Weekly Volcano Blogs: Walkie Talkie Blog

Posts made in: 'Future Things Are Coming' (383) Currently Viewing: 11 - 20 of 383

February 13, 2014 at 11:23am

"12 Angry Men" and a poster

Artwork by James Stowe

The Lakewood Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Season party continues with a stage production of 12 Angry Men. In the stage adaptation, and subsequent Sidney Lumet film, a dozen men debate whether a teenage boy with a rap sheet is guilty of murdering his father at knifepoint. The defendant's race is never specified, but he's "one of these people," so pick your minority. Likewise, we never get names from the jurors, just numbers - although we do know the names starring in the local production, according to a Lakewood Playhouse news release:

The show consists of a true "ensemble" of thirteen Local Actors who are "split right down the middle" with both new, and old faces to the Lakewood Playhouse stage including these actors returning from previous productions: JAMES WREDE (Foreman), JACOB TICE (Juror #2), JOSEPH GRANT (Juror #4), JED SLAUGHTER (Juror #6), BRUCE STORY (Juror #8), MICHAEL DRESDNER (Juror #11) and CONNOR TIBKE (The Guard).

We are proud to introduce the following actors to the Lakewood Playhouse Stage: CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL (Juror #3), JAMES CLARK (Juror #5), BOB REED (Juror #7), CURT BEECH (Juror #9), RONNIE HILL (Juror #10) and DENNIS WORRELL (Juror #12).

Yup, that's Weekly Volcano theater critic Christian Carvajal.

Also, how about the artwork above by artist James Stowe? That's awesome.

To purchase your tickets, click here.

February 10, 2014 at 12:29pm

Battle of the Bands shout out

It's a little-known fact that Henry Kissinger tried unsuccessfully to resolve the Vietnam conflict with a battle of the bands. The whole deal fell apart when it proved impossible to locate an electric zen xin (a stringed instrument used by the Hmung).

The Washington State University Student Entertainment Board hosts its ninth annual Battle of the Bands Monday, March 24 and it invites qualified bands to travel to Pullman on a Monday and participate in the hottest bout since Godzilla took on King Kong.

According to a pre-show hype, "Bands will be competing for a paid performance on the daytime stage at Springfest. Audience members will be able to vote for their favorite bands and voting will make them eligible for prizes throughout the night via raffle."

Do you think your bass player can take time off from his database systems administrator job at Aflac?

Bands are encouraged to apply and send in their press kits as soon as possible. In order to apply bands must meet the following criteria: must be unsigned, based out of either Washington, Idaho, or Oregon, be a group act (no solo acts). Media kits must contain the following items: a demo CD or MP3 format compilation (must be a minimum of 3 songs with one cover at the most), genre, contact information of all band members, and a group photo or band logo. Any press kits missing the required sections will be disqualified from the selection process. Submissions are due by 5 pm on Friday, February 28th.

Completed press kits can be emailed to wsubob@hotmail.com, or be delivered in person to the SEB Office (Compton Union, Room 304), or mailed to the Student Entertainment Board office.

Please send/deliver all expedited materials to:

  • Washington State University SEB
  • attn: Battle of the Bands
  • 100 Dairy Road
  • Pullman WA 99164

February 10, 2014 at 11:27am

Plan Ahead: Sean Alexander and Virginia Bunker at Moss + Mineral

“Rolling Stone” by Sean Alexander

You thought you knew Sean Alexander, didn't you? He's the guy who did the illustrations for the South Sound Users Guide, an artist known for detailed ink drawings. But there is more to Alexander than that. At the Feb. 20 opening at Moss + Mineral you'll see modernest furniture inspired by mid-20th century design by Alexander, along with 2-D art and oil paintings. Examples of his 2-D art give a nod to the precise ink drawings he is known for but featuring geometric designs combined with pop and dada imagery.

How about a black faced robotic boy with stars for eyes marching along behind a Piet Mondrian painting? Or a silhouette of a man standing on a balcony that is collapsing in a cascade of cubistic shards? Such inventive imagery beautifully rendered are just two examples of what Alexander will be showing.

Also on the bill are eye-popping fashion accessories by Virginia Bunker. Her stylish accessories are up-scale, colorful and fearlessly inventive. How about a man's vintage silk tie refashioned into a louche drape for around her throat? Or a romantic ribbon belt sporting a fabulous, saucer-size flower? These pieces are good for evening wear or anytime you want to present a bold statement.

Alexander and Bunker will be there to greet you at the opening.

Moss + Mineral is a design store, the idea for which grew out of the former Mineral Gallery owned and operated by artist Lisa Kinoshita from 2003 to 2011. Featured in the store are jewelry and fashion art made by Kinoshita and wearable and usable art by other area artists.

SEAN ALEXANDER AND VIRGINIA BUNKER, 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, Moss + Mineral, 305 S. 9th St., Tacoma, free admission, 253.961.5220

January 28, 2014 at 1:49pm

Marissa Meyer "Cress" release party coming to Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma author Marissa Meyer / photo credit: Kali Raisl

Best-selling author Marissa Meyer has captured our imaginations in the first two books of her Lunar series. She uses her craft to weave together classic fairy tales with science fiction suspense in Cinder, a cyborg princess adventure based on Cinderella, and Scarlet, a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and her journey with a street fighter named Wolf. Book three of the series will introduce Meyer fans to Cress, a brilliant Rapunzel-type hacker and perhaps the world's last hope against an evil Queen. All three tales, though separate, share intertwining paths within the same futuristic universe. 

The release of Cress will be celebrated Feb. 4 at Pacific Lutheran University and is not to be missed by Meyer fans. The author will be on hand to sign books and tell a fairy tale or two as only she can do.

Read more...

January 22, 2014 at 9:09am

Coming to Tacoma Stage: The story of a brother and his afterlife

When David Serko was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, he could've become just one more overlooked statistic in a dismal, plague-paranoid era. AIDS patients often found themselves suffering and dying alone. David fared somewhat better, though, as his big brother, Peter, returned to his side after decades on the other side of the country. That wasn't enough to keep David healthy, unfortunately; but in the years following his death in November of 1992, Peter established contact with more than 100 people who knew and interacted with David as an adult. In so doing, a richer, fuller picture of the man emerged, as if he'd been summoned back to life. By sharing these experiences, Peter is now helping David - and the causes they shared, including the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) - remain vital in people's minds.

I spoke to Peter and found him upbeat and animated, a far cry from the dismal eulogist one might cynically expect. No, his story's a joyous rediscovery of a talented song-and-dance man, whose mortality couldn't keep him from changing the course of people's lives. "He was adored," Peter says. "I kinda knew that from my own feelings about him, but he was a very charismatic individual. ... He had a big impact on many, many people."

David's final words, "Listen to your heart," have inspired a celebratory tribute to brotherly love. "It's a media-rich production," Peter promises. 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.

MY BROTHER KISSED MARK ZUCKERBERG, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 8, Dukesbay Theater, 508 S. Sixth Ave. #10, Tacoma, $15, peterserko.brownpapertickets.com

January 16, 2014 at 2:37pm

Saturday: All Elements Jam at The D.A.S.H. Center

Peace, love, unity, having fun and knowledge may not be the first characteristics the general population find synonymous with hip-hop, but just to raise eyebrows - the aforementioned are in fact the founding principles of hip-hop, as established by Afrika Bambaataa and the Universal Zulu Nation in 1973. These are principles that are much needed in The 25360 (Tacoma/Olympia) area. Thankfully, the Z53 Zulu formed in Tacoma.

Z53 focuses on the greater Tacoma/Pierce County area code and, as a provisional chapter in the Universal Zulu Nation - an international organization representing the best of hip-hop culture - the group commits to engage and improve its community, such as sponsoring and promoting this Saturday's All Elements Jam.

The All Elements Jam will showcase all, er, elements of hip-hop - B-Boy/Girl, MC, DJ, graffiti and knowledge - at The D.A.S.H. Center.

Come and witness true hip-hop.

ALL ELEMENTS ZULU JAM, 7-11 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, all ages, The D.A.S.H. Center, 1102 A St., Tacoma, $5 with proceeds benefitting The D.A.S.H. Center's youth programs

January 16, 2014 at 11:33am

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to speak in Seattle

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and 2011 Liberty Medal recipient Robert M. Gates has been all over the news. His latest book, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War - a strikingly candid account of his experience serving as secretary of state under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama - has been causing a stir. After some contents of "Duty" were reported last week, the media used the words "bombshell" and "White House betrayal."

Today, Gates said Britain's defense spending cuts could limit its ability to be a full partner with the United States in military operations.

What will he say next?

You could hear it first hand when Gates speaks at the Seattle Town Hall Series Feb. 13 in the Great Hall. The former head of the Pentagon will discuss how he juggled multiple wars abroad, as well as the political realities at home. His talk also will focus on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, national security, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and the mission to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden.

ROBERT GATES TOWN HALL, Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, $5, 206.652.4255

January 15, 2014 at 9:23am

Babblin' Babs Bistro to reopen in Lakewood

Chef William Mueller takes his craft seriously.

After 10 years, Babblin' Babs Bistro is moving from its 900-square-foot location in Tacoma's Proctor District to a 3,500-square-foot location on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood.

"We're going for a full new look," said chef and co-owner William Mueller. "We'll have state-of-the-art equipment, and we'll be changing up some of the menu."

Some of the bigger changes include a grab-and-go area with lattes, soups, salads and sandwiches, such as the hot ham and brie or West Indie chicken curry sandwich. Mueller said the bistro will also bring in lunchtime entrees with big twists, such as spinach and jicama salad tossed in warm papaya vinaigrette and topped with grilled shrimp, pineapple and pancetta.

"Our concept has always been we don't make anything you would make at home. If you want pancakes, you can just stay home in your fuzzy slippers," said Mueller with a smile in his voice. "We are going to continue to be that place for unique urban eating."

Why the move?

While plans for 28 Proctor Holdings LLC's five story mixed use development was headed for the spot Babblin' Babs once created Bodacious Biscuits, Mueller admits that Babblin' Babs Bistro had outgrown the space, and that he and his wife, Shannon, who runs the business with him, are looking forward to the move.  

"I think being in Lakewood is going to be better for several reasons," Mueller said. "The traffic is heavy; we'll have more visibility and way more fun as a restaurant because we'll actually have staff. We're just excited to be in a city that wants us."

Mueller said the bistro will still serve the best of breakfast and lunch. It will likely stay open later and offer dinner service Friday to Sunday.

Opening date for the new location is still six months out, so Mueller suggests following Babblin' Babs Bistro on Twitter and Facebook for updates and photos.

BABBLIN' BABS BISTRO, 11126 Gravelly Lake Dr, Lakewood, 253.761.9099

See Also

Chef Mueller's line of spices

December 16, 2013 at 10:04am

Nerd Alert!: Pants Party, pachyrhinosaurs, hidden Keanu, Canadian punks and more ...

Baxter, is that you? Baxter! Bark twice if you’re in the South Sound.

O Smaug the Stupendous, this is Nerd Alert, the Weekly Volcano's recurring events calendar devoted to all things nerdy. I myself am a Star Wars fan, mathlete, and spelling bee champion of long standing, so trust me: I grok whereof I speak.

Remember how a few weeks ago, the geek schedule was so bare we had to break in with a gift guide? There was literally nothing of interest going on that we hadn't already told you about. That's because entertainment conglomerates prefer to bunch all their genre properties around the same three holidays: Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Christmas. Ergo, a whole passel of Oscar hopefuls cluster around Christmas. That's true in spades this year, as if you weren't already trying to catch up on 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Ender's Game, Frozen, Gravity, Her (Dec. 18), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Saving Mr. Banks and Thor: The Dark World, each still in theaters, and each worth your time. In fact, as you read this, you're probably waiting in line for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Good news? That movie's even longer than the line to get in.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

News team ... assemble! That's right, Wednesday brings the long-anticipated return of San Diego's conquering hero, Ron Burgundy, along with Veronica Corningstone, Brian Fantana, Champ Kind, Brick "I love lamp" Tamland, and a raft of supporting cameos. How much do I love the first Anchorman? Let's just say I wear Sex Panther on special occasions, milady. It stings the nostrils! So I'll be first in line for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, and it's a sign of the unshakability of my marriage that my co-anchor Amanda will be there by my side - despite the fact that there's no empirical evidence any woman has ever laughed at Anchorman. I don't know how that works. I'll be honest: I don't think anyone knows. Whammy!

If your significant other isn't as amenable to comic greatness as mine is, you could send him/her and the kids to Walking with Dinosaurs - which is basically Disney's Dinosaur from 2000 all over again, except this time the CGI's a little better and the dinos are pachyrhinosaurs instead of iguanodons. (So yeah, if you had "pachyrhinosaurus" in your office poll, a winner is you.) Two big strikes against natural history here: the reptiles in this film can talk, and they probably won't eat a lawyer off a toilet. Come on, Disney, it's not like you don't have corporate lawyers to spare!

MONDAY, DEC. 23

Between all these movie-watching excursions, be sure to catch the free community sing-along of Handel's Messiah. It's incredibly moving and a highlight of Oly's holiday season. "For unto us a Child is bo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-orn!" I think there are actually about 17 more O's. 7 p.m., Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, free to sing (scores $10), 360.352.1438

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

Ho ho ho, it looks like Santa brought you a crouching tiger, hidden Keanu. Christmas Day brings that festive gumdrop, 47 Ronin, in which our Hawaiian-Canadian hero (born in Beirut) and, I'm guessing, 46 sans-shogun samurai square off against Asiatic monsters and the memory of countless superior wu xia films. It's based on what's been called the "national legend" of Japan, Shi-ju-shichi-shi, so at least it has that going for it ... well, that, and Keanu "Wyld Stallyns" Reeves. So yeah, have fun with that, Japan. (To be fair, I said the same thing about The Matrix, which turned out to be awesome. Good thing they never made unwatchable sequels to that, am I right?!)

James Thurber fans, represent! The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, also released Christmas Day, is actor-director Ben Stiller's reimagining of the classic Thurber tale about an ordinary schnook who daydreams of greatness. It features Sean Penn, Kristen Wiig, and - tell me this doesn't foretell comedy magnificence - Patton Oswalt as an eHarmony customer service rep. I love the trailers, but at time of writing RottenTomatoes.com has Mitty at a cringe-inducing 38 percent. Ouch. Bah, humbug.

The Wolf of Wall Street is Martin Scorsese's black-comic biopic of stock market manipulator Jordan Belfort. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey and the rack of fake teeth crammed into the mouth of Jonah Hill. For what it's worth, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone says it's the third-best movie of 2013, behind Gravity and that movie about slavery you couldn't coax yourself into seeing. Shame on you! And me.

Finally, August: Osage County is a star-studded adaptation of Tracy Letts's riveting play, and some Canadian punk's tagging cities around the world in Justin Bieber's Believe. Note the apostrophe-S in the title, friends. He owns that word now. It's true. Just by typing it, I owe him 30 bucks.

Until next week, may the Force be with you, may the odds be ever in your favor, and may you go back to your home on Whore Island. You're a real hooker. I'm gonna slap you in public.

December 11, 2013 at 11:05am

Christmas 1863 at Fort Steilacoom

Cutline: Joe Lewis holds an 1860s era lantern that will be used during a guided candlelight tour of Fort Steilacoom Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

Ever wanted to step back into American history?

Christmas at Fort Steilacoom, a guided candlelight tour that depicts the history of the holidays, will be held Saturday, Dec. 14.

"This is a signature event," Joe Lewis, secretary of the Historical Fort Steilacoom Association, said as we talked in Quarters 4. 

"We picked the year 1863 because it allows our guests to see what Christmas was like here 150 years ago."

It will be quite an historical look back.

Read more...

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