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

SLAINTE, YO! >>>

Start the weekend off by supporting SP's brand new "We Out Here" battle league tonight. MC battles are experiencing a popular resurgence - thanks partly to Alliance Battle League and the healthy battle attitude of Olympia MC's. The first "We Out Here" battle begins at 7 p.m. inside the Olympia Ballroom. Scheduled to perform are Tacoma-area MC's Patron, Stuey Newton, Hushhush, Nu Empire, Yak Nasty That Nilla (for some reason I don't like writing the word "Nilla") and Abom. This show looks good, as there are also a lot of well-known Olympia MC's on the bill.

Does hip-hop go well with St. Patrick's Day? I guess it does if ya are House of Pain or Macklemore. If ya want to have St. Patty's Day and hip-hop fun, then Saturday is yo night. Starting at 9 p.m., for $12 (I know, ouch!), Bremerton's The Garage Bar and Grill hosts Island Trybe.

Sunday is a busy day for 253 hip-hop heads. Blue Nose Music has a show in Portland, so tell yo Oregon friends to go check them out. Congratulations to Blue Nose for getting the heck out of the state. Also Sunday, the Breaklites will be performing live on KEXP at 8 p.m. Ya can stream it. KEXP has been showing some proper love to Tacoma artists as of late. The radio station based in Seattle has recently hosted in-studio performances by ILLFIGHTYOU and Bruce Leroy. Thank ya KEXP for shining some light on the talent we have down here in The Tac'!

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 15 2013 >>>

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIS WEEK'S VOLCANO IS AWESOME >>>

Sure, it was a little harder than usual to concentrate this week around Weekly Volcano World Headquarters, what, with the Tournament of Sandwiches hype. For the last three weeks sandwiches have piled high in our office cafeteria inside Building 3. To be truthful, it has been a little gassy around the office.

But, lucky for you, the highly trained monkeys tasked with producing the Volcano's music section each week soldiered on, pumping out another fine example of music-oriented literary awesomeness that hits streets today, inside the tasty Volcano.

Here's a peek at the musical goodness waiting for you in print and online ...

INTERVIEW: Brendan Canty of Deathfix

The supergroup will be bringing its blend of '70s power-pop, guitar wizardry and explosive punk to Northern March 20, but first Timothy Grisham had a chance to chat with founder Brendan Canty on the new group.

FEATURE: Evening of Keys IX

Thursday, March 21, Maurice the Fish Records presents an evening of Keys IX, highlighting six great artists - including Brooke Lizotte, keyboardist for Dreamwreck and Dan Reed Network. Expect other local talented keyboardists Doug Skoog (Blues Redemption and The Crazy Texas Gypsies), Mark Bittler (Bump Kitchen), Anthony Ciarochi (Tin Man, The Aury Moore Band and Stone Age Thriller), Raymond Hayden (Raymond Hayden and the Monsters in the Dark) and Derek Whitaker (Heartless, and occasionally, Heart to Heart and Heart.) - Nikki McCoy

WHAT'S THE WORD?: El Potrero is back on the hip-hop scene

The owners of the California Club have packed it up and moved their operation to El Potrero. The spot is literally across the street from the Salishan at 44th and Portland Avenue. It has a mom and pop nightclub feel to it - except maybe the stripper pole - with billiards, a spacious bar, plenty of room and a very nice stage, perfect for hip-hop shows and mariachi bands. - Josh Rizeberg

MUSIC CRITICS' PICK: Dear Rabbit

Dear Rabbit has the sleazy accordion and weirdo swaying energy to make your Saturday self finally open up and be somebody for once in your dance-less life. It's the least you can do to make yourself a complete and freaky person. - Rev. AM

MUSIC CRITICS' PICK: AKA and The Heart Hurt Goods

If you've seen AKA and The Heart Hurt Goods perform, you've seen how much the band loves its art. You can see it in the band member's fist pumps and facial expressions; in their hip shakes and smiles and in the way they administer their music, be it through a microphone, keyboard, guitar or turn table. Seven years in the making, Heart Hurt Good, the debut album from Olympia's AKA and the Heart Hurt Goods has 12 fresh songs. ... - NM

ROCKFORD FILES: Our all-ages column profiled Olympia's Hot Tears

BETTER LIVING THROUGH MUSIC: Dwell Hole, The Saturday Giant, Golden Grrrls ...

LAST WEEK'S MUSIC ISSUE: We talked to Hannah Levin, profiled Le Voyeur and Swoon Records and gave props to THE FAME RIOT.

REVIEW: We were in the front row at The Warehouse's Candle Lit show

PLUS: This week's live music calendar

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

If you've seen AKA and The Heart Hurt Goods perform, you've seen how much the band loves its art. You can see it in the band member's fist pumps and facial expressions; in their hip shakes and smiles and in the way they administer their music, be it through a microphone, keyboard, guitar or turn table.

Seven years in the making, Heart Hurt Good, the debut album from Olympia's AKA and the Heart Hurt Goods has 12 fresh songs featuring special guests Double B, Brad Bowman, Nicatine of Free Whiskey, Qstorm, Skyler Blake and Nathalie Elam. The album was produced by Smoke of Oldominion.

"I think of the album as a triumphant album," says Mark Bowen, or AKA. "I lost my mother and my grandfather a year apart from each other followed by cancer in the family and the burning down of my sister's house during the writing of this album - each event dramatically reshaping the album.

"It's like a tutorial on how to draw from the powers of love when shackled by personnel grief, sorrow and pain," he continues. "I hope it helps during the late nights when left to your thoughts. This album has acted as a teacher for me. ... I'm very proud of it."

Catch AKA and the Heart Hurt Goods before the band rakes its album on tour March 18, and get a little of that Oly hometown lovin'.

MCCOY'S CAVERN, W/FUNK AGENCY, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, $3, 9 P.M., 418 FOURTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.352.0696

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 2013 >>>

1. It may be grayer than Bea Arthur's pixie cut outside, but not so inside King's Books at 6 p.m. The Tacoma bookstore's Scrabble Rabble tournament will allow participants to establish their own skill levels and compete with others for glory. The Weekly Volcano has always enjoyed hanging onto the "Q," where it hangs there on our rack like some ultimate weapon of destruction, waiting for that all-enabling "U" tile to unleash its point-mongering wrath upon our opponents. Anyway, if your job sucks or you have a strange rash, join the tournament and those problems will, if only for a few hours, ease back into the recesses of your mind. Oh, and read Kristin Kendle's feature on Scrabble Rabble on the Weekly Volcano's blog Spew.

2. Since its introduction in 1894, the motorcycle has spawned a variety of cultures and uses. As basic transportation, as leisure activity or as a die-hard lifestyle, millions of people have a love affair with Choppers, Crotch Rockets, Thumpers and all things two-wheeled. The action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motocycling The Northwest at the Washington State History Museum is a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Sometimes, it's best to go small. Other times, going big is the thing to do. From 5-8 p.m., it's highly suggested you do both. Kittredge Gallery on the University of Puget Sound hosts two opening receptions. In its Small Gallery, you may enjoy "You Are Here," an installation of a new series of work by University of Puget Sound professor of art, Michael Johnson. The exhibition encompasses a group of three-dimensional drawings, a melding of Johnson's sculptural practice with technology. In the Large Gallery, the long-titled "Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A-Start," an exhibition of new work by Seattle painter Cable Griffith, embraces the influence of early video game imagery, systems and themes. The exhibition includes drawings, paintings, sculpture and an interactive video game/painting collaboration with Brent Watanabe. Both exhibitions will close April 13.

4. Saxophonist Kareem Kandi's sound is virtually unrelated to the roomy traditions of soul saxes, honking saxes or deep-chested boudoir ballad saxes. It 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. The Kareem Kandi Band heads back to The Swiss at 7 p.m. for another Wednesday open jam session.

5. Bozeman raunch 'n' rollers The Moustache Bandits will bring its high intensity performance and tongue-in-cheek cow-punk songs to Le Voyeur at 9 p.m.

LINK: Wednesday, March 13 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Bridgit Mendler and Austin Mahone are so freaking cute that if it weren't retarded to show excitement in alternating caps and lowercase letters like cyberdorks, we'd totally do it ... in abundance.

The cuties will perform Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Washington State Fair.

According to hype, "With a strong teen female fan base, singer/songwriter Austin Mahone's career has bolted to high gear with his debut single, '11:11,' as well as popular hit song, 'Say Somethin'.'  For Bridgit Mendler, songwriting started at the age of six, catapulting her to star in Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie, singing the show's theme song. While she started her career as an actress, her singing career has taken off strong.

Adorable.

Tickets are available at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16 via the Fair's website, or 888.559.3247. You'll have to drop $25-$60 to show these two your hand heart.

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland and recently wrapping up a UK tour, the Golden Grrrls trio will play its air-tight set of indie pop punk laced with impeccable harmony March 20 at Le Voyeur in Olympia. (Check out why Le Voyeur is the perfect venue for the Golden Grrrls here.)

"What began as bedroom guitar experimentation soon bloomed into a fully-formed pop language inspired by the '80s New Zealand and Australian indie pop scenes, DIY punk and Glasgow's own rich pop history (think The Vaselines, The Pastels)," according to Grrrl's hype. "Drummer Eilidh Rodgers' inventive, loose-cannon drumming and lead vocals have framed Ruari MacLean's baritone from the beginning, with newest member Rachel Aggs (also of Trash Kit) bringing an effortless melodic sensibility on guitar and backing vocals."

A listen to the band confirms the sensation. Plus, who can resist a name like Golden Grrrls?  Blanch, Sophia, Rose and Dorothy were the OG's of riot grrrls. 

LE VOYEUR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 7 P.M., ALL AGES, 404 FOURTH AVE. E., OLYMPIA, 360.943.5710

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

MONDAY, MARCH 11 2013 >>>

1. Jazz and blues band Maia Santell & House Blend will be by Jho Blenis on guitar and special guests Jumpin' Josh Violette on guitar and Bob McCluskey on harmonica at 8 p.m. inside The Swiss.

2. Joe McGuire of Tahoma Audubon leads monthly walks from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Adriana Hess Wetland Park in University Place, which is home to dozens and dozens of bird species. McGuire digs it when people join him. No registration needed.

3. George Mills '68, M.S.'72 and John Finney '67 provide an overview of the University of Puget Sound's 125-year history with an illustrated presentation at 4 p.m. inside the Trimble Hall Forum on the Campus of the University of Puget Sound. Present day tea and cookies will be served.

4. Standup comedy hasn't evolved much since the glory days of ventriloquist and puppet. Every so often, there's a Gallagher smashing watermelons or a musical funnyman like Jack Black, but for the most part, comedy is a dude on a stage with a microphone, plodding through a joke-punchline-new-joke routine. You're funny. You need to change the course of comedy forever. Every Monday the Grit City Comedy Club opens its stage at 8 p.m. to the public for a comedy open mic. Explore the space. Head for space.

5. Lowmen Markos, Shadows and Vanguard play an all-ages show at 9 p.m. inside Northern in downtown Olympia. Lowmen Markos rock lengthy songs at ear-blasting levels.

LINK: Monday, March 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area