FINE WOODWORK ON SALE >>>

The Art Stop inside LeRoy Jewelers has carried award-winning Oregon woodworker Mark Rehmar's wooden boxes since they opened. Sadly, Rehmar has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and must liquidate his studio quickly.

Because we recently hosted a show with Mark, I have a sizeable collection of his work which I am now offering at a 30% discount," wrote The Art Stop co-owner Phyllis Harrison on the TacomaArt listserv. "My inventory includes four glass-topped side tables ($575-$740 before discount), watchboxes ($495-730 before discount), one sliver/flatware chest ($1100 before discount), and a beautiful selection of jewelry boxes and desk/dresser top boxes ranging from $150-$1200 before discount. If you appreciate fine woodworking or know someone who does, please come take a look and help me spread the word. The gallery has reduced its commission on these sales to help generate funds for Mark. I am truly trying to help an artist and a friend. Thanks."
 

The Art Stop



 

940 Broadway, Tacoma
253.274.1630

CRAP, IT WASN'T ME >>>

Last night around 9 p.m. the Broadway Center for the Performing arts held the drawing for its its major fundraiser – Tacoma Dream Home. Here are the winners:

• Grand Prize ($25,000): Sandra Kennewick of Bellevue
• 1st Prize ($7,5000 Carol Simatic of Tacoma
• 2nd Prize ($5,000 or 10-day cruise): Sue Larson of DuPont
• 3rd Prize ($1,500 or 7-nights in Bali): Lindsay Helser of Tacoma
• 4th Prize ($1,000) Terry Sax of Buckley

Since New Year's Eve, the center has been selling $99 tickets for the raffle. Around 2894 tickets were sold.

Congratulations to all.

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2010 >>>

1. The Urban Art Festival runs from noon to 8 p.m. in People's Park in Tacoma. On deck are live art demonstrations and a hell of a band line, including main stage performers Voxxy Vallejo, Basemint, Blame it on the Girl, New Law, Hotels, Pioneers West, The Fucking Eagles and reggae legend Clinton Fearon. The after party - the formal fashion show with DJs Hilltop Trot - will be held at Fulcrum Gallery.

2. The family-friendly exhibition The Secret Language of Animals ends its run today at the Tacoma Art Museum. The exhibit is devoted to our relationships with our furry, feathery, and slimy friends. Through paintings, sculptures, and videos, The Secret Language of Animals explores not only the role of animal imagery in art, but also our expectations of and emotional attachments to those animals. See it for the last time from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oh, in honor of the museum's 75th anniversary, the 75th visitor to the museum today will receive a free Leroy, The Big Pup plush toy.

3. A benefit for the Gulf Restoration Network  - www.healthygulf.org - to help clean up the BP created mega-disaster currently ravaging the Gulf Coast will be held from 1-10 p.m. inside The Swiss. The show carries a $10 suggested donation, and a lineup including China Davis, The Jerry Miller Band with Lee Oskar, High Rollers, Mojo Overload, Malcolm Clark, Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Orchestra and Kim Archer and Nick Sandy. Expect a pretty major raffle and giveaway to accompany the festivities.

4. A benefit concert will be held for the family of Galaxies guitarist Bob Koch, who died of cancer last month, from 4-10 p.m. at the Imperial Dragon Restaurant in Tacoma. The tribute show will feature the Galaxies, Blue Oasis, Shelly Ely Band, the Tim Hall Band and an all-star jam.

5. The Dana Lupinacci Band, nominated as "Best New Band" for 2010 by the Washington Blues Society, brings their jazzy brand of New Orleans-style to Tacoma's Johnny's Dock from 5-8 p.m. 

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

SONGS FOR BRIAN >>>

In a few minutes, Doyle's Public House will fittingly play host to a memorial concert for Brian Redman - which, naturally, will include a heavy dose of rock and music. Based on the astounding number of people Redman touched during his time in Tacoma, it's likely all of Tacoma will leave work early.

Rock In Peace 2

With Fields Without Fences, Last Chance Romeos, The Hands Of Toil, And Those Who Were Dragged, the Revengers, Mahnhammer, DJ Chris Roxx, 12 Gauge Saint, Doxology, Glimpse and Noi!se
Tuesday, June 8, 4 p.m., donations
Doyle's Public House, 208 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma
253.272.7468

Here are a few snapshots of the preproduction work at Doyle's.

ONE OF THE BEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN TACOMA >>>

Tacoma came out in strong numbers Sunday to the Broadway Center's Star Chefs on Broadway Carnevale a Venezia gala inside the Pantages Theater. The evening began with shopping, noshing and sipping in a vibrant Italian market (otherwise known as the Pantages lobby), followed by a live auction, El Gaucho dinner, opera singers, and trapeze artists in a Venetian Opera House (this time, the Pantages main stage).

Over the last four days I've attended Third Thursday ArtWalk, Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club's pool opening, Harmon Tap Room's preview party, the opening of Morso wine bar, Gayl Bertagni's Culinary Arts Scholarship Benefit at The Swiss - and Star Chefs on Broadway 2010. I'm flat out tired. I want to write 2000 words on last night's Star Chefs - which benefited Broadway Center's vital arts education programs that touch the lives of 35,000 students and teachers annually - but I can barely keep my eyes open. I want to thank each chef for knocking my socks off with their creations. How El Gaucho nailed hundreds of Chateaubriand and Australian lobster dishes is beyond me. And Master of Ceremonies Kevin Joyce was pure genius again this year.

Also, I'm thrilled that I'll be joining other couples for the beach party at the awe-inspiring home of artist Doug Granum later this summer. It was one of 18 live auction items up for bid. Joyce and his partner Martha Enson ran the auction to perfection - the perfect length of time with top-notch humor and dramatic antics.

A big thanks to the O'Connors of Tacoma for purchasing The Melting Pot fondue dessert for the table my wife, Kate, and I were lucky to occupy. I'd also like to thank Chad and Jenny Mackay of El Gaucho, also at our table, for the wonderful conversation.

Most of all I'd like to thank David Fischer, Benjii Bittle and the rest of the Broadway Center staff for creating one of the most beautiful and fun events in Tacoma.

Below are a few photos I snapped with my crappy camera at last night's Star Chef's event. All of my photos are in our Photo Hot Spot section.

The Sanford and Son co-owner Cheryl Gorsuch raised a glass of McCrea Cellars 2007 Yakima Valley Syrah to Star Chefs.

Chef Thad Lyman with Brix 25 served American Kobe cornets featuring San Marzano marinara, garlic confit and mozzarella foam.

Tammi Barber of TLB Events did an amazing job decorating and transforming the Pantages Theater into a Venetian Opera House.

Broadway Center Education Manager Nyree Martinez thanked the crowd.

Kevin Joyce and Martha Enson of Enjoy Productions ran a flawless and fun live auction.

Broadway Center Deputy Executive Director Benjii Bittle (center) was thrilled when two people paid more than $3000 each to have him cook dinner for their parties of 12.

Duo Madrona, featuring Ben Wendel and Rachel Nehmer - who began performing with Teatro Zinzanni in February 2009 - amazed the crowd.

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010 >>>

1. Rush tribute band 2112 and Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir will rock the Liberty Theater in Puyallup beginning at 8 p.m. Rumor is that 2112 is pulling out the 35-foot rear-projection screen and firing up the laser show for this one.

2. Portland's interactive, sing-a-long, folk punk band Destroy Nate Allen will be joined by Phantom City, To new Beginnings and Todd James Luque for an 6 p.m. all-ages show at the Black Lake Grange in Olympia.

3. The Tacoma Farmers Market doesn't do the pledge and tote bag thing, they just throw a Rodeo Barn Dance to keep the farmers market culture moving forward. Admission includes the musical stylings of The Oly Mountain Boys, a free drink ticket and all night access to the mechanical bull. Food booths will be set up mini-market style with up to six food vendors and two beer/wine booths. A live auction will be held during one of the band's breaks. The party doors at Freighthouse Square open at 6 p.m.

4. Nine local businesses - including Halter Hotties, Vixens House of Shoes & Apparel, Stella & Dot, Ace of Dates, Passion Parties and Sugar Bar - will converge on Cork! Wine Bar from 6-10 p.m. for a night of fashion, art, music, and prizes.

5. Tena DuBerry and guests will take a Tacoma Little Theatre audience on a theatrical journey through the lifecycle of being a woman during their I Am Everywoman for two shows at 8 and 10 p.m., with the latter being more of a party.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

IT'S A MAGNIFICENT PARTY >>>

Get out your wallets, big spenders. The Star Chefs on Broadway 2010 will consume the Pantages Theater Sunday, May 23 with live music, silent and live auctions and incredible cabaret performances under the direction of Kevin Joyce a founder of Teatro Zinzanni.

"It is going to be amazing," says Benjii Bittle, deputy executive director for the Broadway Center of the Performing Arts. "The Venetian theme is going to be over the top ... the food, the wine, the entertainment. This will be our best year yet."

All proceeds from Star Chefs on Broadway support Broadway Center's groundbreaking arts education programs.

Chefs from the finest restaurants in Tacoma will provide the treats for the lively cocktail party during the silent auction. The formal dinner during the show will feature signature dishes from El Gaucho, award-winning Washington wines and desserts by the area's top bakers and chocolatiers.

For $175 you can taste what Tacoma does best, and help today's youth be all that they can be. You may purchase tickets here.

Items up for bid during the live action are listed after the break:

Read more...

NOSH PIT >>>

Dining Out For Life: South Sound diners and restaurateurs are coming together today to help fight the spread of HIV and provide care for people who are living with HIV and AIDS in the South Sound region. On this day, participating restaurants donate up to 25 percent of sales to fight AIDS, and they're asking for your help.

The easiest way to help out is to get together some dining partners and make reservations to eat out at some of your favorite restaurants. A current list of participants with details as to whether they are serving breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and their percentage of contribution is available at the Dining Out For Life Web site. Don't worry; you don't have to pay for all your friends' meals. All you have to do is open up your Rolodex (does anybody still have one of those?) and invite your friends to join you at a particular restaurant. Twelve restaurants are also offering a bonus deal where you can receive a special discount yearlong.

You know you like to eat. Why not help out a good cause while you do.

Dining Out For Life After Party: The Mix will be hosting the official Dining Out For Life After Party tonight beginning at 9 p.m. DJ Shaggy along with MRDJ from C89.5 FM's "The Overdrive" will be spinning. Expect no cover and drink specials.

Europe On A Budget: Pour at Four wine bar in the Proctor District hosts a complimentary wine tasting featuring tasty $11 bottles of European wine today from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Bite This: Thursday nights are "Bite Night" at the Hotel Murano's Bite Restaurant. The swanky spot offers a  $5 happy hour with specialty cocktails and appetizers.

LINK: Wine and beer tastings, dinners and events

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

LINK: Send us your restaurant and lounge news

TAP THIS >>>

"It's always the last place you look," people say about lost objects. Well, of course it is. As some comedian from decades ago (probably David Brenner) used to say, you wouldn't continue to search for something once you've found it.

Sheesh.

Anyway, the Tap into T-Town folks will make looking for hidden items fun Saturday, May 1 with a benefit scavenger hunt throughout downtown Tacoma. Afterward, you and your teammates (the hunting is done in groups of four) are invited back to the starting line at the Varsity Grill for a reception, and if you were very, very good at sniffing things out, an award might await.

Team pre-reistration sign up for the Tap into T-Town scavenger hunt is tomorrow, April 13 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Varsity Grill. Every member of your four-person team must be 21 and older. The entry fee is $80 cash per team, which includes dinner and T-shirts.

Registration will remain open past the April 13 pre-registration party. Click here for more information.

The Tap into T-Town scavenger hunt benefits the Tacoma City Kids Marathon.

LINK: Tap into T-Town

LINK: Tacoma City Kids Marathon

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

PBS, pay attention. This is how you do a fundraiser. The Tacoma Farmers Market doesn't do the pledge and tote bag thing; they just throw a great party where attendees have a blast and assist in the forward momentum of the Tacoma Farmers Markets and farmers market culture in Tacoma.

The Tacoma Farmers Market will throw a Rodeo Barn Dance Saturday, May 8 inside the Freighthouse Square. Admission is $25, which includes the musical stylings of The Oly Mountain Boys, a free drink ticket and all night access to the mechanical bull.

Food booths will be set up mini-market style with up to six food vendors and two beer/wine booths.

A live auction will be held during one of the band's breaks. Guests will have the chance to bid for unique travel and VIP engagements.

The attire is your call - country casual or evening dress. 

LINK: Buy your tickets

LINK: Check out The Oly Mountain Boys

LINK: What we will wear