SATURDAY, FEB. 15 2014 >>>

1. Beyond being reliably catchy providers of psychedelic synth-rock, People Under the Sun are perhaps the Tacoma music scene's most committed aesthetes. Not content to simply call it a day at paying homage to the New Wave pioneers that have clearly served as influences, People Under the Sun go so far as to cram their stage with a bounty of outmoded technology. Blocky computers and vintage Korgs surround the band, making it hard not to recall how David Byrne swooned over the sterile beauty of microchips in True Stories. While rumor has it that the band has recently begun pairing down the equipment (read: they're ditching floppy disks), they're still very much analog-powered. Catch them with the Silver Dollars and Bod at 8 p.m. at The New Frontier Lounge.

2. Asia Pacific Cultural Center will host the 16th Annual Asian New Year Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. The Island Nation of Tahiti (French Polynesia) will serve as this year's host nation. The public is invited to come and bring friends and family to this free family friendly event.

3. The Rainier Hockey League - four divisions and 22 teams - has a full line-up of face-offs scheduled, including six games at 1:10 p.m. in the Puget Sound Hockey Center. 

4. Tacoma Musical Playhouse's "Dancing with the Tacoma Stars," is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Landmark Convention Center in the Temple Theatre Ballroom. There are two ways to enjoy this event: An $85 ticket includes dinner, show and competition. Tickets for $35 include dessert and a chance to view the show and competition from the balcony. This year, the "Stars" include Miriam Barnett (CEO of the Pierce County YWCA), Donald Hansen (owner/operator of Cascade Park Vista and Rotary 8 president), Connie Ladenburg (Pierce County Councilperson), Kathy Kluska (professional financier/fitness instructor), Jeff McVicker (owner of several Tacoma area Subways) and Cameron Smith (a Tacoma based Mortgage Advisor).

5. JBLM Bettie Brigade's second roller derby bout of the season hits the Lacey Derby Center's flat track at 5 p.m. against Grunge City Rollers. Bonus: The JBLM Bettie Bratz are back and ready to issue some JV hurt on the Grunge City Juniors.

LINK: Saturday, Feb. 15 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

If you're not familiar with the MOMS Club of DuPont, you'll be happy to know it's a support and service group for at home mothers residing in DuPont, Steilacoom and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. You'll also be happy to know the group will host an anniversary party/open house event from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Liberty Inn at 1400 Wilmington Dr. in DuPont. Your happiness could possibly triple as the event includes a free introductory music class taught by Heather DeJesus from Kindermusik.

For more information on MOMS Club of DuPont, check out momsclubofdupont.weebly.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 8 2014 >>>

1. Last November, La Luz were driving along in their tour van when they hit a patch of black ice that sent them skidding into a concrete block. While waiting for AAA to come, a semi-truck came barreling into their van. It was a terrifying and destructive blip in the middle of their continued rise in prominence. Though they're still a relatively young band, 2013 found them blowing up, their ultra-cool brand of woozy surf-rock landing them a gig opening for Of Montreal on a nation-wide tour - In fact, they were heading home for an Of Montreal show at Neumo's when the accident happened. Luckily, none of the band were seriously injured, and La Luz have resumed performing and solidifying their stature as not only one of Seattle's most exciting up-and-coming bands, but an indestructible one at that. Catch the band with Pony Time, the Fucking Eagles and the Tom Price Desert Club at 8 p.m. in Bob's Java Jive.

Read more...

Television reports and social media have been consumed with the Seattle Seahawks' smiling faces, fist pumps and trophy kisses captured during the team's Super Bowl Championship parade. In a majority of the images, at least on the parade route down Fourth Avenue, another presence ingrained in the public's mind - the Washington National Guard. Guardsman and their vehicles - 5-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) Troop Carriers, Standard Humvees and Light Armored Humvees - escorted the players, Coach Pete Carroll and his staff, General Manager Paul Schneider and team owner Paul Allen past more than 700,000 screaming fans - who lined the same road the Seattle Supersonics celebrated decades ago. Braving sub-freezing temperatures, the fans cheered the parade as it made its way through the city's downtown toward a celebration at CenturyLink Field. State politicians, including Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Maria Cantwell, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and other VIPs rode ahead of the Guard in iconic Ride The Ducks of Seattle amphibious tour vehicles

Seattle's first Super Bowl victory parade didn't involve the Washington National Guard because the vehicles looked cool. It happened because of an ongoing statewide relationship and community outreach effort between the Guard and the Seahawks.

"The Seahawks and the Sounders FC, are proud partners and supporters of the Guard with activities like this taking place throughout the year," said Mike flood, Seahawks vice president of community relations.  "We salute Washington National Guard service members and families for the dedication to our country and the great state of Washington!"

Community Outreach is one of the major priorities of Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty, adjutant general and director of Washington's military department. The Guard stood proud next to the Seahawks during many statewide community outreach efforts.

"We are so honored that the Seahawks and the Seafair organization asked us to help out with this celebration," said Daugherty. "Our men and women wear many hats. They're protectors of our state, defenders of our nation and some of the most committed 12^th Man fans you'll ever meet. We are pleased to play such an important role in (the) parade.

Besides transporting the team, the Guard supported local law authorities in an effort to keep the huge crowd safe. Even though the crowd quickly grew past the estimated 400,000 mark to a size greater than the historic Woodstock concert, not a single major injury or arrest was reported in this organized chaos.

The Recruiting and Retention Battalion of the Washington National Guard has been a part of the Seahawks organization for years. The Guard has placed static military vehicles before games at CenturyLink, conducted re-enlistment ceremonies on the field and coordinated with NFL players to join High Speed Player Development (HSPD) events with high schools throughout the state. The NFL HSPD program works to incorporate the leadership and responsibility framework of the Guard/military among high school athletes, as well as champion the military through recruitment presentations.

"As the battalion commander for this city and a season ticket holder since day one, this was a one-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget," said Lt. Col. Adam Iwaszuk, 181 Brigade Support commander). "Getting to experience the unimaginable dream of walking down Seattle, holding the Vince Lombardi Championship trophy is something I will forever cherish."

The Seattle Seahawks celebrate their Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos in force today as the entire team has made its way through downtown Seattle on Humvees and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles with spectators lining the streets. Soldiers and airmen in the Washington National Guard transported the players, coaches and elected officials along the route.

"We are so honored that the Seahawks and the Seafair organization asked us to help out with this celebration," said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the state's adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard, in a release. "Our men and women wear many hats - they're protectors of our state, defenders of our nation, and some of the most committed 12th Man fans you'll ever meet. We are pleased to play such an important role in tomorrow's parade. We'll be transporting people along the route, as well as supporting local law authorities who will ensure everyone who attends the event remains safe."

Of course the Washington National Guard was asked to transport the Seahawk players during the parade. Half the 12th Man spirit photos on Facebook during December and January involved the Washington National Guard. Camp Murray could have been mistaken for a Marshawn Lynch Skittles Factory during the month of January.

The Seahawks Super Bowl parade started at 11 a.m. on Fourth Avenue, south of Denny Way and to the current championship celebration at CenturyLink Field. Approximately 859,345 lined the Seattle streets today - but according to most school districts, most of the crowd was drinking age. Yeah, right. We expect more paper will be used for sick excuse notes from doctors tomorrow than parade confetti used today. The adjacent Safeco Field is also open and carrying a live feed of CenturyLink Field's on-field presentation on the ballpark's large video boards.

Below are photos snapped by Walkie Talkie Parade Correspondent Gary Lott, live on the scene. NOT PICTURED: The Denver Broncos.

Congratulations Seahawks!

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 2014 >>>

1. Sara Sparrow is a member of the Aerialistas, "Seattle's Original Aerial Girl Gang," with whom she has performed internationally on several occasions. However, she does perform in Olympia as well - specifically, at the monthly "Brotherhood Takes Flight" show, where she occasionally guest performs with the Tallhouse Arts Consortium. Her next performance is 8 p.m. at The Brotherhood Lounge. The show is free, and tips for the performers are encouraged.

The Pacific Lutheran University "Faculty Exhibition" opens today in the University Gallery. The show features work from current faculty of the Department of Art and Design, including JP Avila, Craig Cornwall, Spencer Ebbinga, Bea Geller, Steve Sobeck, Jessica Spring and Michael Stasinos. The artwork ranges from ceramic vessels, sculpture, digital photography and paintings to printmaking and letterpress. Check it out from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As Seattle loses its freakin' mind today, the Washington State History Museum is making room for the chainsaw carving that made national news: Jacob Lucas' "The Spirited Warrior." Constructed from two cedar logs, the seven-foot sculpture came to life during the Seahawks' final run through a pulse heightening Ram's game, the heart wrenching Saint's game and a full-on gladiator battle with the 49ers. You were there. The sculpture features ornate feather detail, etched moccasins and the Space Needle for a belt buckle, and is a true reflection of the Native American history of the Emerald City. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ring in Chinese New Year 2014, the Year of the Horse, with the Olympia Tai-Chi & Kung-Fu Club performing the traditional Lion Dance and demonstrating the martial art of Kung-Fu at 7:30 p.m. in the Olympia Timberland Library.

5. Honestly, we don't know who the hell is in the Long Beach Rehab band. Lyon Pride Music has booked the band in several Northwest venues, including Jazzbones at 7 p.m. Pre-show hype still has Qball fronting the band, which will probably perform the songs of Bad Brains, Sublime and other punk, surf and funky reggae tunes.

LINK: Wednesday, Feb. 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Although February is a month of cold weather and hyper-awareness of being single (shout out to those celebrating Single appreciation Day on the 14th!), don't worry. There are six happs to keep you warm, keep you entertained and possibly hook you up in the South Sound.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6: SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Anyone who believes that Tacoma is still a blue-collar backwater town with few ties to the outside world had better stay away from the 12th annual Sister Cities International Film Festival running Feb. 6 through April 3.  The experience might just shatter everything that you poor souls hold to so misguidedly. Tacoma is an international city in every sense of the world. The city of Tacoma's Sister Cities program pulls together movies from each of its sister countries and offers nights of all things cultural. This year's run will showcase films from Kitakyushu, Japan; Kiryat-Motzkin, Israel; Biot, France; Fuzhou, China; Gunsan, South Korea; Taichung, Taiwan; Alesund, Norway; El Jadida, Morocco and Cienfuegos, Cuba. Films will play every Thursday in the Tahoma Room at Commencement Hall on the corner of North 13th and Lawrence streets, with the exception of Feb. 27, when the film will be held at the Kilworth Chapel. All films will run free of charge.

FRIDAY, FEB. 7-SATURDAY, FEB. 8: WALKING PAPERS

Pure blues rock 'n' roll, executed with the nimble fingers, creative minds and a sixth sense of boys who have been around the block, Walking Papers sold out its Feb. 7 at Jazzbones. No need to walk away. Jeff Angell, Duff McKagan, Barrett Martin and Benjamin Anderson have added a second show Feb. 8. So, if you enjoy a lyrical lean toward rock 'n' roll nostalgia and a seasoned view of the world, with advice and hindsight strung throughout with the occasional token bad-luck-with-women story, tickets are $15 advance and $20 at the door.

SATURDAY, FEB. 8: MARDI GRAS

If you haven't spent much time in Louisiana, you may not be too versed in Mardi gras, aside from those "Girls Gone Wild" videos. While the March 4 holiday is as far away as paved Tacoma streets, first annual Key Peninsula Mardi Gras Music Festival is on the books for Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Key Peninsula Civic Center in Vaughn. The festival will rock with Filé Gumbo, The Kim Archer Band, Gabriel and Merrilee Rush, whose song "Angel of the Morning" was a #1 hit in 1968. An authentic southern dinner provided by Murph's BBQ, best guest costume contest to crown of King and Queen of the parade, and signature Mardi Gras cocktails will keep everyone hopping until midnight. Tickets for the 21 and older event are $30 in advance or $35 at the door; your ticket price includes in/out entry and meal. 

TUESDAY, FEB. 11: POETRY MEETS MUSIC

Here comes Valentine's Day.  You're freaking. Clinicians have conclusively established that heart-shaped candy stamped with flaky messages causes dyslexia in lab rats.  Wasn't it Wordsworth who said poetry was "intensity recollected in tranquility"?  Get with it, Willy. Write your sweetheart a poem. First, go nourish your brain. William Kupinse, Tacoma's first Poet Laureate and associate professor of English at University of Puget Sound, and composer Greg Youtz, professor of music at Pacific Lutheran University, will host the performance Poetry Above the Roar: Erin Calata Sings Songs of Gregory Youtz. The free public event will run from 8-9:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the Mary Baker Russell Music Building, Room 306, at Pacific Lutheran University. Erin Calata, mezzo-soprano and 2008 alumna of PLU, will sing a cycle of 10 pieces of music composed by Youtz, with words from Kupinse's collection of poems Fallow (2009, Exquisite Disarray).

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12: SOUTH SOUND IMPROV COMEDY FESTIVAL

Some say much great improve comedy stems from unhappiness. Happy people may be fun, but they're not funny.  Consider this when you catch the first annual South Sound Comedy Festival, hosted by Harlequin Productions' new improve troupe Something Wicked. All the comedians in the show will be secretly very, very angry. Wacky improvisational antics and celebrity impersonations could so easily mutate into something darker, deeper and much more dangerous. You better laugh. But you probably will anyway, because according to pre-show hype, the night will feature "the best and brightest comedy troupes from around the sound in a comedy battle royale that will never be seen again (this year)! "Sweet! The hilarity happens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Historic State Theater in downtown Olympia. Tickets are $10-$25 at 360.786.0151.

SUNDAY, FEB. 16: MILEY CYRUS

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! We're going to see Miley Cyrus at the Tacoma Dome! Slapping pleasure zones! Restless Tongue Syndrome! Jiggle! Wobble! Shake! Oh my God!

SATURDAY, FEB. 1 2014 >>>

1. What began as a collective of people working to make a sustainable venue out of the old brick-and-mortar warehouse down on Court C has transformed into a production company that specializes in bringing unique shows to unusual places. In this regard, the Warehouse has been an unequivocal success. Helmed by Adam Ydstie, Katie Lowery and Doug Stoeckicht, the Warehouse has grown in such a way that the mere mention of its name dredges up an association - you know what someone means when they say there's a Warehouse show coming up. And there is a Warehouse show coming up ... tonight at 8 p.m. when Star Anna, Josiah Johnson with Carleigh Aikins, and Bryan John Appleby gather inside the Immanuel Presbyterian Church for the "Candle Lit Show." Read Rev. Adam McKinney's interview with Doug Stoeckicht for the scoop on what the Warehouse has in store for the new year, including the Candle Lit Show Feb. 1.

2. Every time we have our tarot read the Nine of Swords always turns up. It's the charming picture of a woman in bed; there are nine swords hung on the wall behind her and she is sobbing. Coincidence? Or a chilling presentiment from the other side? To find out, we will stop by the Olympia Intuitive Arts Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Urban Onion to chat with energy healers, clairvoyants counselors, tarot readers, astrologists - anybody, just so that woman stops her damn crying.

3. Bars aren't just for getting drunk anymore. These days, South Sound pubs offer more activities than a cruise ship. Tides Tavern wants to make it crystal clear its 11th annual Tapmaster program isn't about chugging yards of beer then taking a flying leap off the dock into the harbor. Instead, the popular watering hole in Gig Harbor wants you to enjoy its 16 taps through the month of February. Get to know each beer. Ask the beers questions. Ask the bartenders questions. If by happenstance you drink all 16 beers in the 28 days, the Tides will give you a nifty T-shirt and add your name to the wall of fame. No big whoop.

4. My Brother Kissed Mark Zuckerberg is a one-man play featuring writer-performer Peter Serko.  A true story, the production tells the tale of Peter's younger brother David's life and eventual death from AIDS at age 32. By incorporating voices and memories from those closest to David, the show paints an audiovisual, multilayered portrait of a stricken hero, the vibrant New York scene he inhabited, and the epidemic that failed to defeat either one. Catch it at 7 p.m. at the Dukesbay Theater, 508 S. Sixth Ave., in Tacoma.

5. Wimps play gloriously giddy punk music that comes in 2-minute fits and starts - and that giddiness landed their song, "Repeat," on a recent episode of This American Life. Grave Babies, signees to Hardly Art, make moody post-punk that provokes as much as it envelops in gauzy noise. The two bands join Full Moon Radio and Wild Berries at 8 p.m. at the Jive. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's interview with Java Jive booker Brandon Rowley and Rachel Ratner of the Wimps in the Music & Culture section.

LINK: Saturday, Feb. 1 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

State Sen. Steve O'Ban and Rep. Dick Muri have introduced military-related bills during the 60-day 2014 legislative session, which began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to adjourn March 13. The two lawmakers will no doubt update the public on the bills, as well as others, at their 28th District town hall events.

The first event Saturday, Feb. 1, will be an in-person town hall meeting at Patriots Landing at 1600 Marshall Circle in DuPont. The gathering will take place in the Olympic Dining Room from 10 to 11:30 a.m. No RSVP is required.

The second meeting is an hour-long telephone town hall scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. To take part in the call, residents can dial in toll-free 1-877-229-8493 and enter PIN# 112355. The phone line will open shortly before the call begins. To ask questions of the lawmakers during the call, participants can press star three (*3) on their telephone keypads.

The lawmakers will give a brief update on issues being discussed during the legislative session then open the call up to questions.

Rep. Muri, R-Steilacoom and retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force, introduced two measures that would assist veterans and better serve their disabled children in Washington state. Muri is currently serving his first legislative session as a state representative for the 28th District. House Bill 2343 would allow the option for veterans to have a veteran designation on their driver's licenses and identicards issues by the state Department of Licensing. House Bill 2363 would require the state Department of Health and Social Services to provide services to developmentally disabled children of military servicemembers in the order he or she was on the waiting list in another state, rather than having to go to the bottom of the list for services after relocating to Washington.

Sen. O'Ban R-Pierce County, has several state Senate bills on the table. SB 5969 would help military members and veterans get college credit for the training they received during their service. SB 5970 would grant civilian credit to military members and veterans for skills and abilities they developed while in the service. SB 6049 would help incentivize businesses in Washington to hire veterans by providing those business owners with a business and occupations tax credit, one of the most burdensome business taxes in the state. SB 6084 would allow a senior citizen or service-connected disabled veteran to qualify for a property tax exemption if they are near the poverty line and meet other benchmarks as well.

Residents who are unable to participate in the call can send comments and questions to O'Ban and Muri via e-mail at Steve.OBan@leg.wa.gov and Dick.Muri@leg.wa.gov. Or, they can leave a message for both legislators by calling the toll-free legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23 2014 >>>

1. The annual Tacoma Home and Garden Show opens 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday at the Tacoma Dome. Everything we want to know or see in the garden world will be on display. The huge event features the first-ever "$25,000 Backyard Makeover" contest, award-winning garden writer and designer Don Engebretson, aka "The Renegade Gardener," will be in the house Friday and Saturday, as will local garden experts Ciscoe Morris, Marianne Binetti, Pete Lisoskie of KIRO Radio's "Home Matters," and many others sharing tips and trends in daily seminars. Show attendees can get a jump on spring gardening projects with inspiration from local vendors, headlined by a feature garden created by Olympic Landscape, and the popular plant sale staged by Olympia's Bark & Garden Center. 

2. Unveil the mysteries of exquisite flavors and treat your senses to the extraordinary foods of Persia when Mitra Mohandessi teaches you the secrets of the dishes she grew up at 6 p.m. in the kitchen at the Bayview School of Cooking.

3. The Washington Center launches its annual Comedy in the Box series at 7:30 p.m. featuring headliner David Crowe, as well as Todd Armstrong and emcee Geoff Brousseau. Cozy into the Black Box Theater-turned-cabaret, and enjoy. A full bar in the lobby completes the action for those 21 and older.

4. Few comedians are so confident that they can take a joke as far as it can go, effectively drive it into the ground in the process, and still drag the audience kicking and screaming the whole way. Watching Gilbert Gottfried lay a joke out in explicit and hilarious detail is a sight to behold, which you can see at 8 p.m. at the Tacoma Comedy Club.

5. Jane Wagner penned the one-woman comedy The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe for her life partner, Lily Tomlin, basing segments on many of the comedian's characters. Tomlin famously allowed a dozen or so characters to inhabit her body, including Agnus Angst, the 15-year-old punk whose hero is G. Gordon Liddy; Lud and Marie, a retired couple (and the grandparents of Agnus Angst); and Trudy the Bag Lady, who acts as a tour guide for visiting space aliens. Harlequin Productions presents award-winning Seattle actress Terri Weagant in the lead roles at 8 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, Jan. 23 arts and entertainment in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area