LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Godfed Static, Inside The Gates, Six Foot Cradle. Celebrating the last member of Godfed Static to turn 21 years of age. 8 pm. $4.

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. The Electrolytes. 9 pm.

The Charleston Bremerton. Three Year Anniversary Party, with The Diablotones, Nigel Mustafa, Red White & Die, Cuntry Cuntroll. Legends On Heroin. All Ages. 8 pm.

Doyle's Public House Tacoma - Stadium District. Missionary Position. 9 pm. NC.

Firwood Rock Lounge Tacoma - Downtown. D'Rocc video shoot plus Tak Patron, Lok Skywalker and Second Family. 8 pm. $10.

• Probably the most fun thing to do this week would be for you to attend D‘Rocc's video shoot. D'Rocc is one of the main up-and-comers in our hip-hop scene and he's had some big videos in the past. The video being shot this week is open to the public - meaning you can come be immortalized in the scene forever. The shoot is actually more like an event; there'll be performances by Tak Patron, Lok Skywalker and Second Family (more about these artists in future columns). Come check out the new venue and meet some of the who's who in 253 hip-hop. – Josh Rizeberg
  

FuSE Cafe Imbibery @ Pt Defiance Cafe Casino Ruston. Billy Roy Danger & The Recitifers. All Ages. 8 pm. NC.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. From The Sea, Endless Grey, Gackstatter. 9 pm. $5.

Hitchin Post Saloon Federal Way. Loose Gravel and the Quarry. 9 pm.

The Hub Tacoma - Stadium District. Radio Edit. 9 pm. NC.

The Hub Centralia. Stone Axe, Blood To Dist, Severed Few. 9 pm. NC.

• If you haven't heard Stone Axe yet you are missing out, my friend. They are the greatest classic rock band to come out in our lifetime. They have perfect riffs, well-timed harmony and storylines rivaling Rod Stewart or Black Sabbath. Stone Axe is truly climbing the stairway to heaven. The band is about to embark on a European tour, and (put braids and feathers in your hair for this one) their song "Return of the Worm," recently aired on Dog the Bounty Hunter. Despite Dog's 24 illegitimate children and anti-semantic attitude, you have to admit its pretty badass for a band to be aired on the show. Congratulations, Stone Axe, for being so damn cool. Check them out this Saturday at The Hub in Centralia, and prepare to become a super fan. - Nikki Talotta

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. No Quarter (Led Zeppelin tribute). 9 pm. $10-$12.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. The Fun Police. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Dave Hannon Band. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Mineral Lake Event Center Mineral. Mineral Lake Event Center Benefit, with Eric "Two Scoops" Moore, Randy Oxford's Pierce County All-Stars, Maia Santell, Jumpin' Josh, Nolan Garrett, Julie Powers, John Sparrow, The Billy Shew Band, The Elbow County Rough Riders, The Rafael Tranquilno Band, All Ages. 10 am. $25.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. David Dondero, Franz Nicolay (The Hold Steady), Curt Terry. 9 pm.

• Last year, Franz  Nicolay announced that he would be leaving wordy arena-rock heroes, the Hold Steady, in order to pursue a solo career, citing a feeling that he had done all he could in that band. Listening to his solo debut, Master General, and its follow-up, Luck and Courage, there are certain moments where you could see a song fitting in perfectly with the Hold Steady's cannibalistic rock ethos, such as Major General's opener and standout, the Dead Kennedys-worshiping "Jeff Penalty." Read the full story, including an interview with Nicolay, here. – Rev. Adam McKinney
  

Paddy Coynes Tacoma - Downtown. Malcolm Clark and Mike Coucoules. 10 pm. NC.

The Red Room Tacoma - Downtown. Arpeggiator, Slushy, Bitpart. All Ages. 9:30 pm. $5.

Rock the Dock Pub & Grill Tacoma - Downtown. Kids With Cancer Benefit Concert. Seven bands, magicians, jugglers, speakers, food, booze, Seahawks, Mist, Renagade calendar girls, Blitz, Big Lo Superfan, Hawkfiend Murphy, Storm, Rainiers, and many others. 11 am-1 pm. $10 donation.

The Spar Tacoma - Old Town. Billy Farmer. 8 pm.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Artichoke Project and guests in the Rock Loft. 9 pm. $5.

The Vault Olympia - Downtown. Baby Bash, Island Tribe. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Beyond the Bridge Cafe Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Open Mic Night. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Rock & Roll Magic. 9 pm. NC.

Eastside Club Tavern Olympia - Downtown. High Ceiling, Dub Lounge International. 9 pm.

Emerald Queen Casino Tacoma - Eastside. Travis Tritt. 8:30 pm. $44-$92.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Hide The Scarz, Mephitis, .50 Caliber Nightmare, Murmur. 9 pm. NC.

Imperial Dragon Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Tatoosh. 9 pm.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Tim Turner. 8 pm. $7.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Eli "Mosquito" Westin. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Robert Richter. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. Stephen Heinzman Trio. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Maxwell's Speakeasy Tacoma. Lance Buller Trio. All Ages. 7-10 pm. NC.

McCoy's Tavern Olympia. Glass Elevator, Mongo, Fight For Change. 8 pm. $3.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Outnumbered, My Mom Dumped Me, Phobos, Five Beats Til Sunrise. All Ages. 8 pm.

Old General Store Steakhouse & Saloon Roy. Five Dollar Fine. 9 pm.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Mighty High. 9 pm.

Pastiche Wine Bar Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Friday Night Supper Club Dinner & Dancing. 6 pm.

The Space (729 Court C) Tacoma - Downtown. Pickwick, Ivan & Alyosha, Pablo Trucker. All Ages. 8 pm. $8-$10.

• Pickwick succeeds almost entirely on the basis of Galen Disston's commanding lead vocal. The band is tight and in the pocket, propping up and supporting Disston, but the show is all ultimately all his, and if his voice faltered in the face of their '60s soul style, the whole thing would collapse under its own weight. Disston's seeming effortlessness is Pickwick's best attribute - the one thing that defies just about every criticism that can be raised in regard to this kind of blue-eyed soul. Following, as they are, in the footsteps of several decades of some of the best pop songwriting there is, it's impressive that Pickwick manage to find new takes on and hooks in the Motown and soul model. And they come out relatively unscathed. - Rev. Adam McKinney

The Spar Olympia. Worth From NIAYH. 8 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute). 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. From The Sea, In These Hands. 9 pm.

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. The Biz-Keys, The Local Strangers. 9 pm.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Spanktones. 9 pm. NC.

The Fuse Ruston. The Trevalyan Triangle. 9 pm.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Tacoma Metal Choice Awards, with Unhailoed, Devils Of Loudon, Faces Pale, Curse Of The North. 8 pm.

• Typically, awards shows are the worst. Bobble Tiki would rather endure a root canal without anesthetic than tune in for the Grammys, Golden Globes or even Oscars. It's like watching paint dry ... only more boring and predictable. Saturday, however, an awards frenzy to end all awards frenzies will enrapture Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma, as the 2011 Tacoma Metal Choice Awards will be handed out - honoring Tacoma's top metal band as voted on by devil-horn waving fans of our area (via the Internet) throughout February. Billed as a "red carpet event," the Metal Choice Awards this Saturday at Hell's Kitchen will feature scene stalwarts like UnHailoed, Devils of Loudon, Faces Pale, After the Fallout and Plague Ships - all of whom will no doubt be in fine form when it comes time for an acceptance speech. Also, expect surprise metal guests. It's going to be very Tacoma, and very awesome. - Bobble Tiki
  

The Hub Tacoma - Stadium District. Nick Sandy & Kim Archer Duet. 9 pm. NC.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Whiskey Creek (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute). 8 pm. $10-$12.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. String Theory, Jumping Sharks, Nolan McSheridon. 9 pm.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Atomic Outlaws. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Russ Salton & Friends. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Matrix Coffee House Lewis County. Just Plain Bill, Jake Archer. All Ages. 8 pm. $8.

McCoy's Tavern Olympia. The Rickets, HPP, Happy Noose. 9:30 pm. $3.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. A Leaf. 9 pm.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Takhoma, Honeybear, The Solvents, Memory Boys. All Ages. 8 pm.

R & R Live Graham. Jonathan Harris. 9 pm.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. The Trasholes, Red Hex, Si Si Si. All Ages. 6pm-9pm. $5.

The Swiss Tacoma - Downtown. Kry. 9 pm. $8.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. The Kora Band, featuring Kane Mathis. All Ages. 8 pm. $8-$12.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Sour Owl. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Blues Jam, hosted by Tim Hall. 8 pm.

Immanuel Presbyterian Church Tacoma - Northend. Blues Vespers, featuring Junkyard Duo, Doug McCloud. All Ages. 4 pm. NC.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. Psychic Salon. 9 pm.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Open Mic, with Denny Foreman & Friends. All Ages. 6 pm. NC.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. The Cruzin' Kings. 9 pm.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Golden Ghost, Mother McKenzie, Seed. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

• Beneath Golden Ghost's quivering fragility and twee innocence, there is a vague creepiness. The lead singer's voice is childlike and small, but she gives the impression that she may be the kind of person whom you can get far too close to, far too quickly. Roundly muted guitars, gently brushed drums and sweetly singing violins swirl around her vocals in an ambient haze that sometimes approaches twilight soft rock in tone and temperature. But all the while, that edginess creeps in a way that suggests this gentle lulling might not end well if you were to give yourself over to it. In time, Golden Ghost's twinkling Christmas lights begin to look unmistakably fluorescent - blinding and unwelcome. But for those dreamy first moments, nothing feels more like home. - Rev. Adam McKinney

The Spar Tacoma - Old Town. Billy Roy Danger & The Rectifiers. 8 pm. NC.

Steilacoom Pub and Grill Steilacoom. Sunday open mic with Jeanlizabeth. 8 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Classic Hard Rock All-Ages Jam. All Ages. 6 pm. NC.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Sunday Blues Jam Night. Hosted by Shelly Ely. 7-10 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Congratulations CD Release Show, with Mercurial. 9 pm.

Backstage Bar & Grill Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Agent Orange. 8 pm. $10.

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. The Razzberry Jam Band, Fight The Quiet, Ravens Rant. 9 pm.

Doyle's Public House Tacoma - Stadium District. Mighty High. 9:30 pm. NC.

• Bobble Tiki got Mighty High ... the band ... for his Three Questions interview. The Tacoma jammers will play Doyle's Public House Saturday night. Trevor Nicely was nice enough to answer a few (read: three) of Bobble Tiki's questions. Check out th einterview here. – Bobble Tiki
  

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Sin, Open Rebuke, Tangent, .38 Kaufman. 8 pm. NC.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. The Northwest Sons, Rise N Shine, Ethan Tucker. 8:30 pm. $10.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. Whoa Dizzy. 9 pm.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Psycho 78. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Josiah & Sam Bogle. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. Lung Cancer Research Benefit, with Robert Boyd. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Joel's Birthday Party, with Pac Man Complex. 9 pm.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Warehouse Presents Slowwave, Land Of Pines, Lemolo. 9 pm.

Sampan Restaurant and Lounge Lacey. Motamouth Jones. 8 pm.

• If you're trying to catch a show this week, I suggest checking out Tacoma's own Motamouth Jones. This MC has been making noise in the streets since the early ‘90s, winning battles, corner ciphers  and talent shows all around town. Now he's rolling with Tacoma's King Jay Barz. That should tell ya'll something. He really can rap as fast as Twista, too. Come check Motamouth's uniquely Tacoma swagger this Saturday at the Sampan in Lacey. Read my full clumn here. - Josh Rizeberg
  

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Leukemia Benefit, with Mad Silence, High Noon Horizon. 9 pm. $5.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. Pearl Django. All Ages. 8 pm. $10-$15.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts Olympia - Downtown. Benefit Concert featuring Lisa Koch and the Righteous Mothers, Benefiting Monarch Children's Justice and Advocacy Center. All Ages. 8 pm. $25.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Angie & The Car Wrecks, Big Quinn. 9 pm.

A Rhapsody In Bloom Florist and Cafe Latte Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Scott Cossu. All Ages. 7 pm.

Beyond the Bridge Cafe Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Open Mic Night. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Mojo Overload. 9 pm. NC.

Doyle's Public House Tacoma - Stadium District. Coldnote, Excellent Gentlemen. 9:30 pm. NC.

Harmon Tap Room Tacoma - Stadium District. Radio Edit. 8 pm.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. My Life In Black & White, Neutralboy, South 11th, Dead Giveaways, The Plastards. 9 pm. NC.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. The New Blues Brothers. 8 pm. $10.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Randy Hansen. All Ages. 8 pm. $10.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Heavy Hammer. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. Annie Henry, with Mike Saunders. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Maxwell's Speakeasy Tacoma. Lance Buller Trio. All Ages. 7-10 pm. NC.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. CFA, Stone Axe. 9 pm.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Rafael Tranquilino, DB & The Struggle. 9 pm.

Peabody Waldorf Gallery Tacoma - Downtown. Fur Hood, North American War. All Ages. 7 pm.

• Whereas virtually all of the best-known Icelandic bands have an incredibly likeminded sound (wintry, angelic, experimental), it's a lot harder to make that kind of generalization about Scotland, which also borders the frigid Atlantic Ocean. Indie rock foursome Fur Hood is a prime example of Scotland's musical diversity. The Glaswegians sound remarkably like America's most sun-baked, mellowed-out jammers (Real Estate, Norse Horse), with a damp, lagoon-ready guitar sound and sunny disposition that seems at odds with their geographic origins. More "chilled out" than "chilly," Fur Hood are as warm and comforting as their name implies, and their sonic showmanship is in keeping with a longstanding tradition of UK musicians one-upping America at our own musical game (blues-inspired rock 'n' roll, anyone?). - Jason Baxter

Red Bicycle Bistro and Sushi Bar Vashon. Picoso. All Ages. 9 pm. $5.

• While Olympia often has a few bagpipers skirting around downtown on St. Patty's Day squeaking out classic Irish ditties, there are other options out there. Instead, how about some lively, upbeat music that you can really move to? I'm not talking about a DJ spinning New Wave or Top 40; I'm talking about a live six-piece salsa band. A band that has full credit up and down the coast for being able to move crowds into a sweaty, booty-shaking night of fun. The band is Picoso, and they fill every inch of open air with sound. Trumpet, congas, timbales and more each find their perfect rhythm in the characteristic sound of traditional salsa music - with a little Northwest flavor. - Nikki Talotta

The Spar Olympia - Downtown. Eleanor Murray. All Ages. 8 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Ray Hartman & Friends. 9 pm.

Tacoma Community College Bldg. #3 Tacoma - Westside. TCC Jazz Band. Eric Stevens leads this 20-piece ensemble in many jazz favorites. All Ages. 7:30 pm. Free.Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. Pearl Django. All Ages. 8 pm. $10-$15.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Custom, Guns of Barisal. 8 pm.

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. Tacomen, MC Mike Kopf, Murder Party, The Ram Rams. 9 pm.

• There are pockets of Tacoma that are well aware of just what exactly the Tacomen are and what they do so well. Regulars at the Antique Sandwich Company's Victory Music open mic will recognize the group as the frequent closers or penultimate act of the night, and what a bizarre feeling they bring to the room. Led by Taco Mike (oh, he of the crazy long, black hair), all of the Tacomen's songs are improvised on the spot, usually with Taco Mike focusing on some strange notion like what he would do if his car got a million miles to the gallon (true story). The Tacomen are weird, funny and totally unique in these parts, and their show at the Jive will be a rare opportunity to witness them live in the wild. - Rev. Adam McKinney

Conquering Lion Tacoma - South. Barrington Levy, Ras Attitude, DJ Arch. 8 pm. $20.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Highrollers. 9 pm. NC.

Doyle's Public House Tacoma - Stadium District. Ryan Purcell & Last Round. 9:30 pm. NC.

Eastside Club Tavern Olympia - Downtown. How Now Brown Cow, EnRoot. 9 pm. $5.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Underride, Atomic Outlaws, Wide Eye Panic, Riot In Rhythm. 8 pm.

The Hub Tacoma - Stadium District. Fingertips. 9 pm. NC.

Hub Bar & Grill Centralia. Chief, Big Chunk, Rock City Refugees, 9 pm. NC, donations accepted.

• Centralia knows how to party. Seems like Podunk towns always do, especially when it comes to hometown pride. The bands come out, the kegs are tapped and everyone and their moms and grammas turn out to show some spirit. Saturday, Centralia and The Hub Bar and Grill pull out all the stops to raise money for a beloved Northwest icon, the Yard Bird - leftover from the home improvement chain of yesteryear. A benefit show to help restore the huge, ugly-yet-endearing black bird (still standing at the former corporate flagship location of Yard Birds in Chehalis - having endured 40 years of weather and having garnered more than 5,000 friends on Facebook) will go down with Olympia heavyweights Chief, and Centralia bands Big Chunk and Rock City Refugees. Throw in a visit from Ms. Yard Bird and this is one loud and local party worth making the drive for. - Nikki Talotta

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Vicci Martinez Band, Aaron Daniel. 8:30 pm. $10-$12.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Tacoma All Ages Music Project Benefit Show. Bands scheduled to perform: Sons, Wake The Giant, The Wheelies, Mount Forgotten, Marissa Olson. All Ages. 8:30 pm. $10 spaghetti feed an dshow, $5 show.

• I didn't even bother to ask who was in the band. I just assumed that, like most of the rest, it would fade away, only to leave behind another reason to lose faith in the music scene that is Tacoma. ... Then came that fateful day. I was on my way to Westport for a surfing trip when the CD changer switched discs. It only took about 30 seconds for me to ask my friend who the band was. He said he thought they're called the Wheelies. Now I get it. Every song sounds good. Not just the kind of good you say when a co-worker asks if you like Rush - the kind where you might actually go looking for some of their music yourself. I could call it groovy starry shoe gaze pop, but instead I'm going to simply define it as indie rock. Now you can feel comfortable knowing that if you get caught on a bus with the headphones too loud, you're still hip. - Justin Arter

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Argonaut, Plastards, Sleeper Cell. 9 pm.

North Shore Golf & Country Club Tacoma. Boogie 4 The Wailer: benefit for Kent Morrill. Jim King & The Southenders and many friends join in to raise money for medical expenses in Kent's fight against cancer. All Ages. 7:30-10:30 pm. $20 donation.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. The Curious Mystery, Karl Blau, Georgy. All ages. 8 pm.

• Last week, the Curious Mystery (Seattle's most rustic, roots-y psych band) released We Creeling, their second LP for esteemed Olympia imprint K Records. Saturday's show is the first of two South Sound dates on the quartet's schedule, and this spring they be spreading the gospel of their self-styled lysergic Americana on a nationwide tour. The band's sound is a mélange of familiar styles, all gussied up in one atypical package. Imagine Alejandro Jodorowsky's El Topo as filmed in the Southwestern United States instead of Mexico - the Curious Mystery's music is simultaneously bluesy, trippy, and bursting with vibrant Tex-Mex plumage and Western flair. Elegiac hallucinatory jammer Georgy and Karl Blau open this all-ages show. - Jason Baxter

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. City Hall, Rockwell Powers. 9 pm.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Brotherhood Of The Black Squirrel, Trees Without Leaves. 9 pm.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. The Makedonians. All Ages. 8 pm. $8-$12.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Steve Cooley Band, featuring Billy Moss. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

4th Ave Ale House Olympia - Downtown. Horse Bodies, Fight For Change. 9 pm.

Beyond the Bridge Cafe Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Open Mic Night. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

Chris Knutzen Hall Tacoma - Parkland. University Jazz Ensemble. All Ages. 8 pm.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Help A Brother Out Benefit Show, with The Ellis Armor, Pink Bead Federation, Crowd War, Plague Ships, We Live As Lions. 9 pm. $5.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Snake Oil Blues Elixir, Rod Cook, Mark Riley. 8 pm. $6.

Kamel Toe Bar and Grill Tacoma - Parkland. Spooning With Elmo. 9 pm.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Tin Man. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. Mary Tebbs, Nick Sandy. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Santee, PWRFL Power. 9 pm.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. New Slang, G-Force, String Theory. All Ages. 8 pm.

• Some bands seem to hit from the word go. It seems from the moment Santee sleepily, casually emerged on the scene, there has been an uncommon level of excitement for what was originally just an acoustic two-piece. Now a full band, Santee is running on all cylinders and continually exceeding expectations. It helped that the initial pitch was alluring: Josh Vega, of Paris Spleen and Drug Purse notoriety, would take time off from his psychedelic and post-punk inclinations in favor of accompanying singer-songwriter Heather Loepp. Read the full story here. – Rev. Adam McKinney
  

O'Callahan's Pub & Grill Key Peninsula. The Spanktones. 8 pm.

O'Malley's Irish Pub Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Jim Basnight. 9 pm.

The Spar Olympia. Scott West. All Ages. 8 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Subvinyl Jukebox. 9 pm.

The Swiss Tacoma - Downtown. Sonic Funk Orchestra. 9 pm. $7.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Odark 30. 9 pm.

LINK: Live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Bob's Java Jive Tacoma - Central. Thee Headliners, The Black, Klondike Kate Band. 9 pm.

• Their music is a punk-rock-inflected stew of doo-wop, country, AM pop, blues and R&B. They excel on songs like "It Ain't Right," where the classic, strumming structure of Brill Building is paired with a stuttering beat that keeps everything just slightly off-kilter. Read an interview with the band here. - Rev. Adam McKinney

Cicada Restaurant Olympia. Carnival Party, featuring Ocho Pies. All Ages. 8 pm. NC.

C.I. Shenanigans Tacoma - Northend. Ron Sanders. 8 pm.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Rock & Roll Magic. 9 pm. NC.

Doyle's Publi House Tacoma - Stadium District. McTuff with Cliff Colon. 9:30 pm. NC.

Emerald Queen Casino Tacoma - Eastside. The Goo Goo Dolls. 8:30 pm.

The Fan Club Lakewood. Chicken Joe Unplugged. Fundraiser for Linda Hill. Joe plays classic rock. 8:30 pm.

Great American Casino Lakewood. Stir Crazy. 9 pm. NC.

• In my many months reviewing meat markets, I've only seen two cover bands: KRY at The Swiss and Stir Crazy at the Emerald Queen Casino. Both bands tore it up. The crowd, the bar, the music, everything. Stir Crazy especially. A babe lead singer. A veteran, talented band. If anyone knows about the current state of cover bands, it's these guys. I want to know what, if any, change they have seen since popular music seems to have stepped away from five-piece guitar and drums to a synthesized, digital style. Read my full story on Stir Crazy and cover bands here. – Brett Cihon
  

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Hell's Belles (all-female AC/DC tribute). 9 pm. $12-$15.

• Mandy Reed (bass guitar), Adrian Conner (lead guitar), Lisa Brisbois (rhythm guitar), Laura D. (drums) and Amber Saxon (lead vocals) currently make up this balls-to-the-wall, all-girl rock-hard revue. I urge you to check out their show tonight at Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma. Breasts, beer and head-bangin' - all of life's pleasures in one place. - Steph DeRosa

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Heidi Vladyka. All Ages. 6 pm. NC. Gayle Skidmore, Vanja James, Paul Mauer. All Ages. 8 pm. $5.

Metronome Coffee Tacoma. Gina Belliveau, James Coats. All Ages. 8 pm.

• Quite literally, James Coates is one of the nicest dudes you'll ever meet. The centerpiece of local roots rock outfit James Coates and the Lost Souls, Coates seems to literally bleed emotion through his music (and even eyes). Saturday at Metronome Coffee on Sixth Avenue Coates will go solo - armed with only an acoustic guitar and a whole lot of heart. Later in the month, March 15 to be exact, Coates will do the same at the Mandolin Café. — Weekly Volcano
  

Morso Wine Bar Gig Harbor. Ted Russell Kamp. All Ages. 8 pm. $25.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. The Nightgowns, Follow the Kites, DJ Melodica. 9 pm. $7.

• If we really wanted to, as a town, we could band together and make sure that the Nightgowns would remain Tacoma's "best kept secret." We could shield them from the outside world, ensuring that only we would know the strange power that their synth-pop possesses. We could dote on them and come to every one of their shows and buy their every release and keep them warm and cozy in this deceptively gritty cocoon forever. But fuck that noise. I want bragging rights. I want to shove the Nightgowns in front of every eye and ear possible and say, "See! Tacoma was home to this wonderful music the whole time, and now you have the privilege of hearing it." This is a dream that is closer than ever to coming to fruition, as the Nightgowns ready themselves to head down to Austin, Texas, for an industry showcase in the 25th Annual South by Southwest Music Festival. On March 5, a benefit show will be held at The New Frontier Lounge to send off the band and help out a little bit with the cost of driving down to Texas and staying in roadside motels. Read the rest of the story here. – Rev. AM
  

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Fergus & Geronimo, Skrill Meadow. All Ages. 8 pm.

O'Callahan's Pub & Grill Key Peninsula. Steve Raible & The Newscasters. 8 pm.

Pastiche Wine Bar Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Two Plus Two. 7 pm.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. John Stowell, Paul Meyers. All Ages. 8 pm. $8-$12.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Cancer Benefit, featuring Coldshot: A Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughn. 9 pm.

Varsity Grill Tacoma - Downtown. Aces Up CD Release Party, with Zach Hinson, Andy Shofner & The Ruckus. 7:30 pm.

• Got some country in you? Antibiotics not clearing it up? Well, it might be time for you to mosey on down to the Varsity Grill in Tacoma, as Saturday night serves up a celebration of the band Aces Up - and the group's new record, Backyard Superstars - to be released on Exact Records. Openers Zach Hinson and Andy Shofner and the Ruckus sweeten the deal. This one's probably worth a clean pair of jeans - but it's probably not required. — Michael Swan
  

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Beyond the Bridge Cafe Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Open Mic Night. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

C.I. Shenanigans Tacoma - Northend. Ron Sanders. 8 pm.

Dawson's Bar and Grill Tacoma - South. Rock & Roll Magic. 9 pm. NC.

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. The Big John Bates Grindshow, with James Hunnicutt, Hot Roddin Romeos, Angie & The Carwrecks. 9 pm. $5.

• There are some bands that have clearly spent a lot of time fantasizing about the live show they would one day unleash on the public. If the members of the Big John Bates Grindshow were younger, it might be permissible to imagine them in school, tracing the word "Grindshow" over and over in their spiral notebooks. In a vein similar to acts like That Handsome Devil and Reverend Horton Heat, BJBG is a celebration and perversion of a variety of genres, including rockabilly, bluegrass and punk, with Big John presiding over the sordid affair in a black top hat. Effort has been made to give the impression of a dark, traveling carnival, and that effort translates to one hell of a sloppy, fun live show. - Rev. Adam McKinney

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Janiva Magness. 8 pm. $15.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. Morgan and the Organ Donors, Happy Noose. 10 pm.

Mandolin Cafe Tacoma - Central. Blues Redemption. All Ages. 8:30 pm. $5.

Maxwell's Speakeasy Tacoma. Lance Buller Trio. All Ages. 7-10 pm. NC.

The Midnight Sun Olympia - Downtown. DNTSTP! featuring Mash Hall, Free Whiskey, Night Fox, Never Sleep, Messy Club, Q-Storm and Mark Spade. All Ages. Doors at 8:30 pm. $5 after 10 pm.

• Friday night at the Midnight Sun in Olympia, the DNTSTP! crew will bring Olympia the best local hip-hop show of the year. You can count on this one to be packed from front to back the entire night thanks to DNTSTP! and some of Olympia's most exciting and popular hip-hop acts. With Olympia's Never Sleep, Night Fox, Free Whiskey, Messy Club, Q-Storm and Mark Spade all hitting the stage, you've already got enough reason to believe there will be a house-party-style atmosphere and a mosh pit full of hipsters, rowdy college kids and some of Olympia's most beautiful women. Now, what if Seattle's own Mash Hall were thrown into the mix?  Well, you'll have the opportunity to find out because Gatsby, Bruce Illest and the rest of Mash Hall will be making the trip down from the 206 for the night to rock Olympia for the first time in well over a year. Don't sleep on this show, Olympia. And if you think you got what it takes - come stand in the front row. - Nic Leonard

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Where Sails Meet Rails. 9 pm.

Northern Olympia - Downtown. Paintings For Animals, Walrus Effect, Babe Lazer, Chung Antique, Toland Wright. All Ages. 8 pm.

O'Callahan's Pub & Grill Key Peninsula. Steve Raible & The Newscasters. 8 pm.

Old General Store Steakhouse & Saloon Roy. Five Dollar Fine. 9 pm.

Peabody Waldorf Gallery Tacoma - Downtown. Boy and Beanm The Warren G Hardings, special guests. All Ages. 8 pm. $6, $4 with SOTA ID.

• As much as a non-mainstream, somewhat fledgling all-ages venue in Tacoma can, the Peabody Waldorf is killing it right now - booking show after show of pure awesomeness. And - perhaps more importantly - the venue is providing yet another place for fostering Tacoma's burgeoning arts and indie music scenes; another locale sure to someday go down in Tacoma hipster lore. This weekend, the powers behind the Waldorf bring Boy and Bean to the stage with the Warren G. Hardings also lined up. According to the Peabody Waldorf's Facebook page, event organizers expect "bluegrass, folk, swing and some good ol' country," noting that the bill is one close to their hearts. Also, expect special guests not limited to, but likely to include, members of Apricot and the Beginners, Eggplant and the Slumberjack. - Matt Driscoll

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Whole Lotta Licks. 9 pm.

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. FOR Benefit, with Tom Rawson. All Ages. 7:30 pm. $10-$25.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Denim Skillet, Failed Sobriety, Devils Of Loudon. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound