MONDAY, MAY 27 2013 >>>

1. Memorial Day is the one day of the year that we set aside to remember and honor our country's patriots, yet we owe them a debt of gratitude, every day of every year. Our Memorial Day Command Center has all the services, events, stories and proclamations.

2. Today, the Blue Star Museums program opens again for the summer. Blue Star Museums offers free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 2. South Sound museums are participating.

3. The Greta Jane Quartet plays the Royal Lounge at 8 p.m. The quartet is back at The Royal tonight at 8 p.m. In your world, jazz is the Pandora station your boss makes you listen to at work. Well, prepare to get schooled. In the Quartet's nimble hands, jazz was powerfully sexy, just the thing to settle a body down after another manic Monday. Imagine a snifter of Maker's Mark and pretty ladies in cocktail gloves. That's right, cocktail gloves! It's our  fantasy, damnit! Anywho, happy days are here again - at least for tonight.

4. Abd.El.Kader, or AEK, has created his own original blues style, SafarBlues, combining the sounds of North Africa and the West. Hear it at 8 p.m. in The Swiss.

5. Bands RowHouse and Julian Najar will make a special Monday night appearance at 9:30 p.m. in Magoo's Annex.

LINK: Monday, May 27 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, MAY 18 2013 >>>

1. "Since the earliest days of our Union, America has been blessed with an unbroken chain of patriots willing to give of themselves so their fellow citizens might live free. Whenever our Nation has come under attack, courageous men and women in uniform have risen to her defense. Whenever our liberties have come under assault, our service members have responded with resolve. Time and again, these heroes have sacrificed to sustain that powerful promise that we hold so dear - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And on Armed Forces Day, we honor those who serve bravely and sacrifice selflessly in our name," said Pres. Barack Obama in his Armed Forces Day proclamation. So, let's celebrate.

2. Get your Gilligan from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the Port of Olympia resurrects the Swantown Boatswap and Chowder Challenge. Boat connoisseurs will be able to peruse boats listed for sale, pick up parts and accessories all while enjoying a little bit of live music and chowder from Thurston County eateries. The chowder contest starts promptly at 12:30 p.m. when 12 local restaurants - including Fish Tale Brew Pub, The Sidewalk Café, Tugboat Annies and Lucky Eagle Casino - will serve their finest clam chowder and compete for "best chowder" honors, voted buy the eating public.

3. The Olympia Youth Chorus is one of those organizations you just can't help but feel good about supporting. With an end goal of nurturing an appreciation for music and choral art in kids as young as kindergarten age, the Olympia Youth Chorus has been going strong for over 16 years. At 4 p.m. in the Westwood Baptist Church, the chorus presents "Bach to Rock" - billed as "a sampling of choral music from J.S. Bach and Hildegard von Bingen to Sister Act's 'Joyful, Joyful.'"

4. Weekly Volcano music critic Rev. Adam McKinney says there's vocal similarities between Bodybox frontman Kurt Lindsay and late cult singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley.  The Rev. says, "Lindsay's voice, like Buckley's (though, of course, no one can truly touch Jeff Buckley, vocally), is simultaneously full of bravado and wounded timidity. It quivers with feeling, though it might be noted that Lindsay's voice often comes across as more lost, searching, which adds a nice element to what is largely music that errs toward modern rock, with some detours to friendly mixers like R&B and folk." See for yourself over a glass or three of wine at 8 p.m. in Cork Wine Bar. 

5. There's a full, complicated backstory of the mARMITs, involving an "inter-dimensional long shoreman/neon harvester named Wildcat," of which the mARMITs are captives. The rest of the narrative we'll leave for them to describe at 10 p.m. in Le Voyeur, but what we will mention is the music, which is a delirious concoction that calls to mind other insane innovators like Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, with a distinctively populist bent (music-wise) in search of artistic abstraction.

LINK: Saturday, May 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Although Yelm is a small town, it is filled with a huge military presence that is best exemplified through the actions of its residents, such as the town's participation in the Memorial Day running event, wear blue: run to remember.

Amanda Huston, an avid runner and longtime military spouse, had seen a similar run described in DuPont. Last year she decided to organize a Yelm version to honor those who've given the ultimate sacrifice.

Though she has not tallied up the RSVPs or pledged miles just yet, Huston is certain that the numbers will far exceed those from last year, especially since there is still time for more to join. To register or pledge miles, visit the run's Facebook. The run - though you are welcome to walk or bike too - will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the head of Tenino Trail. A barbecue lunch, courtesy of donations, will begin at 10:30 a.m., across the street at Yelm City Park.

How far is the run? There is no finish line, although stopping for the barbecue lunch seems like a solid plan.

>>> The group from 2012's first annual wear blue: run to remember Memorial Day run. Planners hope to double attendance this year.

"I am touched everyday by a Goldstar family in my daily life. I know of two more that also live in Yelm who just want their soldiers sacrifice remembered," Huston explained. "That is what our group does. We meet monthly in Yelm to call the names of the Fallen and of our friends, then we run for those who can no longer run."

If you're going to celebrate Armed Forces Day Saturday with the family, you might skip the breastaurant Hooters. Hanging out with the kids at Hooters makes as much sense as watching as gathering The 40 Year Old Virgin on Christmas morning. However, if it's just you and your fellow Soldiers looking for some wings after festivities at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or the big parade in Bremerton, Hooters with its orange interior and 1984-era wind shorts could hit the spot. Hooters is giving away 10 wings to all active and retired military personnel with a beverage purchase.

Now that's something to salute.

ARMED FORCES DAY, Saturday, May 18, Hooters, 6812 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma, 253.476.9464

SUNDAY, MAY 11 2013 >>>

1. Hey moms! Bikes are cool and they make you butt look great. They are the best things to hit Tacoma since craft beer in cans. On this Mother's Day join CycloFemme and the global women's cycling movement for a spin around and around and around the Point Defiance's Five Mile Drive. Tour Defiance launches at 10 a.m. from the Antique Sandwich Company. Bring your helmets. Mother's Day dinner from a hospital would suck.

2. Yesterday's weather was nice, but you could barely enjoy it since all you could think about was the sad state of your closet. You want flirty skirts and kitten heels in the freshest colors and styles for spring, yet your warm wool trousers and cashmere sweaters are still taking up prime real estate in your closet. You better believe that after today's Mother/Daughter Fashion Show at Sonja - Clothes To Live In, you'll be singing a happier tune. Sonja Silver has been dressing women for many years, and since moving her boutique behind her Proctor Frozen Yogurt, she and Craig Fite have been keeping Tacoma smiling since last summer. at 3 p.m., three sets of three generations will model Silver's spring/summer fashion. So, before heading outside to soak up the spring weather, check in with Silver so you can really enjoy the season in style.

3. Jazzbones hosts a "A Very Special Day with Sinatra: A Night at the Sands," a long title but cool nonetheless. Joey Jewell will be in the house to sing the Sinatra hits with Jim Kerl's SWingin' '60s Orchestra backing. Ten bucks gets you in to the 6:30 p.m. show.

4. Chris Stevens & The Surf Monkeys will will be joined by Jay Mabin and his harmonica for a free show at 7 p.m. in The Spar. 

5. The Tacoma Comedy Club presents Comics Under The Influence where five comics perform a set each sober, and then while the other comics are performing they pound booze and return to the stage wasted to do another set. Jubal Flagg from Movin 95.5 FM tries to keep the thing flowing, beginning at 8 p.m.

LINK: Sunday, May 12 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

YO MILKMAN! >>>

As typical of Mother's Day, many businesses will provide special dining opportunities for that special lady in your life. One such business is Smith Brothers Farms. Smith Brothers Farms is the modern day milkman delivering farm fresh eggs, milk, cheeses and other locally sourced products from the Pacific Northwest right to your door.

This month they are holding a promotion in honor of Mother's Day - a portion of proceeds of featured products will be donated to benefit the YWCA to honor moms in need. Featured items are both of the baked variety of course, because as we know all moms like to bake right?

Add an order of Erin Baker's cookies or Seattle Bagel Bakery four-pack and a donation will be made to the YWCA. You can also use those milk and eggs that have been delivered straight to your door to concoct a little something up by hand for your mama.

To celebrate mamas and all that they do, their nurturing ways and you know giving you life and all it's best to not forget that Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 12.

Check out ordering details at smithbrothersfarms.com.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Partly cloudy, hi 66, lo 43

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, hi 72, lo 46

Sunday: Sunny, hi 72, lo 48

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29-SUNDAY, MARCH 31: THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD

Here we recommend seeing Olympia Family Theater's rendition of The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood. With an impressive cast of Olympia actors - our own Christian Carvajal plays Little John - and the talented direction of Tom Sanders, the show should entertain with it's twisted tale. Hype for the play reads, "The countryside remains under the greedy and corrupt control of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. It's up to (the-ever-so-modest) Robin and his (not-so-very-bright) Merry Men to free Maid Marian from her terrible fate...Come see what swashbuckling looks like when wooden spoons come in to play." This show runs Thursday-Sunday through April 13. - Nikki McCoy

• Washington Center, 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 512 Washington St., Olympia, 360.570.1638

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29: SAMI AWARDS

Who doesn't love an awesome fundraiser? You get to rub elbows, participate in raffles and support your community. Get ready for the "Second Likely Only Annual Sami Awards" Friday night. Hosted by Erik Hill, Pug Bujeaud and Samantha Camp, this ridiculously fun music, dance and laughter-filled evening will benefit Lakewood Playhouse. This event is a smokin' deal, too. Tickets are only $20 and include snacks in the lobby at intermission and a digital copy of your red carpet affair. For information on performers currently scheduled to appear, awards to be presented, and to purchase tickets online, jump on Brown Paper Tickets. - NM

• Lakewood Playhouse, 8 p.m., $20, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.588.0042

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29-SUNDAY, MARCH 30: OLIVER!

Coming off a smaller-scale, future-gen production, Next to Normal, the bombast of Oliver! represents a smart shift of programming for Capital Playhouse. We know what we want from a show like this, and thanks to director Colleen Powers and an obviously dedicated cast; we get almost all of it. The choreography is intricate and perfectly executed. The madrigal harmonies of "Who Will Buy?" come off beautifully. Sixth-grader Skyler Wyatt Zimmerman, last seen as, you guessed it, Gavroche, looks good in a newsboy cap. Bruce Haasl's set transforms quickly from a workhouse to a mansion to the heights of London Bridge. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Oliver! in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

• Capital Playhouse, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 29: ADULT FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

Egg-citing times at night: Certain traditions adapt themselves as time travels on. Take the Easter egg hunt. It was fun when you were a kid - watching your parents crawl around, trying to hide a bright pink egg behind a sprinkler head. And there was always the added joy of finding one (hopefully unbroken) three months later. But now you're a parent, and well, it's lost its charm. Or has it? The lovely folks at the Lacey Parks and Recreation host an Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday night. You can now have an egg-ceptional (no, really, ceptions of eggs) time hunting for the eggs hidden on the Regional Atheltic Complex ball fields. Maybe someone will even paint your face. - Weekly Volcano

• Regional Athletic Complex, 9 p.m., $5, 8345 Steilacoom Rd. SE, Olympia, 360.491.0857

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 30: WASHINGTON STATE PARK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

How about taking a nice stroll through a Washington State Park this Saturday when the weather is going to be super fine and the normal Discover Pass fee will be waived in honor of Washington State Park's 100th birthday. Check in with our Outdoor Addict Whitney Rhodes for some ideas on where to trek. Just make sure and bring sunscreen. There's nothing like a burnt Washingtonian the first weekend we break 65 degrees. - NM

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 30: PROCTOR FARMERS MARKET

The rites of spring are coming fast and furious these days. Valhalla will unfold on earth once again when the weekly Proctor Farmers Market opens for the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. While your best bets for fresh produce this time of year include asparagus, rhubarb, salad greens, edible flowers, fiddleheads, wild mushrooms and green onions, this popular farmers markets doesn't stop there: You'll also find meats and cheeses, fresh-cut flowers, garden gadgets, artisanal crafts and concessions, with plenty of free samples being doled out. New vendors include A&K Shellfish, Bluebeard Coffee, Cascadia Terrior, Loki Fish and Rising River Farms. The Pine Hearts and Mike Coucoules will entertain. Come see the farmers market the Weekly Volcano readers voted Super Best Farmers Market of 2011.

• Proctor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., North 27th and Proctor St., Tacoma

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
My wife and I and our respective colds are all in The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, opening at the Washington Center.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Oh dear lord but I'm staying inside. You won't fool me this time, weekend. Fool me with your tawdry wares. Weekend, you're the only person I can afford to lose to anymore.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Friday night I'll be a presenter at the Second Likely Only Annual Sami Awards at Lakewood Playhouse. Saturday I'm going to see Olympia Family Theater's The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Friday night I'm going to swing by the Oly Ballroom for some Hillstomp, then head over to The Royal for some Rock Candy Burlesque. Saturday is sun and no plans - just like every day should be. Sunday is Easter with the in-laws. Eggs + Ham + Candy + three boys = Stinky house and lots of giggles. Good times indeed.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Saturday the founding 15 and myself will be getting our Universal Zulu Nation orientation/training in Seattle all day. Sunday, I'm working on my wife's parent's farm all day, ugh!

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Saturday is packed with a trip to Olympia Family Theater to review The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and then back to Tacoma for a wedding. We'll head somewhere for an Easter service and then relax and then it's Spring Break!!

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
Friday is the first day of the Skyline Drive-in in Taylor Town (Shelton), Wash. I love the place, I go every other week. This is the single biggest day of the month; I don't care about anything else. Seriously, so very excited. And while you read this, please take the time to donate to them upgrading their projection unit so they can stay in business. Please!

ADRIENNE KUEHL Food Writer
Definitely going to hit the Proctor Farmer's Market and embrace the bounty of our land. ... Seriously, though, it's awesome. Go there.

NIC LEANOARD Music Writer
Friday night I will be at the Urban Onion for Afrok's birthday celebration. Saturday, I will be shooting the new Free Whiskey video all day. Once the sun goes down I will be heading to the Track House for the Everybody Weekend show. Also included in my weekend will be whiskey and college basketball

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Slinging breakfast boozes and bites over the weekend as usual. I'm also looking forward to copious amounts of candy and playing the Easter Bunny on Sunday. A coffee date with a fellow scribe squeezed in there somewhere and some late night reading. Devouring Cinder by Marissa Meyer right now. Nothing too riveting.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2013 >>>

1. There are better ways to spend St. Patrick's Day than sitting at home in front of a big-ass bowl of Lucky Charms. Plan your ultimate Irish wake with the Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center.

2. Part high-tech-heaven, part creative design and old-world style, FabLab has been offering workshops - from laser cutting and robotics, to leather and woodworking - to the community since November. From 2-4 p.m. the public is invited to an afternoon FabLab Member Social & Open House. This will be a chance for members to share and the publuc to see recent projects and hear updates.

3. You might remember the title from movie previews in 1993. You might have read the book ... or rather your mom read it. Even if you've done neither, you've likely heard of The Joy Luck Club, the modern classic by Amy Tan about four young Chinese-American women, their traditional, Chinese mothers and the hijinks that ensue as they try to understand each other. TAcoma Little Theatre stages the play at 2 p.m. Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on The joy Luck Club in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen the Northwest Sinfonietta in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. Saturday the Northwest Sinfonietta will perform the original score to Charlie Chaplin's flick, The Gold Rush at 2 p.m. inside Puyallup's Liberty Theater. In the film, the Little Fellow is cast as "the Lone Prospector," one of the hopeful hordes of prospectors during the Alaskan gold rush of 1898. Chaplin drew his creative muse from grim history, specifically the tragic saga of the Donner Party, an ill-fated expedition of westward travelers who got caught in a bitter winter storm in the Sierras, resorting to cannibalism to survive.

5. There are better ways to get your Irish on than at a Vicci martinez show. That said, there are not many better shows than a Martinez performance, which will happen at 9 p.m. inside her home away from home, Jazzbones. Tacoma's Martinez became a household when she competed on NBC-TV's The Voice. 

LINK: Sunday, March 17 arts and entertainmetn events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

The Fun Police, it must be said, are one of those workhorse local bands that absolutely fucking brings it. They treat each venue the same, making sure the crowd leaves dazed, a ringing in their ears and smiles on their faces - because they've just seen a show. Through a dizzying mesh of styles including Celtic rock, punk, and reggae, the Fun Police have created a sound all their own. Sunday the band will be at O'Malley's Irish Pub, celebrating the beer-flavored holiday - with many other bands on indoor and outdoor stages - in quite possibly the most authentic place to fall down and get drunk (Irish style) that T-town has to offer.

O'Malley's Irish Pub, with Shivering Denizens, Menace, Smoke Like Daddy, DB & The Struggle, Joe & Lauren Lively, Mr. Blackwatch, Seamus & Suzanne piping duo, Firefighter Pipes and Drums, Sunday, March 17, starts at 10 a.m., 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.9403

LINK: Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a shower or two, hi 56, lo 44

Saturday: Freakin' rain, hi 50, lo 38

Sunday: Some sun, some clouds, maybe a shower and a little bit colder, hi 48, lo 36

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 15: MOSQUITO HAWK

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.

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: WHISKERS WINE & DINE

In support of Coalition Humane's efforts to fight pet overpopulation, the Whiskers Wine & Dine event will go down Saturday night at the Sharon McGavick Center. Not only with the benefit include an exquisite buffet style dinner and drinks, you should also expect an amazing silent auction and help support a cause that is passionate about our furry family. All proceeds benefit the Northwest Spay and Neuter Center. Tickets cost $60 and include dinner and a drink coupon. - Weekly Volcano

• Sharon McGavick Center, 6-10 p.m., $60, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood, nwspayneuter.org

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16-SUNDAY, MARCH 17: THE GOLD RUSH

The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen the Northwest Sinfonietta in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. Saturday the Northwest Sinfonietta will perform the original score to Charlie Chaplin's flick, The Gold Rush, in which the Little Fellow is cast as "the Lone Prospector," one of the hopeful hordes of prospectors during the Alaskan gold rush of 1898. Chaplin drew his creative muse from grim history, specifically the tragic saga of the Donner Party, an ill-fated expedition of westward travelers who got caught in a bitter winter storm in the Sierras, resorting to cannibalism to survive. - WV

• Temple Theater, 7:30 p.m. March 16, $19-$49, 47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 800.838.3006
• Liberty Theater, 2 p.m. March 17, $19-$49, 116 W. Main Ave., Puyallup, 800.383.3006

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: BEFORE CARS

Chad Channing, former Nirvana drummer, brings his pop rock band Before Cars to Rocket Records for an afternoon, live performance. Before Cars are promoting its latest album, How We Run, dropped Feb. 26 on the band's record label, Pocket Star Records. Best thing about this album is the acoustic, singer/songwriter feel. Best thing about Rocket Records shows is they start early, you can browse music, there is a cool gumball machine, and owner Steve Gaydich and his dog, Bruno, are never without smiles, making it feel like your living room. Combine the two, and you're golden. - NM

• Rocket Records, 3 p.m., no cover, 3843 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.5186

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: SOUR OWL

Ooh! Another free show! This time at Ben Moore's in Olympia - a few-and-far-between music venue that's known more for its Best $3.75 Fish and Chips than hosting a show. But, Saturday, you can enjoy a live set from Sour Owl in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Rock, pop, jazz, fusion, whatever you want to call Sour Owl's sound, just know that it's sweet. - NM

• Ben Moore's, 9 p.m., no cover, 112 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, 360.357.7527

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES

The Harmony Sweepstakes may sound like a new dating service, but it's actually an annual event in Olympia featuring some of the region's best a cappella talent. No kidding. A night of music and awards, Saturday's festivities will include hosts and guest artists Six Appeal, the 2012 first-place champions, along with event emcee Smilin' Jay of Olympia's KGY AM/FM radio. Event hype available on the Washington Center's website promises, "an evening of impeccable harmonies and scintillation arrangements." Hard to go wrong there. - WV

• Washington Center, 7:30 p.m., $13-$26, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

>>> SUNDAY, MARCH 17: ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT O'MALLEY'S

Celebrate St. Patty's in true Irish fashion at O'Malley's in Tacoma Sunday night. Bag pipers and performance dancers kick off the night, followed by live music from Shivering Denizens, The Fun Police and The Approach - plus tons of free schwag, food specials and of course, green beers. This will be a Patty Party not to miss. For more St. Patrick's Day parties, check out the Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center. - NM

• O'Malley's Irish Pub, 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.9403

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
We're seeing Philadelphia Story at Harlequin and Oliver! at Capital Playhouse. Just as happily, we're also taking a bunch of foodie friends to Marrow.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Well, it's St. Patrick's Day weekend, so I'll likely be avoiding the bars. Much like New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day is amateur hour when it comes to drinking. Best just to steer clear.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
I'm in play-going mode this weekend. I'll be seeing The Philadelphia Story at Harlequin, Oliver! at Capital Playhouse and The Joy Luck Club at Tacoma Little Theatre.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Plans include Friday happy hour goodness with all my downtown regulars. After they have their fun, it's my turn as another bartender and I plan to hit up the Dwell Hole in Tacoma for a kick ass house show. I hope I make it in time to see Mahnhammer and Dark Country (PDX). Hot damn! Saturday and Sunday, it's back to parent-land, which has its perks - like warm morning snuggles and blueberry pancakes.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
I'm recording a verse at Kept See's spot for the League of Extraordinary Emcees album. Saturday, I'm teaching my spoken-word/poetry class at D.A.S.H. from 1-2 p.m. Last, but definite not least, I'll be chilling with my family!

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Friday evening I'll be sipping on copious amounts of joe at Bluebeard Coffee while listening to local authors read their works from Wrist Mag, to be followed by an open poetry slam. That said, the weekend will mostly be consumed with work feeding the pre-partying and hungover masses. And pow wow with team peace out to talk non-profit awesomeness somewhere in the mix.

ADRIENNE KUEHL Food Writer
I'll be throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends. Let the "oohing" and "ahhing" over tiny clothes commence! Oh, and I should probably do those taxes I didn't get to last weekend. ...

NIC LEANOARD Music Writer
I will be a hermit this weekend while watching the PAC 12 basketball tournament as well as other college basketball games. If I'm feeling up to it, on Saturday night I may go check out AKA's record release party at McCoy's. Other then that, I will be pretty lame.

STEVE DUNKELBRGER Nightlife Correspondent
I'll be hitting A MidSummer Night's Dream at Tacoma Youth theatre at this weekend. I hear the girl playing Lysander is highly talented as well as genetically awesome.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-ages Music Columnist
This weekend I am going out in search of a hard copy of the newly released Strike Gently by The Virgins. Stricken with illness and exorbitant amounts of schoolwork this week, there's nothing like a new album to lift the spirits.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar