SATURDAY, OCT. 8, 2011 >>>

1. Join poet, author, editor and spoken word performer Quincy Troupe tonight at the Museum of Glass for what's being billed as a night of poetry and jazz. It runs from 7 - 9:30 p.m. and also features poetry readings by Tacoma's poet laureate Josie Emmons Turner and a performance by the Kareem Kandi Band. The event is presented in conjunction with Parenthetically Speaking: It's Only a Figure of Speech by Mildred Howard, currently on display at MOG.

2. It's finally here! The Donkey Creek Chum Festival that is! A celebration of salmon incubated and released as fry into Gig Harbor by the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club now returning to span as mature salmon, and also a party for all who admire and cherish the role salmon plays in our local ecosystem, The Donkey Creek Chum Festival is always a good time. It starts at 10 a.m. and goes down where Harborview meets North Harborview along Gig Harbor's waterfront. The Chum Burgers hit the grill beginning at noon, and the kayak races are from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

3. Acoustic artist Sarah McQuaid plays Traditions Café tonight in Olympia. The all-ages action starts at 8 p.m.

4. It's become tradition. Beautiful, lederhosen-centric, malt-liquor-fueled tradition. Every year, customarily at Bob's Java Jive, co-creator Craig Egan and his cast of dedicated, party-making cohorts put together one of the coolest and most unique nights of the year - mixing ghetto culture, all things German and large quantities of Old E (or similarly malt adult beverages) to make Maltoberfest - thee place to be tonight. With music coming from prime sources like Saucy Yoda, Kramer and DJ Melodica (among many others) you know the tunes will be banging. And seeing as the $15 entry gets you all the malt liquor you could possibly drink (not to mention lots of German food), there's really no better bang for your party buck either. Remember to drain a forty for your toten Freunde. 

5. India.Arie's voice is known the world over. Over the course of a decade-spanning career (so far), Arie has managed to touch more than most with her equally inspiring and intimate musical efforts. Tonight, Arie and composer Idan Raichel will perform at the Washington Center in Olympia. Hype describes the teaming as a, "dynamic collaboration," that "bridges cultural divides and exemplifies the strength of raw, unadorned production." But see for yourself.

LINK: Even more things to do featured in The Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

THURSDAY, OCT. 6, 2011 >>>

1. In 2006, musician David Nichols released his first album as Tex, The Angels Came to Take Me Home. A certain gloom hangs over the record in shrouds, as each song takes on either a sad-sack resignation or a bitterly stubborn stomp. When the clouds part and a sunny hook pops through, there's still a sadness looming in the lyrics. Tex didn't release another album until just last year. Tonight the Nichols and Tex make a return to the stage, playing The New Frontier with Canon Canyon, Library and Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray.

2. OMFG! The Tacoma Film Fest kicks off today. But you know this already because you've already read the Volcano's extensive preview coverage of this year's cinema extravaganza. Find something to go see today here.

3. This morning at 11 a.m. head to the Tacoma Art Museum to learn exactly how museums determine what art they collect. A museum curator will lead the presentation.

4. Boom! Mike Coucoules hosts the new Thursday Acoustic Open Mic at Medi'a Pizza & Pasta in Tacoma tonight from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. It's all ages until 10 p.m.

5. It's "Ladies Night," in Lacey at The Play Pen. And hell yes DJ Kewlaid will be in the house!

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5, 2011 >>>

1. Did you know Wednesday doesn't need to be a bummer of a night? Did you realize the Sammy Steele Band plays Lady Luck Cowgirl Up every Wednesday night? Get learned, bubba. Starting tonight.

2. Always wanted to meet Vanna White? Always wanted to pick letters so expertly it wipes that smug look right off Pat Sajak's face? Well, Vanna and Pat wont be at the Emerald Queen Casino tonight, but a Wheel of Fortune auditions show will be - kicking off at 5 p.m. Find more info on the Emerald Queen Casino website.

3. DJ Iceman spins tonight at 54th St. Sports Bar and Grill in South Tacoma. If he tells you he doesn't like you because you're dangerous, prove his ass wrong on the dance floor ... or playing beach volleyball. Honestly, the dance floor scenario is much more applicable to this event.

4. Tonight marks the "Pay What You Can" performance of Harlequin's The Love List, which Christian Carvajal reviews in tomorrow's Volcano. Yes, he likes it. In fact, he says it's better than TV. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the State Theater in downtown Olympia.

5. Musicians John Phillips and Gary Crooks will be at Pastiche Wine Bar on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue tonight.    

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

MONDAY, OCT. 3, 2011 >>>

1. Holy guacamole! Wolves in the Throne Room are at The New Frontier Lounge tonight in Tacoma's Dome District. Talk about an amazing band! Here's a short ode to Wolves in the Throne Room from February's Best of Olympia 2011.

2. As is customary, DJ Melodica will take up shop tonight at Magoo's Annex and bust out another rendition of Micro Mondays, offering funk, post punk, New Wave, early electronic and garage for the gyrating, Monday-drinking masses.

3. It's open mic night at the Angels Club in Olympia. The all-ages fun starts at 9 p.m., and there's no cover.

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. Have a shot of Jager and live a little.

5. Every first and third Monday of the month Drunken Poetry gets its game on at Last Word Books in Olympia. You haven't lived if you haven't experienced Drunken Poetry at Last Word. For the rundown go here.  

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, 2011 >>>

1. The thing about Tacoma's Jazzbones is it rarely hosts jazz. You'd assume by the club's name that it was all jazz, all the time; but in truth history has seen more DJ nights, KRY shows, foam partiers and co-ed Jager-bomb orgies than nights of actual jazz. The good news is, at least for jazz aficionados, Sundays at Jazzbones have now been claimed by the genre that loaned the club its name, because Kareem Kandi is now hosting a weekly jazz jam session sure to cap the week of in style. The jazz jam is all ages and has no cover, so bring the kids out with you tonight.

2. Look, we're old and jaded here at the Volcano. When we hear a band like Never Shout Never we can't help but scoff, squirm, and throw up a little in our mouths. We're assholes like that ... old and jaded, like we mentioned. We're, basically, the exact opposite of a youthful, hopeful, innocent, teenage girl - the kind of demographic we assume makes up the bulk of Never Shout Never's fanbase. The kind of person who doesn't look at contemporary mainstream pop music (and, to be honest, contemporary American culture as a whole) as instantly start groveling about how we're all headed to hell in a hand basket. If this sounds like you, check out Never Shout Never, The Maine, A Rocket to the Moon and The Downtown Fiction Sunday at the Puyallup Fair, closing down this year's Fair Concert Series tonight.

3. The St. John's Episcopal  Church in Olympia's Concert Series presents "Get Jazzed!" tonight, billed as "an intimate, elegant jazz program by pianist vocalist David Joyner and bassist Clipper Anderson performing works by Duke Ellington, Nat Cole, Chet Baker and other jazz icons." It starts at 3 p.m., and there's an artist reception to follow. Maybe the best part? The free child care.

4. Speaking of jazz, Sunday Jam Sessions at Freddie's Club of Fife welcomes Butch Harrison & Good Company, Keely Whitney and "friends" tonight. The Good times run from 6 - 9 p.m.

5. Head out in your outdated Lofa Tatupu jersey and catch the Seahawks (maybe, just maybe ...) get their first win of the season today when they face the Arizona Cardinals. Find the perfect sports bar here.  

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24, 2011 >>>

1. Of all the big-name acts on this year's Puyallup Fair Concert Series itinerary, none seems more at home in a cut-off sleeve flannel and trucker hat than comedian and redneck icon Larry the Cable Guy (sorry Adam Duritz of Counting Crows). And this bodes well for Larry, seeing as he'll be in Puyallup tonight, and P-Town feels pretty at home in a cut-off sleeve flannel and trucker hat itself. It's the perfect pairing; Larry the Cable Guy and Puyallup - like peas in a pod. Git-r-done, yo.

2. The Broadway Center invites you to, "Grab a group of girlfriends, make it a mother daughter outing, or send your wife and friends to take the champagne stocked party busses from Grassi's on Pacific Ave for a Tacoma day trip and shopping spree." What's that about a day of shopping and champagne, you ask? It's an event known as "Retail Therapy," and although it may seem a bit indulgent (and stereotypically advertised) it's all for an amazingly worthy cause - the Broadway Center's arts educations programs. Did we mention the included continental breakfast and lunch buffet? More info can be found at broadwaycenter.org.

3. Tonight, Campfire OK will be performing at The Space, a gorgeous venue in Opera Alley. Behind the performers will be a floor-to-ceiling window facing out over Industrial Tacoma, glowing as it does with alien orange, as steam rises slowly from buildings. There are few other venues and few other performers that are capable of creating the kind of magic that Campfire OK and The Space will generate right before your eyes. To read Rev. Adam McKinney's story on Campfire OK, click here.

4. Ready for gruff and grizzled? Merle Haggard plays with Kris Kristofferson tonight at Little Creek Casino.

5. The 5th Annual Mt. Rainier Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Mineral Lake Event Center goes down today, featuring more quality blues in one spot than you're likely to find anywhere, any time. Catch Nick Vigarino's Back Porch Stomp, Little Bill and the Bluenotes, Deb Rhymer, the Randy Oxford Band, Maia Santel and Her All Star Blend, the Rafael Tranqulino Band and plenty of other worthy acts.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20, 2011 >>>

1. Join quizmaster Holland Hume tonight at Paddy Coyne's in Tacoma for the every-Tuesday Geeks Who Drink Quiz Night. It's awesome.

2. Boz Scaggs has the coolest name. Coolest name in classic rock or otherwise. Scaggs and fellow '80s jammer Michael McDonald take their talents the Puyallup Fair tonight. Have a scone and travel back in time.

3. 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 this evening. Travel out to Yelm and have a great time with the King's likeness, starting at 6:30 p.m.

4. It's open mic night at Tugboat Annie's in Oly. It's time to show the world that glitch folk concept record you've been working on in your basement.

5. The Rafael Tranquilino Band does its thing - and does it well - every Tuesday at Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way. This is a local favorite.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, hi 84, lo 56

Saturday: Sunny, hi 85, lo 56

Sunday: Iphone says still sunny, hi 89, lo 56

>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: WE ARE ONE AT THE FALLING OF THE SUN

Celebrate the release of We Are One at the Falling of the Sun, a new children's book by local author and illustrator Tasha Ina Church, Friday at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Promotional info for the event bills the new book as, "A children's book with great social and cultural implications," and says Church, "grew up in a multicultural home and loved to read. She wanted to create a book like We Are One to help fill the void in relevant storytelling for those who grew up in a multi-ethnic household." It seems she's done just that. As a bonus for attending, expect free admission to the museum, "friendly dialogue," not to mention appetizers and refreshments.

• Washington State History Museum, 5 - 8 p.m., free, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma

>>> FRIDAY, SEPT. 9: STRUT FOR A MUTT

People can be miserable. Dogs, on the other hand, are always pretty awesome. There's just something about unconditional love and the ability to chase a tennis ball for hours on end that always wins us over. Friday, Tacoma's London Couture independent clothing store presents the second annual "Strut for a Mutt" fashion show, scheduled to go down in Opera Alley and featuring catering by AmeRAWcan Bistro, entertainment by the Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma and Shannel (of RuPaul's Drag Race TV show), and treats throughout from the Mix (read: wine and munchies). All proceeds of the Strut for a Mutt event go to Puyallup's Metro Animal Shelter.

• Opera Alley - Downtown Tacoma, 7 p.m. cocktail hour, 8 p.m. show, $20 in advance, $30 door, 746 Broadway, Tacoma

>>> SEPT. 9 - 25: THE PUYALLUP FAIR

As massive as the Puyallup Fair has become, P-Town's long-forgotten small-town identity still runs through it, part of the undeniable charm of the whole thing. But these days, part of the appeal of the Fair also lies in the modern-day, big-time entertainment options it provides. Over the course of its 17 days the Fair will welcome as part of its Concert Series acts like Larry the Cable Guy, the Flaming Lips, Chicago, Counting Crows, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Sammy Hagar and Trace Adkins. Grab a Krusty Pup and get down.

• The Puyallup Fair, Sept. 9-25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, $11 adults, $9 student and seniors, children younger than 5 are free, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup, thefair.com

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: MATTER TURNS TWO

Matter art gallery in Olympia is an area favorite - both to artists immersed in the arts scene and to the casual artistic appreciator. Saturday, Matter celebrates two years of success with a birthday party from 4 - 7 p.m. The good times will feature artist discussions, live music and "festive" refreshments, according to hype. Musically, Vince Brown and violinist Michael Gray of Pearl Django will be doling out the tunes.

• Matter, 4-7 p.m., free, 113 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia  

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: BIG WHISKY PARKING LOT PARTY

Country music, mechanical bull, and a hope for clear skies will provide the backdrop for dance fanatics Saturday in the parking lot behind Big Whisky Saloon. By our count this is the fourth time the downtown Tacoma country-western themed club has hosted a massive party in its parking lot - although it has removed "Redneck" from the title. Did rednecks complain? Anyway, the 100.7 FM The Wolf-sponsored meat market will feature live music from Jonathan Harris and Robbie Walden & The Gunslingers, and outdoor dance floor, drinks, horseshoe pits, barbecue and the said "Bubba the Mechanical Bull."

• Big Whisky Saloon, Saturday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., free cove rbefore 6 p.m., 100 S. Ninth St., Tacoma, 253.272.0777 

>>> SATURDAY, SEPT. 10: TACOMA FOOD CO-OP GRAND OPENING PARTY

Have we adequately expressed yet how excited we are to have the Tacoma Food Co-op officially open? If you answered no, you may not be paying attention ... because we've been drooling and blabbering about the awesomeness of the Tacoma Food Co-op for months now (actually, years). In late August, after plenty of grueling legwork, the Tacoma Food Co-op officially opened. Saturday, it officially celebrates this opening with a day-long grand opening party, including samples from the co-op's many vendors and lots of smiles and high fives. Come see what all the fuss is about.

• Tacoma Food Co-op, 2 p.m., 3002 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3344

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: POISON

No, not the band. Sunday at King's Books in Tacoma, author Karla Stover and teacher Frances Snyder will delve into the ins and outs of poison, from ancient Greece to Agatha Christie. According to hype, " Discover the unexpected as this presentation explores nature's most poisonous plants and compounds, and how they have been used for thousands of years, both in fact and fiction."

• King's Books, 2 p.m., free, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801

>>> SUNDAY, SEPT. 11: WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

Alzheimer's disease has the capability to ravage individuals and families. It's a truly nasty affliction, impacting both the people who get it and those who have to care for them. According to the Alzheimer's Association's own numbers, there are over five million Americans living with Alzheimer's, and 11 million more serving as caregivers. Sunday at Annie Wright School, the Alzheimer's Association offers the Walk to End Alzheimer's as an opportunity for you to pitch in and help the situation. The idea is to raise money and awareness, and maybe have a good time in the process. Those interested in participating can call or email Stephanie Watson at 206.529.3874 or stephanie.watson@alzwa.org.

• Annie Wright School, 10 a.m., 827 North Tacoma Ave., Tacoma

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

ALEC CLAYTON Volcano Visual Arts Critic
Saturday I'll hit Matter's second anniversary party in the afternoon then rush home for dinner and off to Capital Playhouse for Brighton Beach Memoirs.

JENNIFER JOHNSON Food and Lifestyles Writer
Volunteer work Saturday AM, birthday party that afternoon, Flight of Phanuel at Louie G's in Fife that night. Church on Sunday. Generally taking it easy after long Labor Day weekend and my own birthday last week. Sheesh, having a lot of fun is hard.

BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent/Features Writer
After a holiday weekend bust, I will be headed back to Surreal Ultra Lounge to diligently evaluate the Meat Market scene.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Meat Market Photographer
Hitting the Puyallup Fair on Friday and the Junk in the Trunk city yard sale in Lakewood on Saturday. I'll also be restringing one of my ukuleles after I managed to snap yet another string while rocking out to AC/DC for the ukulele song book.... Don't ask. Daddy likes to rock from time to time. The dog is not pleased when I do.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
We're seeing Capital Playhouse's first-ever non-musical production, Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. Then on Sunday, we're bidding a fond farewell to our pal Amy Shephard, who's Exeter-bound.

MATT DRISCOLL: Editor
If all goes according to plan I'll be joining the Pierce County Council's Tim Farrell on a doorbelling excursion Saturday north of Orting. Farrell is ramping up his campaign for Assesor Treasurer. Sunday is all about football. And I'm on vacation all next week, so sayonara, beotches!

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

Convention is for suckers.

Convention at Bumbershoot is to wander from stage to stage taking in a dozen different kinds of pop music, from around the world and across the pop-genre spectrum - country, folk, blues, electronic, rock, punk and hip-hop.

But sometimes convention doesn't do the trick, and doesn't give you everything Bumbershoot can offer.

So I spent an hour Saturday watching bizarre short films about fairies and magic and occasional doom. On Sunday I sat in a small theater and listened to two men talk about saving lives with the Internet. I skipped all the headlining bands and watched a double-bassist from the Seattle Symphony utterly succeed at Failing, to the delight of the audience

Two years ago I followed a giant carrot into the Seattle Center fountain and broke my umbrella. Last year I watched a full-on musical. Today there will be puppets, reenacting one of the worst films I've ever seen.

With all my snarks about loop pedals, who'd have thought the first one I'd actually see this year would be in the hands of a classical bassoonist? Playing a piece about aliens? With cookies?

Throw a wild card into your day. Go see some of the One Reel Film Festival. Hit the Words & Ideas stage and experience something like Dan Savage and the It Gets Better Project. The next time the Seattle Symphony shows up to play a few numbers, take note-it's bound to happen again sometime, even if this was the first time in 40 years of Bumbershoot.

* *

A few options to consider for one last day on the grounds:

2:15 PM - Grand Hallway (Mural Amphitheatre)

I've written more than once before about the excellent music these frequent Tacoma visitors are making. Take my word for it, whether you want to or not.

3:30 PM - The Unexpected (SIFF Cinema)

The Bumbershoot.org description of this film set is short and cryptic, but quirky twists are a hallmark of the short film art form, and this batch promises to be a lot of fun. In a weird sort of way.

7:00 PM - Orkestar Zirkonium (Festival Grounds)

One of this year's "spectacle" pieces, a.k.a. performance art divorced from the stage, Orkestar Zirkonium had me at "Seattle's mobile Balkan brass band..." I can imagine no way in which this does not turn out awesome.

That's all for me until the festival is dead and gone. Enjoy!

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31, 2011 >>>

1. It's time for another Wednesday Session at Jazzbones. This week, drop in on an "acoustic conversation" featuring Rane Stone of Klover Jane and Jar of Flies along with members of Doxology. There's no cover and the fun starts at 9 p.m.

2. Holy crap! Hump Day already? That must mean it's time again for Masa College Night. Expect flesh.

3. Jesse Partridge and Tom Murrett perform at today's Tumwater Farmers Market. Naturally, it's all ages and starts at 11 a.m. Find details on the Tumwater Farmers Market here.

4. Hungry? The Food For Thought Book Club meets tonight at Garfiled Book Company, as it does on the last Wednesday of every month. Here's a quick description of the club taken from the Volcano's Events Calendar: "Food For Thought is cooking book club. At each meeting we will discuss wonderful books, exchange recipes, meet interesting people, watch cooking demonstrations, and best of all eat!"

5. Today is the last day of August, meaning time is running out for you to play with James Grayson Sinding's "Words" in Tollefson Plaza.

LINK: Arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound