.

[Le Voyeur, Thursday, Jan. 12, 9:30 p.m., $3, 404 4th Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

FILLING YOUR DREAMS TO THE BRIM WITH FRIGHT >>>

Time to give them something fun
they'll talk about for years to come,
let's have a cheer from everyone.
It's time to party.
Making Christmas. Making Christmas.
Snakes and mice get wrapped up so nice with spider legs and pretty bows.
It's ours this time.
All together, that and this with all our tricks we're making Christmastime. - "Making Christmas" from Nightmare Before Christmas

When you think of holiday art shows, what usually comes to mind? Traditionally, if you wanted to gaze at art that contemplates anything deeper than a Norman Rockwell scene, or experience anything more visually challenging than a tinsel-hung tree, you were stuck with the artistic equivalent of a lump of coal.

Jooley Heaps, owner of Box Top Vintage in downtown Tacoma, will add a little Halloween to Christmas when she hosts "Frightmare Before Christmas" art and crafts bazaar in her store Sunday afternoon.

"It's been two years since I opened this store and I never had a grand opening party," says Heaps. "Well, Frightmare before Christmas will be my grand opening - a party with tons of vendors selling the darker side of Christmas."

Do you prefer to fill your stockings with severed feet? Picture Santa as a voyeuristic psychopath? If you prefer your eggnog with a splash of blood, then this holiday bazaar is for you.

The store will be re-arranged to house vendor tables loaded with goods from South Sound and Seattle artists and businesses. Creepy holiday decorations, Gothic art, spooky gifts, crafts, curios and hilarious stocking stuffers will fill Box Top Vintage, which sells true vintage clothing for men and women, as well as accessories and gifts.

A mini bar and Punk Rock Santa will add a little party to the bazaar. Proceeds from the bar will go toward fighting lymphoma in Pierce County.

Every Halloween, you shell out between $20 and $100 bucks on the perfect costume, only to wear it for one night. Well, why not drag that orange jumpsuit and Bernie Madoff mask out for Frightmare?

"I encourage everyone to dress up," says Heaps. "Why not drink cheesy holiday drinks and enjoy DJs Aaron Mack and Melodica dressed as a creepy elf?"

If Sunday's event doesn't send you screaming back into the arms of Santa, well, welcome to the dark side my friend. Or the weird side.

[Box Top Vintage, Sunday, Dec. 18, noon to 6 p.m., all ages, no admission fee, 907 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.304-1874]

LINK: Santa Says Blog

SUNDAY, DEC.4, 2011 >>>

1. 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, jaw-dropping vocalist Stephanie Porter and singer and trumpeter Jake Bergevin and doling out beloved seasonal music, probably a few familiar classics and a maxed-out credit card full of sing-along enjoyment for the whole family.

2. They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, auction and raffle stuff off, and enjoy the spirit of the season in Tacoma. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is today at The Swiss, and the T-Town institution shouldn't disappoint: Linda Meyers Band, Kathi McDonald, Fingertips, Mojo Overload, Junkyard Jane and James King & the Southsiders will all be doing their part to help provide meal support for low-income families during the December holiday season.

3. Despite what you've been told by Joe Capitalism, the holidays are really about spending time with your family and loved ones. We promise. Start today, with the little ones, as the Tacoma Main Library hosts "A Fire for Winter's Eve" - described as a live painting workshop for families. Designed for children 3-8 years old and their families, Sunday's event will be heavy on the storytelling and the art, promising a chance for kids and their families to, "circle around our fire as snowflakes fall and stories are shared of adventures taking place deep in the winter's snow." The hype also says, "[c]hildren will create an art project based on our wintry theme that are perfect to give as a gift to someone they love. Children will also be invited to create cards that will be given to residents in an adult living facility." This is what it's all about.

4. Too Slim & The King Size Troublemakers will play The Spar in Old Town Tacoma tonight - continuing the Sunday evening tradition of blues in one of Tacoma's most iconic watering holes.

5. Calling Morocco will rock Le Voyeur in Olympia tonight. It's Sunday, sure, but that doesn't mean a rock show is a bad idea ...

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

LINK: This week's freebies