FRIDAY, APRIL 26 2013 >>>

1. Dropping Gems is a Pacific Northwest record label that specializes in various forms of electronica. Fittingly, in their showcase produced by NW Sounds and KUPS, Dropping Gems will be featuring several flavors of electronic music beginning at 7 p.m. isnide Oppenheimer Cafe on the University of Puget Sound campus. Most immediately appealing, perhaps, is Natasha Kmeto, whose soulful vocals liven and enrich her nominally snaky beats (and who, it must be noted has been gaining a very respectable following on YouTube with her song, "Pleasure Delay"). Ghost Feet favor disorienting glitches and ethereal field recordings, while filters hip-hop through liquid-smooth IDM. DJAO's ambient drone and Brownbear's beat-centric bombast round out what will be an eclectic night of dance and texture-based electronica. It'll all be no doubt rather heady and perfect accompaniment for any of a wide variety of interesting substances. Dancer's choice on that one. - Rev. Adam McKinney

2. As you all know, Olympia Arts Walk is this weekend, which means more art than you can shake a paintbrush at, tons of people crowding the streets in costume and character, and music at every venue. Friday evening, Full Moon Radio, Glass Elevator and The Hard Way will be rocking a free performance at 5 p.m. inside the Capitol Theater. Accompanying the indie rockers will be a debut screening of both Full Moon Radio and Glass Elevator's new music videos. Please do yourself a favor and take advantage of this special performance. It's not everyday you get to see local talent as good as these bands grab the stage at Capitol Theater for free. Plus, it's an early show, giving plenty of time for other Arts Walk activities - including the luminary procession, which will be right outside the theater's front door. - Nikki McCoy

3. Bring your "A" game and retro tennis apparel (optional) to the 4th annual 2013 AIASWW Wii Tennis Tournament at 5:30 p.m. inside BLRB architects in downtown Tacoma. Join Spaceworks Tacoma, friends and supporters for a fun night of Wii Tennis at the cool offices of BLRB. Spaceworks will appreciate your support through your entry fee (at the door) of $20 for players or $10 for spectators, which includes both food and drink.

4. Well, it's almost here. The end of the season. No more plays, no more dance recitals, no more spoken word standing on a cube, ever. OK, not ever. However, it will be one looonnng summer of American Idol reruns, we tell you what. How about one more, just for old time's sake? Pacific Lutheran University Dance Ensemble presents Dance 2013, a collection of dances in the style of jazz, modern, ballet and hip-hop at 7:30 p.m. inside Olson Auditorium. In all, the performance features nine student choreographers, 72 dancers and musicians and that dude working the lights. You might want to check those numbers. Aaahh, let's end the season by giving each other a big hug.

5. It's a weekend of anniversaries for one of the most popular pubs in Tacoma. The Swiss celebrates the 100th anniversary of the building it inhabits, 20 years of ownership by Jack McQuade and 10 years since Vicci Martinez first hopped up on its stage. By some sort of mathematical property, three anniversaries logically equates to three days of music. A diamond who shined even brighter after landing a spot on reality show The Voice local girl Vicci Martinez will anchor The Swiss' weekend events with a show tonight at 7 p.m. Read Nikki McCoy's feature on The Swiss' anniversary here.

LINK: Friday, April 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 2013 >>>

1. Slip on your Cleopatra Jones afro or your dad's toupee and slide on over to The Brotherhood Lounge for a night of old school R&B, funk and soul with DJs Whistle Punk and Paul Shrug. Beginning at 8 p.m. the Broho will be full of rubbery grooves, slick licks and hi-tech keys caked in stardust. Expect booty-shakers, heart-breakers, spinal-cord-manipulators and epidermis-manglers in the form of rare and popular selections from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and, wait for it, 1980s. It's gonna be more fun than selling fake insurance on closeout cell phones at a mid-mall kiosk.

2. Downtown Tacoma residents are encouraged to gather at 7 p.m. inside The Social Bar and Grill to celebrate their urbaness. It's a chance for condo and apartment dwellers to meet their neighbors and hug it out over street projects, parking issues, light rail schedules and new crepe businesses. Expect door prizes and good conversation.

3. In 2011, Weekly Volcano readers voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to their well drink Wednesdays. Two dollar well drinks after 7 p.m. Are you kidding? That's, like, riding the train to funkytown for only eight bucks. Yes, please. The kitchen stays open to midnight. Choo, choooo!

4. Held every Wednesday at 8 p.m., Trivia for Dorks is a free, all-ages affair at Dorky's Arcade in downtown Tacoma. Sure, the prizes are nice, but even better is dropping your win at your next round table D & D discussion.

5. When you build your act and your music around theatricality, you quickly realize after making a few recordings that there is eventually no place to go but bigger and bigger. More hooks, more color, more eccentricity. Sabrina Chap has backed herself against this wall, but she continues to imbue her music with as much flair as one can muster. She performs at 10 p.m. with Romanteek at Le Voyeur.

LINK: Wednesday, April 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 2013 >>>

1. When Oliver Doriss isn't blowing glass, teaching glassblowing or curating his gallery, Fulcrum, you can catch him under the needle as DJ Broam, usually accompanied by a dance floor full of wild sweaty abandon. At 8 p.m., he'll walk past the grass hut, the dude in the fez pouring Mai Tais, past the blowfish, around the corner, down the hall and into the new music room. At 9 p.m. he'll welcome the Tacoma Cabana crowd then knock their Hawaiian shirts off with the coolest mix of soul, funk, Latin and World Beat. Mahalo.

2. Not only is catching a Tacoma Rainiers game the quintessential American minor league baseball experience, but the renovated Cheney Stadium is still just plain awesome. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Rainiers will host a preseason party at said stadium. The party will give baseball fans, interested Tacomans and those craving free hot dogs a chance to hang at the stadium, purchase a new season ticket plan and take in the view from your exact seat, and watch kids run around like maniacs. Rhubarb, the Rainiers mascot reindeer and an undeniable party animal, will entertain the masses ... and run around like a maniac. 

3. In general, the citizens of Tacoma are not satisfied with a simple slice of cake and a sweet card for their birthdays. No, Tacomans like to through big bashes for birthdays. For instance, from 5-8 p.m. at The Swiss, Ida, Jocyln, Bobby, and Teri will celebrate their birthdays with comedian Mario Lorenz, fire by Flair, Roger the Balloon Buffoon and the musical styling of Voxxy Vallejo and The Fun Police. Drop by and give them a pinch to grow an inch and a sock to grow a block.

4. LeLe Restaurant - the Vietnamese and Thai restaurant in Gig Harbor - serves an amazing Swimming angel, a traditional Thai dish also called rama rama or swimming rama, featuring handfuls of fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced carrots and mung bean sprouts are sautéed in a garlicky sauce of rice vinegar, soy sauce, a little sugar, red pepper flakes and more. A generous amount of sweet peanut sauce is piled on top. The only possible thing that would make this dish better if guitarist Rob Rigoni, accompanied with his ensemble Budapest West, filled the restaurant with a world-jazz sound that draws from jazz, '70s fusion and Hungarian soul. See you at 7 p.m.

5. Did you miss Derde Verde Wednesday at Le Voyeur? Catch the band at 9 p.m. with the equally awesome A Leaf at The New Frontier Lounge. Derde Verde's new EP, Let Me Be A Light, glows with the organic warmth of the band's indie-electronica, while possessing the mechanical propulsion of Krautrock bands like Neu!. If those names don't pique your interest, then we can't help you.

PLUS: Proctor Farmers Market in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, March 30 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 2013 >>>

1. Good news. The folks behind the annual summer Urban Art Festival have fired up the fundraising machine, hosting a drum 'n' bass night at 9 p.m. inside The Loch's. DJ Iris will headline the night. Her dirty, deep and sub-heavy vibe destroyed the soles of UAF attendees last summer. With tunes signed to Metalheadz and Hospital - two of the biggest DnB labels in the world - Iris started collaborating on original productions with DnB veteran Quadrant. Their first tune, "Anthropocene," was spotted by Goldie himself, and snapped up for the Metalheadz Genesis Vol. 4 EP. Iris will receive 253 support from Habit featuring The Specialist MC, D:Fi and Suga, so expect a little ragga influenced dance floor and bangin' roughneck tunes. If all goes well, the speedy, dark beats might have a regular home on Pacific Avenue. 

2. Northwest Mosaic Today, an invitational exhibition of artwork by 15 artists from the Pacific Northwest is on display at Tacoma Public Library's Handforth Gallery. An artist reception will be held from 2-5 p.m.

3. Rachel Corrie was 23 years old when she traveled from Olympia to the Gaza strip to fight for Palestinian rights. Tragically, she was killed when a bulldozer ran over her as she defended a Palestinian family home. In recognition of the 10th anniversary of Corrie's stand in Gaza, several events will be held from 1-9 p.m. in downtown Olympia. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on the Rachel Corrie memorial events in the Weekly Volcano's Mudroom section.

4. Today and tomorrow are your last chances to catch The Woman in Black at the Lakewood Playhouse. It's a masterful production that demonstrates what talent, commitment, hard work, and impeccable direction can accomplish on a relatively minor budget. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of The Woman in Black in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

5. If you've seen AKA and The Heart Hurt Goods perform, you've seen how much the band loves its art. You can see it in the band member's fist pumps and facial expressions; in their hip shakes and smiles and in the way they administer their music, be it through a microphone, keyboard, guitar or turn table. Catch the group before it rakes its new album on tour at 9 p.m. inside McCoy's in downtown Olympia.

PLUS: Harmony Sweepstakes, Northwest Sinfonietta and live music suggestions in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, March 16 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 2013 >>>

1. Olympia's Mosquito Hawk joins Tacoma band Mahnhammer - the band's first show with guitarist Mike Crum from Mico De Noche - Portland's Dark Country and Seattle's Gang Cult for a house show in Tacoma. "We have some new songs, and some re-vamped old tunes since our new addition," says Mahnhammer's vocalist Micah Hembree. "We are very happy to know that there are great people like Chuck that will open up his home to support the music scene." Sean Lanksbury (vox/guitar) chimes in. "I'm personally stoked because Friday's lineup spans the I-5 corridor and all kinds of heavy music. Varied night of killer music in a great atmosphere? Doesn't get much better." Agreed.

2. Wrist Magazine provides an outlet for the literary minds of Tacoma, for self-expression and for writers to seek true connection to the masses. At 7 p.m. inside Bluebeard Coffee, the magazine's published contributors will read their works followed by a poetry slam.

3. Talented Tacoma photographers command the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom once a month, illuminating their work and creativity with the visually aided enhancement implied by the name of the series, TRIPOD Slide Shows. Created by Tacoma artist Lynn Di Nino, the night of digital slides features three local photographers and one creative theme.  The next TRIPOD Slide Show slides into Madera from 7-8:30 p.m. featuring 15-minute slide shows by photographers Dave Warner, Wendy Gilson and Theresa Tavernero under the theme "Travel, Near, Far and Farther!"

4. Drag show troupe New Queens on the Block has produced shows at the Urban Onion since September, dropping a themed show on Olympia every third Friday of the month. Tonight at 9 p.m., the troupe hosts a "geeked out" comedy show ala Comicon at the Onion. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on New Queens on the Block.

5. DJs Broam, Mr. Melanin, Delicious Brown and Ninjamonik are back for another Future Bass night at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge. The bass will throb. The sounds will ebb. The roof will definitely being raised. All under the hypnotic influence of the DJs' tight grooves. Expect a night of electroclash, EDM, hip-hop, disco, exclusive remixes and throwbacks.

LINK: Friday, March 15 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEDDY HAGGARTY! >>>

Some bars lure customers in with specialty selections, great pizza or killer open jam sessions. Some places, such as Stonegate Pizza & Rum Bar, do all three. Mondays, blues/rock fusion guitarist Rafael Tranquilino leads a rockin' blues jam. Tuesdays, swampbilly blues band Junkyard Jane founding member guitarist, singer/songwriter, percussionist Leanne Trevalyan hosts an acoustic open mic. Thursdays, the other Junkyard Jane founding member Billy Stoops commands a blues open jam night, rocking his guitar and throwing out one-liners. Between the three nights, a who's who of local musical talent hops on and off Stonegate's stage.

Last Thursday, Billy Stoops' open jam night became Junkyard Jane's open jam night as several members of the band sat in with Stoops, playing Junkyard hits and covers.

Tonight, it's Trevalyan's turn to host the Junkyard Jane takeover. Stoops and crew are scheduled to join her on stage under a local birthday umbrella - Tacoma artist Teddy Haggarty's 60th birthday celebration.

It's the perfect storm: Haggarty's vast friend contingent will join Trevalyan's normal Tuesday crowd, adding to Stonegate's new marijuana smoking customer base. Stonegate's upstairs lounge has been converted into the Vape Club, where members pay a nominal fee to puff vapor pens loaded with their own, previously purchased cannabis-infused oil. Vape Club co-owner Green Light Expo encourages members to purchase their medical marijuana vaporizing oil from its business, which is located across the street from Stonegate.

As part of Haggarty's birthday celebration, DJ Ninja will spin in the Vape Club.

So, to recap, Stonegate will host Teddy Haggarty's 60th birthday celebration tonight featuring Junkyard Jane-ish performing downstairs and DJ Ninja spinning upstairs for Vape Club members and those who want to purchase a membership day-pass, or something, to watch card-carrying marijuana members puff away.

Exciting.

STONEGATE PIZZA, TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 7 P.M. TO CLOSE, 5421 S. TACOMA WAY, TACOMA, 253.473.2255

SUNDAY, FEB. 17 2013  >>>

1. "Numero By Northwest" is an unusual DJ showcase at The Brotherhood Lounge at 9 p.m. And by unusual, we mean rare - but we also mean weird, which in Olympia, equates to awesome. The Numero Group's Ken Shipley, Justin Trosper from Unwound/Survival Knife and DJ Wildman James will spin soul, garage and other obscure gems in the comfort of a lounge where a wall of carpet JFKs and gigantic hanging guitars make it feel like your best friend's living room. Dancers and wallflowers welcome.

2. Something unique will happen in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop. An artist will return for the second of two back-to-back residencies, a rare occurrence to be sure. Said artist is Raven Skyriver, maker of intriguingly real-looking marine creatures large and small. He scored two residencies in a row by winning two separate awards at the Red Hot Party & Auction last September. He won both the People's Choice and Artists' Choice awards, each came with a hot shop residency, which ends today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Next to Normal ends its run at the Capital Playhouse with a 2 p.m. staging. In the play we find Diana Goodman waiting up for her teen-aged son while her insomniac daughter Natalie does calculus homework. As her husband Dan sings the next morning, it's "Just Another Day" in workaday suburbia. What we haven't figured out is why Diana's so distracted. She has a better idea than we do, but even her shrink, the ironically named Dr. Madden, can't get a handle on her dysfunction, prescribing one cocktail after another of happy pills. Because yeah: this musical goes there. Diana's mentally ill, and it's unclear whether trauma some years ago brought on these troubles or they already existed, depriving her of the ability to cope. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Next to Normal in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. The Progressive Dinner Tour presented by Studio 6 Ballroom hits Sixth Avenue at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. This month's Progressive Dinner Tour has a Valentine's Day spin. Studio 6 says you can join a group of singles or a group of couples. Also, the event has been titled "6 ways to Stimulate your Sense on 6^th Ave," although we counted only four ways - meals at Six Olives, Gateway to India, Cork! Wine Bar with dessert back at Studio 6. Maybe number five is Maia Santell & House Blend filling Studio 6 with blues and jazz for dancing. Maybe the sixth way to stimulate your senses is a surprise. All your questions may be answered at 253.905.5301.

5. The Albert Square makes peppy pop-punk that calls to mind other practitioners of grinning, clever alt-rock, like They Might Be Giants, the Dead Milkmen and Cake - not to mention Barenaked Ladies, Blink 182 and Ben Kweller. You get the idea. But no matter how clever you are, you'd be dead in the water without some serious, smart hooks, and the Albert Square has those in spades. Joining the Albert Square for a free show at 9 p.m. inside Wingman Brewers are fellow indie rocker Brooklyn Pool, Trees and Timber, and the up-and-coming awesomeness of Shogun Barbie.

LINK: Sunday, Feb. 17 arts and entertainemtn events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Cloudy, hi 53, lo 43

Saturday: periods of annoying rain, hi 47, lo 37

Sunday: Some rain here and there, hi 46, lo 35

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 15-SUNDAY, FEB. 17: OLD-TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Fifth Annual Olympia Old-Time Music Festival is in full swing. Through Sunday the event takes over the Olympia Ballroom and The First Christian Church with workshops - such as Appalachian basketry, waltzing and beginning mandolin - and of course, musicians! A full schedule of performers include Grizzle Grazzle Tune Snugglers, the Gold Diggers and Kendl Winter. The Oly Old Timers mission statement is to "... spread a love of traditional Appalachian music and create a good excuse to interact with real, live, people, through music and dance and pie-eating." - Nikki McCoy

• Olympia Ballroom and First Christian Church, hours vary, $12, weekend pass $25, Olympia, www.olyoldtime.org

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 15: BLACK PANTHER AARON DIXON

King's Books is undeniably the literary epicenter of Tacoma these days. So it's not surprising to see Aaron Dixon, one of the co-founders of the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party, is at King's Friday to discuss his new memoir, My people Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain. - Weekly Volcano

• King's Books, 7 p.m., free, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.8801, kingsbookstore.com

>>> FRIDAY, FEB. 15-SUNDAY, FEB. 17: ARTIST RAVEN SKYRIVER

Something unique will happen in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop. An artist will return for the second of two back-to-back residencies, a rare occurrence to be sure. Said artist is Raven Skyriver, maker of intriguingly real-looking marine creatures large and small. He scored two residencies in a row by winning two separate awards at the Red Hot Party & Auction last September. He won both the People's Choice and Artists' Choice awards, each came with a hot shop residency. - Kristin Kendle

• Museum of Glass, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5-$12, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, 866.468.7386

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 16: 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 16 students will travel to Yakima Vallery to work with Migrant Farm Workers and Catholic Charities Housing. Eat pancakes AND make Yakima 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 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, stmartin.edu

>>> SATURDAY, FEB. 15: BIG BEER FESTIVAL

The Big Beer Festival this Saturday in Tacoma will feature 60 hand crafted beers with big character and big flavor. This first annual event has two time slots available, noon to 4 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m., and features 5.5-ounce commemorative taster glasses plus six tasting tokens. Additional 5.5-ounce pours can be purchased for $1.50. Plus, there will be great food. But hurry, it looks like the Big Beer Fest is getting a big response and is almost sold out! Well done, Tacoma. Check Tacoma Craft Beer's Facebook page for updates and where to purchase tickets.

• Foss Waterway Seaport, noon - 8:30 p.m., $20/adv, $25/door, 705 Dock Street, Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, FEB 17: NUMERO BY NORTHWEST

"Numero By Northwest" is an unusual DJ showcase at The Brotherhood Lounge Sunday. And by unusual, I mean rare - but I also mean weird, which in Olympia, equates to awesome. The Numero Group's Ken Shipley, Justin Trosper from Unwound/Survival Knife and DJ Wildman James will spin soul, garage and other obscure gems in the comfort of a lounge where a wall of carpet JFKs and gigantic hanging guitars make it feel like your best friend's living room. Dancers and wallflowers welcome. - NM

• The Brotherhood Lounge, 9 p.m., no cover, 119 Capitol Way, Olympia, 360.352.4153

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
It's Valentine's Day weekend, I'm a happily married man, and I'd prefer to stay that way. Ergo, I'm creating a bed and breakfast in our home by adding cozy touches and cooking Amanda breakfast in bed. She may also get dinner and a movie out of the deal. Mr. Romance, that's me.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
This weekend, if I have any brain at all, I'll take it easy and just stay inside. But, if I do go out, I'll probably hit up the Saucy Yoda show at The New Frontier, or maybe The Albert Square show at the Wingmen Brewery, which I've never been to.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
It's my birthday. Party time.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
How about a bubble bath while the servants, I mean children, clean the cat box and fold the laundry? How about a full body massage with lavender and jojoba oil while my husband serenades me on the guitar? How about a luxury shopping trip with girlfriends and martinis while a team of top-rate gardeners prepare my yard for spring? Oh, sorry, what was that? My weekend plans? Nursing a cold and scrubbing toilets while the tyrants, I mean children, fight over Legos and complain about dinner.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Fiday, Beanz & Rize are performing at the Central Ave Pub in Kent for Nuvo Tha1's birthday party. Saturday, I'll be teaching my spoken word/poetry class at D.A.S.H. - then that night I'm going to celebrate the 9th Anniversary of the 206 Zulu Nation chapter. Sunday, I'm going to try to get down to the Graffiti Garage M.C. Cyphers.

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Friday will include art bus pow wowing, checking out a certain local community kitchen and topped off with a Wrist poetry reading and open poetry slam at Bluebeard. Saturday will start with convincing others to start their day with a moonshine mary and more Peace Out fundraising planning. Sunday is committed to work and sleep.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
The husband and I will be taking the toddler to the mountains for some legit sledding on Friday. Saturday, I will set my alarm so I can make it to a friends house for 3 and 1/2 hours of writing before hopping on the train for a family weekend in Portland. While there, I'm hoping to sleep but most likely I'll just end up at Powell's. Probably more than once per day.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
Friday is the day after hallmark gift card day,the amazing BLACK MARBLE is playing, Broken Water is playing and Happy Noose is playing. Hey, that's me!

JENNI PRANGE-BORAN Features Writer
Trying, trying, trying to catch up on Oscar-nominated movies. Look for me at The Grand!

NIC LEONARD Music Writer
Friday night I will be tossing pizzas at I.talia Pizzeria on the westside of Olympia. Afterward, I plan to relax and watch the movie Flight. Saturday, I will be spending a good portion of the day hitting up various Goodwill and Value Villages around the South Sound area followed by a relaxing evening at home with a bottle of whiskey.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend I will be leaving my beloved city of destiny for another destination: San Francisco. I am traveling there to see one of my favorite bands, The Vaccines, play at The Fillmore. I'm also looking forward to taking in the SF culture, and visiting some places I've never been to before. And of course, I'll be sure to wear some flowers in my hair.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FRIDAY, JAN. 31 2013 >>>

1. Since its introduction in 1894, the motorcycle has spawned a variety of cultures and uses. As basic transportation, as leisure activity or as a die-hard lifestyle, millions of people have a love affair with Choppers, Crotch Rockets, Thumpers and all things two-wheeled. The action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motocycling The Northwest at the Washington State History Museum is a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. At 3 p.m. WSHM curator Remond Barrett will host a walk and talk of the exhibit.

2. "Tacomapocalypse" is now in its third year, morphing just a tad with each incarnation. The first "Tacomapocalypse" focused on zombies and destruction. The second took a tongue-in-cheek look at the end of the world. "Tacomapocalypse III" in turn is centered on what has lived through the end of days and what that recovery might look like. So if you need a little boost getting over your end-of-the-world fretting from last year, think of "Tacomapocalypse" as a little bit of unconventional therapy. The show opens at Amocat Café today with a reception from 5-9 p.m. and will remain up through the month.

3. Stonegate Pizza hosts Art On A Mission, a benefit for The Rescue Mission featuring professional art, silent auction, raffle and live music by John Leonard from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

4. Australian Circus Oz is kicking off its new North American tour at 7:30 p.m. inside the Pantages Theater. Formed in 1978, Oz is a rock and roll, animal free circus of musicians, acrobats, contortionists and artsy clowns. However, because Oz doesn't have the financial backing of Cirque du Soleil, it only has a dozen or so performers doing all the acts. Whether you've been awaiting its show or have never heard of them before, read five reasons you should be Circus Oz's new biggest fan here.

5. DJs Broam, Bobby Galaxy and Mr. Melanin have created something that should be reviewed in a gourmet magazine: We swear to you, their Future Bass is so good you might want to eat it. The bass throbs. The sounds ebb. The crowd is hyped. The roof is definitely being raised. All under the hypnotic influence of the trio's tight grooves. Future Bass is back at The New Frontier Lounge at 10 p.m. with its night of electroclash, EDM, hip-hop, disco, exclusive remixes and throwbacks - as well as guest DJs Delicious Brown and Ninjamonik. It's smart. It's waaaay groovy. It's obviously the product of much thought and dedication – just where the future of bass should be headed. Tasty.

LINK: Friday, Jan. 31 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, JAN. 20 2013 >>>

1. Celebrate 40 years of records, skateboards, rock shirts and nag champa at Rainy Day's birthday celebration at 9 p.m. inside The Brotherhood Lounge. Former and present Rainy Day employees will be spinning tunes. DJ Action Slacks will take a break from her regular gig, Sugar Town, at The Spare Room club in Portland, to give the soul people of Olympia some good tunes. Wildman James Maeda and Chris Sutton will also spin the jams. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the $3 cover will benefit Planned Parenthood.

2. The Tacoma Socialism Conference fills the aisles of King's Books from 1-5 p.m. The free event focuses on "Capitalism in Crisis and the Socialist Alternative" and the social, economic, and political issues for Tacoma.

3. Brass Unlimited is sponsoring the free 15th annual "Sounds of Brass Concert" at 3 p.m. inside St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Tacoma. Featured ensembles are Brass Unlimited and a 15-member brass ensemble with percussion under the direction of John Falskow, TCC Music Dept. chair. Saxophonist Tracy Knoop will also be in the house. Music selections include portions of Stravinsky's “Firebird Suite,” “Fantastie Brilliante” by Arban and several Gershwin Preludes.

4. Immaculate Flave presents Extreme 2013, a full night of dynamic, live hip-hop, intricate wordplay and break beats at 7 p.m. inside the all-ages Olympia venue Northern. Scheduled to perform are Scarub of the world famous Living Legends crew, X-Kid, Sea One, Model Citizens, Steez, Akeem, Cauze & Efekt and DJ Pasquan.

5. Nikki Weatherhead hosts a 9 p.m. karaoke session at Bob's Java Jive. The spunky Tacoman never seems to lack energy or a smile even if the sign up sheet is less than full.

LINK: Sunday, Jan. 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area