SATURDAY, NOV. 10, 2012 >>>

1. The Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts and Friends of the Olympia Library are teaming up for their annual POSSCA Art Sale at the Olympia Armory. Meet local artists and find holiday gifts such as jewelry, photography, paintings, glass and pottery. "We believe that a thriving arts scene is an excellent barometer for quality of life in our community," states the POSSCA website. "When the arts scene is alive and dynamic, we believe it has a profound and positive impact on education, business and private life."Well said POSSCA, well said. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $1, Olympia Armory, 515 Eastside St. SE, Olympia

2. When kids choose what instrument they'd like to play, few of them pick the euphonium, which looks like an undersized tuba and is generally relegated to a supporting role in the rare jazz ensembles that include it. Tacoman Jason Gilliam attempts to prove that such pigeonholing is unjustified by repeatedly putting the euphonium in the spotlight, including a recital tonight at Tacoma Community College. 6 p.m., donations, TCC Building 2, 6501 S. 19th St., Tacoma

3. Wingman Brewers invites Mash Homebrewing to its tasting room for Mash Night. Wingman brewed a Cascadian Dark Ale with Jason, the owner of Mash, and a Barleywine with Matt, who frequents the homebrew supply shop.  Both beers will be on tap all weekend, along with their recipes.  Expect a raffle. 6-11 p.m., no cover, Wingman Brewers, 509 ½ Puyallup Ave., Tacoma

4. The Northwest Sinfonietta presents Cecile Licad's "hair-raising virtuosity and consciousness-expanding introspection" (Los Angeles Times) as she performs Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2. Program will also feature Stravinsky's delightful Pulcinella Suite based on the Commedia dell'Arte characters of Italy and more. 7:30 p.m., $19-$49, Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma

5. The Kareem Kandi Band will fill Doyle's Public House with a mixture of jazz and funk. 9:30 p.m., no cover, 208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma

PLUS: Dedication for some cool art

PLUS: Warren Miller in the house

LINK: Saturday, Nov. 10 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT, FRIDAY, NOV. 9 >>>

Amocat Cafe Tacoma - Triangle District. Amocat Live! with Emilie Kaye Peine, Micaela Cooley, Francis Kang, Chuck Wayne, Mitchell James. All Ages. 7 pm.

Backstage Bar & Grill Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. The Brew Birthday Bash, with In The Between, Just Dirt. 8 pm.

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

Cork! A Wine Bar Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Cork's First Annual Storytellers Series, featuring Dave Hannon. 8 pm.

Forza Coffee Company DuPont. Erik Thomas. All Ages. 7 pm.

Forza Coffee Company Fircrest. John Leonard. All Ages. 7 pm.

Jazzbones Tacoma - Sixth Avenue. Kim Archer Band. 7:30 pm. $7-$10.

Le Voyeur Café and Lounge Olympia - Downtown. Babysitter, Happy Noose. 9 pm.

The Lochs Tacoma - Downtown. Afrodisiacs. 7 pm. $8.

Louie G's Pizzeria Fife. Black Beat Blue. All Ages. 8 pm.

Maxwell's Restaurant + Lounge Tacoma - Downtown. Lance Buller Combo. 7 pm.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Barleywine Revue Album Release Party, with Cottonwood Cutups. 9 pm.

• Barleywine Revue credits itself simply as a bluegrass band, but to hear it, the band somehow transforms that format into something more. Depending on whose lead vocals you get (in a very egalitarian move, the members trade off lead vocal duty), you'll either find yourself in a jumping jam like "Sunshine in Tacoma," a Fleet Foxes-esque reverie like "Burb on the Rocks" or the stately sway of "Ghost Woman Blues." You might even find yourself in the murky politics of "Aliens," which takes a (hopefully) tongue-in-cheek look at the issue of immigration and, specifically, those who obsess over ending it. Regardless of which Barleywine Revue you encounter, you're guaranteed to find flawless harmonies and impeccable musicianship. Barleywine Revue will celebrate the release of its new album with fellow bluegrass mavericks, the Cottonwood Cutups. — Rev. Adam McKinney
  

The Olympia Ballroom Olympia - Downtown. Hillstomp, The Oly Mountain Boys. All Ages. 9 pm. $5-$10.

• Armed with washboards, spoons, buckets and banjos, slide and stomp, the junkbox blues duo Henry Christian, guitar, and John Johnson, buckets - bring an assault of high-energy backwoods punk. How the hell does a person yell harmonious twang without sounding a like drunken hillbilly? Maybe the duo do sound like drunken hillbillies. For this talented twosome, it's charming. Rumor has it Hillstomp will play new songs. "They're a lot of fun," says promoter Andy Geertson. "Hillstomp has missed their fans and are excited to get playing again." Local draw Oly Mountain Boys will perform its bluegrass flair. — Nikki McCoy
  

Spar Cafe Olympia - Downtown. Paul Mauer. 8 pm. NC.

The Swiss Tacoma - Downtown. Space Band. 9 pm.

Uncle Sam's American Bar & Grill Spanaway. Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute). 9 pm.

LINK: More live music and DJs tonight in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

South Sound Sidekick series offers advice from experts living in the, well, South Sound. It posts every Friday. Today, tattoo artist Wizard Garrett has advice to those seeking their first tattoo. Garrett has been tattooing since 2001 and has worked in comics since 2006. The focus of his work is on the aggressive and rapacious approach in the dark side of human nature, the magic and phantasmagoria that dominates the fantasy, horror and Gothic themes of the late 1800s.

Wizard Garrett writes,

When getting your first tattoo there are usually lots of roadblocks, hurdles or unseen complications that make it hard for a client to get into the chair with a design that makes them and the artist happy. Imagine bringing your own recipe printed off the Internet to a restaurant requesting the chef to prepare that particular meal instead of what he was trained to do or even knows how to do.

Now, most of the time artists tell their clients to go through portfolios to find the perfect tattoo artist for them. In theory this makes sense. In reality, in most cases, clients don't know exactly what they want. They find themselves searching for subject matter that comes closest to what they want tattooed on them - not quality of lines, blends, values of shading, saturation of colors, composition and flow of design.

Why would anyone coming in for a first tattoo look for these things?

I will tell you, it's because it's not their job, just like I have no idea what seasonings to use when cooking certain main course meals.

So, what does a first time client need to do when getting their first tattoo? Trust, faith and good intuition. Let the professionals worry about the technical blueprints of creating the perfect design for you. Most trained artists understand the importance of the body's anatomy and why it's relevant to designing your tattoo.

Quick don'ts for any new tattoo client: Don't bring your child and/or big group of friends with you for consultations or procedures.

Don't speculate that just ANYone can do your simple (lettering, logos or single lined) tattoo, the simpler they look the easier they are for someone with little experience to mess up.

Don't price shop for your tattoo. Make the investment the first time so you don't have to spend more to have a different studio cover or fix it. Rome wasn't built in day; we understand the importance of forever just as much as client is concerned. Most studios will try their best to accommodate their client's budget.

Don't listen to your friends, co-workers, family members, the Internet or other tattoo studios when it comes to the aftercare of your fresh tattoo. Listen to whatever aftercare instructions your particular artist gives you and follow them. Most artists guarantee their work and will do a touch-up if its necessary, but if you start playing mad scientist with the healing of your new tattoo then you might not get that understanding artist with your she said he said story.

Do eat an hour or so before you come in. Might be a good idea to bring a sucker or two, that way if you get light headed you can help level out your sugar levels to prevent from passing out. (Also, it can be nice to have something to bite on.)

Do dress appropriately for where ever the tattoo may go. For example if your getting tattooed on your back you should bring a zip up hoodie to wear backwards exposing the back for the artist to work but still providing a professional and comfortable atmosphere.

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Chilly with sunny intervals, hi 46, lo 42

Saturday: Partly sunny and chilly, hi 42, lo 33

Sunday: Cloudy and chilly, hi 46, lo 40

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9: VIDEO GAMES LIVE

Video Games Live is not just a concert. It's an experience. An experience to end all experiences for all nerdkind. An experience that will give every game geek in the land the chance to hear live video game music. An experience that will yank game fanatics from joysticks Friday night in Tacoma. The concert integrates local orchestras and choirs with its extensive mix of media and performance - video footage from the games, synchronized lighting and live performers from soloists to live action sequences.
 — Kristen Kendle

• Pantages Theater, 7:309 p.m., $39-$94, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894
  

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 18: OLYMPIA FILM FESTIVAL

Olympia Film Society presents incredible lineup of screenings, events, guests and a kick-ass gala that is the 29th annual Olympia Film Festival. The Opening Night Gala Friday will match previous year's spectacles. The "Glam Gala" gets fabulous at 6 p.m. with glamorous costumes galore. The gala includes a screening of Velvet Goldmine that includes a VIP reception with director Todd Haynes. Other highlights of the event include annual favorite All Freakin Night featuring five freaky films to chill you, Locals Only filmmaker showcase, a kung-fu double feature with Crippled Avengers and Fist of White Lotus, House of Wax presented in 3D, special kids' films and the Best of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. For a complete listing or for tickets visit www.olympiafilmsociety.org. — Nikki McCoy

• Capitol Theater, $7-$10 single tickets, passes available, 206 E. Fifth Ave., Olympia, 360.754.6670
  

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: CLOUD 9

The theater musical Cloud 9 jumps from 1880, an era of bridled lust and rigid ideals of the Victorian empire into 1980 and an era of sexual exploration in London. The seven characters, including gender reversals and a ragdoll, inhabit the stage in a story of British-ruled Africa. When the natives prepare to overthrow the British, the whole company is engaged in a non-stop round robin of sexual liaisons. Fast forward to 1980 and for the remaining, surviving characters, it's only been 25 years.  Cloud 9 sounds totally weird and humorous and drenched with sex, history and politics, just how Olympia likes it. - NM

• Midnight Sun Performance Space, through Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $7-$12, 113 N. Columbia St., Olympia, 360.250.2721

>>> FRIDAY, NOV. 9-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: GEM FAIRE

There are tons of great things to do in Tacoma this weekend, but the Gem Faire at the Tacoma Dome is a rather intriguing event. Quality gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and earth treasures will be available at wholesale prices. Yes, you can grab holiday project supplies, get personal treasures or simply browse and look at all the shiny, pretty, sparkly stuff. For the jewelry maker, there will also be tools, packaging supplies and millions of beads. Be sure to enter for a chance to win cool prizes at the Gem Faire with drawings every hour. The last time I witnessed a gem show it was at some hippy rainbow gathering event, and while that was pretty cool, this one is sure to be grander, and much more organized. - NM

• Tacoma Dome, noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $7 weekend pass, 12 years and younger free, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma, 253.272.3663.

>>> SATURDAY, NOV. 10-SUNDAY, NOV. 11: JURIED ART SHOW

Saturday and Sunday, Patrons of South Sound Cultural Arts (POSSCA), together with Friends of the Olympia Library are once again hosting their juried arts show and sale.  Come meet local artists and see works in jewelry, photography, painting, glass, pottery and more - just in time for the holidays! Admission is only $1 and all proceeds go to funding the Olympia Library and POSSCA's arts awareness mission, including their annual scholarship program, enabling talented high school seniors to pursue higher education in arts, and CAPS program, which provides musical instruments to students who would otherwise be unable to participate in school programs. - NM

• National Guard Armory, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $1, 515 Eastside St., SE, Olympia, www.possca.org.

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing Cloud 9 at St. Martin's to review, plus Twelfth Night at Lakewood Playhouse for fun. My sister's launching her barbecue restaurant, Smoking Mo's 2.0 in Shelton - highly recommended! And I'll spend a few hours trying to decide who said the dumbest thing about the election - Chris Matthews or Bill O'Reilly. So far Billo's ahead.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Saturday, I've got an annual Big Lebowski party to attend. Like all the other years I've attended, this year I will firmly plant my feet in the ground and refuse to go in costume. Now, if this were a Fargo party, I'd be set. I'd be Peter Stormare - just wearing long johns and eating TV dinners.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
Starting the Hustle again with one helluva weekend. Friday night I'm catching Leonard Cohen at KeyArena. Saturday, I will see Ordinary People at SPSCC. Sunday, I'm attending the PFLAG gathering in Olympia featuring a retired rear admiral from the U.S. Coast Guard and other guests discussing the end of "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
This weekend I'm ready to post-election party. Friday night after slinging drinks, I'm going to let it out at the Olympia Ballroom for a night of Hillstomp and its swamp loving, bucket pounding ways. Saturday is a Thomas the Train toddler party, which shouldn't fair too bad, as long as I don't have too many greyhounds the night before. And Sunday is the usual chores, home-cooked dinner and America's Funniest Videos. By the way, I plan to catch my child(ren) someday giving their dad an unintentional groin punch, saying something ridiculously cute or air-guitaring their way to winning me $10,000, because there are child labor laws in this country and the way I see it, they already owe me at least double that for Star Wars toys and a pantry full of Annie's all natural mac 'n' cheese.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
This weekend is chock full of theater! I will be reviewing Lakewood Playhouse's production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Sunday, I will be heading to Seattle for Wicked, which will make all of my friends happy since they will finally be allowed to talk about how great they thought it was when they saw it (weeks ago). I will be spending the rest of the time trying to get my adorable two year old to learn new party tricks in time for the upcoming holiday season.

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
While the Olympia Film Festival kicks off with a glam-rock bang Friday, I look forward to Saturday's run at the theater. Starting with Richard Elfman (Brother of composer Danny Elfman, and member of Oingo Boingo) brings his film Forbidden Zone to the theater. The film also features amazing performances from the '80s party band. Then, of course at the strike of midnight is the all out assault on horror nerd senses, ALL FREAKIN NIGHT! I am particularly stoked for Killer Driller.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Friday I'll be chilling with The Family, observing Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Saturday, I'll trek to Kent and drink at The Central Ave Pub. They have live hip-hop and stiff drinks. The bar is a good mix of locals and Tacoma residents checking the local music out. Sunday, I'm smashing to Oly to hit-up hip-hop at the South Pacific Restaurant. The show is booked by Remex. He's a good, young dude doing some quality booking in the Oly area. I'll be looking to catch Heretic The Heathen's and Cam the Viking's set. Heretic is a freestyle beast from Oly.

JENNI BORAN Features Writer
I plan on finding a corner at Anthem Coffee and catching up on my NaNoWriMo. ... I'm about 1,600 words behind. And once I catch up? THE SESSIONS opens at The Grand Friday. I'm so there.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

THE WEEK OF NOV. 8-14, 2012 >>>

In this week's issue, Nikki McCoy chats with Tacoma's civic and arts advocate Katy Evans about her deep love for Tacoma, and the organizations she created or supports. "Katy is a superstar," says Drew Ebersole,executive director of the Greater Metro Parks Foundation. "She has a rare combination of great intuition and an ability to lead fearlessly in her community. She's bright, has clear ideas and follow through." We agree.

Weekly Volcano arts critic Alec Clayton reviews the Andy Warhol's Flowers for Tacoma show at the Tacoma Art Museum. Clayton writes, "We've all seen many of the silkscreen flowers with fluorescent paint, ink and pencil in all their hypnotic repetition and funky-acid colors - the superimposed line drawings like chalk and the layered look like 3-D images seen without the glasses. There are many of these displayed in this show, and they are breathtaking. But there are also things such as a tiny and very expressionistic painting of flowers in a pot that is totally unlike anything I've ever seen by Warhol."

Riding on the successful (sold out) wave of Night of the Living Tribute Bands, the Olympia Film Society keeps the drive alive into the year's incredible lineup of screenins, events, guests and kick-ass gala that is the 29th annual Olympia Film Festival. Nikki McCoy chats with a few key players and drools over Dan Savage's HUMP! night.

Sandwiched between Hilltop Loans and Pho Bac Cafe sits the quintessential neighborhood bar. The Peterson Brothers carry a decent selection brewskis on tap, in a bottle and the obligatory tall boys for $2.50 if you're drinking on the cheap. Jackie Fender has been hearing about Eleven-Eleven since brothers Justin and Robby Peterson opened its doors this summer. In particular she's heard rumors boasting of some damn tasty sandwiches and she simply couldn't hold out any longer.

Christian Carvajal knows it's praising with faint damnation to say Director Pug Bujeaud achieves "good community theater" status at Olympia Little Theatre, but not every show at OLT or any community theater does. Despite clumsy moments and a lighting instrument that flashed Morse code throughout Act II, he enjoyed Night Must Fall more than the Oregon Shakespeare Festival show he attended the night before.

PLUS: The return of Better Living Through Music

PLUS: New drink column Dear Drink

COVER PHOTO: Jason Ganwich

WHEN LATE NEWS IS STILL GOOD NEWS >>>

Jolie Holland's progressive takes on traditional forms of music defies genre stereotypes, blending folk, country, rock, jazz and blues elements. Her music is mysterious and fluid, which has garnered high praise from fellow Anti- labelmates Tom Waits and Sage Francis, and a wide range of collaborators including Booker T. Jones, Bad Religion's Greg Graffin, David Gray and Chuck Ragan.

Holland has played to pack houses in Olympia, including the Capitol Theater in 2008.

She's back at the Capitol, Thursday, Nov. 8, with her band, the Chandeliers and Old Light. Holland's performance is the unofficial kickoff to this year's Olympia Film Festival, which begins Friday night.

CAPITOL THEATER, THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 7:30 P.M., $15-$20, 206 E. FIFTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.754.6670

Yesterday's comment of the day comes from Linda in regards to our coverage of Guy Fieri and his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show's visit to the South Sound.

Linda writes,

I am disappointed that you passed right by Big Toms on your way to Darby's. My grandson is the 5th generation to enjoy the best burger joint in the US. I have tried burgers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Oregon. The Big Tom's managed by Michael Fritch is the best in the west. I encourage you not only to talk to him again but to come back and enjoy this burger with their trademark "Goop". Yes that is right their secret goop recipe and name are registered.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! >>>

Warren Miller's 63rd feature film Flow State is all about going with the flow. Whether it's on top of terrain only recently discovered by scientists, on the backside of majestic Colorado ridges, or learning about the Mürren, Switzerland tradition of eating sausage every day, Flow State riders, and I imagine filmgoers, get caught in the magic of the moment.

World-class skiers and snowboarders partake in the adventures of their lives, moment for moment through time - a helicopter ride, a sketchy run, a suspension in air while completing the ultimate trick. The feats of these talented athletes combined with Warren Miller standby's you've come to love, like thoughtful, witty commentary, breathtaking photography and a kick ass soundtrack, witnessing this film - if its anything close to other Miller flicks - will surely feel larger than life.

WASHINGTON CENTER, FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 6:30 AND 9:30 P.M., $15.50-$17.50, 512 WASHINGTON ST., OLYMPIA, 360.753.8586

PANTAGES THEATER, SATURDAY, NOV. 10, 6 AND 9 P.M., $21, 901 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.591.5894

ELECTION DAY, NOV. 6, 2012 >>>

1. If you have saddled up to one of Moctezuma's giant margaritas you know what it's like to be taken over at the Tacoma Mexican restaurant. Today, Metro Parks Tacoma's Specialized Recreation program will reverse the situation and takeover Moctezuma's grabbing 20 percent of money spent on the joint's food to support programs, scholarships and field trips for individuals with disabilities. Sadly, no one can take over its alcohol. Moctezuma's, 4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma, 253.404.3950

2. The Brotherhood Lounge in downtown Olympia bar offers election returns on its 9-foot screen beginning at 4 p.m. with happy hour until 7 p.m. 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.352.4153

3. It's Tuesday. You know what that means: MindTap Trivia at The Swiss. Two bucks a person; teams up to seven. Winner keeps all the cash. 7 p.m., The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821

4. Derek Kilmer hosts a bash to watch returns for his run for U.S. Representative Congressional District 6 with the Washington United for Marriage, Pierce County Democratic Party, Restore Transit Now!, Pat McCarthy, Eric Herde, Laurie Jinkins, Lauren Walker, Jeannie Darneille, Ann Dasch, Connie Ladenburg and Steve Kirby beginning at 7:45 p.m. at the fancy Hotel Murano.

5. The Mix bar in Tacoma's Triangle District is throwing an Approve R74 party and celebrating the belief that that all loving couples, including gay and lesbian couples, deserve to marry the person they love. The Mix also approves of The Breaklites busting out some rhymes around 10 p.m. The Mix, 635 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.4327

LINK: Tuesday, Nov. 6 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SOUTH SOUND SEXY >>>

Movemeber - that cute portmanteau of mustache and November - is in full swing, promoting men's health awareness around the world.

The emphasis is prostate cancer, which, according to cancer.org, affected more than 2, 300,000 men in the United States in 2008 - more than thyroid, colon and kidney cancers combined. Women diagnosed with breast cancer totaled near 2,600,000 that same year.

Founded in 2004, the Movember Foundation has been launching health awareness campaigns across New Zealand and Australia, and by 2007, across the globe, most notably by encouraging "Mo Bros" to grow mustaches.

The pink ribbon has been around since 1991, it's high time men have an international symbol that gains momentum - Snickers and Foster's beer have both launched Movember ads. The mustache encompasses both manliness and playfulness, acting as the perfect catalyst for a sometimes heavy, taboo topic. 

Men (and women) are praising, and growing mustaches of all types - from the Burt Reynolds to Ringo Starr - to bring attention to other men's health issues as well, including early detection, treatment, diagnosis, awareness of family history and a move toward healthier lifestyles. 

Dudes, the Weekly Volcano wants to see your Movember ‘stache. Women and children: send in whatever - fake mustaches, drawn mustaches, paper mustaches, grandma mustaches! Send a photo of your mustache to feedback@weeklyvolcano.com.

Last week we cruised the streets of Olympia with our Mustache Cam. We posted a few below. For more photos, check out our 2012 South Sound Movember Picture Gallery.

BONUS: Lakewood Playhouse has a mustache for you