SATURDAY, JUNE 1 2013 >>>

1. Even though Steve Madden has a spring 2013 glam line, and parody bands such as Steel Panther are making their way into mainstream, there is one band who perfectly embodies the spirit of sleaze rock - the Tacoma/Olympia band Prophets of Addiction (POA). Former Pretty Boy Floyd and Queeny Blast Pop bassist Lesli Sanders combined his connections, skills and wardrobe with the tight licks and pouty lips of bandmates Pat Hall, Jimmy Mess and newest addition Tim Diedrich to create one hell of a glam band that is often compared to Guns N' Roses with a worldwide following. POA is tight, practicing multiple times a week, touring as often as possible, and even thrift shopping together. Catch the band with Mosquito Hawk and Wikid Sin at 8 p.m. in the 4th Ave Tav in downtown Olympia.

2. Nothing says good times like family fun and a whole crapload of pirate references. By the look of things, that's exactly what's in store for those headed to the 2013 Maritime Gig Festival in Gig Harbor. Expect wholesome treats like a family fun run, a pancake breakfast, car show, a Saturday "Pirates of the Peninsula Yo Ho Harbor Grand Parade," fishing stuff, music and what's billed as the "Round Rock Contest." We have no idea what a "Round Rock Contest" is, but it sounds AWESOME! The festival stretches all weekend in downtown Gig Harbor, along Harborview Drive, between Pioneer and Rosedale, and along the waterfront near Jerisich Dock and Skansie Brother's Park.

3. You can find cut herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and baked goods along with live entertainment, free crafts for the kids and gardening advice from master gardeners from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Proctor Farmers Market. Come see the farmers market the Weekly Volcano readers voted Super Best Farmers Market of 2011.

4. May we suggest you plan for international bestselling fantasy author - and Tacoma resident - Robin Hobb's appearance at 2 p.m. in the Tumwater Timberland Library. She'll discuss her new book, Blood of Dragons, which completes the story of the dragons, their keepers, and their quest to find the lost city of Kelsingra and the mythical silver wells that could save the dragons from extinction. We have no idea what that means, but exciting!

5. The Gritty City Sirens prsents Deja Revue, a night of burlesque featuring Rosie Cheex, Ava D'Jor, Funny Face Fanny, Kitty Kisses, Heather Hostility and Dessi De Vine beginning at 9 p.m. in Jazzbones.

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

FRIDAY, MAY 31 2013 >>>

1. Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 expedition across the Pacific on a balsa-wood raft never quite settled the point he set out to make - that South American voyagers settled the Polynesian islands - but it did motivate a generation of young dreamers to embark on improbable adventures. Having already told the story of WWII resistance fighter Max Manus, directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg turn their attention to this most famous of Norwegian heroes via an old-fashioned seafaring yarn. Kon-Tiki is an absolute feast for the eyes with vast, beautiful shots of the Blue Pacific that completely immerse and isolate the viewer in the film's seemingly infinite expanse of ocean; something that the viewer may come to regret when the ocean's less-friendly denizens decide to investigate Heyerdahl's increasingly fragile raft. It plays at 2:40, 5:30 and 8:15 p.m. in The Grand Cinema.

2. The Evergreen Science Carnival promises breathtaking sideshows and unbelievable phenomena. Don't go to the carnival expecting bearded ladies, strongmen or magic shows. Think more along the lines of a chance to view solar flares or learn how to extract catnip - or see a student set his hand on fire. The experiments run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the LAB I, LAB II and Lectures Halls on The Evergreen State College campus.

3. Mel George, one of Australia's leading glass artists and part of the current Museum of Glass show "Links," exploring connections between Northwest and Australian glass, will be working in the Hot Shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. UK playwright Pericles Snowdon's Bluebeard is a story about isolation, family, betrayal, apocalypse and parenthood. Under the direction of David Domkoski, Assemblage Theater brings to life the dark story of Blue, a woman who has been so hurt and disillusioned by her experiences in the outside world that she steals three little girls and locks them away in an abandoned church - our beloved Urban Grace Church in downtown Tacoma - for their whole lives in order to protect them, while a kind of apocalypse happens outside. Blue creates strict rules by which the girls must live and re-writes history, making the girls "perform" a different chapter of it each day. Creepy. Then, the mysterious Magnon steps into their melancholy blue world and turns it upside down. Watch it all go down at 8 p.m. inside the Urban Grace.

5. Local band Ranchero is an aural melding pot of '90s grunge, '80s guitar rock and the most exciting elements throughout the rock genre. The thunderous rhythm section, made up of Andy Coffey on drums and DaRatt Lucas on bass, provides the driving foundations to propel the dual guitar assault from Barry Meier and Tim "Vegas" Silvers. Their "pull-no-punches" attitude with their approachability and personality will make the Music and Art in Wright Park benefit show at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge effing rockin'. C.F.A. and The Dignitaries join the fun.

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

THURSDAY, MAY 30 2013 >>>

1. When we learned the Sweeteners are residents of Aberdeen via Anchorage, it made total sense. Their grunge-tinged garage rock is so distinctly reminiscent of these grey, blue-collar towns - the same towns that birthed guitar-worshiping notables such as Nirvana and Modest Mouse (not to get into tricky comparisons, here). While the Sweeteners aren't as idiosyncratic as those bands, they have a certain odd swagger that accompanies their whining guitars and stuttering drums. Catch them at 10 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

2. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the starting and finishing line will be Terry's Office Tavern. Get to work. 

3. Death By Stars guitarist Patrick Galactic hosts karaoke at 9 p.m. every Thursday at The New Frontier Lounge. This is what Galactic has to say on the karaoke's Facebook event page: "With our virgin voyage officially in the can, we are ready to get SERIOUSLY sexy this week. Can YOU, Tacoman, gentleman/lady, person of interest, rise to the calling?! WILL YOU find it within yourself to take the leap that mere mortals cannot even contemplate? WILL YOU take the Galactic challenge?! I hope so. But more importantly, I hope you hope so too. I really hope you hope you do." Hope is good.

4. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone. Check out OlyBlues Dance at 9 p.m. inside the Eagles Ballroom.

5. The always entertaining Billy Stoops hosts an open jam at Stonegate Pizza tonight. Start your weekend a wee-bit early with a trip down to South Tacoma Way.

LINK: Thursday, May 30 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 2013 >>>

1. The Grand Cinema teaches science in a different way: First it secures a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation to pair films with lessons in science. Next, it invites notable figures from the world of science, technology and medicine to give introduction lessons using those long pointer sticks to tap the screen while nodding their heads. Each film is used as a jumping off point for the speaker to reveal current scientific research or technological advances, providing the perfect combination of entertainment and enlightenment - even for the most science-phobic culture vulture. Then, of course, everyone watches the film, paying close attention to key factor brought to light by the big brains before the screening. Science on Screen kicks off at 6:45 p.m. with Dr. Jim Gawel, professor of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Washington Tacoma, who will discuss how the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens completely changed the ecosystem and chemistry of Spirit Lake. Afterward, he'll grab some popcorn and watch Alien with the audience. Read Pappi Swarner's full feature on Science on Screen in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

2. Pierce College Theatre blasts off on a rock-and-roll flight to Return to the Forbidden Planet, a family-friendly musical that tells the story of mad scientist Doctor Prospero who unknowingly jettisoned into space with his infant daughter, crashes into D’Illyria, the Forbidden Planet, and the adventure begins. The play features a 35-member cast of Pierce students and community members, a live band and professionally designed costumes - at 7 p.m. on its Fort Steilacoom campus.

3. Weekly Volcano readers voted the Top of Tacoma Bar and Cafe the best bar in Tacoma. This was due in no small part to its 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. Champagne Sunday brings its powerful, honest, edgy and refreshingly original rock music to Cork Wine Bar at 8 p.m.

5. Play bingo with those not just killing time before the Grim Reaper calls their number. At 9 p.m. in The New Frontier, bingo players are treated to a rather boisterous evening of number calling. The music rocks, the prizes are craptastic and there's something very satisfying about yelling, "It's not a tumor!" when B-9 is pulled from the hopper (Schwarzenegger anyone?).

LINK: Wednesday, May 29 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TUESDAY, MAY 28 2013 >>>

1. If you're considering climbing a mountain, we suggest you hightail it to the Olympia Farmers Market at 7 p.m. and catch mountaineer Jim Whittaker's lecture and slideshow. Whittaker was the first American to summit Mount Everest (1963). He joins The Alpine Experience's Launch of the Mountain Life Festival to discuss the climb he made 50 years ago, as well as the hundreds of other climbs he's made worldwide. After listening to Whittaker's adventures, you can make a solid decision if Mount Rainier is in your future.

2. It's Tuesday, which means The Grand Cinema screens a special film for today only. At 2 and 6:45 p.m. expect to see Band of Sisters, the story of Catholic nuns and their work for social justice after Vatican II of the 1960s.

3. If hearing the sound of your own cackling voice echoing off the walls of your shower stall has you craving the sound of something a bit more harmonious, check out the local songbirds at Victory Music Open Mic at the Antique Sandwich Co. It's guaranteed to be jam-packed with gorgeous sounds and humbling verses, as the South Sound's greatest up-and-coming acoustic musicians bare their souls impromptu-style from 7-10 p.m.

4. You are getting sleepy, v-e-r-y sleepy. Now, go see the hypnotist show at 8 p.m. inside the Red Wind Casino. Whether a skeptic or believer, the show will be sure to entertain with its comedy, rock and roll and outrageous hypnosis, like people sneezing and having orgasms(!) when Ron Stubbs, the man behind the magic, utters the word "pepper."

5. The quintet pop-punk band Good Morning Tonight from Casper, Wyoming joins Larusso at 8 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

LINK: Tuesday, May 28 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, MAY 26 2013 >>>

1. There is nothing on holiday Sunday-night TV, so you might as well dust off those dancing shoes and head over to Tacoma's fancy fun house, Encore Boutique Nightclub. The downtown Tacoma hotspot will open at 10 p.m. for "Sundazed" - a celebration of warm weather, summer time vibes and the three-day weekend. Enjoy free VIP tables, half price on bottle service and no cover. Now those women who wear almost nothing at Encore have an excuse.

2. Whether you've seen Little Shop of Horrors or not, it is so much a part of our pop culture that it is difficult not to have some preconceived ideas when you hear the title. Thankfully, Tacoma Little Theatre's production of the musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken lives up to the musical's quirky and fun reputation. The production ends its run today with a 2 p.m. show. Read Joann Varnell's full review of Little Shop of Horrors in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

3. Saxophonist Kareem Kandi's sound derives from the classic, free, often enthusiastic tradition of Joshua Redman as filtered through Dexter Gordon and Sonny Stitt, all of whose shadows can be traced-Redman in Kandi's funky organicism, Gordon in his dynamic harmonics, Stitt in the intensity that coats his every note with a Gritty City finish. Kandi has been hanging with organist Delvon Lamarr and drummer Adam Kessler, which has added groovy innovation to Kandi's sound. Catch Kandi's trio from 3-6 p.m. at Uncle Thurm's Finger Lickin' Ribs & Chicken in Tacoma's Lincoln District.

4. Award-winning comedian Tyrone Hawkins will take the Tacoma Comedy Club stage at 8 p.m. The Tacoma Comedy Club offers free admission for active and retired military and dependents tonight.

5. Jazzbones has a special treat for you, and it's gonna be all over the dance floor. One word, four letters, starts with "F" the next letter is a vowel, and the last letter is a consonant. F-O-A-M! Bet you thought from our clues it was going to be an Anglo-Saxon word for fornication, huh?  But trust us, foam is even better than that other word, since while that other word can imply fornication it can also be a curse uttered out of anger or disappointment. Foam, on the other hand, always produces good feelings! Unless it's in a glass of beer and you got cheated out of extra beer. Jazzbone will pump out the foam tonight on the scantily-clad Jazzbones patrons. You see, the ladies who dance at Jazzbones usually wear cocktail napkins for outfits.  Tonight, they'll wear even less. When the clock strikes 9,DJ Switch and drummer Wiggles will provide the beats for your grinding pleasure. Beach attire is highly suggested. And remember, "what happens in the foam stays in the foam!"

LINK: Sunday, May 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, MAY 25 2013 >>>

1. That's right, it's Tacoma Jazz & Blues Festival time again, when you can cram an entire week's worth of fun into one whirlwind Saturday. The Harmon Brewery & Eatery, The Swiss and Stonegate Pizza, between 12:30 and 11:30 p.m., will be going full blast with quartets up to big bands the size of Ruston's population. The Blues stage at The Harmon kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields, followed by The Cody Rentas Band at 2, Maia Santell and House Blend at 3:30 and headline Arthur Migliazza at 5 p.m. The Johnny Lewis Big Band and Roadside Attraction will command The Swiss from 1-6 p.m. Beginning at 8 p.m. Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra with guest trumpeter Mike Vax will perform for three and a half hours at Stonegate Pizza. The festival is free, thanks to sponsors - although there's a $5 cover at Stonegate.

2. The Gig Harbor Street Scramble is a treasure hunt that leads participants to 30 checkpoints throughout the community beginning at 9:30 a.m. The checkpoints are circled on a map, and each has a description such as "sculpture" or "road bend." They can be visited in any order, on foot or bike. Participants cannot use a motorized vehicle. Participants must return to the finish line before their time is up. To register, pick up a brochure at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA; Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center, 3125 Judson St.; or at other locations around Gig Harbor including Uptown Gig Harbor, Integrated Financial Services, MultiCare Gig Harbor Medical Park, Route 16 Running and Walking, Columbia Bank and Old Town Bicycle.

3. Beginning at 1 p.m., Olympia is going to be off the hook. Hip-hop scenes from Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle will merge for an all-day event of Western Washington's version of the XXL Freshman List. Hundreds of votes poured in, highlighting the regions favorite performers who rap, battle and blow minds. Leezy Soprano, XP, AKA and the Heart Hurt Goods, Motamouth Jones, NW Choppas and The Th3rds are just a few of the artists on the bill, which will also include the popular We Out Here Battle League, that will consume the Olympia Ballroom.

4. As we mentioned yesterday, Justin Giallo is presenting the sickest and most violent of all the '80s slasher movies, PIECES "uncut," as part of his Grindhouse Theater Film Series at The Grand Cinema. At 9 p.m. film critic Joe Bob Briggs will host the screening. That's right, the opinionated "Original Drive-In Reviewer" will be in the house. Expect a free raffle, trivia with prizes and screams.

5. As drummer and frontman of Umber Sleeping and I Like Science, Peter Tietjen would compose spaced-out, repetitive jams in a similar mode as bands such as Stereolab and Can. With the release of his solo debut, Tietjen's performance at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge will be accompanied by a cavalcade of local fixtures - presumably acting as the titular "Balloon Power Challenge" - including Rowhouse's Alex Tapia and Gary Kawamura, People Under the Sun's James Jenkins and Taxi Driver's Nate Dybevik.

LINK: Saturday, May 25 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, MAY 24 2013 >>>

1. All you really need to know is Seattle band Levels band lives for the structure and impact of a tightly constructed riff. Though adorned with bare-bones effects, their song "Ghoul" thrives on the immediacy and unimpeachably affecting riff supplied by guitarist and frontman Jerry Van Galder. His vocals are masculine and deadpan, another nod to the efficiency that seems to define Levels. As of the recording, Levels were just a two-piece, Van Galder's voice and guitar propelled forward by the drumming of Saba Samakar. Catch them at 10 p.m. with Simon the Leper, Icanus at New Mexico at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Level in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

2. Pierce County Gleaning Project has created the Food Justice Book Club in which members will be be reading fiction, nonfiction and memoir around the topics of food justice, gleaning and food security. Drop in on the club at 7 p.m. in King's Books and get in  the discussion over A Place at the Table: The Crisis of 49 Million Hungry Americans and How to Solve It by Peter Pringle.

3. Junkyard Jane is a Northwest "swampabilly" blues band performing original music and consisting of: vocalist/percussionist Leanne Trevalyan, vocalist/guitarist Billy Stoops, bassist Barbra Blue and drummer Chris Leighton. Check them out in all their blue collar glory at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

4. Tacoma Comedy Club presents comedian Nick Vatterott - name dthe funniest man in Chicago - at 8 and 10:30 p.m. The Tacoma Comedy Club offers free admission for active and retired military and dependents May 23-26.

5. You can watch a movie anywhere these days: your phone, Xbox, iPad, iPod and whatever Apple decides the next iProduct should be (iPants gets my vote - hip yet functional). But despite all the advances in movie-watching technology, there's nothing quite like gritty classic gore projected on the big screen in original 35mm film to a room full of horror nerds. Justin Giallo knows this, which is why he invented the Grindhouse Theater Film Series at The Grand Cinema. At 9 p.m., Giallo - oh boy get ready to crap your pants - will screen the sickest and most violent of all the '80s slasher movies, PIECES "uncut." 

LINK: Friday, May 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THURSDAY, MAY 23 2013 >>>

In the last month, recent corruption scandals in (pick a state or country) have been compared to From Russia With Love, season two of The Sopranos, Stranger Than Fiction and Groundhog Day. In regards to momentum, The South Puget Sound Community College Theater Program sure picked the right time to stage its humor-filled tale of political corruption, View of the Dome. According to SPSCC hype, "The play follows an idealistic, young Washington attorney who persuades her former law professor to run for Congress. Ideals shrivel in the Washington air as the professor is swept into an insider's circle that includes a leering, power-drunk senator and a slinky Southern power broker." catch it at 8 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center.

2. The University of Washington Tacoma hosts Tribute to Our Troops from 12:30 to 1:30 at William Philip Hall on its campus. The event is free and open to the public. Active military, veterans, family members, friends and anyone who wants to recognize the commitment and sacrifice of those in the armed forces are all welcome to attend. Expect music by local country musician Jonathan Harris, speeches and special coins.

3. Think running and drinking don't mix unless there's a K-9 unit involved? Not true. The Tacoma Runners - a group of T-Town pavement pounders - meet every Thursday for a 3-mile loop at a "social pace" at one of Tacoma's favorite watering holes. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. the starting and finishing line will be El Guadalajara on Sixth Avenue.

4. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone. Check out OlyBlues Dance at 9 p.m. inside the Eagles Ballroom.

5. The Barleywine Revue will fill The Swiss in downtown Tacoma with fiddle music beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, May 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 2013 >>>

1. As the Defense Department shifts its military power and presence from a shrinking Middle East war zone to the vast Asia-Pacific region, it also is rebalancing its focus within the increasingly important region. From 4-6 p.m., the University of Washington Tacoma will host a symposium focusing on the United States' strategic rebalance toward Asia-Pacific. While it will be a moderated discussion with scheduled speakers, there will be time for open questions from the audience as well. Attendees will get to here commentary from Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, deputy commanding general, I Corps, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Daniel Malarkey, deputy director, Washington State Department of Commerce, as well as high-ranking faculty from the UW. The event is free, but registration is required; click here to sign up.

2. For this month only, Stanley and Seafort's (115 E. 34th St., Tacoma) is offering a delectable deal. With any steak on the menu they will add a complimentary side of coconut prawns or a petite lobster tail with the simple mention of this offer.

3. Concoctors of all things hoppy, malty and brewtastic at Tacoma's own Harmon Brewery are taking over the ballgame. Cheney Stadium (2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma) is hosting Harmon Brewery Night during the Rainiers' game May 22 beginning at 7 p.m. In exchange for a $7 reserve ticket you'll receive a $5 voucher for a pint of tasty Harmon beer. Sip on a Point Defiance, Mt Takhoma Blonde or a Black Tartan IPA. Anyone who has been to a fair share of baseball games knows a $5 ballpark brew is a steal. Get some.

4. Songwriter Mary Win will perform haunting original folk songs from 7-9 p.m. at Rhapsody In Bloom Florist & Cafe Latte.

5. Pub trivia nights can either ignite the party or stifle the mood. McNamara's Pub & Eatery in DuPont does everything possible to avoid being a major buzz kill. Every Wednesday McNamara's Pub starts team trivia at 7 p.m. Irish-inspired food helps trivia players stock up on brainpower before the trivia starts. Beer and drink specials happen at trivia intermission. Because everyone knows a good buzz makes trivia that much easier. What's the capital of Kazakhstan? Take a drink and think.

LINK: Wednesday, May 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area