SINGER JEFF HAMEL TALKS THROUGH HIS AWESOME BEARD >>>

This week Bobble Tiki caught up with SweetKiss Momma, a band that's been gaining steady local ground over the last year or more (thanks in small part to Volcano editor Matt Driscoll's man crush on them). Rooted in the ethos of "Southern Rock," and passionate enough about it to not come off like total tools from Puyallup just trying to get laid by chicks that love Skynyrd (goes a long way in P-Town, Bobble Tiki imagines), SweetKiss is a band seemingly defying the odds at the moment - gaining a following and going places on the back of the tunes, not the internet hype or hashtags.

There's plenty going on with the SweetKiss boys, including new members and new shows, so Bobble Tiki might as well let lead singer Jeff Hamel tell you all about it ...

To read the full story, click here.

[Stonegate Pizza, SweetKiss Momma, with Astrovan, Saturday, March 26, 9 p.m., $5, 5419 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma]

FRIDAY, MARCH 25: WE'RE DOWN TO 32 PIZZA JOINTS >>>

Now it's getting exciting. The sauce is really starting to fly, and the dough is getting so thick you could cut it with a knife (OK, so that's a horrible analogy ...).

Point is: This is serious.

Today the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza officially kicks off its second round, meaning only 32 South Sound pizza joints remain, and the competition is as hot as ever. Who will be crowned champ on April 4? The path to pizza greatness starts today.

Here's a look at today's Tournament of Pizza action and a recap of yesterday's results. Shake some Parmesan on it if you know what's good for you and get rolling.

Yesterday's Results

Katie Downs vs. Alfred's Cafe & Bubble Room

In a battle of T-Town institutions, not surprisingly the institution well known for its delicious pizzas emerged decisively victorious - with Katie Downs cruising to victory and securing roughly 85 percent of the vote by the time things were said and done. This one was over early, and the pummeling lasted all day. Luckily for all of us, Alfred's Bubble Room doesn't need the Tournament of Pizza to get by ... it's got bubbles, not to mention a grubbin' corned beef hash. The high-powered Katie Downs moves on to second round action.

Engine House No. 9 vs. Abella Pizzeria

In a back and forth matchup pitting two fairly evenly matched competitors (at least in the eyes of voters, it seems), Engine House No. 9 was eventually able to pull ahead of the stout Abella Pizzeria thanks to a late run - grabby 51 percent of the votes. The loss has to be especially tough for Abella, as they entered the Tournament of Pizza with plenty of hype, mainly coming from the deliciously burnt mouth-tops of UWT students. That said, Engine House No. 9 thanks its lucky stars every time it makes a bank deposit for the damaged livers of UPS students, and it had history on its side, so the fact it's moving on to the second round isn't shocking. You can't question Engine House No. 9's following, and sometimes a following is just what it takes in the Tournament of Pizza.

Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza vs. The Harmon Hub

Everyone loves a good comeback, and this may have been one of the better clutch performances in the (obviously short) history of the Tournament of Pizza. Down by a substantial margin by midday, Farrelli's was able to rally the troops at halftime (literally sending out an email urging people to vote), and by the time the final buzzer sounded the Sixth Avenue, family-friendly, sometimes magician employing pizza spot had walked away with an impressive victory, racking up 57 percent of the vote. Next up for Farrelli's Tacoma, a second round dogfight with Puget Sound Pizza. ...

Puget Sound Pizza vs. Sidebar Bistro

It would have been an upset of monumental proportion had Sidebar Bistro somehow managed to defeat Puget Sound Pizza, but - alas - it was never meant to be. PSP dominated from tip-off to the final seconds yesterday, collecting votes at almost a three to one ratio and securing 71 percent of the votes. Hipsters and karaoke lovers unite - PSP will not be denied! A huge battle against Farrelli's Tacoma location now looms on the horizon.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Katie Downs
  
• Engine House No. 9
  
• Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza - Tacoma
  
• Puget Sound Pizza
  

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles.

>>> CONTEST CLOSED. READ SATURDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR RESULTS AND NEW MATCHUPS.

Cloverleaf Pizza vs. Joseppi's Italian Ristorante

Tipping of the second round of the Weekly Volcano's Tournament of Pizza we have heavyweight Cloverleaf Pizza, with its storied history and claims to fame, battling Joseppi's, a little nine seed that could. Both businesses are well loved within the community, so rallying support won't be an issue. The real question is: Will Joseppi's be intimidated off the court at the site of the Cloverleaf on the other bench, or will the Italian destination just tighten up the old shoelaces and go to work? The votes will decide. Analysts say Cloverleaf all the way, but the Tournament of Pizza isn't played by analysts. ...

• Cloverleaf Pizza (6430 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante (2207 N. Pearl St., Tacoma)

Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza vs. Pizza Casa

Pizza Casa is a Lakewood institution. Of course, so are bikini barista stands at this point, but that's not what's important here. The point is: the pie's so good they named the whole damn house after it. After handling Cerello's easily in first round action, Pizza Casa takes on Delbrocco's, a number six seed that took out Mono Pizza & Pasta in the first round without much trouble. At Delbrocco's they do it Philly style, meaning this is a pie not afraid to punch a competitor in the face (figuratively, of course). We expect a knock down drag out affair with this one.

• Delbrocco's Philly Style Pizza (3908 Sixth Ave., Tacoma)
• Pizza Casa (12924 Pacific Hwy. SW, Lakewood)

Vic's Pizzaria vs. Casa Mia

If Tournament of Pizza voting plays out anything like our recent Best of Olympia voting went down, Vic's Pizzaria is just playing warm-up ball before eventually facing off against Oldschool in the South Region finals. Of course, we all know there's a lot of Tournament of Pizza action left before that happens. Today, Vic's battles Casa Mia, a restaurant with plenty of history, packing a pie with plenty of accolades. The analysts are all picking Vic's in the pregame show, but - to be honest - Charles Barkley looks drunk. Let's just see what happens. ...

• Casa Mia (716 Plum St., Olympia)
• Vic's Pizzeria (233 Division St. NW, Olympia)

Ricardo's Ristorante vs. Farelli's of DuPont

Ricardo's may singlehandedly taint this year's Tournament of Pizza for Volcano co-publisher Ken Swarner. In the first round, after Swarner had heavily touted the prowess of Smitty's Chicago Style pizza, Ricardo's came out of nowhere and took the team down. Now, Ricardo's steps into Swarner's backyard, battling Farrelli's of DuPont in second round action. Will Swarner ever be able to leave his house again without being reminded of this year's personal pizza disappointment? Only time will tell, though the always fast and aggressive Farrelli's of DuPont will play a serious role in determining the answer to that question.

• Farrelli's Wood Fire Pizza (1590 Wilmington Dr., DuPont)
• Ricardo's Ristorante (5211 Lacey Blvd. S, Lacey)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Battle in the East

Game 1: Spud's Pizza Parlor (7025 Pacific Ave., Tacoma) vs. Louie G's Pizza (4802 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

Game 2: Milton Tavern (7320 Pacific Hwy. E., Milton) vs. Trackside Pizza (201 N. Meridian, Puyallup)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

TUESDAY, MARCH 22: SOUTH REGIONAL, FIRST ROUND >>>

Short of ice cream, Guinness and bourbon, there's no better comfort food than pizza. A good pie will glisten with a sheen of grease over a thick layer of cheese and the meat of your choice (vegetables may be present for color and a hint of flavor, but they should really be relegated to the appetizer or salad), and you won't care that the cheese burns the roof of your mouth, leaving you gnawing at the burned flesh for the next week. Apparently comfort was on your mind during Monday's rain and wind as it was the second largest voting day for the Tournament of Pizza behind Thursday's opening bell.

Yesterday's Results

Tides Tavern vs. Terry's Office Tavern

We're still not quite sure if Terry's Office Tavern is a real and true dive. It certainly looks as though it would be classified as a dive, but it sure doesn't feel like one. Instead, Terry's feels like the neighborhood hideaway. The tavern where local homeowners escape dinner duty and local DINKS go to feel unpretentious comfort. During dinner, the joint will load up with bright-eyed couples aging from 25 to 85 - most chowing on Terry's pizza. Terry's grabbed 64.5 percent of the votes over the popular Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor. DINKS represent.

Nick-N-Willy's Pizza vs. Fondi Pizzeria

It's rare to find a pie where the cheese really does stretch, flow and cling like mozzarella is supposed to, but Fondi's does: The cheese is molded from cheese curds by hand every morning. They also have a house-made Quattro Gatti Mozzarella Fresca. We have no idea if that cheese factor, or the fact that Fondi has 25 times the seating of Nick-N-Willy's, but Fondi nabbed 70 percent of the votes and moves on to battle Terry's Office Tavern March 27 in the Second Round.

Blue Cannon Pizza vs. Lakewood Pub & Grill

Blue Cannon Pizza is a newcomer on the pizza scene, slinging pizzas, sandwiches, salads and vegetarian dishes tucked into a newly developed Gig Harbor shopping center that is filled with every imaginable retailer selling pretty much everything under the sun. The Lakewood Pub leans more toward the neighborhood hangout where the game or your daily meeting with your old friends is more the focus than pizza. In terms of comparing the two joints, at least in regards to the pizza, it's a dead heat with Blue Cannon nudging the Pub with a mere 50.2 percent of the votes.

Stonegate Pizza vs. The Fan Club

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." That famous quote comes from the beloved Winnie the Pooh. That quote could have easily comes from a regular at The Fan Club speaking on his or her love for the Lakewood joint's pizza. It doesn't matter that Stonegate Pizza has a historically famous, awesome crust. And while The Fan Club's pizza is good, we imagine if this were the Tournament of Corner Tables, The Fan Club would still have gathered 58.9 percent of the votes. Don't mess with The Fan Club, at least until March 27 when Blue Cannon Pizza gives it a shot.

The following four pizza joints will advance to the next round:

• Terry's Office Tavern
• Fondi Pizzeria
• Blue Cannon Pizza
• The Fan Club

Today's Competition

Sponsored by al Forno Ferruzza Traditional Sicilian Cuisine

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. 

(CONTEST CLOSED. SEE WEDNESDAY'S SPEW POSTS FOR RESULTS.)

Oldschool Pizzeria vs. Chuck E. Cheese

A good pizza experience owes as much to the atmosphere as the actual pie itself. And what we've discovered in our travels is that arcade games and vintage posters from the '70s and '80s in the restaurant usually signal that a pizza feast of epic New York City proportions is at hand. Be lucky enough to find a joint with an old-school pinball machine, and - mama mia - you're in for a treat. You'll be happy to know that Oldschool Pizzeria in Olympia fulfills such criteria, as well as grabbing Best Pizza honors in our 2011 Best of Olympia readers' poll. We'll be honest, Chuck E. Cheese kind of scares us. Beer, loud noise, thick crowds and the high emotions of children's birthday parties make this restaurant a breeding ground for family disputes. Listen, we never said weren't going to show our bias.

• Oldschool Pizzeria (108 Franklin St, NE, Olympia)
• Chuck E. Cheese (625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia)

Brewery City Pizza vs. Apollo Pizza & Pasta

Brewery City Pizza would love to have you dine in one of their three Thurston County locations, the oldest being Tumwater, which opened in 1982.  But if you can find your Crocs, they'd be more than happy to deliver their thin crust, thick or flatbread pizzas right to your lazy ass. They claim to have one of the largest delivery areas in the county. Specialty pies o'plenty, with options such as the cool ranch chicken pizza. Apollo Pizza & pasta, known for great soups, experiment with the pizza toppings, which is a good thing. Their Mediterranean pizza has been know to change lives. Bonus: Trivia Pursuit cards on the tables.

• Brewery City Pizza (several Thurston County locations)
• Apollo Pizza & Pasta (2302 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia)

al Forno Ferruzza vs. Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor

Spawned from Portland's street vendor culture, al Forno Ferruzza shares a wall and window with the popular Eastside Club, serving pizza slices through a late-night window. Gone are the picnic tables installed by the short-lived A2 restaurant and replaced with comfy booths and a new mural of scenes in Italy and Olympia. While al Forno is the new kid on the block, Dirty Dave's has been serving pizza in Thurston County since 1972. They have built a large, loyal following with their yeasty thin crust and crazy-ass posters and bric-a-brac on the walls.

• al Forno Ferruzza (408 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia)
• Dirty Dave's Pizza Parlor (3939 Martin Way E., Olympia)

Mercato Ristorante vs. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza

Located across from the Olympia Farmers Market, Mercato melds sophistication with casual, often with a lively crowd. The fare is Italian with Northwest touches with six pizzas on the menu, including the tasty molto carne with soprasetta salami and pepperoncini. Infernos Brick Oven Pizza offers pizza prepared in, well, a wood-burning oven. The gourmet, thin crispy crust pies carry traditional toppings as well as specialty items such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, jalapenos and cherry peppers.

• Mercato Ristorante (111 Market St. NE, Olympia)
• Infernos Brick Oven Pizza (111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Tumwater)

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: East Region

Game 1: Aversano's (6015 Parker Road E., Sumner) vs. Big Nick's Pizza & Pasta (63527 McKinley Ave., Tacoma)

Game 2: Big Wheel Steakhouse (11401 Steele St. S., Tacoma) vs. Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery (454 E. Main, Puyallup)

Game 3: Flying Tomato Italian Grill (10224 198th St., Graham) vs. Vince's Italian restaurant & Pizzeria (32411 Pacific Hwy. S., Federal Way)

Game 4: Rollies Tavern (2404 112th St. S., Tacoma) vs. Right Spot (5119 Pacific Hwy. E., Fife)

LINK: What's up with this pizza tournament?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

SATURDAY, MARCH 19: EAST REGIONAL, FIRST ROUND >>>

Sixty-four South Sound pizza joints were selected and seeded by readers throughout February for the Tournament of Pizza, which is now three days into the competition. Brackets don refrigerators, break rooms, restaurant hallways and birdcages. Birthday parties have been moved to pizza restaurants. Everyone is discussing pepperoni and crust thickness. It's crazy fun.

Yesterday's Results

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's don't mess with Yelm. The eastern Thurston County community huddles around their own - more often than not with sleeves rolled up and a chew in place. Yelm's brand spanking new Italian joint Pizzeria La Gitana grabbed a respectable 43 percent of the votes yesterday against the powerhouse that is Vic's Pizzeria of Olympia. That's impressive. That's Yelm. But Vic's is awesome. They offer a vegetarian pizza by the slice for cryin' out loud. Congrats to Vic's as they advance to the Second Round.

Jump on Casa Mia's website, then click "Awards." One, two, three ... they list some 13 honors bestowed on their pizzas. How do you compete against that? You don't, if you are Figaro's Pizza on Olympia's Martin Way. Casa Mia grabbed 79.4 percent of the votes over Figaro's yesterday and will advance to the Second Round where it will meet Vic's Pizzeria March 25 - a battle that could test Olympia's Emergency Network.

The DuPont Farrelli's Pizza beat Ramblin Jacks in downtown Olympia by 43 votes. That's a mind blower.

Finally, in yesterday's closest battle, Ricardo's restaurant edged out neighboring Lacey restaurant Smitty's Authentic Chicago Style Food with 52.4 percent of the vote. This one is surprising. Smitty's serves an excellent Chicago-style pizza. Certainly, Ricardo's ultra-friendly ownership came into play. Ricardo's will head into the Second Round to take on Farrelli's in Dupont March 25.

No matter how you slice it, yesterday's winners are:

• Vic's Pizzeria
  
• Casa Mia
  
• Farrelli's Pizza DuPont
  
• Ricardo's

Today's Competition

OK, time to move on to today's pizza battles. Vote for one pizza joint per battle.

CONTEST CLOSED: Check Sunday's Spew for results.

Spud's Pizza Parlor vs. Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake

Spud's Pizza Parlor on Tacoma's Pacific Avenue posts pictures of its food on their walls. You can see their cannelloni and the shrimp salad in all its colorful glory. If you think all that cheese heaped and melted on the food in the pictures is probably false advertising, you're dead wrong.  Spud's may sound like a potato joint, but really, it's all about the cheese.  Everything ordered, from the pizza to the salad to the pasta, is buried under a mound of mozzarella.  That will no doubt come into play when they take on the "take home and bake" pizza giant that is Papa Murphy's.

Browns Point Pizzeria vs. Louie G's Pizzeria

Louie G has staked his claim in the handmade pizza pie world by honoring his own old-school family dough recipe, and providing fun combinations on more than 14 different specialty pizzas at his Fife location. Don't let Louie G's weekday $6 pizza and salad bar buffet fool you: Every pizza is hand-tossed and baked in a New York brick oven. And they now rock it - all-ages style - with live music. Browns Point Pizzeria also makes its own dough and sauce daily, and are huge on local community. This is the spotlight battle of the day.

Neo Wood Fired Pizza vs. Milton Tavern

Neo hand-shape and stretch their dough daily to form Neapolitan pizzas that are placed into 500-degree wood-fired ovens to quick-bake, which forms the essential black blisters (not burns) on their bubbly, delicious pizzas. Milton Tavern's turnaround is legendary. In the not-so-distant past, this establishment was home to scuffles, surly bikers and a cloud of thick smoke (they went smokeless before the ban). Today, you'll find the place full of lighthearted regulars, 20-somethings on up, enjoying the Milton's casual and comfortable ambiance, shiny, happy servers, and impeccable pizza.

Trackside Pizza vs. Round Table Pizz

Trackside Pizza opened in the spring of 2006 offering both classic and foo-foo toppings. Have you tried their tasty Chihuahua al Pacifico? Italian sausage, pepperoni, jalapeno and loads of garlic - and it and all their pizzas can be ordered online. The Round Table Pizza franchise has been kicking it since 1951, with several locations in the South Sound. They claim it's the "Last Honest Pizza." Honestly, they'll have their hands full today with the popular Trackside.

Tomorrow's Pizza Battles: Greater Downtown Tacoma Region

Game 1: Primo Grill (601 S. Pine) vs. The New Frontier Lounge (301 E. 25th St.)

Game 2: Upper Crust Bistro (2714 N. 21st St.)vs. Adriatic Grill (4201 S. Steele St.) 

Game 3: Harmon Tap Room (208 St. Helens Ave.) vs. Ravenous (785 Broadway)

Game 4: The Rock Wood Fired Pizza (1920 S. Jefferson Ave.) vs. Meconi's Pub & Eatery (709 Pacific Ave.)

LINK: What the hell does all this mean?

LINK: Oh hell yes I want the Weekly Volcano newsletter!

FRIDAY, MARCH 18: FOUR PIZZA BATTLES ON THE DOCKET >>>

Pizza. Everyone eats it. Everyone has a favorite. Loyalty? No other foodstuff can inspire the rabid fandom of a true pizza devotee. The South Sound turned out in force to vote in yesterday's kickoff of the Tournament of Pizza competition. Phone trees were instigated. Neighbors were harrassed. Computer labs were invaded. Our poor little blog had to work overtime as droves voted in First Round action.

Yesterday's Results

The Cloverleaf Pizza, with its rich local history, grabbed franchise Papa Johns Pizza by the crust and flung it against the wall with 69 percent of the votes. The Cloverleaf partied hard last night in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Someone run over there and wake them with the news that they're advancing to the next round.

Ten votes. That's the margin of victory Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante had over the Ale House sports bar. Was it Joe Stortini's political connections that advanced his Joeseppi's to the next round? Maybe it was the Italian joint's massive slice of chocolate cake on the dessert menu. Whatever it was the North Tacoma Italian restaurant will need it March 25 when it faces The Cloverleaf Pizza. Families will be torn apart that day.

Tacoma's Sixth Avenue is a long-ass street. And it's loaded with pizza joints in this competition. Two of them - Delbrocco's Philly style Pizza and Mona Pizza and pasta – faced off yesterday in a brutal battle that went down to the wire. After the cheese stopped bubbling, Delbrocco's emerged victorious with 50.2 percent of the vote. Yup, we're talking one vote. Not one to moan, Mona might have anyway.

Lakewood's Pizza Casa might serve square-shaped pizza, but the tiny joint is anything but square. It's old-school cool, and tough as hell. Cerello's Pizza couldn't capitalize on it's central Tacoma location and fell hard to the Casa with only 30 percent of the votes. Could Pizza Casa's cocktail pictorial paper placemats have anything to do with the win. Delbrocco's might want to ponder that when they face the Lakewood powerhouse March in Second Round action.

Let's weed through the toppings. The following are advacing to the next round:

• The Cloverleaf Pizza
• Joeseppi's Italian Ristorante
• Delbrocco's
• Pizza Casa

Today's Competition (CLOSED)

OK. time to move on to today's pizza battles. Vote for one pizza joint per battle.

Vic's Pizzeria vs. Pizzeria La Gitana

An Olympia powerhouse, and rightful number two seed in the Tournament of Pizza bracket's South Region, Vic's Pizzeria of Olympia is expected by most professional pizza prognosticators (say that three times fast) to cruise to victory on the back of their well-earned reputation, classic hand-tossed New York style pies - available with conventional toppings or those only a Greener could love - and overall awesomeness. However, it would also be foolish to sleep on Yelm's Pizzeria La Gitana, a relative new comer, but a 15 seed boasting a young squad with lots of upside. Word on the street is La Gitana, which popped up to Yelm's delight in a former coffeehouse, makes a tasty wood-fired pizza.

Figaro's Pizza vs. Casa Mia

Casa Mia has built a pizza and Italian food empire of sorts. Born in Hoquiam of all places, and built into what it is today in the restaurant's Lacey and Olympia locations almost 30 years ago, Casa Mia's pizzas have put so many award banners in their proverbial arena rafters that the restaurant is approaching dynasty status. However, has Casa Mia simply been so good for so long that the bracketologist (read: readers who seeded this thing) have started to take the restaurant for granted? A 10 seed? Really? Well, we'll see when Casa Mia takes on the seventh seeded Figaro's (and their mustacheod mascot), in a battle of mini-franchises. Is an upset in the works?

Farrelli's Woodfire Pizza vs. Ramblin Jacks

There may be multiple Farrelli's locations, but each one feels so independent that the Tournament of Pizza bracketolgists (again, read: readers who seeded this thing) voted to include both the DuPont Farrelli's as a No. 5 seed in the South Region, and the Tacoma Farrelli's as a No. 6 seed in the Downtown Tacoma region. Today, Farrelli's of DuPont battles Olympia institution and 11^th seeded Ramblin Jacks, the tasty leader of the Ramblin Jack's empire (see: the Mercado, i.Talia Pizzeria and the Rib Eye). There's no denying the wood-fired, family friendly atmosphere of Farrelli's should equate to a tough pie to defend on the hardwood, but will it be able to match the tenacity of well-conceived Ramblin Jack's favorites like the Smoked Pork Shoulder pizza? The voting will decide. ...

Smitty's Authentic Chicago Style Food vs. Ricardo's

Ricardo's in Lacey is not the type of place you think of when you think of pizza. Steaks? Sure. But it's understandable that the restaurant's pies are flying into the Tournament of Pizza under the radar of most. But as we all know, an "us against the world" mentality can go a long way toward bringing a team together. Smitty's, on the other hand, enters the Big Dance with a lot of hype (co-publisher and occasional food writer Ken Swarner has personally endorsed this pizza), and - perhaps more importantly - Smitty's carries a serious, Chicago-style size advantage. This is the type of pie you need two hands to carry home in the box -able to fill you up in all the right ways. So, what will happen? Smitty's probably has the more "talented" pizza on paper, but as we all know the Tournament of Pizza isn't played on paper (it's played with mouse clicks).

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011 >>>

1. Quite honestly, when the Red Elvises play the Swiss in Tacoma - a long running tradition - the results are usually epic. Tonight should be no different. Or if that's not your musical cup of tea, click here for the Volcano's comprehensive live local music listings.

2. Wednesdays are synonymous with a few things, including the oft-used, always sure to inspire a middle school giggle, "Hump Day." But Chalet Bowl in the Proctor District has a different adjective they like to use - wacky - as in the weekly Wacky Wednesday. It's all you can bowl for two whole hours - 9-11 p.m.-and it'll only cost you $5.50 per person.

3. Like a man in a black hat? Try Robbie Walden & the Gunslingers at Jazzbones tonight.

4. In 2006 the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation helped create the Youth Against Violence Initiative - a local group partnering community leaders, activists, professionals and (most importantly) area youths in an effort to reduce youth violence and build an "engaged community that fosters a sense of hope and optimism among our community and young people," according to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation website. Today, members of the Youth Against Violence Initiative will discuss their efforts with the Tacoma City Club.

5. Tax time is soon approaching. And it can be scary. Today in Puyallup, ease your fears with the Tax Information & Assistance class at the Puyallup Public Library.

ERIN GO BRA (LESS) >>>

Everybody's favorite excuse to get wasted in the middle of the day - like you needed an excuse - and profess dubious Irish heritage hit sthe South Sound Thursday.

Check out our round-up of St. Patrick's Day parties here.

DINING NEWS, NIBBLES AND BITS >>>

Tap This: Recognizing the burgeoning craft beer market in the Tacoma area, five local watering holes - The Red Hot, The Parkway Tavern, Doyle's Public House, The Swiss, and Engine House No. 9 - have joined forces for a monthly beer event.  Every second Monday of the month - that's tonight people - the five locally owned and operated joints will simultaneously tap a fresh cask of ale at 6 p.m. then yell "Tap Night Tacoma is on!" The Red Hot will tap Iron Horse Brewing Oaked IPA, The Parkway will unleash Schooner Exact Imperial Project Porter, Doyle's will pour Wexford's Irish Ale, The Swiss will serve Hales Dry-Hopped Mongoose IPA and Engine House No. 9 will tap their E-9 Amarillo IPA.

Sushi Deal: TWOKOI Japanese Cuisine in Tacoma has extended its Endless Roll Special through March. For $19 you can order as many full-size rolls, in their Sushi Bar, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Wine Monday: The Rosewood Café discounts their glasses of wine to $5 every Monday.

Future Things Are Coming: Toscanos Café & Wine Bar in Puyallup hosts a "Martini Madness Cooking Class" at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20. More details at 253.864.8600.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide

KING OF SUEDE >>>

Weird Al Yankovic really needs no introduction. He preceded the Jerky Boys, he made Michael Jackson think twice about wearing red leather, he may have caused the disappearance of Canadian band Crash Test Dummies. The king of musical parodies will performThursday, Sept. 15 at the Puyallup Fair. Ticket prices are $50 golden circle, $40 infield, $20 grandstand or $11 to stand outside the grandstand and listen to "Eat It" while ice cream drips all over your Disneyland sweatshirt.

Tickets will go on sale for this concert at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19 through the Fair's website: www.thefair.com/concerts. Ticketmaster is out of the picture.

This week ...

What: DeRosa's fish taco de-virginization

Where: Mazatlan Restaurant, downtown Puyallup

When: During happy hour

Happy hour days: Monday-Thursday

Happy hour times: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. - close

All day happy hour: Sundays

Happy hour located: In the bar

Was I happy: Oh, you betcha!

For more than an hour: HELL. YES.

For the full story, click here.