BRAD ALLEN: MOVIE FUND-RAISER >>>

A couple weeks ago the Weekly Volcano alerted you fine readers to Randy Sparks' film It Don't Rain On Sunny Days. 

Anyway, Sparks will hold another fund-raiser for the flick Sunday at The Swiss - this time it's blues instead of comedy. Hosted by Randy Oxford, the lineup will include The Trevalyan Triangle, The Randy Oxford Band, Kim Archer Band, Nicole Fournier and her 3lb Universe, Loose Gravel and the Quarry, Swampy Draws and, um, rockers I Defy.

Sparks and his crew will shoot a short scene for the movie during the show.

[The Swiss, Sunday, Oct. 26 6 p.m. to close, $5, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

SUSY STUMP: LISTEN UP WITCHYPOO >>>

Do you long to be an “ordinary witch” by day who “transforms at night” into some sort of scary pink-robed glittery giggly perky blond pseudo-witch “magical enchantress” thing, perusing your “book of spells” with its plethora of “mysterious compartments” that “hold your secrets,” along with recipes for concocting real potions “you can actually drink”?

You do? Well Jesus with an orgasmic wolf howl and some heavy goth eyeliner, are you ever in luck.

Because just in time for Halloween season and just in time to make a few thousand hyper-Christian parental brows furrow with consternation and spiritual constipation, here comes the Fall Mystical Masquerade Ball and Food Drive. Presented by the Mahlorian Green Craft, those who worship The Green Goddess, this boodown offers cash prizes for the best costumes, music, dancing and a limited Rob Carlos original to the first 100 to float through the door.

Hurrah!

[Town Hall, Saturday, Oct. 18, 7-11 p.m., $18 plus two cans of food for Northwest Harvest, 3715 Bridgeport Way W., University Place]

ROXANNE MURPHY: TIME FOR PROM >>>

Anyone who attended last year's prom at Sanford and Son Antiques KNOWS that this year's function is one that really can't be missed.

The event takes place in the library of this cool, colorful maze of an establishment at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 and will feature live music by Girl Trouble, the Tough Times with DJ Infinity spinning mad cuts.

People will sport both vintage and classic prom attire and the theme this year is "Anchors Aweigh," so you might even see some sailor suits and green dresses. Most important, the punch will be spiked, indeed (that's why this party is for 21 and older only).

The tickets for prom are just $20 in advance (or $25 at the door), which will be a fund-raiser for C.A.R.S., Companion Animal Rescue Society. Showing your ticket at Vanity, Funkoma and Relish will also get you 20 percent discounts (great prom stuff!) and you'll receive a 25 percent discount at Ravenous (yum!).

In addition to purchasing these limited tickets at Sanford and Son, the official prom committee will be hosting a mobile box office. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. head to The Red Hot for $2 beer night, and there you'll find the committee sittin' pretty, waiting to sell you access to this must-see party that will help save homeless pets.

I have no idea what I'm going to wear this year, but I'm heading out now to take advantage of those discounts, and see what I can find.

BRAD ALLEN: DRINKING FOR PUBLIC GOOD >>>

Drunk to Drunk: “Does beer make you smart?”

Drunk back to Drunk: “Well it made Bud-wiser.”

That’s the only beer joke I know.  Doyle’s Public House â€" after raising $842 for Seattle public radio station KUOW 94.9 back in April â€" has launched another beer drinking campaign to raise funds for the same radio station. Now through Oct. 16, for every pint of Guinness Doyle’s sells, they donate a dollar to the station.

“We are looking to break the 1,000 pint mark this year so call a friend & wake the neighbors it is time to raise a pint for public radio at Doyle's,” states Doyle’s co-owner Russ Heaton via e-mail. “Do good by drinking the goods.”

[Doyle’s Public House, 208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma]

STEPH DEROSA: TACOMA NORDSTROM GALA SEPT. 30, 2008 >>>

Nordy’s got me drunk last night. I’m not gonna lie. While most every other “media” person has given you the boring, obvious report of how the new Tacoma Nordstrom store is bigger, shinier, more selection, blah blah, blah â€" this social girl is just now rollin’ out of bed from treating last night like a party. I need some Pepto, stat!

Upon our arrival, Brian Townsend (Tacoma Mall Nordstrom’s store manager) was called to give JCB and me a personal, guided tour. He was so proud of his new baby; you could see it in his eyes. I asked him how he was feeling inside, and he was obviously very relieved, “It’s like planning a wedding. All that time, and that day is finally here.”

As we made our way across the expansive, shiny floors we heard a voice call, “Daddy! Daaaadeeeee!” Mr. Townsend looked at us, smiled and said, “That’s my daughter and her boyfriend.”

“Daddy? Can I have these shoes? Look how cute they are! They match perfect! Please?”

“Just one! One pair only!” he replied.

My mind immediately started playing “Damn, it feels good to be a gangster.” I was envious. I would love to have all Nordstrom’s shoes at my disposal. Mr. Townsend was letting his daughter have a pair of shoes because remember: this is a special occasion, like a wedding.

The most brilliant move in Nordstrom’s Opening Gala planning was putting free drinks in between the two things that attract women the most: shoes and makeup. That is damn brilliant, Nordy’s, damn brilliant. I dropped a pretty penny on some Mac makeup after a T-Town Tini, that’s for sure.

JCB and I had fun making jokes about some of the shoes. Sorry Nordy’s. There were simply too many to like them all. That’s what you get for trying to please everyone, Nordstrom’s. Although we did think Matt Driscoll already had a pair of these gold, shiny kicks.

Mojitos flowed like the Puyallup River. Minus the Salmon. One after the other, the Mojitos came to us. Constantly. At times we double fisted. Yes, we got lit. I palled around with my hilarious friend Jessica Corddry for a bit, who does nothing but instigate trouble.

We liked all the cute waiters. A lot. One had a black eye, and we thought that was extra hot. Corddry found out it was from playing Rugby. Oh, man, even hotter. Then friend Allison Swarner pointed out that Rugby players hug a lot while playing the sport. Sweaty, dirty, grunting men piled up on each other? I just about had to excuse myself for a moment alone.

It was at that point the poor Rugby-playing waiter ran away from us.

But seriously, look how cute the waiters were.

The Dudley Manlove Quartet jazzed up some amazing ’80s covers that set the tone of our evening, making it all right. JCB quickly realized there were five men in the quartet, and that if she Googled “Dudley Manlove Quartet” she’d probably run into a few porn websites.

I had a blast running into and hanging out with the Swarner ladies, a ton of Tacoma bloggers, Jennifer Colley from Posh Home, my girl JCB, and Jessica Corddry. What a fantastically good time we had. Thank you, Nordy’s! And thank you to the Gala’s benefactors, Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass, for being a part of what makes Tacoma cool.

LINK: More gala photos on the Photo Hot Spot

SUZY STUMP: CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU >>>

In my mind's eye, wine events are sophisticated and elegant events. The wines are perfectly matched with complicated, delicious food that I wouldn't take the time to prepare even if I had the recipes.

A handsome man representing an unpronounceable vineyard in a country I can't quite pinpoint makes me realize how little I know about wine â€" and the etiquette. Do I spit it into the bucket after swishing it around like Scope? Do I get to swallow it, or is that crass? Can I ask for seconds? Why am I paying someone to make me feel inferior?

Or there's the other kind of wine tasting, where everyone shows up at someone's house with a bottle of their favorite wine. This is the optimum way to taste some cheap wine that you normally wouldn't drink on a bet. You get some Triscuits and some Cheez Whiz, and maybe someone brings hummus. You're guaranteed to have a headache the next day.

Or, there's a third option: Enjoy wines from around the world during an auction to raise funds for the Tacoma Neighborhood Business Districts inside the Wheelock Student Center Rotunda Room on the University of Puget Sound campus.

If the third option looks appealing, grab $60 and head over to said Rotunda Room Saturday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m., bid on stuff from the business districts, and thank Tacoma Neighborhoods Together in a guaranteed drunk slur.

For reservations, Ron Michael at 253.627.5277.

STEPH DEROSA: CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF TACOMA >>>

My editor wants me to shy away from schmoopy kid stuff for this alternative newsweekly blog. You know what? Screw him.

Since my days as a YMCA camp counselor, long before my days of mommy-hood, I’ve been a huge Children’s Museum of Tacoma fan. I remember the Children’s Museum before it was on Broadway. Back when there was a tiny alley entrance off Court C, just behind the Rialto. The love for children, community and playfulness that the CMT has always had just seems to bust out of any space they are confined to. They keep growing, building, and searching for that bigger and better venue to keep their thousands of fans (like myself) busy and happy with positive learning through play.

Amongst other key fundraisers the CMT has throughout the year: Playing Under the Stars dinner auction and Gingerbread Jamboree family event, I’ve attended their Power of Play Luncheon a few times in my past. Every time I’m enlightened and motivated to make this world a better place for the future of our children. (I bet you now have Whitney Houston stuck in your head.)

I attended the Power of Play Lunch last Wednesday held in the Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hotel Murano. The luncheon simultaneously raises awareness of early learning in our community and raises critical dollars for the Children's Museum of Tacoma. The CMT must’ve caught on to my celebrity-ness because they respectfully put me at the farthest table away from the speaker, tucked into the back corner. You know, so the paparazzi wouldn’t bother me.

A perfect chicken salad was served before Washington’s very own Gov. Christine Gregoire addressed us. She humbly spoke of her parenting memories and encouraged everyone to support the CMT and what they represent. I was trying really hard to pay attention, but my naughty seat buddy, Cynthia Tanis of Parent Map, kept distracting me by passing notes and giggling uncontrollably.  

Somewhere amongst the adult play next to me, I managed to catch Gregoire’s words: “For every $1 the state spends on early childhood education, we get $7 back,” and “ By seventh grade teachers can tell a difference between a child who was in full day kindergarten and who wasn’t,” and “Teachers of early childhood education are professionals, not babysitters.” Preach on Gregoire, preach on!

Next up was Charley Bingham. Bingham was this year’s Power of Play Luncheon chair. He’s also a retired VP of Weyerhaeuser. After warming up to us about his memories of fatherhood, Mr. Bingham presented Rick Allen, president of United Way of Pierce County, the Pierce County’s Great Friend to Kids Award. Mr. Allen credited those around him who work the hardest, “I don’t do any work. I’m the Chief Cheerleader.”

Finally Tanya Andrews, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, stepped up to fill us in on the skinny of CMT. Here’s what I learned:

• Hopefully there will be news in the New Year about the CMT’s new space in Tacoma.
• You can check out free passes to the CMT at the library. (And they get used a lot, according to Ms. Andrews.)
• $42K was used last year to help with the 35 percent of people who attend the museum for free. (Thanks to the fund-raising!)
• In four weeks the CMT will launch a new program called “Play to Learn,” a weekly drop-in playtime that is actually brought TO the neighborhoods. You know, not everyone can make it down to Broadway so easily.
• This fall/winter “Play to Learn” will outreach the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Lakewood, Spanaway, and Parkland.
• Come springtime, the “Play to Learn” program will grow by 3 times it’s size and into it’s full scale.
• A large portion of childcare is unlicensed. Parents rely on family, friends and neighbors. Although quality childcare, these caregivers are usually unaware of necessary group play and social development that children need. This being the reason CMT will be bringing it to the neighborhoods.

Take the time to support our Children’s Museum and look for this holiday season’s Gingerbread Jamboree. Most importantly, don’t ever forget those profound Whitney Houston lyrics, “ I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way …”

Gotcha again. You’ll be singing that stuff all day. You can thank me later.

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar

STEPH DEROSA: ONE CRAZY SATURDAY NIGHT >>>

Amongst the wide variety of Korean, Japanese, and Asian restaurants located on South Tacoma Way, Kyoto Japanese Restaurant is where one can find some of the best service and best sushi around.  Just ask my girls The KAke, Jenny Fab, and New Girl Erin.  Erin immediately fit into our dysfunctional crew seeing as how she laughed at my politically incorrect jokes and signed my new stop-imitation-crabmeat-in-sushi-rolls petition I’ve recently drawn up.  Yes, we like New Girl Erin.  Dinner this week will involve the crafty delicacies of Kyoto’s menu, which the four of us dined on during our recent escapades. 

The group of us had a fantastic girl’s night out, and from whom we ran into during our time together, I’d first like to apologize to them, and then invite to this week’s Dinner with DeRosa.  It really is the least we can do.  We simply don’t have the money to pay back the cost of all damages.  Instead, enjoy your imaginary blogger-net dinner.

Our first stop was the humble abode of Mr. Joe Izenman.  I consider him a friend, so when he says, “Steph, there’s a ‘Rawk Show’ in my basement tonight,” I say, “What time?” and,  “I’ll be there.”  I adore the acoustic musical talents of Mr. Fusion, Izenman and This Shirt is Pants, so naturally they will be providing the music to this week’s dinner.

While we were down in Izenman’s basement, The KAke noticed a lovely decorative addition to the concrete floor.  It didn’t take us long until someone squealed as to whose they were.  Ashlee B., you’re invited to dinner this week.  Upon your arrival you may reclaim your yellow thong panties. You’re welcome.

Shawna Cantwell scored high points with my crew, and is definitely invited to Dinner with DeRosa.  When we asked to take a picture of a different group of girls, they all insisted they were too ugly and then scattered upstairs.  Insecure much, girls?  Then came Shawna Cantwell. She had the backbone we had been looking for.  When asked to snap a picture of her beautiful dress, she happily obliged and posed like a champ.  You’re cool, Shawna.  Now come have some sushi.

Two other phenomenally cool people we met at Izenman’s were Jake Westhoff and Chelsea Crooks.  Here you see The KAke as she extends a dinner invitation in a manner only The KAke can â€" with style.

After Izenman’s basement “Rawk Show” Jenny Fab, The KAke and I headed down to our Tacoma Convention Center for the craziest party ever thrown by the Boy’s and Girl’s Club.  No, wait â€" it was the craziest party ever thrown, period.  What went on inside those Tacoma Convention Center walls is indescribable.  You will simply have to look at the pictures yourself in the Weekly Volcano's Photo Hot Spot. The place was absolutely NUTS.  Thank you Gary Yazwa and Rickard W. Guild (www.bg-clubs.com), for those three tickets.  We had a fantastic evening and y’all are welcome to be my dinner guest any time you want. I definitely owe you one!

After the Tacoma Convention Center, it was time to catch Motopony do their thing inside Doyle’s brick walls. What a cool (and sexy) gaggle of talent these Motopony guys are.  If you’ve yet to see them in action, then listen up: They ROCK.  I’m already ready to go another round with Motopony â€" I’m ready for them to Give. Me. More!

Our last dinner guest this week is Hamilton Lancaster.  We like him because he’s sweet, cool, and all together awesome.  We also like him because he schooled Jenny Fab on Doyle’s “Bacon Mondays.”  That’s right, Doyle’s now has “Bacon Mondays.  For a measly one-dollar-bill, you too can enjoy three of the most delicious pieces of pork fat Hamilton Lancaster has ever encountered.  Once Doyle’s owner Russ Heaton begins a bacon-themed day, we know the bacon craze has reached it’s all-time high.  And Mondays just became a tad bit more tolerable.

Mangiamo!

LINK: Dinner with DeRosa archive

MICHAEL SWAN: TACOMA WATCH >>>

Market Watch reports that Qwest and the Qwest Foundation awarded $25,300 in grants to three Tacoma nonprofit organizations. The funds include $10,000 to the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts; $7,500 to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium; and $7,800 to the Center for Dispute Resolution.

Read full story here.

SUZY STUMP: REMEMBER TO EAT TONIGHT >>>

Jump aboard the Tacoma Link tonight for a progressive dinner to benefit My Sister's Pantry & Clothing Bank. The 3rd annual Pantry Express tour runs from 4:30-8 p.m.

The ride begins at in the Phoenix Room at Freighthouse Square, and continues through downtown Tacoma via the Tacoma Link with the following restaurants game: Paddy Coyne’s, Capers Downtown, Ravenous, Paya Thai Fish & Chips, The Harmon Brewery, Indochine, Ravenous, Meconi’s Pub & Eatery, and more to be named later. Jump aboard the Link and flit from location to location, snarfing each course along the way. Maps will be provided; a stomach with wanderlust is all you.

Tickets are $25. Raffle tickets with neat prizes are $5. All monies will benefit My Sister’s Pantry Food & Clothing Bank. For details, call Martha Curwen at 253.627.1186.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide
LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar