Tacoma's favorite stonercore rock band is at it again. Cody Foster Army, also known as C.F.A., has just released its second music video in a series of four. "Sons of the Soil" is now available on The Ripple Effect's website as part of a worldwide release.

C.F.A. called in the troops for this one, with filming by Jack Saffle, better known for shooting pro skaters for the past 10 years. Saffle brought with him Addie Stonack and Jaynee Schmidtke to capture multiple perspectives, adjusting lighting and camera angles and hanging from the ceiling.

The effect is Cody Foster and bandmates - Dave Takata and "Reno" Dave Marseillan - portray little people on stage with crazy corpse paint and sweet dance moves.

Did CFA need a Kickstarter campaign to pull this off? Nope, just $13 and a few sore appendages.

A chat with Foster reveals he is still recovering (knee braces and all) from the filming of the video, which happened to coincide with his 40th birthday.

"I shit you not - I could not walk for two days," said Foster. "But, it was a lot of fun. We're always tongue-in-cheek, and it's working for us."

"Kick Rocks" was the band's first video and Foster says to expect live footage on their third release, including candid shots with friends at local bars.

P.S. Catch CFA live at Olympia Hempfest, Sunday Funday and Music and Art in Wright Park.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 2013 >>>

1. Film is called a medium, but mainstream filmmakers don't employ it in the manner of other artistic media like oils or clay. That's been left to art-film craftsmen like Devon Damonte, who's currently exhibiting handmade, camera-free movie film loops and related graphalia homages and maps to Olympia's historic "Marker Trees," The Hard Rubber Washi Company and others in his "What's the Rub?" show at Northern in downtown Olympia. Damonte and Ruth Hayes taught an animation class this summer at The Evergreen State College and the last day of class culminates with a handmade motion graphics show and party at 7 p.m. in Northern. Expect well-established avant-garde techniques like montage and fast-motion. Don't blink.

2. Pint Defiance hosts Bellingham brewery Boundary Bay for tastes and giggles. Founded in 1995, the brewery has become synonomous with its hometown, and continues to churn out awesome beers at a breakneck pace. From 5-7 p.m. raffle prizes, Imperial IPA, Single Hop Pale and more.

3. Continuing its tour of free area music in the park type summer events, this week the Volcano's girlfriend-activity Doppler highlights Tunes @ Tapps, a weekly musical gathering in Bonney Lake that happens every Wednesday through Aug. 28. At 6:30 p.m. Tunes @ Tapps welcomes The Coats, a vocal band born in front of the cinnamon rolls vendor at Seattle's famous Pike Place Market.

4. Vinum Lounge hosts a comedy show every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. According to our calendar, Reggie X, DD and Ms. Genesis Grizzly will add laughs to the joint at 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Ashyknlicks, and introducing DJ IC, expect a comedy show as interesting as the participants' names.

5. More than anything else, singer songwriter Jim Page is a walkin', singin' acerbic commentary on life.  His lyrical style resembles that of Arlo Guthrie or Bruce Springsteen; rock words trapped inside a folk singer's music. You can't ignore his direct style and compelling message.  Open your ears and mind at 7 p.m. when Page performs at A Rhapsody In Bloom on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue.

LINK: Wednesday, July 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Opera Alley, arguably Tacoma's most charming street, will soon be home to B Sharp Coffee House, slated to open early August. Adding to the street's already bewitching vibe, coffee, beer, wine and music will soon be flowing.

It's owner Dennis Ellis's first venture into the food/drink business, and he hopes to combine it with his love of music. "I have been a musician for many years, playing the saxophone at different venues, and have always had a dream of opening a place of my own," he says. "We want to focus on roots music: blues, jazz, bluegrass and country."

Coffee is the star at B Sharp, and it's meant to be savored. They will feature Bluebeard Coffee, a Tacoma favorite. "We'll have a focus on slow coffee, with Chemex, pour over, vacuum pot and French press," says Ellis. "We want people to enjoy the coffee they are drinking, sit down and enjoy it."

Also on the menu will be handmade sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, pastries from Corina Bakery and Mad Hat teas. Stop by later in the day for craft beer, Belgian ales and wine.

Look for the coffee house to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and 2 a.m. Saturdays, closed Sunday.

TUESDAY, JULY 23 2013 >>>

1. Coming from the mountain town of Bishop, Calif., the cello-and-banjo duo The Littlest Birds does well in capturing the sort of humbly catchy Dust Bowl-era folk that used to dominate lonely radio stations on long stretches of desolate country road. David Huebner's utilization of the cello is particularly inspired, capturing as it does both the sound and feel of the genre's requisite fiddle, while lending a certain depth that would have been lost without an upright bass or something similar. Catch themat 10 p.m. in Le Voyeur.

2. The film In The House centers on Germain (Fabrice Luchini), a high school literature teacher who regards his students as "barbarians" who can't write. But as he's grading papers one day, Germain reads the essay of a teenager named Claude (Ernst Umhauer), who captivates his instructor with a well-written piece about a classmate and his house: For a long time, Claude used to sit in the park across from the house, admiring it and its "holy family." He wants to see what life is like inside, so he befriends the classmate, Rapha (Bastien Ughetto), by offering to tutor him in math. Faced with this gifted and unusual pupil, the teacher rediscovers his enthusiasm for his work, but the boy's intrusion will unleash a series of uncontrollable events. The film screens at 1:40 and 6:55 p.m. at The Grand Cinema.

3. Add Victorian style to your correspondence by creating a steampunk greeting card with paper crafter Rachel Collins from 3-5 p.m. at the Summit Library.

4. The Beatniks, Seattle's most famous cover band ('60s-'80s) will perform an outside concert at Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor beginning at 6:30 p.m.

5. Every Tuesday night at Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way Leanne Trevalyan hosts an acoustic open mic at 8 p.m.

LINK: Tuesday, July 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Three years ago, a team of Swedish divers and researchers discovered what is considered the world's oldest unopened champagne in a shipwreck believed to be from the early 19th century in the Baltic Sea. However, the Swedes found another liquid treasure - a couple of bottles of unopened beer from the same era. The champagne was kept intact. What about the beer?

They drank it; even more startling was the fact that they actually liked it. Horrified Swedish beer experts shuddered. However, they admitted they'd be tempted to take a swig, too.

Oh c'mon, it was all in the name of science, right? And beer science at that!

Pacific Brewing and Malting, a new Tacoma based brewer who will open later this year, will put an American and scientific spin on a beer treasure from the past, too. They managed to get a hold of unopened bottles of 100-year-old beer. Hardly sunken treasure - the beer was discovered in an old California hotel.

OK, old beer. Nice.

The story continues. ... The beer is an extra special find for these Tacomans. The found beer was brewed locally by its predecessor of the same name, Pacific Brewing. The original company was the second largest beer producer in Washington state in the early 1900s. Due to prohibition in the state in 1916, the brewery relocated to California and underwent significant business changes.

Read more...

MONDAY, JULY 22 2013 >>>

1. In the same way that sharks must keep swimming to keep breathing, it seems guitarist Rafael Tranquilino must fuse genres across various musical projects in order to stay afloat. His arrangements incorporate blues, funk, rock, funk, ska, metal, reggae, Latin and jazz-fusion. As accomplished as he is varied, Tranquilino can be seen every Monday night as host of Stonegate Pizza's rockin' blues, if not experimental, jam. He's one of the best guitarists in the South Sound.

2. If you've noticed we're pushing local breweries lately, you've caught us. We can't stay away from local beer. Plus, there's something about a local brewery that screams perfect date night. A couple pints of lager, a couple side salads, a doggy bag for the happy couple. ... Powerhouse Restaurant and Brewery in Puyallup offers a pasta and pint combination every Monday that's easy on the wallet. Buy pasta off the menu and get any one of Powerhouse's seven beers free of charge.

3. Tacoma Rainiers games are pretty exciting. At 7 p.m. the Rainiers battle the Tucson Padres at Cheney Stadium. Who wants to stick it to Tucson?

4. The Jho Blenis and Shelly Ely Band will fill The Swiss with blues at 8 p.m.

5. The 2013 Best of Olympia "Best Band" winner Erev Rav performs at 8 p.m. in The Royal Lounge. The Klezmer orchestra delivers a kaleidoscope of original compositions and traditional melodies infused with funk, reggae, bee bop, rock and Latin rhythms.

LINK: Monday, July 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, JULY 21 2013 >>>

1. People like eating outside, and they'll stop at almost nothing to do it. They will choke down steaming food as mysterious water droplets rain down from air conditioners above. Crowd a party of eight into one pitiful corner of shade. Inhale exhaust fumes along with aromas of fine wine. At The Social Bar and Grill next to the Museum of Glass, the only negative aspect of dining on its patio is trying to find a table. It's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping sangria (pitchers $10) on the spacious patio and watch condo residents walk their dogs while kids twirl in front of the Martin Blank's "Fluent Steps" glass and water installation and boats putter by. Come Sunday afternoon, tables mean nothing as resident DJ Mr. Melanin and rotating guests spin an eclectic and extremely tasteful selection of lounge, bossa nova and electro soul music 2-6 p.m. This quadruple threat of delicious shareable nibbles, booze, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Sundaze."

2. Tacoma Musical Playhouse's second production of Ragtime (the first was seven years ago) is as trenchantly absorbing as Downton Abbey. Ragtime is a show about how America gets made, one sweeping change at a time, one small life at a time, one gut decision at a time. It was a work in progress a century ago and still is. You'll find yourself humming its main theme days later, hoping its idealistic characters built a nation they could love. It hits the Curtis High School stage at 2 p.m. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Ragtime in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

3. The Blues Vespers inside the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in North Tacoma will feature lthe Little Bill Trio with Rod Cook and Tom Morgan beginning at 5 p.m.

4. Ten comedians battle for $2,500 first prize at 8 p.m. in the Tacoma Comedy Club. 

5. In case you were wondering whether Dog Jaw were as aggressive as their name might suggest, the answer is a resounding yes. The opening track on the Olympia punk outfit's album, Slow to Build, begins with what sounds like dogs howling and whimpering, before guitars slowly begin to emerge, and a full-on sonic assault is enacted. Much like the album's title hints, most of Dog jaw's songs begin as stony headbangers before morphing into thrashing screeds.Catch the band at 10 p.m. with Hot Fruit and Arrington De Dionyso's Malaikat Dan Singa in Le Voyeur.

LINK: Sunday, July 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SATURDAY, JULY 20 2013 >>>

1. Doyle's Public House is hosting its first annual "Smoke Off" from 4-7 p.m. It has nothing officially to do with Initiative 502. Rather, it's a smoked meat competition with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting F.I.S.H. Food Banks of Pierce County. Anyone can enter, and everyone who attends is a judge. For $20 you may sample every cook of ribs and other meaty categories and help pick the winner. So shove your pockets full of moist towletts and help support an organization that fed 140,000 families in Pierce County last year.

2. Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival throws local art, music, food and more onto the streets of downtown Gig Harbor from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

3. Oh, Lakefair. You seductive  tramp. Every year you roll through Oly, wafting your carnival of appeals, your treasures of artistic desire, your car shows, your cotton candy, your Queens, your nights of beer. And every time you draw us into the revelry. You're the party that completes us, Lakefair. We just can't deny you. You're the one for us. Except for that one time we made out with that Funtastic chick after shots at the Clipper. What the hell was that all about? Anyway, click here for today's recommended Lakefair music, including C-Average's last show ever.

4. Having relocated to the South Sound, Jake Frye, an English teacher, found a bassist in one of his former students, Derek Reed. Suddenly, the prospect of sharing Jesus on the Moon became a reality. The two of them, along with a drum machine, began showing Jesus on the Moon to audiences. Jesus on the Moon tends toward a sort of jumpy, Devo-ish vibe. Simple drum machine patterns run under fairly unadorned electric guitars, creating a gently driving momentum, on some songs. Other songs up the spaced-out moodiness, like "Divide" and "In a Spell." Still, songs like "Proletariat Rock" could pass for Dave Edmunds outtakes. Check them out with Tortilla Flat at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge. Read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature on Jesus on the Moon in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

5. Members of the Pacific Northwest reggae community have come together to form Stay Grounded -  a band rich in experience and new in concept. Join their good vibe with Ethan Tucker  and I Rain at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

LINK: Saturday, July 20 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, JULY 19 2013 >>>

1. If you know Lynn Di Nino, you know she's a quirky Tacoma artist who always makes a big splash in whatever she does - from the 100th Monkey parties, to rolling heads downhill on First Night, to her Suitcase Sightings. One of Di Nino's ongoing projects is the monthly Tripod Slideshow. The July 19 edition is titled "Quirky Tacoma," and features images submitted by both amateurs and professionals of quirky, iconic or offbeat images of Tacoma. Laugh-master Doug Mackey emcees the show, which is divided in three sections. About 200 pictures will be shown on a digital projector, and NOT an actual slide projector, because that would be almost as antiquated as, say, sending something by snail mail. Catch it at 7 p.m. in Madera Furniture Company's showroom.

2. Now in its fifth year, the annual Summer Garden Party at the W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park has proven to be a delightful evening showcasing a Tacoma gem. It's a fun social time for people to come and enjoy the conservatory and mingle. Scheduled for Friday, music by classical and rock violinist Grace Youn will be performed outside in the gazebo adjacent to a roped-off wine garden in view of lush perennials. Expect raffle prizes during its 5:30-7 p.m. run.

3. Bring your picnic supper and the whole family and participate in games, music and dancing of the mid-1800s during 19th Century Family Night from 6-9 p.m. at Fort Nisqually in Point Defiance Park. Kids of all ages will enjoy the special firings of the candy cannon throughout the evening. Lemonade and ice cream will be available while supplies last.

4. Tacoma Musical Playhouse's second production of Ragtime (the first was seven years ago) is as trenchantly absorbing as Downton Abbey. Ragtime is a show about how America gets made, one sweeping change at a time, one small life at a time, one gut decision at a time. It was a work in progress a century ago and still is. You'll find yourself humming its main theme days later, hoping its idealistic characters built a nation they could love. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Ragtime in Northwest Military's Music & Culture section.

5. Death By Stars' post-punk-rock-psychedelia makes you DANCE. at 9 p.m., come experience Death By Stars live at the Harmon Tap Room with guests Battersea (SEA) and Souvenir Driver (PDX). "This night is all about the local love," says Death By Stars guitarist Patrick Galactic, "and there's gonna be a LOT of it!"

LINK: Friday, July 19 arts and entertainment events in the greater TAcoma and Olympia area

THURSDAY, JULY 18 2013 >>>

1. March 15, 44 B.C., conspirators murdered Julius Caesar on the steps of the Senate in Rome, and an immortal tale of power and politics was born (and the Roman empire was just fine, thank you very much). At some point in your life, you've probably encountered Shakespeare's version of this story inside a dark theater, but if there's one location that does immortal tales of power struggles (and politics) even better it's when Julius Caesar is performed outside our own state capitol. This is an official reminder to go see the Animal Fire Theatre's version of this timeless piece of politcal tragedy at 6:30 p.m. Standing Rome only, unless you bring a chair.

2. The ever-popular Art Bus pushes off at 6 p.m. from the Tacoma Art Museum. For the uninitiated, the Art Bus is a tour of art exhibitions and galleries around Tacoma. But it's really so much more than that. Every excursion on the Art Bus has a different local celebrity tour guide, free pizza from Puget Sound Pizza, games, prizes and a "bus-load of fun." The tentative schedule for this month's Art Bus is as follows: Freighthouse Square, Clara Spa, Proctor Art Gallery, Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio, 253 Collective, Brick House Gallery, Embellish Multispace Salon, Hilltop Heat Concert Series and Bleach. Tickets are $10, or $20 for VIP (includes VIP bag), and is available at brownpapertickets.com.

3. Capital Lakefair has launched along Capitol Lake in Olympia, with all its debauchery, carnies, high school folks you'd rather not see, Demo Burgers, janky rides, over-priced games and the saving grace of it all - tons of music! The Hard Way plays the stage at Lakefair around 9 p.m. The Hard Way are one of those bands that are a staple in Olympia - helping shape the music scene, always rocking no matter the weather, the mood or the crowd. They are true Oly talent - with Scott Taylor's nimble fingers and easy voice and the band's many influences that create a grungy, peaceful, angry, awesome, harmonic and psychedelic sound. See them live. It's like comfort food.

4. He is more than a "rapper." He's not your average MC either. He's a legendary writer, freestyle MC and a member of another legend's crew - Marley Marl's famed Juice Crew. He is called by the name Craig G and he will headline Word 3rd Thursday at 9 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge. Craig G will be hosted by Tacoma's own Josh Rizeberg and Shigg Tha Rhythmspeaker with DJ Seabefore (206 Zulu) and DJ Cues (206 Zulu) as they celebrate the album release of L.O.E.E.'s, The Marauders.

5. Mugen Hoso are a two-piece rock band from Japan. They sound like the perfect mix of the Clash and the Ramones. They do not sing in English, and their harmonies are outlandishly good. Needless to say, they are fucking awesome. Seen in concert, Mugen Hoso are whirling dervishes of energy. All of the feeling confined to the minimalist arrangement of one drum set and one guitar is expelled in torrents of sweat and gigantic sound.Catch them at 10 p.m. with Red Red Red and the Mona Reels in Le Voyeur.

LINK: Thursday, July 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area