WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 >>>

1. The Puget Sound is on the mat starring up at Climate Change in tights, mask and cape on the top turnbuckle and its going to receive a hard elbow. Then Over Population will raise Puget Sound above its head and throw it into a metal chair. In a full sprint from the dressing room Pollution will toss Puget Sound back onto the mat, then stomp, gouge and pin it. The Puget Sound is gonna go, well, there you are, I'm finished, sorry, and walk out. Today, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Puget Sound Science Panel will meet in the City of Tacoma's TAGRO office to review and discuss the scientific aspects of a regional plan to prevent Puget Sound from leaving. The meeting is open to the public. Bring your knee pads.

2. America's ineffectual government, led by an unpopular president, is helpless to combat meteorological catastrophe; meanwhile, avaricious bankers rape the working class. The insulated elite barricades itself behind gilded walls, while haggard masses wander aimlessly, scavenging the ravaged landscape. This isn't an allegory for The Walking Dead. It's the story of this country's Great Depression. The Washington State History Museum examines the era through The exhibit, Hope in Hard Times, and how ordinary people worked for change in their communities, pulling together to find ways to deal with the crisis. A billy club used during the 1934 "Battle of Smith Cove," WPA artifacts, and everyday items are among some of the objects showcased in this exhibition. The paintings and sketches of Ronald Debs Ginther, also featured in the exhibition, comprise one of the most complete visual records of the Great Depression. Take a walk through from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Despite the philosophic passages, introspective musings, pageantry, and Russian geography of Leo Tolstoy's supreme achievement in novel form, Anna Karenina is also a whopping good story whose characters are so finely drawn that one comes to love them as friends. So it's no wonder Tacoma's Classic Book Club - which has been meeting since 1994! - will tackle the novel at 7 p.m. inside King's Books.

4. The Harmon Tap Room Underground hosts an open mic from 7-9 p.m. It's a good opportunity to check out the remodeled music room.

5. There was a time when the Big Friction Jam at Jazzbones was THE place to be for Sunday night maxin', relaxin' and jammin'. Powered by the groove-heavy leanings of saxophonist Brett "Big Friction" Cummings, and aptly backed by a rhythm section the South Sound knows well - drummer Darin Watkins and bassist Jeff Leonard, of Vicci Martinez Band fame - the Big Friction house band took the stage, laid down the funk and groove, and magic ensued, with a cast of talented locals streaming through to take the stage and get down. At 8:30 p.m., under the increasingly-cool "Wednesday Sessions" header, Jazzbones welcomes back the Big Friction Jam for an evening that's sure to blow your usual Hump Day plans out of the proverbial water.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region

LINK: South Sound happy hour food and drinks

TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012 >>>

1. Finnish director and master of deadpan Aki Kaurismäki's Le Havre follows Marcel Marx, a sleepy, aging bohemian whose amblings run him afoul of Idrissa, a young African boy trying to sneak to England to reunite with his mother. With little hesitation, Marx begins helping him, first by leaving him food, then by giving him shelter, then by getting his neighbors involved, all while evading a dogged inspector. Le Havre, without ever mussing its hair or upsetting the deadpan fun, offers a testament to the warmth of people at their most wonderful. Catch it at 2:15 and 6:45 p.m. as part of The Grand Cinema's Tuesday Film Series.

2. Drop by the Mystic Mocha in Graham from noon to 4 p.m. for Tarot Reading with Hank. Hank? Can you see a Hank in flowing robes, leaning over a small table in a candlelit room, foretelling impending doom? Hank's a real name. Hank's your buddy. Hank's the kind of guy you can trust, the kind of guy you can drink a beer with, the kind of guy who doesn't mind if you puke in his car, Hank! Well, that's not really what Tarot cards are about. In fact, they're not even really meant to tell your fortune or future. According to The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, "The most powerful sources of information come from within; the Tarot aids in coming in contact with one's Higher Self." See Hank.

3. An off-the-court fundraiser for the Tacoma Titans paralympic basketball team will be held from 5-9 p.m. inside Moctezuma's Restaurant. Fans can meet and greet the players, and eat a bunch of tacos. Moctezuma's will donate 20 percent of proceeds to the Titans. 

4. The Asia Pacific Cultural Center hosts a Japanese Tea Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. inside the Lakewood Library as part of the Pierce County READS program. Pierce County Library System selected Jamie Ford's best-seller Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - the story of the Japanese American internment during World War II through the eyes and voice of a child as he matures through life.

5. One of the quickest ways to impress someone is with a show of skill. And one of the easiest ways to get close to an attractive stranger is to ask them to dance. Said invitation is more likely to be accepted if you've been showing off your moves on the dance floor; doing it well turns heads. OlySwing offers an introductory swing class at 7 p.m. followed by the OlySwing Swing Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. inside the Olympia Eagles Ballroom. Since no partner is needed, this type of instruction is great for those rolling solo.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region

LINK: South Sound happy hour food and drinks

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2012 >>>

1. Every Monday, DJ Melodica and guests DJs spin a wide variety of tunes in between band sets during Showcase Mondays at Magoo's Annex in Tacoma, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. If that wasn't enough, Melodica hosts a "Guess the TV Theme Songs" contest in which people guess the songs to win either a Jell-O shot or a mix disc compiled by Melodica. There are folks who show up just for this little game. All the while Magoo's shucks $3 beers and $2 mondo hot dogs. It's really quite fantastic. Tonight, guest DJ Das Prompt and band Rusty Cleavers are in the house.

2. In honor of Women's History Month, Dr. Susan Armitage, professor of History and Women's Studies, Emerita, Washington State University, will present "Connecting Women's Lives to Make a Women's History of the Great Pacific Northwest," the topic of her forth coming book on women in the Pacific Northwest, at noon inside the Washington State Capital Museum in Olympia.

3. Book clubs are one of the last vestiges we have of formally engaging conversations for groups of strangers. You can discover a lot about a person by learning their opinions on any piece of art, but books prove to be especially revealing. If you're into more non-traditional storytelling, King's Books hosts a Graphic Novel Book Club, which meets the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. inside 1022 South on Hilltop Tacoma, the craft cocktail house. Tonight's book is Sleeper: Season One by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.

4. Let's tally up the score for Jazzbones Rockaraoke, shall we? A chance to sing onstage with a live band? Yes. Cheap Miller High Life? Yes. A valid excuse to drink on a Monday (repeat, Monday) night? Yes, yes and, oh God, yes. Of course, the real entertainment isn't the Rockaraoke, it's the people-watching. Since most of the patrons are just a touch this side of 21, a look around the club is akin watching a "how to hookup" instructional video. It all goes down beginning at 9 p.m.

5. Cowardice, The Sheds and Trey The Ruler play an all-age show at 7 p.m. inside The Red Room in Tacoma.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight in the region

LINK: South Sound happy hour food and drinks

TUESDAY, FEB. 28, 2012 >>>

1. The University of Puget Sound website describes Wycliffe Gordon as a "musical ambassador, master trombone player, and vocalist," who heads to the school's Schneebeck Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. for a performance with the school's Jazz Band in celebration of Black History Month. A former collaborator with Wynton Marsalis and pianist Billy Taylor, The Jazz Journalists Association named Gordon Trombonist of the Year in 2011 - which has to be getting a little fucking boring for him, seeing as he's earned the title five times in the last decade.

2. Influenced by classic to contemporary and folk to hip-hop Coast Ghosts will take you on a musical journey beginning at 6:45 p.m. inside Tacoma's Mandolin Café. The band's pianist, Glenn, and a few friends will set the tone at 6.

3. Rallying at the Tacoma Nature Center, gardeners of all shapes, sizes and persuasions will gather to trade seeds and stories. It probably isn't too far out of the realm of possibilities to expect a few "Easter Egg" radish seeds to be swapped for a handful of "Park's Razzelberry" pink tomato seeds. The Tacoma-Pierce County Community Garden "Seed Swap," which also includes a potluck, kicks off at 6:30 p.m., with all Tacoma and Pierce County residents invited.

4. There are a few occasions when vegans can feel at a loss. One of them is when they pass the bacon smell wafting out of Doyle's Public House as they make their way to neighboring King's Books for the 7 p.m. Vegan Book Club gathering. Besides that bacon smell, the group will discuss The Sexual Politics of Meat by Carol J. Adams.

5. There's a buttload of snow in the mountains. What does that means in terms of glorious winter hiking? Ask Craig Romano. No, not the all Jersey monotone guy. Author, hiker and trails advocate Craig Romano. He's at the REI in Olympia at 7 p.m. with a bunch of winter hiking tips, tricks and locations.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

LINK: South Sound Happy Hours

FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 2012 >>>

1. It's a huge night for music in the South Sound. In Olympia, Free Whiskey will unleash on the Capitol Theater. In Tacoma catch Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel at the New Frontier. For a full rundown of what's happening musically in the South Sound, find the Volcano's comprehensive live local music listings here.

2. If it's comedy you're looking for, the Comedy Underground at Tacoma's Big Whisky Saloon presents comedians Tommy Savitt and Jeremy Greenberg. At the Grit City Comedy Club comedian Owen Straw will get the crowd laughing, while at the Tacoma Comedy Club Mike MacRae continues his weekend stand in T-Town.

3. It's another "Get Lucky Friday" at O'Henry's Sports Bar in Puyallup. You've really never "gotten lucky" until you've gotten luck at O'Henry's in P-Town.

4. One of Tacoma's favorite performers, Kim Archer, will do her thing tonight at the Tempest Lounge on Hilltop. The good times are all ages and start at 7:30 p.m.

5.If you enjoy art, and enjoy kids, check out the youth art show today at King's Books in Tacoma. You can find details here.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: The Weekend Hustle

IT'S PRESSURE, BUT NOT >>>

Community-wide book clubs are awesome. They get people reading and talking about literature.

The Pierce County Library System selected the New York Times Best Seller and award-winning Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by nationally known, prize-winning author Jamie Ford as the Pierce County READS book for 2012, which begins today and runs through April 13. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet tells a gripping account of the Japanese American internment during World War II, through the eyes and voice of a child as he matures through life.

Pierce County Library System has a packed menu full of 30 local events associated with the reading of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2012 >>>

1. Whether you're looking for the perfect opportunity to whet your ukulele whistle, or you're already a seasoned ukulele vet, tonight's uke jam and singalong at Traditions Café in Olympia - hosted by the venerable Steve Einhorn and Kate Power - should be exactly what the doctor ordered.

2. The real entertainment at Jazzbones on Monday night isn't the Rockaraoke, it's the people-watching. Since most of the patrons are just a touch this side of 21, a look around the club is akin watching a "how to hookup" instructional video. Every technique is employed. There's the "touch the babe's lower back and whisper into her ear" maneuver. The "gaze into the stud's eyes and laugh incessantly" angle - a favorite of young ladies. And of course, the always popular "buy them $3 shots of Jager until inhibitions are sufficiently lowered" trick. Band nothing, the hookup attempts are the real show. By 11 p.m., there's a long line to get into Jazzbones. A line on a Monday.

3. Did you know the Mandolin Café jumped into the trivia game? It's true. Tonight Jeff Ross will host the Mandolin's trivia night, starting at 6 p.m. The action is all ages.

4. The Angels Club on Capitol Way in Olympia hosts a new open mic tonight starting at 9 p.m. According to promotion, "Please bring your instruments and band." Now you know. Best of all: there's no cover charge.

5. Of course, we're predictable ... but you start talking about an event simply billed as "Drunken Poetry" and you've got our attention. See the magic of "Drunken Poetry" yourself tonight at Last Word Books in Oly.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

SATURDAY, FEB. 18 2012 >>>

1. Seattle's eclectic roots ensemble New Forge teams up with members of the Blackberry Bushes Stringband, joined by Olympia's Lob Strilla on banjo and Ben Sidelinger on dobro and electric bass, for a performance at the Eastside Club Tavern beginning at 9:30 p.m.

2. In time for a swell 30th anniversary appearance, Annie returns to the silver screen at 2:30 p.m. inside 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. Every suggested $10 donation collected at the door benefits Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights. But please, call the organization POWER.

3. King's Books is undeniably the literary epicenter of Tacoma these days. So it's not surprising to see local poet and author David Fewster has a book release party and signing from 4-6 p.m. at King's for his latest effort, Neddie Learns The Blues. A picture book illustrated by Tim Bernsau and described as comparable to "a children's book by Tom Lehrer and Charles Schulz as edited by Lenny Bruce," Neddie Learns the Blues is also not for kids ... literally. Apparently they wont sell it to you unless you're 18. All the more reason to celebrate it! Saturday's book signing will be accompanied by a short musical performance by the group Folksingers in Hell.

4. Want to watch men in masks and underpants bludgeon the holy hell out of each other? Lucha Libre Volcánica, in collaboration with University of Puget Sound's CHiSPA (Community for Hispanic Awareness), host a night of lucha libre wrestling from 7-9 p.m. at the UPS Memorial Fieldhouse. Compared to professional wrestling, Lucha libre wrestlers are definitely physical as well, but it's a bit more theatrical. More like sketch comedy.

5. The Waterstreet Cafe hosts a Carnival Celebration featuring the Afro-Cuban band Ocho Pies at 9:30 p.m.

THE WEEKEND HUSTLE: We preview tons of events happening today

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: South Sound happy hours

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain showers, hi 52, lo 39

Saturday: More rain, hi 45, lo 39

Sunday: Even more rain, hi 46, lo 34

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 17: THE FINISTERRA PIANO TRIO

Right alongside all the LMFAO in our iPods there's a shit-ton of jams from The Finisterra Piano Trio, a Seattle-based outfit formed in 2003 and glowingly referred to as, "one of the most recognized chamber ensembles in the Northwest." What can we say? There's just not much that gets the party started like when the Finisterra Piano Trio busts into a piano number form Russia or the Czech Republic. Don't believe us? Well, see for yourself Friday at the University of Puget Sound when the Finisterra Piano Trio does just that - giving audiences an entire evening of music from Russia and the Czech Republic in a performance fittingly titled, "Finisterra Piano Trio Plays Music From Russia and the Czech Republic." Part of the Jacobsen Series of concerts, the UPS website says to expect works by Czech composers Antonin Dvorák and Josef Suk, and Russian composers Anton Arensky and Rodion Shchedrin.

• The University of Puget Sound - Schneebeck Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m., $12.50 general admission, $8.50 seniors, free for current UPS students, 1500 N. Warner, Tacoma, 253.879.3419, pugetsound.edu

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: ST. MARTIN'S PANCAKE FEED BREAKFAST

You're damn right we love pancakes. Like, we Ron-Swanson love pancakes. It's an almost unsettling level of obsession. But whatever. We'd eat pancakes for almost any reason or cause, making Saturday's pancake breakfast at Saint Martin's University benefiting the Campus Ministry's annual mission service a total no-brainer. According to the press release, this year 15 students will travel to Cincinnati, Ohio to work with the Franciscans for the Poor organization. Eat pancakes AND make Cincinnati a better place! It's a win-win! The $5 ticket, which can be purchased prior to the event at the Campus Ministry office, includes pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit and beverages.

• Saint Martin's - Norman Worthington Conference Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, stmartin.edu

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: OCCUPY WALL STREET - MARCHING FORWARD

This Saturday at the Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia, author and editor of Yes! Magazine, David Korten, and a panel of guests will discuss the Occupy movement and how to foster an economy "in which life is valued more than money and powers resides with ordinary people who care about one another, their community and their natural environment." Sounds nice, right? Saturday's talk is sponsored by the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation, Occupy Olympia, South Puget Sound BRICK and the Alliance for Global Justice.

• Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 7-8:30 p.m., free, but donations gratefully accepted, 201 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.701.5980

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: NEDDIE LEARNS THE BLUES

King's Books is undeniably the literary epicenter of Tacoma these days. So it's not surprising to see local poet and author David Fewster has a book release party and signing lined up Saturday at King's for his latest effort, Neddie Learns The Blues. A picture book illustrated by Tim Bernsau and described as comparable to "a children's book by Tom Lehrer and Charles Schulz as edited by Lenny Bruce," Neddie Learns the Blues is also not for kids ... literally. Apparently they wont sell it to you unless you're 18. All the more reason to celebrate it! Saturday's book signing will be accompanied by a short musical performance by the group Folksingers in Hell.

• King's Books, 4-6 p.m., free, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801, kingsbookstore.com

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: OLY FOOD BANK BENEFIT SCREENINGS

We always endorse seeing a good movie - or two. And, as far as old-school flicks go, Dr. Strangelove and Young Frankenstein are two of the best. Saturday, as part of a celebration of Olympia Film Society's Projectionist Alan King's 50^th anniversary, a benefit for the more-than-worthy Olympia Food Bank will offer you an opportunity to see both - with admission to each film only one can of food or a cash donation. Talk about a cheap date opportunity! Throw a little extra green in the can and show your date how caring you are.

• Capitol Theater, Young Frankenstein 6 p.m., Dr. Strangelove 9 p.m., can of food or cash donation, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.754.6670

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: DON'T FENCE ME IN

Americana isn't always associated with artistic feats, but the "Wild West," and American frontier produced its fair share of creativity, from music and poetry to high plains yodeling and western swing fiddle. Saturday in Olympia the National Council for the Traditional Arts presents Don't Fence Me In, a national touring production dedicated to the "celebrated musical and oral storytelling culture" of the American West. The production includes the musical contributions of Wylie and the Wild West, The Quebe Sisters Band, Los Texmaniacs, North Bear and Paul Zarzyski.

• The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $7.50-$35, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. 360.753.8585

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: THE CYPRESS STRING QUARTET 

According to lore (or, more accurately, the band's - available online), San Francisco's Cypress String Quartet was formed in 1996, and "during its initial rehearsals the group created a signature sound through intense readings of J.S. Bach's Chorales. Built up from the bottom register of the quartet and layered like a pyramid, the resulting sound is clear and transparent, allowing the texture of the music to be discerned immediately." By all accounts it seems to have worked, as the Cypress String Quartet comes to Tacoma under the billing "voice of the new generation of American culture," via the Broadway Center's website. Saturday, the quartet will be joined by jaw-dropping and much celebrated pianist Jon Nakamatsu at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma, joining forces for an evening of Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms.

• Rialto Theater, 7:30 p.m., $39-$52, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890, broadwaycenter.org

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: TOWN HALL MEETING

Citizens of the 27th Legislative District in Tacoma are invited to a town hall meeting Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Evergreen State College's Tacoma Campus. Sen. Debbie Regala, Rep. Jeannie Darneille and Rep. Laurie Jinkins will all be on hand to offer their views and perspectives on the many challenges our state currently faces. According to an official mailing announcing the town hall meeting, all three lawmakers are "eager to hear your questions and suggestions so that we can continue our recovery and emerge a better and stronger state." Those interested in speaking are encouraged to arrive early and sign in.

• Evergreen State College - Tacoma Campus, 10 a.m. - noon, free, 1210 Sixth Ave., Tacoma
  

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 18: OLYMPIA BAKERS GUILD PIE FEST 2012

There's a lot of bickering and disagreement in this world, but a couple things anyone with a soul can agree on includes the value of helping the less fortunate put food on the table and the value of pie. Amazingly, an event that incorporates both is planned for Saturday at The Olympia Center. Simply known as Olympia Pie Fest 2012, this is an amateur pie-making competition of epic proportion, mixing, well, pie with live music, raffle prizes and "cheerful chitchat," according to the Olympia Bakers Guild website. The best part is all money raised goes to the Thurston County Food Bank and the Senior Nutrition Program. Those interested in entering the Pie Fest 2012 contest can find guidelines (no dairy in the pie fillings!) online at olybakers.com, with pie drop off between 10 - 11:30 a.m. Organizers say each donated pie brings in $50 by the time it's said and done. The pie eating, award bestowing, and general merriment is scheduled from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• The Olympia Center, pie drop off 10 - 11:30 a.m., Pie Fest 2012 1 - 3:30 p.m., $5 per entry of five quality cans of food, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, olybakers@gmail.com, 360.628.4480, olybakers.com]

>>> THROUGH FEB. 19: THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH

The Phantom Tollbooth, a children's adventure novel by Norton Juster published in 1961, is loved to this day by children and adults alike. While it's easy to see why children connect to young Milo's tale, it also doesn't take much pondering to see why many adults still harbor a soft spot for the book. Luckily for all parties involved, Olympia Family Theater opened a three-week run of the stage version of The Phantom Tollbooth last week at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts - Black Box. Read Christian Carvajal's Weekly Volcano review of The Phantom Tollbooth.

• Washington Center for the Performing Arts - Black Box, Friday - Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m., $16 adults, $13 senior/military/student, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8586

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
With the Best of Oly issue and party safely behind us, my wife and I will bid a fond farewell to our buddy Linza on Friday. (He's moving to Forks--and believe me, if you can think of a Twilight joke, we've already made it.) On Saturday, we're getting drenched with A Bucket of Blood from Theater Artists Olympia.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Saturday I will be reviewing Willy Wonka at Tacoma Musical Playhouse and hoping it is as good as TMP's version of Peter Pan. Sunday the family and I will go to church and then I'll try to get my review written well before my deadline. Monday, I will thank the presidents for my extra day and try to post on my personal blog (some not so personal things).

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
I'm going to be awash in A Bucket of Blood, the Theater Artists Olympia show at the Eagles Ballroom Friday night. And, by the way, it will be my 69th birthday.

JOE IZENMAN Theater Critic
Everybody who's anybody in Tacoma is going to be at The New Frontier  Friday night to see Shotgun Kitchen (a band I used to be in), Big Wheel Stunt Show (a band I jammed with once), and acoustic opener Joe Izenman (a guy I am). After that, who the hell knows? Rumors abound of bowling parties, and possibly a tour of Tacoma to show off my fancy new bike tights. Only time will tell.

JENNI PRANGE BORAN Arts and Features Writer
I'll be living it up, writer-style, this weekend.  On Saturday I'm chauffeuring film producer Ed Saxon for TheFilmSchool's Substance and Sale seminar. Sunday I'm taking an online screenplay rewrite course.

JOSH RIZEBERG Tacoma Hip-Hop Writer
Friday I'll be teaching my class with special guest instructor Mr. Von. Then I'll be performing at the 8th Anniversary of the Seattle Zulu-Nation with Kept See and Afrika Bambataa in Seattle at Washington Hall. Right after that I'm shooting over to Kent and the Central Saloon to perform at Nuvo The 1's album-release show with Gonzo Family. Saturday I'll be performing at Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way with Blue Nose Music. Busy weekend for me. Three shows in two days.

NIC LEONARD Olympia Hip-Hop Writer
Friday night Free Whiskey has a show in Portland at the Mt Tabor Theatre so I will be doing that.  Saturday night I will probably stay at home and watch this new movie called Shelter that I got from Netflix.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food & Lifestyles Writer
Friday I will be basking in an all-day spa experience where strong hands work my muscles, rub me soothing oils and masculine voices tell me what an amazing cook I am. Saturday I will receive a much sought after award for doing more knuckle push-ups than my 3rd grade nephew. Sunday I will save a sinking a sinking ship from, well, sinking. And by all of this, I mean that Friday I will go to an Aussie-food themed dinner party, work out till I want to puke Saturday followed by homework and a wedding reception, and Sunday go to church, have dinner with Bilori and watch a movie while melting into my couch.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photographer
I will be going to Northwest Trek with the kids since they get in free. Also, we might see a movie or play Wii.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

MONDAY, FEB. 13, 2012 >>>

1. The Graphic Novel Book Club most likely will skip the lure of craft cocktails and delve into 1022 South's wine cellar as it discusses the manga comic The Drops of God: Volume 1, whichtells the story of Shizuku Kanzaki, who works as a beer company sales rep mainly out of a sense of rebellion against his estranged father, legendary wine expert Yutaka Kanzaki. Yup, no monsters, martial arts or effervescent young girls in this Japanese manga tale. Join the Graphic Novel Book Club at 7 p.m. inside the 1022 South for a night of reading right to left.

2. Consider the Danish waffle. It's more of a cookie filled with cream and raspberry jam. Why is called a waffle? And how the hell do you make one? Garfield Book Company will host a Danish waffle demonstration at noon and 5 p.m. in its Fireside Lounge. Don't even get us started on Tasmanian waffles.

3. To celebrate Gov. Gregoire's historic signing into law the Marriage Equality Act, the Pierce County Marriage Equality Leadership Team is hosting a party to "Raise a Glass for Marriage Equality."  Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at King's Books, Tacoma Mayor Strickland, Tacoma Council Member Ryan Mello, State Rep. Laurie Jinkins, Benjii Bittle and the entire PCME Leadership Team will hug it out with the public.

4. Singer Maia Santell will be joined by guitarist Jho Blenis, bassist Tom Austin, drummer Billy Barner and guitarist Jumpin' Josh Violette for an evening of blues at The Swiss beginning at 8 p.m.

Jho Blenis, guitar, Tom Austin, bass, Billy Barner, drums, Jumpin' Josh Violette, guitar for an evening of

5. The Royal Lounge is a haven for jazz heads Monday nights. Tonight at 8 p.m. The Jazz Twigs featuring trumpeter and saxophonist Jay Thomas will fire it up. At 9:30 p.m., the Greta Jane Quartet carry it through the night.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: South Sound happy hours