Northern, Olympia’s premier all ages venue and art space, was burglarized Friday night.

All of their equipment, including two main Mackie speakers, two Mackie monitors, a mixing board, the snake, eleven microphones, direct inputs, and power strips were taken from Northern’s storage space.

“We had a show Friday night that wrapped up around midnight and when someone came back to open up for Saturday’s show, they noticed that one of the windows had been smashed and all the equipment had been stolen,” said Mariella Luz, executive director of Northern.

Luz estimates that it will cost $3,000 to replace the stolen equipment.

Luz’s theory was that the criminals couldn’t have been on foot because there was too much equipment, and it had to be at night, because they took the time to get the main speakers that were hanging from the ceiling, and took time to unscrew everything from the racks.

“We did call the cops and they dusted for fingerprints, so hopefully that will lead to something,” said an optimistic Luz, “Thankfully the artwork wasn’t taken and the building wasn’t vandalized.”

Northern’s facebook page asks for help, “Please help spread the word, particularly to people who work in music stores or buy musical equipment. Thanks so much for the support, everyone!”

Another way to support Northern is to attend their first-ever silent auction.

The opening reception will be held during the annual fall Artswalk, Friday, October 5, 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, October 6, 12-5 p.m. With over 50 artists participating, there are original artworks available for every budget. Donated work includes paintings, mixed media works, drawings, prints, watercolors, photographs, wearable crafts, sculptures, ceramics and even a professionally engineered remix for an original song. All proceeds of the silent auction will directly contribute to Northern’s operational expenses and support their continued commitment to Olympia’s musical and artistic community.

Interested parties may bid on items during the opening and throughout the month. The gallery will be hosting weekend hours throughout October to facilitate bidding.

Some of the participating artists include: Chelsea Baker, Joe Batt, Judith Baumann, Aimee Biggerstaff, Sara Calland, Nikki McClure and Christopher Ross.

http://www.olympiaallages.org/

1. This event celebrates the return of salmon and highlights the hard work accomplished by multiple groups to help ensure a successful run. Enjoy fish painting, marine touch tanks, green boating, bird house building, yummy salmon burgers, a salmon obstacle course, and more. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., free, Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, (253) 845-2973

2. People familiar with the work of local artist and author Nikki McClure marvel at her intricate paper-cut designs, created with nothing more than a sheet of paper and a precision blade. How does she do it? McClure will demonstrate her process at the Lacey Timberland Library on Saturday, September 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. She will also read from her children's book "Apple," which will be available for purchase and signing. The program is for all ages. 10:30 a.m. - noon, free, Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St. SE, Lacey,(360)491-3860.

3. Zombies are taking over T-Town - and no - not the bath salt eating kind, but the kind that in real life are fun-loving people who want to get gory for a good cause. Tacoma Zombpocalypse is also a preparedness expo for doomsday. Expect live music from the Hot Roddin Romeos and lots of contest and prizes. This is a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., $5 - $12, Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, 2611 East E Street, Tacoma, www.tacomazombpocalypse.com

4. The Moon Festival is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. This family-friendly celebration will bring together businesses, residents, community groups and visitors from all areas of Pierce County and beyond for a safe, fun, cultural experience. This annual waterfront event will also highlight the progress of a collaborated project between the City of Tacoma and its citizens to build the commemorated Chinese Reconciliation Park. Mid-Autumn Festival ("Zhongqiu Jie" in Mandarin Chinese), is a traditional holiday widely celebrated in Aisa, that marks the end of summer and autumn’s equinox, when the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest (thus the nickname “moon festival”).2 - 9 p.m., free, 1741 N. Schuster Parkway, Tacoma,(253) 330-8828.

5. Want to meet a former Mariner? Brian Hunter will be in Olympia throwing down some batting moves. "I'm excited to meet someone that has played pro ball and see if I can get some pointers," says employee Joe Matt. Donations will be given to charity in support of Hunter's DH Foundation and the Vintage 9 Foundation. 1 - 4 p.m., donations, Airport Golf and Batting Center, 8080 Center Street Southwest, Tumwater,(360) 786-8626.

Of course, I was reminded of this fine holiday by my dear friend, who drinks Busch Light every Friday, who loves NASCAR and who likes to do country-song karaoke through her Playstation while drinking said Busch Lite.

Well, folks, let us raise our glasses to her and to all fellow beer drinkers across the nation, whether it's a piss yellow frosty tall boy or a high-grade organic ale in a lukewarm glass, cheers to a nation of beers!

And in spirit of the day and of my NASCAR lovin' girlfriend, here's a recipe for beer can chicken.

1. Prepare your grill for indirect heat. If you are using charcoal, put the coals on one side of the grill, leaving another side free of coals. If you are using a gas grill, fire up only half of the burners.

2. Remove neck and giblets from cavity of chicken, if the chicken came with them. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, and thyme in a little bowl, then sprinkle it all over the chicken.

3. Make sure the beer can is open, and only half-filled with beer (drink the other half!) If you want, you can put a sprig of thyme (or another herb like rosemary or sage) in the beer can. Lower the chicken on to the open can, so that the chicken is sitting upright, with the can in its cavity. Place the chicken on the cool side of the grill, using the legs and beer can as a tripod to support the chicken on the grill and keep it stable.

4. Cover the grill and walk away. Do not even check the chicken for at least an hour. After an hour, check the chicken and refresh the coals if needed (if you are using a charcoal grill). Keep checking the chicken every 15 minutes or so, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F - 165°F.

The forecast for the next few days calls for mostly sunny skies with the temperature hovering around 70 degrees. What a great time to get outside for some fall gardening.

We spoke with Gabe Valbert, owner of Gardensphere, an urban gardening resource store in Tacoma, about what should be done in the vegetable and flower garden this time of year.

“Right now through the end of October is a great time to plant garlic and shallots,” said Valbert.

Other parts of the vegetable garden need attention to prepare for the upcoming winter months.

“Try to rip out everything that looks tired,” advised Valbert. “Then you can either plant a crop cover (from seed) that will grow all winter and you can work back into the soil in spring, or you can leave it alone and make sure to blend in fertilizer and compost before planting.”

For guaranteed color in spring, plant bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths along borders, in beds or containers. Now through early November is the best time to plant these pleasant flowers that will bloom year after year.

Tips on planting bulbs?

“Every bulb needs a different depth,” said Valbert. “Make sure you read the package.”

“Also mix in a high phosphorous fertilizer such as bulb food or fish bone meal to ensure lots of color.”

1. The Pine Hearts, with their mandolin and banjo and guitar are super easy to listen to. Bluegrassy with some earth tones and a little nod towards simpler times, The Pine Hearts go great with beer, BBQ and friends. 9 p.m., free, The Pig Bar (South Bay BBQ,) 619 Legion Way, Olympia, (360) 943-6900.

2. Join in the laughs at the 2nd Annual Grit City Comedy Contest! You will see 8-10 comics go head to head with their best 10 minutes for your votes. The audience will vote for their top three comics to move forward for the finals on Saturday. Make plans now to come for two great nights packed with comedy! To help you with that, those that come to tonight’s show will be given a chance to purchase discounted tickets on site for the Saturday show for $10. 9 p.m. $13.70 Grit City Comedy Club, 445 Tacoma Ave. South, Tacoma, (253) 961-4262, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/275084.

3. “8” is the new play by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar, Big Love.) The play chronicles the historic trial in the Prop 8 federal case for marriage equality in California. Come hear exactly what the court transcript says – hear both sides! Each performance features great actors from every stage in the South Sound. Following each performance, there will be a Q&A with Washington State Representative Chris Reykdal and other marriage equality advocates. 7:30 p.m., $10, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, (360) 753-8585.

4. This musical vaudeville is set in roaring twenties Chicago - chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. 8 p.m., $20 - $29, Tacoma Musical Playhouse Narrows Theater, 7116 6th Avenue, (253) 565-6867.

5. Grindhouse Theater Presents, on rare, glorious 35 mm film, The Return of the Living Dead. When a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage through Louisville, Kentucky seeking their favorite food - brains. 9 p.m., $9, The Grand Cinema, 606 South Fawcett Avenue, Tacoma, (253) 593-4474.

John Keister from the Seattle comedy Almost Live! will be at the Royal Lounge this Saturday in Olympia.

Keister, a native of Seattle, wrote for The Rocket and initially joined KING-TV as a music reviewer on a program called REV in 1984. Keister joined Almost Live! from 1988 - 1999 and won 12 Emmy Awards for his work with the show.

Many of us grew up with Keister's quirky comedy and lean toward local celebrities, hot issues and home-town flair.

"He's got a lot of history for the Seattle area," says Baurice Nelson, who's bringing Keister to town. "He's such a household name that it'll be like you've got a buddy in the room telling interesting stories."

With the election coming up, Nelson thought Keister would be a perfect fit since he's also known for his political angle.

Nelson, who has been the go-to for comedy in the Olympia area since the 90's is also bringing in Duane Goad to perform with Keister.

"He's seasoned and he could be a headliner," says Nelson of Goad. "If you come to the show, you'll remember that Duane was great."

Special guest Monica Nevi will also perform.

The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N., doors 7:30, show 8:30, tickets $12 in advance www.Baurice.com

Walking down Capitol Way in Olympia, I noticed a new business in the preliminary hubbub of opening. Through the window I could see a woman painting while another woman ironed. The front doors were opened to a burgundy wall with the word “breathe” written across in white paint.

I poked my head in and spoke with Lisa Cosmillo, a former copy editor and real estate broker, about her new studio at 601 Capitol Way S.

“It’s all been really serendipitous,” says Cosmillo about opening her new business, “I just started dreaming and it’s all been falling into place.”

The 3,000 sq ft space is beautifully designed with warm colors and hardwood floors, and will feature a variety of classes including yoga, pilates, zumba, kid’s classes and weights. Massage, a natural foods snack bar and natural clothing line will also be on premises.

“It’s like a mini health mall,” says Cosmillo.

Breathe will celebrate a soft opening Monday, October 1 and a hard opening Friday, October 5 with snacks, yoga performances and featured artists as part of Olympia Arts Walk.

Cicada in Olympia is making some changes.

First, and perhaps most importantly, is the name. Starting this Sunday, when the new sign goes up, Cicada will officially be Oly Rockfish Grill.

“Since we bought the place 14 months ago, people always ask what Cicada is, and it’s a southern bug,” says owner Chris Cratsenberg “I’ve thought about it – are we a southern restaurant? Do I want to try and embrace that? We have two southern items, everything else is local. We are local people who grew up here and we use local suppliers, so I definitely wanted Oly in the name.”

The breakfast and lunch menus will be virtually the same, and the dinner menu will still have staples like duck and lamb, but Cratsenberg says he wants to cut the average ticket price of $28 down to $18, and to establish a more family-friendly environment, complete with kid’s menu.

Sandwiches, meatloaf and macaroni and cheese will be on the kid’s menu. “It’s all comfort food that kid’s like,” says Cratsenberg.

Rockfish is part of the name to represent the menu that has plenty of the indigenous¸ year-round fish, like blackened rockfish tacos and rockfish and chips.

And the last part of the name, Grill, tones it down a bit, explains Cratsenberg.

“The philosophy behind the cooking hasn’t changed” he says. “It’s the same quality – it’s just not fine dining – I don’t want people to think they can’t come because they’re wearing jeans.”

Cicada re-opens as Oly Rockfish Grill Wednesday, October 3. 700 4^th Ave E, Olympia. (360) 753-5700.

In 2003, New Hampshire hip-hop artist Sage Francis traveled to Olympia for one of the biggest hip-hop shows the city had seen at that time.

Sage rapped and told stories to a near sold-out Capitol Theatre main stage and left Oly's hip-hop scene bubbling and eager for more. Shortly after, Sage's popularity reached a higher level and it became clear that with his increased success he probably wouldn't be playing smaller cities like Olympia anymore, or at least for a while.  

This Saturday, Sept. 22, almost 10 years after his first and only performance in the state capital, the bearded/vegan rapper will make a trip back to town to headline the KAOS Block Party. Once again, the Capitol Theatre main stage will host his performance, and if it's anything like last time, then it'll be much more then your average everyday hip-hop show. 

(Saturday, Sept. 22 @ The Capitol Theatre - Sage Francis - TH3RDZ - Sirens Echo - Afrok & The Movement = Doors @ 7 p.m. - $20 - All Ages - Beer Garden w/ID

It’s such a kind community gesture when musicians work with non-profits. The two are harmonious – with live music there are no worries about the future or the past, just the pulsing of the moment. With non-profits you can take solace in the fact that there are communities of support all around us.

Throw in the fall equinox, trapeze and a magician, and the circle of kindness and wonder keeps spreading.

I could go on and on about all the warm fuzzy feelings I get when thinking about the relationship between music and the greater good in life, but at the risk of sounding like a just smoked one in the Evergreen woods, I will stop now and let the event speak for itself.

This Friday night, from 12 – 7 p.m., the Olympia Ballroom will feature The Brown Edition, The True Spokes and Joe Doria and The Drunken Masters along with aerial performances by Sara Sparrow and some of the best magic you've ever experienced with Michael Budd. The event is a benefit for the Rachel Corrie Foundation.

Rachel Corrie was a 23-year-old American peace activist from Olympia, who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer on March 16, 2003, while undertaking nonviolent direct action to protect the home of a Palestinian family from demolition.

Corrie’s family recently lost their case against Israel and event promoter Lee Brooks felt compelled to make this a benefit for her foundation, which encourages and supports grassroots efforts in pursuit of human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

“I always try to include a non-profit entity in my productions – I’m not in it for me, I’m in it for the community,” said Brooks. “With Corrie, and the conclusion of the trial, I knew it was something I wanted to do – the bands all backed it up.”

Brooks manages the Brown Edition (who won the Best of Olympia two years in a row,) and describes the band’s sound as “sophisticated funk – they can get down and dirty – but they are high-end, they know their craft.”

Another highlight of the evening will be magician Michael Budd, who Brooks said he hired because “he levitated right in front of me.”

Budd said he has a couple tricks up his sleeve, including one he’s been working on involving a cell phone. “When people see it, they literally flip out.  I remember one lady who was so freaked out, she ran out of the bar and off down the road.  She didn't even take her car!”

So come for a night of excitement and community, all for a good cause.

$10 at the door + $5 Suggested donation for The Rachel Corrie Foundation, All Ages, 21+ beer garden and full bar, fresh local veggies and fruits. Feel free to bring something from your garden to share as well.