SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2013 >>>

1. There are better ways to spend St. Patrick's Day than sitting at home in front of a big-ass bowl of Lucky Charms. Plan your ultimate Irish wake with the Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center.

2. Part high-tech-heaven, part creative design and old-world style, FabLab has been offering workshops - from laser cutting and robotics, to leather and woodworking - to the community since November. From 2-4 p.m. the public is invited to an afternoon FabLab Member Social & Open House. This will be a chance for members to share and the publuc to see recent projects and hear updates.

3. You might remember the title from movie previews in 1993. You might have read the book ... or rather your mom read it. Even if you've done neither, you've likely heard of The Joy Luck Club, the modern classic by Amy Tan about four young Chinese-American women, their traditional, Chinese mothers and the hijinks that ensue as they try to understand each other. TAcoma Little Theatre stages the play at 2 p.m. Read Kristin Kendle's full feature on The joy Luck Club in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen the Northwest Sinfonietta in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. Saturday the Northwest Sinfonietta will perform the original score to Charlie Chaplin's flick, The Gold Rush at 2 p.m. inside Puyallup's Liberty Theater. In the film, the Little Fellow is cast as "the Lone Prospector," one of the hopeful hordes of prospectors during the Alaskan gold rush of 1898. Chaplin drew his creative muse from grim history, specifically the tragic saga of the Donner Party, an ill-fated expedition of westward travelers who got caught in a bitter winter storm in the Sierras, resorting to cannibalism to survive.

5. There are better ways to get your Irish on than at a Vicci martinez show. That said, there are not many better shows than a Martinez performance, which will happen at 9 p.m. inside her home away from home, Jazzbones. Tacoma's Martinez became a household when she competed on NBC-TV's The Voice. 

LINK: Sunday, March 17 arts and entertainmetn events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a shower or two, hi 56, lo 44

Saturday: Freakin' rain, hi 50, lo 38

Sunday: Some sun, some clouds, maybe a shower and a little bit colder, hi 48, lo 36

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 15: MOSQUITO HAWK

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

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: WHISKERS WINE & DINE

In support of Coalition Humane's efforts to fight pet overpopulation, the Whiskers Wine & Dine event will go down Saturday night at the Sharon McGavick Center. Not only with the benefit include an exquisite buffet style dinner and drinks, you should also expect an amazing silent auction and help support a cause that is passionate about our furry family. All proceeds benefit the Northwest Spay and Neuter Center. Tickets cost $60 and include dinner and a drink coupon. - Weekly Volcano

• Sharon McGavick Center, 6-10 p.m., $60, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood, nwspayneuter.org

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16-SUNDAY, MARCH 17: THE GOLD RUSH

The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen the Northwest Sinfonietta in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. Saturday the Northwest Sinfonietta will perform the original score to Charlie Chaplin's flick, The Gold Rush, in which the Little Fellow is cast as "the Lone Prospector," one of the hopeful hordes of prospectors during the Alaskan gold rush of 1898. Chaplin drew his creative muse from grim history, specifically the tragic saga of the Donner Party, an ill-fated expedition of westward travelers who got caught in a bitter winter storm in the Sierras, resorting to cannibalism to survive. - WV

• Temple Theater, 7:30 p.m. March 16, $19-$49, 47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 800.838.3006
• Liberty Theater, 2 p.m. March 17, $19-$49, 116 W. Main Ave., Puyallup, 800.383.3006

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: BEFORE CARS

Chad Channing, former Nirvana drummer, brings his pop rock band Before Cars to Rocket Records for an afternoon, live performance. Before Cars are promoting its latest album, How We Run, dropped Feb. 26 on the band's record label, Pocket Star Records. Best thing about this album is the acoustic, singer/songwriter feel. Best thing about Rocket Records shows is they start early, you can browse music, there is a cool gumball machine, and owner Steve Gaydich and his dog, Bruno, are never without smiles, making it feel like your living room. Combine the two, and you're golden. - NM

• Rocket Records, 3 p.m., no cover, 3843 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.5186

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: SOUR OWL

Ooh! Another free show! This time at Ben Moore's in Olympia - a few-and-far-between music venue that's known more for its Best $3.75 Fish and Chips than hosting a show. But, Saturday, you can enjoy a live set from Sour Owl in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Rock, pop, jazz, fusion, whatever you want to call Sour Owl's sound, just know that it's sweet. - NM

• Ben Moore's, 9 p.m., no cover, 112 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, 360.357.7527

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES

The Harmony Sweepstakes may sound like a new dating service, but it's actually an annual event in Olympia featuring some of the region's best a cappella talent. No kidding. A night of music and awards, Saturday's festivities will include hosts and guest artists Six Appeal, the 2012 first-place champions, along with event emcee Smilin' Jay of Olympia's KGY AM/FM radio. Event hype available on the Washington Center's website promises, "an evening of impeccable harmonies and scintillation arrangements." Hard to go wrong there. - WV

• Washington Center, 7:30 p.m., $13-$26, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

>>> SUNDAY, MARCH 17: ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT O'MALLEY'S

Celebrate St. Patty's in true Irish fashion at O'Malley's in Tacoma Sunday night. Bag pipers and performance dancers kick off the night, followed by live music from Shivering Denizens, The Fun Police and The Approach - plus tons of free schwag, food specials and of course, green beers. This will be a Patty Party not to miss. For more St. Patrick's Day parties, check out the Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center. - NM

• O'Malley's Irish Pub, 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.9403

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
We're seeing Philadelphia Story at Harlequin and Oliver! at Capital Playhouse. Just as happily, we're also taking a bunch of foodie friends to Marrow.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Well, it's St. Patrick's Day weekend, so I'll likely be avoiding the bars. Much like New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day is amateur hour when it comes to drinking. Best just to steer clear.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
I'm in play-going mode this weekend. I'll be seeing The Philadelphia Story at Harlequin, Oliver! at Capital Playhouse and The Joy Luck Club at Tacoma Little Theatre.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Plans include Friday happy hour goodness with all my downtown regulars. After they have their fun, it's my turn as another bartender and I plan to hit up the Dwell Hole in Tacoma for a kick ass house show. I hope I make it in time to see Mahnhammer and Dark Country (PDX). Hot damn! Saturday and Sunday, it's back to parent-land, which has its perks - like warm morning snuggles and blueberry pancakes.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
I'm recording a verse at Kept See's spot for the League of Extraordinary Emcees album. Saturday, I'm teaching my spoken-word/poetry class at D.A.S.H. from 1-2 p.m. Last, but definite not least, I'll be chilling with my family!

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Friday evening I'll be sipping on copious amounts of joe at Bluebeard Coffee while listening to local authors read their works from Wrist Mag, to be followed by an open poetry slam. That said, the weekend will mostly be consumed with work feeding the pre-partying and hungover masses. And pow wow with team peace out to talk non-profit awesomeness somewhere in the mix.

ADRIENNE KUEHL Food Writer
I'll be throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends. Let the "oohing" and "ahhing" over tiny clothes commence! Oh, and I should probably do those taxes I didn't get to last weekend. ...

NIC LEANOARD Music Writer
I will be a hermit this weekend while watching the PAC 12 basketball tournament as well as other college basketball games. If I'm feeling up to it, on Saturday night I may go check out AKA's record release party at McCoy's. Other then that, I will be pretty lame.

STEVE DUNKELBRGER Nightlife Correspondent
I'll be hitting A MidSummer Night's Dream at Tacoma Youth theatre at this weekend. I hear the girl playing Lysander is highly talented as well as genetically awesome.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-ages Music Columnist
This weekend I am going out in search of a hard copy of the newly released Strike Gently by The Virgins. Stricken with illness and exorbitant amounts of schoolwork this week, there's nothing like a new album to lift the spirits.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

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

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

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

Adorable.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 2013 >>>

1. You may not be familiar with the wrestling phenomenon known as lucha libre, but it's all the rage in Mexico, where its popularity lags only behind that of soccer. For the second year in a row, costumed warriors will flex and destroy under the tutelage of José Luis Gómez, over 20 years a luchador in Mexico. His troupe, Lucha Libre Volcánica, hails from Renton, but they're performing at the Lucha de Sound event inside the University of Puget Sound's Memorial Field House at 7 p.m. to benefit a student group, CHispA, the Community for Hispanic Awareness. This event features commentary in both English and español, and you can't beat the price, amigo: it's free! (Since it is a benefit, however, a $5 donation is suggested.) So round up su familia and root for Puget Sound técnicos El Fénix, El Hero, and Rey Jaguar in their never-ending quest for justice against rude boys Chicano, Peligro, and Prófugo. There's a técnica, too: Vancouver, Washington's own La Avispa.v¡Que viva los luchadores!

2. Today marks the final monthly version of the Proctor Farmers Market, which goes down between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can expect garden plants and local produce from Cottage Gardens, tasty smoked salmon from Wilson Fish and the musical stylings of John Hoover and the Quinns, in addition to its regular farmer market awesomeness.

3. Sure, Tacoma celebrates its status as an arts community.  Sure, Tacoma loves to band together for a good cause.  With the YWCA RAGS Guild Wearable Art Sale and Juried Gallery, continuing for its 19th year, it does both. RAGS started as a fun way to raise money for the YWCA, whose mission statement is all about honoring diversity and creating opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. RAGS offers guests an opportunity to view and acquire fabulous handmade clothing, jewelry and accessories created by artisans from across the country. Check out RAGS from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside the Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma new showroom at 1701 Alexander Ave. East in Fife.

4. Wait ... you have a vision. You plug into the area’s collective unconscious. In a flash, you remember that you — and those of your ilk — don’t need the cathode ray tube and the remote control to flip through images of far-flung places. You’re telekinetic. Telepathic. Otherworldly. And — irony of all ironies — you almost blanked on today’s Psychic Fair at the Meeker Mansion Psychic Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But then, in the nick of time, your sixth sense kicked in. It always does.

5. Grab the nearest mouth guard, roller derby is back in Tacoma. Actually, it has been here for some time. And, it's in Lakewood. That said, the Dockyard Derby Dames open its season Saturday night at the Pierce College Health Education Center at 6 p.m. For the uninitiated, the all-female flat-track roller derby team has been blocking and lapping like mad for six seasons. The Femme Fianna, Hellbound Homewreckers, Trampires and season six defending champions Marauding Mollys will throw on the elbow pads, kneepads, helmets, fishnet stockings for two bouts. Grab a spot on the bleachers, or if you're really up for it, hang in the beer garden, where your own protective gear is probably a wise idea, and enjoy a night of good ol' fashion bruising.

LINK: Saturday, March 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 2013 >>>

1. If you wanted a white winter, the closest you're likely to get is Jeff Orlowski's Chasing Ice, one of the most visually spectacular and troubling nature documentaries of recent years. In it, photographer James Balog and a team of young adventurers set out to chart the melting of Arctic glaciers, with lamentable success. It opens today at The Grand Cinema at 2, 6:35 and 8:30 p.m., with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff biologists and educators leading a community discussion following the 6:35 screening. Below is the best trailer you'll see all week.

2. B2 Fine Arts Gallery celebrates International Women's Day and History Month by hosting award-winning Northwest illustration artist Jill Neal's "I'm Every Woman" series depicting strength among women in "every field of endeavor" through April 27. A special artist reception will be held from 5-9 p.m.

3. The Warehouse kicks off its 2013 Candle Lit series with the super dynamic and super talented Damien Jurado with guests Jake Hemming and Amelia Saakian at 7:30 p.m. inside the Urban Grace Church. "Damien Jurado is quite possibly one of the best singer/songwriters many of us get the pleasure of experiencing," says Doug Stoeckicht, marketing director at The Warehouse. "His music moves us personally and we believe it's worth sharing with those who are connected to The Warehouse. Also, to have an artist such as Damien make himself accessible to us, and this event, is an amazing privilege we couldn't pass up. People are in for a treat." Music combined with atmosphere is one of the many aesthetics that The Warehouse aims for. The Candle Lit series is another way to highlight the unique visions of these Tacoma creatives. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on the Candle Lit series in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

4. The Pierce College Puyallup Concert and Chamber Choirs present their winter program, "Mozart and Folk Melody," featuring American and Irish folk songs, followed by Mozart's Six Nocturnes, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts and Allied Health Building Theater. As a bonus, an orchestra of professional musicians has been summoned to join the Concert Choir for Mozart's Missa Brevis in D Minor.

5. Dr. Torrey Lawrence will become the director of the Tacoma Community College School of Music in June 2013. There's a good chance the good doctor could stick around TCC for a while. He joined the faculty of the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho in 1998. He currently holds the rank of professor of Music and is associate director of the school. You can catch Dr. Lawrence in action at 7:30 p.m. when he leads the TCC Symphonic Band in Galbraith's Danza de los Duendes, Milford's Fantasy on English Folk Songs, Gregson's Tuba Concerto with Lawrence as a tuba soloist, Pann's Hold this Boy and Listen and Connor's Tails aus dem Vood Viennoise.

LINK: Friday, March 8 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TIME TO START PLANNING >>>

Late last year, we got our company Corolla impounded (don't ask), and had no choice but to explore the Pierce Transit bus system. we found ourselves pleasantly convenienced: There were plenty of bars and city services within busing distance, and the hands-free commute allowed for reading and ear-budding and window-gazing like we were in high school again. We'd study the Pierce Transit map every day, looking for new destinations. It was like a game.

But for daily commuters traversing Pierce County's 292 square miles trying to get to work, school, medical clinics and such, Pierce Transit's public transportation system is about to be a darkening nightmare, especially for those with disabilities. That's because cuts in service are on the way due to the loss of Proposition 1 in November 2012. Pierce Transit currently operates 417,000 annual service hours. Once the service reduction plan is implemented, Pierce Transit will operate 300,000 annual hours, a 28 percent cut.

What the hell? Pierce Transit will tell you at nine public meetings beginning today at noon inside the Pierce Transit Training Center. The reductions will happen in late September 2013. Don't get caught holding the map in the middle of nowhere. Get your butt to a meeting.

LAKEWOOD: Wednesday, March 6, noon to 2 p.m., Pierce Transit Training Center (Rainier Room), 3720 96th St. SW, Lakewood

>>> Served by Routes 48, 300

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON - TACOMA: Thursday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., William W. Phillip Hall (Jane Russell Commons), 1918 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 

>>> Served by Routes 1, 48, 53, ST 590 (Northbound),ST 594, ST Link light rail

NORTHEAST TACOMA: Wednesday, March 13, 4-6 p.m., Northeast Tacoma Police Substation, 4731 Norpoint Way NE, Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 62

PARKLAND / SPANAWAY: Monday, March 18 5-7 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

>>> Served by Route 1

PUYALLUP: Thursday, March 19 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>>Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

GIG HARBOR: Wednesday, March 20, 5-7 p.m., Gig Harbor Civic Center (Council Chambers), 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor

>>> Served by Route 100

PUYALLUP: Tuesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Puyallup Library (North Room), 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup

>>> Served by Routes 400, 402, 409

UNIVERSITY PLACE: Tuesday, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m., University Place Library, 3609 Market Pl. W., Ste. 100, University Place

>>> Served by Route 2

Detailed service reduction plan information is available online at www.piercetransit.org, or by calling customer service at 253.58.8000. A public hearing on implementation of the service reduction plan is scheduled for the May 13, 2013 Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners meeting.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 2013 >>>

1. Well over a decade in the making, Holy Motors arrives at The Grand for a brief moment, today for a mere two showings. Much like director Leos Carax’s style of storytelling or rather his revealing, the film is minimal and profound. The chameleonic Denis Lavant stars as Monsieur Oscar, traveling from place to place in the back of a white stretch limo, donning some shockingly good prosthetic makeup as he moves from "appointment" to "appointment" - dropping in for brief scenes as different characters in various movies belonging to wildly disparate genres. Later on, there will be some discussion with an agent, as Oscar laments the shrinking of the cameras and digital diaspora. Nothing is like it used to be. It's rare to find a film so gripping as it whirls you through sudden twists and jarring imagery with such a void in established character development and dialog. This rarity, typically an honor bestowed upon Terry Gilliam or even that of the ever visually appealing Michael Gondry, is what elevates Carax's film Holy Motors into the alluring and all too unyielding nonsensical wonderment of the word - surreal. Catch it at 2 and 6:35 p.m. at The Grand Cinema. Read Lisa Fruichantie's full feature on Holy Motors in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

2. The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium will be offering free admission to anyone who shows up with picture ID or other proof of residency. That's awesome.

3. A nationally touring performance poet and teaching artist Lauren Zuniga is ranked among the top five female poets in the world. Her works include two poetry collections: The Nickel Tour, published in 2009, and The Smell of Good Mud, published in 2012. Tacoma Community College's Student Life department hosts Zuniga at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Union Building to discuss current events and other topics of interest.

5. Ricky J's Restaurant and Sports Lounge in Puyallup doesn't exactly sound like the name of a meat market haven. But in fact, Ricky J's has some of the most reasonably priced meat in town. Every Tuesday night Ricky J's offers a bar steak special for $4.95. That's a heaping pile of meat for under $5. Other specials include a buy one burger receive a second at half price at 8 p.m. poker. But what's that you say? What about the chicks? Jeez, here we mention cheap meat and you're still concerned about chicks. ...

5. Every Tuesday night at Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way Leanne Trevalyan hosts an acoustic open mic at 8 p.m. Tonight, many special guests join her as Tacoma artist Teddy Haggarty celebrates his 60th birthday.

LINK: Tuesday, March 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympi aarea

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2013 >>>

1. Last year Broken Water released an album that pushed the band further into the limelight than any of the its previous, amazing releases. Most bands would relish that moment and memory as a triumph, however with the unfortunate timing of a looming line-up shift on the horizon noisy pop band Broken Water was unable to fully tour in the immediate aftermath of Tempest's critical success. With a new bass player, the band is back on the road, sharing a bill at 8 p.m. with Vancouver, B.C. loud, aggressive dissonant punk trio Nu Sensae inside the all-ages venue Northern.

2. For a month The Pierce College Puyallup Art Gallery the hosted the wildlife and tribal portrait art of Becci Crowe for its winter exhibition. Crowe's desire to study her subjects in their natural environment has led her across six continents and to more than 41 countries. Crowe's work is created with pen and ink, using a technique knows as pointillism. Images are created using thousands of points, applied one dot at a time, taking weeks to complete. Her subjects include wildlife and tribal cultures, including the Maasai and San Bushmen of Africa. Her art emphasizes conservation and preservation of wildlife and world cultures. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. The jazz quintet Minilla Smiles returns to The Royal Lounge bringing a little Brazilian musical sunshine to Oly at 8 p.m. The band features Seattle based master drummer/percussionist Jeff "Bongo" Busch, Olympia's own John Croarkin on flutes, harmonica and sax, Phil Lawson on guitar, and first call jazz bassist Steve Luceno. Three-time Latin Grammy nominee pianist Jovino Santos Neto will be in the house, too.

4. The Mark Riley Band plays a free blues show at The Swiss beginning at 8 p.m.

5. Alternating between folk and blues, Laura Meyer is a skinny white chick with soul to burn, and inside are tough-minded songs that simply don't seem like they could have come from her. Hear her at 10 p.m. inside Le Voyeur in Olympia.

LINK: Monday, March 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FYI >>>

The Puyallup Fair promises to release its full concert schedule any day now. The Fair has all ready teased with Craig Morgan's appreance Sept. 6 and Trace Adkins embed in the Pro Rodeo.

Today, it was announced Larry The Cable Guy is headed back to the Fair and well, gulp, "Git-r-done" Thursday, Sept. 19. It makes sense. It's a good pairing — Larry and Puyallup.

Tickets sell for $20, $40, $50 and $65, with reserved seating, and include Fair gate admission, unless noted. Tickets will be available starting Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. on the Fair website, or by phone 888.559.FAIR

Yes, another Valentine's Day is upon us. Obvious expectations on this "special" day include the following: grumpy singles, unsavory public displays of affection, overly excitable girlfriends, an arsenal of disgruntled Hallmark employees, and, of course, lots and lots of chocolate. But before the Weekly Volcano goes on, let us anticipate a few of your nagging questions. First, yes, chocolate is indeed an aphrodisiac! And, no, it's not all right to buy her (or him) the Snicker's Family Pak and call it a night. We hate to break it to you, but that's just not worthy of your Valentine.

Below are a few events and parties in the South Sound worthy of your Valentine:

Be sure to grab local sweets for Valentine's Day.

If you hurry, you might be able to score these local gifts for Valentine's Day.

It's almost certain that restaurants are booked tonight. That said, you might want to take a look at South Sound restaurants serving special Valentine's Day meals. Oh, and what if you could score these awesome restaurant seats in Tacoma and Olympia?

The Swiss is celebrating relationships forged at the downtown Tacoma pub. It has erected a Love Wall and a Divorce Shredder.

TUSH! Burlesque and the Gritty City Sirens are a part of the Sweet & Spicy: A Valentine's Day Burlesque show tonight at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. There's more burlesque next week.

The Weekly Volcano presents six South Sound love stories.

Our Music Calendar has live music, DJs and comedy tonight in the South Sound.

The Weekly Volcano's Events Calendar has a variety of Valentine's Day activities in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area.

Maybe, all you want to do is drink and stare at a wall.