SUNDAY, JULY 13 2014 >>>

1. If you're accustomed to thinking of art as esoteric - or, for that matter, if you regard it as material to enliven the walls over sofas - then prepare to have your mind ba-lown. Tacoma's Art on the Ave community celebration includes Live bands, Grub Crawl, carnival rides, art projects, giant puzzles, local beer and wine lounge, tons of art and more from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tacoma's sixth Avenue. Read Christian Carvajal's full feature on Art on the Ave in our Music and Culture section.

2. At the Best of the Northwest Free Community Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors to the Tacoma Art Museum will get to see up close and personal just what it takes to make a bronze sculpture and take part in a hands-on sculpture project making your own three-dimensional art. At noon the bronze World War II Marine memorial sculpture "Soul of the Forward and Faithful" by Mardie Rees will debut in an unveiling. It will be on view at TAM until July 27 when it will travel to its new permanent home at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va. The festival will feature artists, fabricators and curators talking about the process of creating bronze sculpture. "Rarely do you witness sculptures taking shape," said museum director Stephanie A. Stebich. "We're giving visitors a close-up look into the sculpture process that most people don't get to see." Admission to the museum will be free all day. 

3. The Social Bar and Grill's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping cocktails and old world red wine and watching condo residents walk their dogs. Come Sunday afternoon, resident DJ Mr. Melanin and rotating guests spin an eclectic and extremely tasteful selection of lounge, bossa nova and electro soul music 2-6 p.m. This triple threat of delicious happy hour specials, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Dayclub."

4. The Riffbrokers' Nick Millward has a voice that resembles a more nimble version of Elvis Costello's nasal croon, draws you in, sonically, before you have a chance to really appreciate the beauty of his lyrics. With the rest of the band consisting of Nick's wife Heather Millward (bass), as well as Chris Cline (guitar) and Ryan Maxwell (drums), the Riffbrokers like to refer to themselves as "powerpop twang," which works just as well as anything else. They sound like what would happen if Tom Petty earned his stripes in the indie punk underground. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on the Riffbrokers in the Music & Culture section, then catch the band with the Dignitaries and the Oly Electric at 5 p.m. in The Swiss Restaurant and Pub.

5. For some of us, karaoke is all about either watching or being drink-sodden disasters - specifically the kind poorly belting out ballads to a hooting crowd of strangers. For the non-voyeurs and the non-exhibitionists, the song's the thing, and Harlequin Productions "Forbidden 12 Night" karaoke party should be a song-centric affair. Harlequin's A Rock ‘n' Roll Twelfth Night cast and crew will be singing each other's songs from the show karaoke style, with the live band, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The $40 ticket is good for a catered buffet dinner and a cocktail as the cast, crew, and band from the musical present an evening of unscripted musical mayhem.

LINK: Sunday, July 13 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Perfect.

Nothing brings people out like a well-organized event, and Lakewood's third annual SummerFest did just that.

"This is just a great, great event," Mel Smith, a Lakewood resident, said as he cleaned his 1955 Martin alto saxophone.

"The citizens of this city cannot ask for a better event."

Thousands of area residents converged on Fort Steilacoom Park to enjoy a public market, a beer garden, tasty foods, live music performances, a colorful classic car show and an outdoor screening of Jurassic Park at dusk.

>>> Mel Smith cleans his 1955 Martin alto saxophone after performing at SummerFest. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

The weather certainly cooperated with blue skies, fair winds and a warm temperature.

Earlier in the morning, the SummerFest's Triathlon - featuring a half-mile swim at American Lake Park, a 14-mile bike ride through Lakewood, Steilacoom, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and a 3.1 mile run in Fort Steilacoom Park - ended as the festivities began.

>>> The cty of Lakewood's third annual SummerFest featured food, entertainment, a first class triathlon and some of the coolest cars in the area. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Marty Owens and Bill Sullivan captured the spirit of the event perfectly.

"This event is very good; it's awesome," said Owens, a Tacoma resident and classic car judge.

"Lakewood should be proud of itself."

>>> One of the biggest attractions at SummerFest was the West Pierce Fire Department with its trucks, equipment and information booths. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

There are two types of connections that UNITE US, an emerging technology platform aimed at enabling the military community, is focused on: peer to peer and peer to organization.

"We wanted to create something that helped connect the dots - to connect the demand side with the supply side," explained UNITE US co-founder Taylor Justice.

Justice, who graduated from West Point in 2006 and served for a few years before being medically retired, created Unite US with two other veterans, Dan Brillman and Kareem Elsirafy, as well as a civilian partner, Andrew Price.

The four men began work in 2012 and after raising seed money, cultivating relationships and building their virtual platform, UNITE US went live in November 2013.

Read more...

In July the Thurston County Veterans Court will mark its five-year anniversary and in order to commemorate the milestone month, the public is invited to join in the celebration each Wednesday in July during the normal, weekly Veterans Court proceedings. Special guest speakers, Veterans Court staff and Veterans Court graduates and their families will be on hand throughout the month.

When the Thurston County Veterans Court program was introduced in 2009, it was the eleventh such program in the nation and the first in Washington. Since then, veterans court programs have grown and there are now more than 160 nationwide.

"I feel we have an obligation to servicemen and veterans, to help them," said Staci Coleman, Veterans Court Program Manager. "This is our chance to give them an opportunity to heal, get back on their feet and resume being engaged and productive community members."

Thurston County Veterans Court combines rigorous treatment and accountability to veterans and active duty military personnel with legal troubles. It offers a chance at rehabilitation to veterans who, due to service-related mental health issues, find themselves facing legal charges; cases pertaining to sexual crimes or illegal use of weapons are not eligible.

Read more...

SUNDAY, JULY 6 2014 >>>

1. Sunday, July 6, Museum of Glass will celebrate its 12th birthday with a party FROM noon to 5 p.m. The Museum has entertained more than 2 million visitors, hosted more than 350 artists and has shown 86 exhibitions and displays since opening in 2002. Numerology states a birthday on the 6th of the month adds a tone of responsibility, helpfulness and understanding to one's natural inclinations. This is a number associated with strong sense of responsibility, artistic, a nurturing disposition and community oriented - with a strong degree of concern for others. Those born on the sixth are more apt to be open and honest with everyone, and more caring about family, too. Makes sense since MOG cares about family so deeply; it's family-friendly party on July 6 will be free for those 12 and younger with free cupcakes, balloon art, chalk art and cookies. That said, if your kid knocks over a piece of glass, MOG will dub your family's number 86.

2. Two great American loves will unite for the fourth time as part of the Gig Harbor Wings and Wheels show at the Tacoma Narrows Airport. The event, which is hosted by the Tacoma Events Commission, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature bi-plane rides, cool cars and aircraft, live music and the Smoke 'N' Thunder Jet Dragster making a 300 mph run down the runway, plus three hours of aerial demonstrations and displays, featuring warbirds and aerobatic airplanes.

3. Operation Ward 57 depends solely on donations to operate their project for wounded soldiers and amputees. Uncle Sam's American Bar and Grill hosts a motorcycle run to benefit Operation Ward 57. There will be a motorcycle run leaving Uncle Sam's Amphitheater at approx. 1 p.m. This run will stop at Lawless Harley Davidson, Destination HD and NW Harley Davidson and returns back to Uncle Sam's for a concert with Commander Cody and His New Planet Airmen plus The Razorback Riders at 6 p.m. Price to join the ride is $15. These funds will support the concert benefit and includes admission to the show.

4. The Social Bar and Grill's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping cocktails and old world red wine and watching condo residents walk their dogs. Come Sunday afternoon, resident DJ Mr. Melanin and rotating guests spin an eclectic and extremely tasteful selection of lounge, bossa nova and electro soul music 2-6 p.m. This triple threat of delicious happy hour specials, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Dayclub."

5. Around the mid-'00s, a cavalcade of bands arrived on the scene as blissed-out purveyors of art-pop - off-kilter melodies and shifting time signatures giving nods to progressive rock, without going so far as to approach the uncommercial. Groups such as Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear and Local Natives are on the frontline of this movement of musical geeks, and Talk of Shamans fit right in with that new wave. The San Francisco trio bounces back and forth from bouncy, yelping indie rock and world music-indebted pitter-patter. Catch the band with Globelamp and Union Pacific at 10 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

LINK: Sunday, July 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

What a delight!

Perfect weather - and it can't get any better than it was yesterday - combined with the tradition of delighting and entertaining families from the local area greeted the general public during Joint Base Lewis-McChord's annual Freedom Fest.

Held at Cowan and Memorial Stadiums, the festival featured live entertainment, aerial demonstrations, military displays, carnival rides, a fantastic classic car show, food, and games.

On this day, the nation's 238th birthday, the attitude among many attending Freedom Fest is decidedly patriotic.

"I am very proud to be an American," said Vietnam veteran Jerry Murphy as he stood next to his immaculately restored 1970 Ford Mustang.

Murphy's car underscored his patriotism.

Inside the car were visible the multiple Purple Hearts he had earned while serving in Vietnam.  In the truck were Silver and Bronze Stars neatly arrayed next to his flight suit.

"I served in the infantry and aviation," he told me.  And I value our freedom to be able to live our lives as we see fit."

>>> Vietnam veteran Jerry Murphy's 1970 Ford Mustang was one of the many classic cars on display. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> Classic Cars:  Thousands of individuals turned out in ideal weather conditions to enjoy Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Freedom Fest activities. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Joan Greenwood clearly understood the value of freedom today represents.

"My dad served in the Navy and died for this country.  My brother served and died for this country.  My husband is a Marine, and I am proud to be a part of this country," she said.

>>> Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Walker, 110th Chemical Battalion, holds the American flag during Freedom Fest activities at JBLM July 4. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> Abigail Hart enjoyed Freedom Fest by receiving an air brushed red dragon. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

It was one hero thanking another.

The Seattle Seahawks, winners of Super Bowl XLVIII and the heroes of the fans, came to say thanks to what they called the real heroes - the military and their families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"They're the real heroes," said Armando Mejia, assistant manager with the Seahawks community relations. "We want to thank them. That's what this is all about."

Hangar 9 on McChord Field, with a C-17 Globemaster III as the backdrop, was turned into a Seahawks shrine, complete with the Lombardi Trophy, which the Seahawks won for winning the Super Bowl. The Seahawks have paraded the trophy to five military bases in the Northwest, thanking the military for their service.

"We appreciate you guys a lot," said Seahawks wide receiver Bill Bates, one of three Seahawk players at the event. "Without your support we wouldn't be here today."

Other special guests besides the Lombardi Trophy, which fans stood by and got their pictures snapped, included Seahawks linebacker Korey Toomer and cornerback DeShawn Shead. Six members of the Blue Thunder and six members of the Sea Gals also came, entertaining the crowd of about 1,000 military families.

"My kids are very excited," said Erin Philippart, who brought her three children to the Seahawks event. "It's awesome."

With her husband in the Air Force, she appreciated the thank you from the Seahawks.

"It's so awesome," Philippart said. "They've come to say thanks to the troops. It's greatly appreciated."

Col. Pete Stavros, who was at the event with his wife and children, was impressed with the Seahawks coming to JBLM, allowing the base to be part of the celebration.

"The kids get to see the trophy, which is pretty cool," said Stavros, the commander of the Western Air Defense Sector. "We're celebrating an outstanding season."

While the fans' focus was on the Seahawks, the Seahawks' focus was on thanking the military.

"For them to come down on this day it's a great statement about the relationship between the Seahawks organization and the military," said Stavros, who did a flyby over the stadium prior to the Seahawks-Dallas game in the 2012 season. "It means a lot."

Capt. Tim Slater, holding two footballs to get autographed, was among the eager fans standing in long lines waiting to get an autograph.

"It's almost hard to put into words about them coming," said Slater, who didn't miss a Seahawks game on TV last season. "That's the Lombardi Trophy. How cool is that? The Seahawks came here. It's fun."

 Seahawk fans were hoping Russell Wilson, the Seahawks quarterback and team leader, would show up, but he wasn't among the Seahawks that came.

"Russell usually goes to the Children's Hospital on Tuesdays and Wednesdays," Slater said.

The Lombardi Trophy was a big attraction. There were also life-size standup posters of Seahawks Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor. There were also huge cutout mug shots of coach Pete Carrol, Wilson, Sherman and Marshawn Lynch. Kids would hold up the mugs and get their pictures taken.

"We want to thank the military and their families," Mejia said. "We understand that the Super Bowl trophy is cool, but here is where it counts."

After a 30-minute presentation that included the Blue Thunder playing and the Sea Gals dancing and Tony Ventrella, the Seahawks PR director and former local TV sports announcer, interviewing the three Seahawks, asking them questions, the players began signing autographs. Long lines more than 200 deep formed and the players began signing.

It was their way of saying thanks.    

The Washington National Guard celebrates our nation's independence with several statewide "#GuardWeek" events as part of "It's your home, It's your guard, It's your week" 2014 campaign. The Guard hopes all ages enjoy the following community events, encouraging tagging Fourth of July photos on twitter with the social media hashtag, #GuardWeek.

The Washington National Guard kicks off its #GuardWeek campaign with the Go Fourth Festival in Longview July 2-3. Drop by the Washington National Guard information booth and enjoy the 133rd Army Band.

Friday, July 4, the Washington National Guard heads to Seattle for the Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works Park and South Lake Union Park. Expect to see vehicle static displays, 133rd band, interactive booths and an awe-inspiring presentation with a salute cannon and aerial display to start the fireworks show. 

The Guard will participate in the city of Auburn's Fourth of July festivities at Les Grove Park, including a concert by its 133^rd Band. Those in Les Grove Park will enjoy various arts and crafts, car show, parade, and various entertainers on two stages.

Will you be close to the Tacoma Waterfront? The Washington National Guard will be. The Guard will have static vehicle displays, interactive booths and entertainment at the "America Be Strong" Stage by the Lobster Shop restaurant on Ruston Way as part of the huge Freedom Fair.

Have a need for speed?  Then make sure you visit the Evergreen Motor Speedway in Monroe July 4. The Guard will have static vehicle displays, interactive booths and entertainment. 

The Guard will also be participating in several parades in Arlington and Edmonds.

Across the Cascades, the Guard will be a part of Spokane's July 4 Pennant 5k Run in the morning and closing out the day with the triple-a baseball team Spokane Indians as they take on the Vancouver Canadians, followed by fireworks. The Washington National Guard will have a Paladin Howitzer Static Display and information booth

The 133rd Band will also play in White Salmon outside of Yakima as part of a Fourth of July celebration.

Closing out the 4th of July Weekend, the Washington National Guard and the Seattle Reign Women's Soccer team will have a military appreciation match against the Boston Breakers at Memorial Stadium in Seattle Sunday, July 6. The Guard will present the Colors, bring static displays, host an information booth and toss the coin. 

THURSDAY, JUNE 26 2014 >>>

1. Like the residents of Yelm, Washington, United States of America, we're super-psyched for the big and annual "Yelm Prairie Days Parade" which strolls down Yelm Avenue at 7 p.m. and has all the great parade stuff, marching bands, drill teams, fire trucks, old cars, various community organizations, girls wearing white gloves, Joint Base Lewis-McChord represent, farm animals, open-topped cars with like "Miss Yelm" and "Jr. Miss Yelm" and stuff like that, marching-band people carrying bigass drums and horns and whatever, and, of course, nutty guys with the tiny cars The parade kicks off Yelm Prairie Days, which runs through the weekend at Yelm City Park.

2. When the weather starts to turn warm, there's nothing we love more than to spend a night with a great book and spicy stir-fried fiddleheads with chile paste, sesame oil and walnuts. OK, maybe we also enjoy a little company, but where to find someone with the same weaknesses? Consider heading to The Commons at Fertile Ground at 6 p.m. for the Olympia Food Co-op's new Read and Eat book and potluck club. This week, the book they will discuss is Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, Novella Carpenter's story of her move to an Oakland, Calif., neighborhood plagued by gang violence and her decision, despite the circumstances, to dive headfirst into urban farming.

3. The Copper Door in Tacoma's Stadium District hosts Double Mountain Brewer's Night featuring the release of the Hood River brewery's Cluster Single-Hop IPA with pineapple and orange flavors, dewy herbal character and a lovely floral note at the top. Also expect the Homestead, Rusty Zipper and free swag beginning at 6 p.m.

4. Tacoma poet Luke Smiraldo presents another Live at the Auricle performance, this time experimenting with word and sound and a loop machine at 7 p.m. in the B Sharp Coffee House. Smiraldo will create an instant collaboration of accapella voice, song and rhythm. Drunken Telegraph winner and Moth second place finisher Jim Kopriva will anchor the second set with a story linked to the loop theme.

5. Hailing from The Rose City, Landon Wordswell combines enthusiasm with sharp craft and delivery on the microphone. Billed as Wordswell's "Return To Olympia," and joined by his homie Mo Stafa, they picked Jezebels Bar and Grill for their return, with a flock of local openers including Dr. Roks, Syncopated Knock, Mistervits, MC Swamptiger, Soulless Kings and Krucial Bars at 8:30 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, June 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TUESDAY, JUNE 24 2014 >>>

1. Before Larry David and Ricky Gervais cornered the market on cringe-inducing comedy, there was Alan Partridge. For those unfamiliar with Partridge, he is a fictional pedantic media whore portrayed by English comedian Steve Coogan, who started out as a sports reporter before graduating to a TV host. Partridge has had many ups and downs in his life. National television broadcaster. Responsible for killing a guest on live TV. Local radio broadcaster. A nervous breakdown in Dundee. The Grand Cinema screens the self-titled film portraying the events of the greatest low-to-high-ebb spectrum in Partridge's life to date - specifically how he tries to salvage his public career while negotiating a potentially violent turn of events at North Norfolk Digital Radio. See Coogan's awesome comic timing at 2:30 and 6:45 p.m.

2. The Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau is opening up a brand-spanking new visitor center and is at the ready to celebrate. From 10 a.m. to noon, the general public is cordially invited to the grand opening and unveiling of the new Tacoma Visitor Information Center at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center in downtown Tacoma. Admission is free and all are welcome. Games, prizes, personalities and a mayoral welcome are the orders of the day. 

3. Pastels have a bad rep, often deserved, but not always. The name is associated with soft and pretty colors, and pastel as a media has long been thought of as a media of sweet grandmothers who take it up as a hobby - despite the example of Edgar Degas, who revolutionized pastel art with layered and heavily textured works as far back as 1880. That influence is still very evident in the NW Pastel Society's 28th Annual International Open Exhibition from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at American Art Company.

4. Known as a premiere wolf facility in the United States, Wolf Haven is also one of the most unusual, both in its work for restoration and protection of wolves and because formerly captive wolves are not allowed to breed out of the fear of contributing to captive populations. Wolf Haven educators, Skie Bender and Cindy Irwin, will be at the Tumwater Timberland Library today to present two programs: a workshop on the wolf's role in nature and a discussion of the current status of wolves in Washington. "The Wolf Café," a workshop designed for children and families, will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Participants will learn about the wolf's diet and how the animal is adapted for its role as a key predator. The Wolves of Washington, which is geared to adults, will be from 6 to 7 p.m. The presentation covers the history of wolves in the state, what happened to them, where our wolves are coming from today, current numbers, legal status, and conflicts.

5. Usually when you go to the casino you just lose money - but tonight could be different. Danny Vernon's Illusions of Elvis will be at the Red Wind Casino. Travel out to Yelm and have a great time with the King's likeness, starting at 6:30 p.m. 

LINK: Tuesday, June 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area