SATURDAY, DEC. 1 2012 >>>

1. Dig out those legwarmers and headbands you new wave, punk and pop MTV has-beens!  The temperature is going down to Less Than Zero, and your mother's garage no longer needs to harbor your 18-year-old tapes and broken Sony boom box. Join the Igneous Rocks crew on a retro trip as it performs on the Weekly Volcano's Electric Salchow Stage at 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Polar Plaza.  Actually, these very talented hooligans rip through the entire history of rock ‘n' roll, not just the '80s, but add their original twists, like fer sure. The live show is free with your admission to the outdoor ice sakting rink.

2. Tacomans have a variety of choices for how to get trees. The evergreens are sold at stores and at retail lots, or you can take a trek out to one of our area's tree farms and choose your own tree. If you'd like to combine your Christmas tree purchase with an hour or tow of ice skating, Two Five Trees is embedded in the Franciscan Polar Plaza next to the outdoor ice skating rink at Tollefson Plaza in downtown Tacoma. Today, in celebration of the three new Zip Cars in downtown Tacoma - two at 11th and Pacific and one at Fourth and St Helens - Two Five Trees encourages to walk or take transit to the Polar Plaza and the Two Five Trees elves with tie your Two Five Tree to the roof of a Zip Car and give you a lift home. The free rides will operate from noon to 6 p.m. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and chill.

3. Former band member of Tacoma's Swelter, Katie's Dimples and others, Jason Harsin just released his Hawaii-based hair and body care collection, Hearts and Stars, and will be back in Tacoma from 5-8 p.m. for a product line launch party at Poison Apple. Read Nikki McCoy's interview with Jason Harsin in the Weekly Volcano's Style section.

4. A new adaptation of Dreamgirls, the 1981 Tony award-winning musical turned 2006 Oscar award-winning film, continues it srun inside the Charles Wright Academy LAPAC Theatre, 7723 Chambers Creek Rd. W., University Place.Presented by the D.A.S.H. Center Dreamgirls follows the rise and fall of a 1960s female singing group, their struggles to succeed in the music world, and their interpersonal she-wars. The production hit sthe stage twice today, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tonight's performance includes a meet the cast opportunity, plus food, drinks, entertainment and of course viewing of Dreamgirls the musical. Proceeds from this night will go directly into the Dash Center’s theater building fund.

5. Internationally renowned gypsy jazz violinist Michael Gray joins guitarist Vince Brown for an evening of hot swing and sweet ballads at Swing Cafe & Wine Bar beginning at 9 p.m. Gray is best known for his work with the gypsy swing band Pearl Django, but don't think that means that all he can do is toss off Grappelli licks as if he invented them himself.

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

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Rain, hi 54, lo 47

Saturday: Rain, hi 50, lo 44

Sunday: Rain, hi 46, lo 43

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 1: OLYMPIA TOY RUN

Whether you plan to ride, a teddy bear and Lego set strapped to your bike, or you plan to watch, waving from the streets, the 35th annual Olympia Toy Run is always an anticipated event on the holiday calendar. Tens of thousands of spectators will line the streets from Lacey to Olympia as motorcycles swarm by, their engines rumbling in a mass chorus of goodwill, to drop off toys for tots through The Salvation Army's Toy 'n' Joy Shop program. "For this day, we are one sister/brotherhood of riders thinking of the smiles our toys will bring to kids' faces," reads the event page. Somehow, the juxtaposition of gnarly tattooed bikers wielding cuddly dolls and candy canes makes the world seem a better place. - Nikki McCoy

• South Sound Center, Saturday, Dec 1, 10 a.m. gate opens; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. performers; 1 p.m. ride leaves, new unwrapped toy or $10-$15, 711 Sleater-Kinney Road SE, Lacey. Ride arrives at Marathon Park, Deschutes Parkway, Olympia.

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 1-SUNDAY, DEC. 2: BANFF FILM FESTIVAL

This Saturday and Sunday, Olympia Film Society's presents The Banff Film Festival, a festival of more than 30 films documenting the trials, tribulations and humor that transpire in the wilderness. The event is a benefit for the Olympia Mountaineers - a nonprofit organization founded in 1906 and dedicated to the responsible enjoyment of natural areas. The festival is on worldwide tour and is already sold out in Seattle.  While the Mountaineers cater to all skill levels, the movies highlight the extremes of outdoor adventures. From 90-second shorts to one-hour features, the films shown in Olympia are hand-selected by a group of Mountaineers. Each night plays six to eight films, with up to 16 different flicks over the two days. It is encouraged to buy tickets for both nights to see the most films. The event page boasts, "We try to showcase a variety of sports and interests that feature adventure, culture and adrenaline charged action." While only a few brave souls may willing to hurl themselves off cliffs, kayak down dangerous bodies of water or trek across arctic tundras, you can bet your best Nalgene bottle there are plenty of people who want to watch.  Note: The Banff Film Festival will also show Dec 3-4 at Tacoma's Rialto Theater. — NM

• Capitol Theater, Dec 1, 7 p.m., $14 Dec 2, 6 p.m., $12, $23 for both nights, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670

>>> SUNDAY DEC. 2: SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

Fight as you may, it's officially "the season." Kids are already sitting on various Santa laps at malls across the country, and A Christmas Story is probably already re-running on TBS. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra will spend Sunday at the Pantages Theater with the Tacoma Youth Chorus and jaw-dropping vocalist Maria Valenzuela doling out beloved seasonal music produced by TSO arranger Bo Ayars to create a unique, never-before-heard program. — Weekly Volcano

• Pantages Theater, 2:30 p.m., $24-$77, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894

>>> SUNDAY DEC. 2: "MESSIAH SING-ALONG"

We all love to sing. Singing is fun; singing is cool. However, life is cruel, and as much as we all love to sing, well, we can't.  We suck. Or, to put this in a positive manner, there are those who can sing solo and there are those who should always, always, sing in groups. The larger the better. For those of you, who fall into the second category, head to Lakewood Sunday. The community and choir of Christ Lutheran Church present a "Messiah Sing-Along" so you can sing to your tone-deaf little heart's content. 

• Christ Lutheran Church, 2 p.m., $10, 8211 112th St. S.W., Lakewood, 253.582.0331

>>> SUNDAY, DEC. 2: FRIENDS OF THE HOLIDAYS

They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, raffle stuff off and enjoy the spirit of the season. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is Sunday at The Swiss, and the T-town institution shouldn't disappoint: Mark Riley Trio, Tahoma Souls Alive, Junkyard Jane, Gin Creek, T-Town Aces, Fingertips and Tumbling Dice will all be doing their part for underprivileged families this year. Look, these times are tough for everyone, but if you can have a fun night out while also making someone else's life a little better, We call that Yahtzee. — WV

• The Swiss, 3-10:30 p.m., $10 donation, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing The Wind in the Willows at Olympia Family Theater and Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Ho, ho, ho!

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Whatever I end up doing, whiskey will certainly play the biggest role in my weekend plans. I'll utilize Potter's bottom shelf in convalescing after a week of toiling at this regrettable temp job. Fun fact about me: I am literally a Reverend. Which means that I can marry you -- nay, I WILL marry you. Hire me for your wedding. If it's a same-sex marriage, that'd be ideal. Hit me up. Get me away from this temp job.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Friday night we're going to see Miracle on 34th Street at Tacoma Little Theatre. Saturday is the Stonewall Youth Center auction in Oly. Sunday up to Federal Way to see Cinderella at Centerstage. And believe me, it's not your grandma's Cinderella.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Saturday we will be celebrating my oldest boy's 7th birthday at Bonjour Cupcakes! Later that night I will be missing the Argonaut, Mosquito Hawk, Lozen, etc. show at The New Frontier because the babysitter fell through. So instead, I will likely be watching Star Wars (again) and making fart jokes with my kids. Sunday is The Brotherhood Holiday party where we dine on authentic Italian food and drink vino at Trinacria, then stumble back next door to the Broho and drink more. Cause that's how us bartenders roll.

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Work. Work. Aaaand maybe checking out the stache-capades going on at the Metronome Coffee tonight. There's sure to be some memorable whiskers to be seen. Those shenanigans may make me feel better about all of the gift fairs I'm sure to miss thanks to the masses' breakfast needs I must serve Saturday and Sunday. I'm also contemplating making some funky cocktail recipes come to life too. Tis the season for warmed drinks and pumpkin flavored everything, including cocktails.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Continuing with last week's Christmas theme, the husband, toddler and I will attend the Beautiful Angle Holiday Party tonight at Fulcrum Gallery. Saturday, I'll be heading to Tacoma Little Theatre to review Miracle on 34th St. while the 2 year old has quality time with Dad. After church Sunday, we will head to a friend's house for a gender reveal party for one of our favorite couple's incubating baby.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
All ages shows were once a staple of Olympia's must do weekend; and for many it still is. This weekend at the Olympia All Ages Project's venue, Northern, The Babies, Sitka and some awesome local acts treat the town to all-ages action. I highly recommend supporting any all-ages show. But more importantly, you got to ask yourself, what do I got to do that is better than supporting local, all-ages music.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Tonight I'll start the weekend by going to the Colored Women's Club. From 6-9 p.m. is Antonio Edwards' farewell show. He's moving to California. Antonio was the 2007 Tacoma Poet Laureate. He is my favorite poet from Tacoma ever! I'll miss him. After that I'll probably drive up north to Seattle and hit the Zulu-Jam. They have one every month, but this one is huge. It's the History Edition, so they have a lot of old-school Seattle B-Boy/Girl crews having reunions. Saturday and Sunday I'll be helping my D.A.S.H. family with its production of Dream Girls. It's at Charles Wright; tickets are still available. I just get there and move heavy stuff and get bossed around.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photog About Town
I have one of those date type things with one of those female type people, so wish me luck. I'll also be hitting the Amocat Cafe's beer and music thing tonight and then Ukulele Fest at the Asian Pacific Cultural Center Sunday. Oh, and I have to fix my fence.

NIC LEONARD Music Writer
I will be heading down to Portland to spend time with my girlfriend for her birthday. Probably hitting up various bars and maybe a show or two.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend, I'm spending some time with a very amazing and beautiful girl who's name I will not disclose - you know who you are. Our time will likely be spent laughing, drinking hot chocolate and discussing the extent to which one should feel threatened if they cross paths with a hippopotamus.

KRISTIN KENDLE Arts and Features Writer
Shopping, cookies, more shopping, and then more cookies.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

THE WEEK OF NOV. 29-DEC. 5, 2012 >>>

In this week's issue ...

The South Sound is full of holiday artsy goodness - festivals, stage productions, art shows and special events out the wazoo fa la la la la. The arts are everywhere, draped with tinsel, wrapped in a bow with a pesky elf on top ringing a tiny bell. In this week's issue the Weekly Volcano presents a dozen artsy events to brighten your holidays.

Former band member of Tacoma's Swelter, Katie's Dimples and others, Jason Harsin just released his Hawaii-based hair and body care collection, Hearts & Stars, and will be back in Tacoma this weekend for a product line launch party. Nikki McCoy chats with Harsin about his Tacoma days and his new shampoo.

For 10 years now, Beautiful Angle has created handcrafted letterpress posters. Once a month, these posters get wheat-pasted and stapled in locations around downtown Tacoma in what the two men responsible - graphic designer Lance Kagey and writer Tom Llewellyn - like to call "guerrilla art." Beautiful Angle's annual holiday party will combine with the opening of their latest show - The Mystery/Myth Folio - with grand results. Kristin Kendle discusses the meaning of the new exhibit with the "word" side of Beautiful Angle, Tom Llewellyn.

Hip-hop columnist Josh Rizeberg unloads a bunch of questions on Tacoma hip-hop artist Todd Sykes about digging in record stores."Digging makes me feel like gambling. Walking into a record store, ya never know what you'll get," says Sykes.

Nikki McCoy chats with local band Champagne Sunday about its role in the local music scene. Apparently, Nikki should have Champagne Sunday over for Sunday dinner.

Within the next 26 shopping days left Jackie Fender found a slew of local crafters, concocters - butchers, bakers and candlestick makers - and non-brick and mortar entrepreneurs that are joining forces, under a single roof, to sell you their pride and joy.

After 17 years of Stardust holiday schmaltz-fests, Harlequin director Linda Whitney outsourced her holiday revue-writing to James Hindman and Ray Roderick of Miracle or 2 Productions, authors of 2003's A Christmas Survival Guide. From Christian Carvajal's critical standpoint, it's a welcome change, especially since this anthology's aimed squarely at cynical adults weary of the hustle, bustle, and rabid commercialism of 21st-century holidays.

PLUS: Alec Clayton recaps worthy local art shows in the South Sound.

PLUS: Weekly Volcano music critics chime in on the best shows this week in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area.

SLOW FOOD OLYMPIA EVENT >>>

Hot tea has played an intricate part in our lives for generations. Teas have been intertwined with spiritual experiences. They've been used as tinctures of health and wellness. And for some they are simply a part of our daily routine.

Slow Food Greater Olympia has a mission to "advocate sustainability and bio-diversity... and promote the appreciation and consumption of seasonal and local foods and the support of those who produce them." They do this with educational events, potlucks, tastings, cooking demonstrations and more.

Sunday, Slow Food hosts a Taiwanese Oolong Tea event led by Dewey Meyer of the Northwest WuWo Tea Association. Wu translates to mean void or emptiness while wo means self or mine. This brand of tea ceremony is meant to separate material possession and status from the equation and encourage a sense of equality and community between drinkers.

Meyer having traveled all over the world studying tea, the process of growth and harvest and philosophy behind them, will be available to enlighten attendees to the history of tea, with a focus on Oolong.

Also hosting is Martha Rosemeyer from The Evergreen State College who specializes in agricultural ecology and food systems.

To accompany the tasting snacks like tea eggs and buns with red bean paste will be available.

Once you register for this event, the secret tea tasting location will be revealed.

To register you can contact hostess Dziuba at hdziuba@hotmail.com or call her at 503.312.9543. Registration fee is only $10 for members of the organization or $15 for non-members.

TAIWANESE OOLONG TEA TASTING, SUNDAY, DEC. 2, 2-4 P.M., OLYMPIA, SLOWFOODOLYMPIA.ORG

THIS CALLS FOR A TOAST >>>

Nostalgia, a hug from simpler times, waits to wrap its warm arms around our hearts every chance it gets. Parties, to celebrate the present, wait on the cusp of a Facebook page, or the inspiration of a socialite. Freedom, the fight for our rights, makes sure we stand together in solidarity. Along with the ever coveted alcohol, this combination of human connection comes together beautifully in the Repeal Prohibition Day Celebration.

On Dec. 5, 1933, Americans regained the freedom to imbibe, and 79 years later, Wednesday, Dec 5, 2012 at 6 p.m., the Olympia Film Society (OFS) presents its second annual Repeal Prohibition Day Celebration at the historic Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia.

The event encourages period clothing and is complete with pre-prohibition handcrafted cocktails, burlesque with the girls of TUSH!, photo booth, live music with Scuff & Al and the Greta Jane Quartet - all hosted by Oympia's lord of storytelling Elizabeth Lord.

But wait, there's more.

"We'll be premiering some new cocktail brands, have startenders from Portland, Seattle and Olympia, hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants and, this year, we have a secret Speak Easy Bar too," emails Audrey Henley, theater manager and event director for OFS.

If this year's Repeal Prohibition Day Celebration is as successful as last year's event Bradford Knutson, brainchild behind the event, will be thrilled.

"Everyone really enjoyed it last year," Knutson says. "The comment I heard the most afterword was - Olympia never looked so good.

"This is going to be an ongoing event," he adds. "Repeal day is the one day in American history where a freedom was taken away and then given back. I would like it to become a national holiday as much as 4th of July. We certainly wouldn't be able to celebrate the others as much without this one."

CAPITOL THEATER, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5, 6 P.M. DOORS, 7 P.M. SHOW, $10-$15, INCLUDES ONE COCKTAIL, 21+, 206 E. FIFTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.754.6670

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 28 2012 >>>

1. No one knows for sure when the first Paleolithic cave-dweller stuck a wholly mammoths tail in crushed-up berries and began painting stick figures on the wall of his rocky abode, but you can bet the market value of the neighboring caves instantly went up. Nothing gentrifies a neighborhood, for better or worse, like the addition of a group of freewheelin' artists. Join Arts Leadership Lab from 6-8 p.m. at The New Frontier Lounge for a panel discussion and question and answer time exploring what live/work space is, some of the issues and benefits related to artist live/work spaces, how it can be done sustainably and affordably, ways to use/reuse Tacoma's current architectural assets, and other related topics. Want to inject a little life into your urban blight? Bring in a bunch of artists.

The Weekly Volcano bets the men out there are happy the Victorian Country Christmas opens this morning at 10:30 a.m. We're sure the reminders from the better halves have been tiresome that the largest Christmas festival in the Pacific Northwest was coming up. By the way, if guys are forced to watch the Red Hat Day fashion show Thursday, and sit through the Cinderella Scholarship Pageant Showcase, the show organizers could at least provide a few amenities. The Weekly Volcano's official recommendation is a keg every 15 feet, just to keep up morale. And if alcohol is deemed too negative an influence on children, how about the strolling carolers dressed a little more like Victoria's Secret models?

3. Parents and Friends for Tacoma Public Schools will meet at 6:30 p.m. inside King's Books. The meeting's agenda will include a review of election results and how they may impact education, explore areas of interest to form committees and learn more about the Tacoma Public Schools' Bond campaign.

4. The University of Puget Sound will host an open figure drawing session from 6-9 p.m. in Kittredge Hall 201.  The session is free and open to the public. 

5. Author Aaron Dixon will discuss his new book, My People Are Rising: Memoir of a Black Panther Party Captain at 6 p.m. inside Orca Books. Dixon dedicated his life to the struggle for change, founding the Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party in 1968 at age 19.

LINK: Wednesday, Nov. 28 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WE SCENE IT >>>

Holiday festivities were in full swing yesterday at Olympia's "Downtown for the Holidays" celebration. It wasn't raining - which brought plenty of people - but they were bundled up in knit hats, ski jackets and gloves because it was colder than a witch's tit. 

Despite the cold, the vibe was warm with an elaborate parade that included holiday decorated Old-Timey cars. Excited families piled into Clydesdale-drawn buggies.

After the parade, a curious looking Christmas tree called for attention. Note: Am I allowed to call it a Christmas tree after that conundrum at the Capitol in 2009 between atheists and the state to discontinue any "religious" displays? Perhaps I should refer to it as a "holiday" tree so I don't get wheatpasted.

Anyhoo, the tree was a huge, brightly lit stage. It came with a ladder hidden so 20 or so kids could climbed up and embed themselves among the limbs, just their heads poking out as animated decorations. The kids proceeded to sing all the merriment of seasonal carols. It was highly entertaining, with one little boy - all the way on top - performing a little disco number with his finger pointed in the air, his face all smiles.

Over at The Olympia Ballroom inside the Urban Onion - above an overly long line of surprisingly well-behaved, patient children waiting to sit in Santa's lap - was the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's 5th annual Gingerbread Cottages Competition. The competition was fierce this year with elaborately decorated castles, complete with sugar-stained glass windows, a venetian building designed with the architecture of old and a playful rendition of the classic kid's game, Candy Land. But, perhaps my favorite was the Christmas Story display. It had no house, castle or hut, but bore the leg lamp that made Ralphie's dad look like a perv, and the box lid that read "fragile" that made Ralphie's dad look like an idiot. The leg had thin black licorice whips wrapped around to create fishnet leggings! Genius.

The finale of the event was the tree lighting in Sylvester Park, which was fun to count down, but a little janky looking and not nearly as dramatic as the "holiday" tree stage that held the kid's choir.

All in all, it was a nice event, and the kids were tuckered out and ready for bed when we got home, which meant mommy and daddy had a little seasonal celebration of their own involving hot coco and whiskey - always a plus. 

Thanks Olympia!

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MONDAY, NOV. 26 2012 >>>

1. Bloody hell! It's a dark red night at the Acme Grub Cage as another Tacoma Cult Movie Club rolls in at 7 p.m. Tonight, it's more gore for the money (free) for this post-Thanksgiving holiday celebration as the TCMC indulges in movies about people that would rather eat a Turk than a turkey. That's right, it's a night of cannibal films. As always, admission and popcorn are free. Don't forget it's 21+ only, and make sure you indulge in those great drinks and the fabulous raffle drawing.

2. Tonight, the ladies of Pistols and Petticoats are celebrating their one-year anniversary. The group that meets regularly for shooting at Bull's Eye Range in Tacoma and meets regularly for drinks in Olympia, plan to potluck, network and shoot the shit (pun fully intended) at The Brotherhood Lounge. Festivities are from 6-9 p.m. and include a raffle with awesome locally sponsored prizes, cute merchandise from the DIY girls in the club and a drink special on the dangerously delicious Smith & Wesson.

3. Poet, performer, singer and songwriter James Talley may not have instant name recognition in every household, but the list of performers who have performed his songs do - Johnny Cash and Paycheck, Gene Clark, Alan Jackson and Moby have all recorded James Talley songs. During Talley's long career he has performed twice in the White House, played the Smithsonian and even had B.B. King lay guitar tracks on his albums. The Mehan, Oklahoma born singer's career spans more than 40 years garnering him universal praise for his folk-country-blues songs written with lightness, impact and beauty. Catch him at 7 p.m. inside the Olympic Room at the Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch.

4. The C Davis New Orleans Quartet specializes in New Orleans jazz in the spirit of King Oliver, Louis Armstrong and the great New Orleans Revivalists such a George Lewis and Bunk Johnson. The repertoire also includes music from the Turk Murphy and Lu Watters book, several specialty numbers that are transcriptions of the Louis Armstrong Hot 5 and even a little ragtime. Catch the quartet at 8 p.m. inside The Royal Lounge in Olympia.

5. Speaking of jazz, the S.R.O. Swong Band will swing at 7 p.m. inside the Imperial Dragon restaurant in Tacoma.

LINK: Join the Weekly Volcano's foodie group Nosh League Thursday at the Tacoma Cabana

LINK: Monday, Nov. 26 arts and events calendar for the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, NOV. 25, 2012 >>>

1. This spring the Weekly Volcano wrote a feature on Mikayla Irle and the film Bible Quiz. Originally from Edgewood, this high-schooler accomplished what few can, or will even attempt: she learned by heart multiple books from the Good Book. By senior year she had Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon (roughly 17 pages of text according to our translation) down cold. Sweet Jesus. Irle's efforts belonged to a nationwide evangelical sport known as Bible Quiz. She and her teammates from Tacoma's Life Center church made it all the way to the 2008 National Championship in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their cross-country journey fuels Nicole Teeny's documentary, appropriately titled Bible Quiz, which screens today - for free - at 1 p.m. inside the Washington State History Museum Auditorium. This documentary was funded in part through the Tacoma Arts Commission's Art Projects funding program.

2. You might think high school marching bands, a slew of corvettes, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, The Nutcracker on wheels and a mass of choir singers converging on the streets of Olympia would result in an orgy of debauchery not fit for print. But you might just have a twisted mind. The annual Olympia Holiday Parade is a family-oriented event sandwiched between a day of downtown Olympia free horse-drawn wagon rides with Mrs. Claus and free electric trolley rides (noon) and the 4:30 p.m. holiday tree lighting in Sylvester Park.

3. As you know the Franciscan Polar Plaza outdoor ice skating rink is open to those who want to travel in circles from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. What you might not know is today from 2-4 p.m. the Seattle Thunderbirds and its mascot Cool Bird will be on the ice too.

4. The Weekly Volcano is in denial, but the signs are hard to ignore. Shops are draped in red and green; cocktail parties fill my calendar, and we can't button our skinny jeans anymore. Yep, it's the holiday season. As they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, which is why we'll be singing at the top of our lungs at the Sing-A-Long Sound of Music at 5 p.m. inside The Washington Center. It's a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious full-screen Technicolor, complete with subtitles. Nice.

This show is not happening. We apologize. 5. Guitarist Dave Takata might have left sludge-metal band Mahnhammer but he'll be at The New Frontier Lounge tonight when his other two bands Furry Buddies and Argonaut join Mahnhammer at 9 p.m. to rock in a new week.

LINK: Sunday, Nov. 25 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

C.I. Shenanigans Tacoma - Northend. KC Brakes presents pop folk rock night. All Ages. 7-10 pm. NC.

Doyle's Public House Tacoma - Stadium District. Buckshot Brass Band. 9 pm.

Harmon Brewery and Eatery Tacoma - Downtown. 253Heart Music Festival, with Deborah Page, Two Cities, Rafael Tranquilino. 9 pm

Harmon Tap Room Tacoma - Stadium District. 253Heart Music Festival, with A Leaf, Gene Vallejo, Blacstahl, Bodybox, The Variety Hour, Amelia Circle, Rikk Beatty Band, The Lush Tones, Joe Rosati, In The Between, Jeanlizabeth, Silas, The Trasholes, Kody Ryan. 6 pm.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band. 9 pm. $10-$13.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. SweetKiss Momma, The Lush Tones. All Ages. 8 pm.

Red Wind Casino Yelm. Igneous Rocks. 8:30 pm. NC.

The Spar Tacoma - Old Town. Champagne Sunday, with The Rallies. 8 pm.

Temple Theater Tacoma - Stadium District. One Love Island Fest featuring Fiji, Bonafide, Two Story Zori and Island Trybe. 7 pm. $30.

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

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Benefit For Doug Skoog's Daughter, with Crazy Texas Gypsies. 9 pm.

LINK: More live music and DJs Saturday, Nov. 24 in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area