JAKE DE PAUL: TEMPEST LOUNGE HOSTS A BENEFIT >>>

Not even kidding here, folks. Friday was National Hairball Awareness Day. Did you know that it's not just cats that get hairballs? Your pet goat also gets them. So do kids who compulsively eat hair. Bezoars, as they were called, used to be cherished, and would be set with jewelry. They can also be made of nondigestible food, like celery (celery?!) or gum (don't swallow gum!).

Hungry?

Well, maybe by next Wednesday.

The Tempest Lounge hosts Breakfast For Dinner, a benefit for Coalition: HUMAnE Wednesday, May 6 from 5-7 p.m.

“We're excited about this event because Michelle and I have benefited from their services in a big way,” explains Tempest co-owner Denise Tempest. “We have a feral colony in our neighborhood and if it wasn't for Coalition: HUMAnE we couldn't afforded to fix all the cats we've had fixed.”

The Tempest will be serving breakfast for dinner: scrambled eggs, sausage, roasted potatoes and pancakes.

Expect door prizes, too. Thankfully, they’re skipping the hairballs.

[Tempest Lounge, Wednesday, May 6, 5-7 p.m., $12, 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904

JOSE GUTIERREZ JR.: THE STORY OF JIMI SIMMONS >>>

Tomorrow Gateways for Incarcerated Youth and the Olympia Film Society will screen a matinee premier of the critically acclaimed documentary film, Making The River at the historic Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia.

By no means is Making The River an average film or one that can be missed by those interested in humanity, social justice, the criminal justice system and the plagues of racism and poverty. Especially relevant to the Native American community, but informative and inviting to all, the film delves into and chronicles the life of Jimi Simmons, a Native American man who was raised in foster homes, juvenile facilities and later found himself in Washington’s belly of the beast at Walla Walla State Prison. It was at Walla Walla where the brunt of Simmons’ life experiences would culminate with the infamous Walla Walla Riot of 1979, where he and his brother would stand accused of murdering a prison officer.

With intimate interviews of Simmons, his peers, witnesses to his life and his supporters, Making The River is a story mostly untold from the voices that have mostly been ignored or silenced by prejudice and social ostracism. Simmons (who will be in attendance for a Q&A) testifies to the power of attitude, perseverance and courage in the face of a lifetime of relative hopelessness and negative circumstances that began before he could crawl as a child. 

The screening will be sponsored and screened by Gateways for Incarcerated Youth, a program that has since 1996 developed and supported programs that provide educational, cultural and self-esteem building programs for youth incarcerated at Green Hill and Maple Lane Schools and Brentwood Home for Girls. Gateways will donate all proceeds from the screening to their existing programs that fund GED-based or college credit programs. Gateways in partnership with The Evergreen State College and Grays Harbor Community College, offers access to higher education for students who in most situations are regularly release from incarceration to the community without stability and support.

“Making The River tells the stories of many of our young people from Tacoma, Spokane, Seattle â€" all over the state of Washington and the U.S. in general who have been dealt difficult ‘hands’ from the outset of their lives,” said a representative from Gateways. “We want to remind our community about the power of hope and hard work, and screening this film is a testament to the fact that our young people can change their own lives and release to the community as better decision-makers with more healthy options to choose from (than those that got them incarcerated).”

[Capitol Theater, Making The River, Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m. 206 Fifth Ave., downtown Olympia].

JAKE DE PAUL: DOYLE'S DOES GOOD >>>

Russ Heaton, co-owner of Doyle's Public House in Tacoma, sent this good piece of news to the Weekly Volcano World Headquarters:

LINK: Previously on Spew

TONY ENGELHART: WORTHY SHOW AT THE SWISS TODAY >>>

If there was an award for most charitable bar in Tacoma, The Swiss would win it every year. Chris Roy (pictured) was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer back in October ’07. The cancer has now entered his lymph system. The expensive treatments have put a financial drain on him and his family. The Swiss is hosting a benefit concert today to help Chris out. Two of the four bands donating their time and talent to this cause are among the hottest country acts in the Northwest. The Michael Crain Band is a s*** kickin’ country outfit that doesn’t pull any punches. Unlike the poppy crap one might hear on the radio, the band is immersed in the ways of Jennings, Haggard and Hank the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The I Love Myselfs fall into the genre of alt country, and do it as well as Drive By Truckers.

[The Swiss, 3 p.m., $10, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

TONY ENGELHART: JUST DAD TO ME >>>

Little Bill is and always will be just dad to me. While other dads went off to the office, the shop or the store to work, my dad went to nightclubs to sing and perform; this seemed totally normal to me, but unusually cool to my friends. Whenever I’d go see dad play, I was proud, but not overly excited; after all, it was his job. Whenever dad would release a new CD I was proud, but not overly excited; after all, this was his job. Whenever dad would win an award I was proud, but not overly excited; after all this was a part of his job.

However, when I found out that dad’s music was going to be recorded by 60 fellow musicians for a CD titled Big Blues for Little Bill, I was very proud and VERY EXCITED. When I found out that the proceeds were going to benefit research for a condition which I’ve had since the age of 13 â€" Dystonia â€" that pride and excitement only grew.

Big Blues for Little Bill was the brainchild of one-time Little Bill and the Bluenotes member Randy Oxford, and features some of the brightest blues players in the Northwest. Saturday, March 28 these blues all-stars will converge at the Rialto Theater to honor my dad. Artists include Henry Cooper performing “Comin’ Home,” Billy Roy and the Rectifires performing “Texas,” Patti Allen and the Randy Oxford Band performing “Another Rainy Day,” Merrilee Rush and Rusty Williams performing “Better Things to Do” and the Blues Vesper’s All-Stars featuring Leanne Trevalyan, Paul Green, Mark Riley, Jho Blenis and Jim King will perform “Thangs Gonna Be.” Of course Little Bill and the Bluenotes will be on hand to throw down some blues of their own.

Dad has been writing, recording and performing since he was 16, and to see him honored in such a way makes me extremely proud to be his son.

[The Rialto Theater, Saturday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. $19, $29, $50, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.591.5894]

RON SWARNER: CANNED FOOD DRIVE THROUGH MARCH 31 >>>

In a partnership with The Grand Cinema, the Weekly Volcano is sponsoring a non-perishable food drive benefiting My Sister’s Pantry that will coincide with the film, Wendy and Lucy at The Grand Cinema. The film and food drive continues through March 31. More details here.

Wendy and Lucy screens today at 3, 5, 7 and 9:15 p.m. at The Grand Cinema. The Grand will give you a free small soda when you bring in two cans of food.

[The Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.593.4474]

MICHAEL SWAN: BRING CANNED FOOD TO THE GRAND TODAY >>>

The Watchmen

Wendy and Lucy

Food Drive at The Grand Cinema

JAKE DE PAUL: LOVING THE OLD TOWN JAZZ & WINE FESTIVAL >>>

Oh, Old Town Jazz & Wine Festival, how we hate ourselves for loving you. With your Pearl Django and Malibu Manouche, how can we respect our toe-tapping, plate-balancing selves? With your 12 wineries, you taunt us. Even your silent auction items such as hotel packages, wine, theater tickets and much more threatens our wallets. Yet we find ourselves there, every year, gorging on your appetizers like the broke-ass gourmands we are.

According to the Old Town Business District's Web Site, "Proceeds from the festival and auction will go to support the Tacoma Old Town Park Performance Stage Project, headed by the Old Town Business and Professional Association, with the goal of building a permanent outdoor performance stage in Old Town Park."

For your 30 ticket, you'll score a souvenir wine glass and four wine tastes. Tickets can be purchased at the following Tacoma locations: Ted Brown Music, The Spar Tavern, and Metropolitan Market. You must be 21 and older to hang the Old Town Jazz & Wine Festival.

Dear Old Town Jazz & Wine Festival, when you combine alcohol with a benefit, that's our kind of party.

[Slavonian Hall, Saturday, March 7, 5-11 p.m., $30, 2306 N. 30th St., Old Town Tacoma, oldtownbusinessdistrict.com]

TONY ENGELHART: WORTHY BENEFIT AT THE SWISS >>>

Sherri is a longtime patron and friend to The Swiss. Recently, she was diagnosed with an incredibly aggressive form of cancer that has attached to her spine. She will need surgery very soon. Today The Swiss will be holding a benefit for Sherri to help with these medical expenses. Matt Coughlin and 10 Miles of Bad Road have graciously volunteered to play free of charge to help make the evening a success. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There’s a fine line between a totally sappy love song and an intelligent portrait of a relationship. Not many singer/songwriters can pull it off, but Tacoma’s own Matt Coughlin has the ability to wear his heart on his sleeve without making me want to puke. Coughlin is a super duper cool guy who is always willing to share his talent for a worthy cause.

[The Swiss, with 10 Miles of Bad Road, Phil O’Sullivan, 6 p.m., donation, 1904 S. Jefferson, Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

RON SWARNER: SEE A GREAT FILM, BRING SOME FOOD >>>

In times of need we must turn to the oracle of knowledge, otherwise known as teenage sensation Cher Horowitz in Clueless. During a moment of enlightenment, Cher tells us, "It's like that book I read in ninth grade, that said 'tis a far, far better thing doing stuff for other people.'" Well, Cher may be a little off on the quotation, but her motivations were in the right place. That's why the Weekly Volcano is sponsoring a screening of the film, Wendy and Lucy, at The Grand Cinema.

But it's not just about the film.  In a partnership with the Grand, we're sponsoring a non-perishable food drive benefiting My Sister’s Pantry that will coincide with the film's run. The film and food drive begin March 6.

If you've seen the poster, you've seen the premise of Wendy and Lucy. Directed by Kelly Reichardt, it's about a lost young woman named Wendy (Michelle Williams), owner of one pair of cutoffs, a thrift-store shirt and a worn hoodie, who is accompanied by her beloved mutt, Lucy. Wendy doesn't so much do: she needs. For unclear reasons, she's on the run from a "cash-strapped" family in Indiana and needs to get her '88 Honda clunker and Lucy to Alaska where she thinks she'll finally find a job - or just escape.

Roger Ebert digs this film.

Teaming a food drive for My Sister's Pantry and this film makes sense. The Tacoma food bank seeks to provide those in need with a hot meal, groceries and sustenance. People such as the Wendy character need My Sister’s Pantry’s safe, friendly and compassionate help.

Let’s do this thing.

Bring box loads of non-perishable food items to The Grand Cinema beginning March 6, even if you’re not into this wonderful film.

Don't have any cans in your cupboard? I did a little experiment last night to see just how much a bag of food might cost. After going to Metropolitan Market and picking through the shelves, I walked out with a good selection of canned goods and boxed meals for just about $20. And if that's what I got away with at Met Market, just imagine what you could get at say, Safeway or something. Just sayin'.

At any rate, we look forward to seeing your shiny faces and armloads full of food for the opening of Wendy and Lucy March 6 at The Grand Cinema. Let's start now! Drop off canned goods at our Lakewood Headquarters â€" 8312 Custer Road â€"  beginning today. By the time we get to the opening of Wendy and Lucy, I want to be forced to rent a van to get all of the food to the movie theater. Go ahead! Make me rent a van! I dare you!

I almost forgot your perk. The Grand will give you a small soda if you show up for the film with non-perishable food.

LINK: Grand Cinema's Web site

LINK: My Sister’s Pantry's Web site

LINK: Read Roger Ebert’s review of Wendy and Lucy here.