THURSDAY, AUG. 28 2014 >>>

1. If you're one of these mixed up people who enjoy summer, it stands to reason that you wouldn't want summer to end so soon. So, why not attend a totally rad party at The New Frontier Lounge that promises Eternal Summer. No word on whether refunds will be offered in the event that summer should end. In addition to the always welcome beats of Eliot Lipp, there will be cool synths brought by the lovely Lobsana and the incredibly new band Crater. If you can stand dancing in this dumb weather, that is encouraged, as is beach attire, beginning at 9 p.m.

2. The public is invited to celebrate the reinstallation of "Children's Bell" by Larry Anderson from 2-3 p.m., in the park at 3825 Ruston Way, in Tacoma. Anderson will be present at this event, along with Tacoma City Councilmember David Boe, representatives from Washington Partnerships for Action Voices for Empowerment (PAVE), and members of the Tacoma Arts Commission. The sculpture was commissioned as a gift to the citizens of Tacoma from PAVE and other private donors to celebrate the life, spirit and accomplishments of PAVE founder and director Marty Gentili (May 26, 1942-Feb. 28, 1993).

3. Will Eno, a playwright (and Pulitzer finalist) born in 1965, was cocky enough to write his own, 21st-century take on Our Town. The resulting script, Middletown, is less than four years old, so it truly is about the meaning of life in our time. Its ad copy emphasizes the arc of life from birth to death, and that's a fair summation of the play. An anti-Seinfeld, it's a show about everything. It's loaded with jokes, but none are delivered as jokes. We laugh a few seconds later, having solved a mental puzzle. Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Middletown in the Music & Culture section., then catch it at 8 p.m. at Harlequin Productions.

4. You should really stop reading this right now. Seriously. It isn't that Searching for Sugar Man's plot developments are gotcha!-like, but this documentary does boast some bowl-you-over reveals best experienced blind. Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul treks his camera to South Africa to investigate the legend of Rodriguez, a '70s-era singer-songwriter long rumored dead. Hidden behind long, flowing hair and dark glasses, he sang in folk music bars with his back turned to the audience. His first album got a rare four-star review from Billboard. Neither it nor the second one sold well, and the story seemed to end there. Bendjelloul traces him to South Africa where the singer's music became anthemic for the anti-apartheid Voëlvry movement of the Afrikaans counterculture, and the musician, with his hazy origins and questionable demise, became an icon. OK, that's enough. Grab your lawn chair, maybe a longhaired wig and dark sunglasses, and head to Olympia's Sylvester Park at 8 p.m. for an outdoor screening of Searching for Sugar Man.

5. Readers voted the Kareem Kandi Band Best Jazz Band in our 2014 Best of Tacoma issue. Catch this amazing jazz band for free at 8:30 p.m. in the Hotel Murano's lobby.

LINK: Thursday, Aug. 28 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, AUG. 24 2014 >>>

1. During the Napoleonic war in 1814, Denmark lost control over Norway, a territory it had held for more than 300 years. Unable to cope, Danes hit the Copenhagen bars, a force that still has a hold on them, often times until 5 a.m. Sunday morning. Norwegian leaders quickly came together to craft a constitution that would establish their land as an independent country. Inspired by the still-relatively new Constitution of the United States (and by older French philosophy), Norway's constitution, signed in the mountain retreat of Eidsvoll May 17, 1814, created a democratic government with a balanced federal authority. With only a few amendments, it has been in continuous force ever since, making it the oldest such constitution in Europe. An exhibition celebrating this remarkable document opened on May 17, 2014 (the constitution's 200th anniversary), at the Eidsvoll Center in Norway - and now that same exhibition opens at 1 p.m. today in the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University Aug. 24. The exhibition, "1814-2014: Red White and Blue-Norwegian Constitution, American Inspiration," is made up of works by 10 renowned Norwegian modern artists - together it's a visual exploration of themes ranging from freedom and stability to the struggles facing democracy and globalization. Each of the 10 chosen artists submitted several works: bold, colorful graphics; subtle ink drawings and photographs; and oil paintings, sculptures and mixed media.

2. Love Our Local Fest, in its fourth year, takes place from 1-9 p.m. at the corner of San Francisco Avenue and Bethel Street in Olympia. The eight-hour festival, which is free to the public, will include a couple new highlights this year. "Synergy Space," hosted by Imaginal Arts, is a 30-foot geodesic dome that will house workshops, community conversations and some musical experiences. There will be Evolutionary Astrology with Ari Moshe Wolf. The festival will include a talk given by West Central Park folks. Founder of Imaginal Arts Leon Janssen will host an "Imaginal Salon." A yoga class accompanied by the Bhava Tree Band is also new. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on Love Our Local Fest.

3. The Social Bar and Grill's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping cocktails and old world red wine and watching condo residents walk their dogs. Come Sunday afternoon, resident DJ Mr. Melanin and guest DJs J-Justice, Futurewife, Radius (Chi) and TopSpin spin an eclectic and extremely tasteful selection of lounge, bossa nova and electro soul music 2-6 p.m. This triple threat of delicious happy hour specials, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Dayclub."

4. Readers voted the Kareem Kandi Band Best Jazz Band in our 2014 Best of Tacoma issue, which is on the street today. Catch this amazing jazz band for no cover at 6:30 p.m. in the Cliff House.

5. Ballet Northwest's Young Choreographers Showcase, now in its 3rd year, features 10 world premiere dances created by aspiring young choreographers at 7 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center. The dances range from ballet to modern to jazz and feature a wide array of music styles.

LINK: Sunday, Aug. 24 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 2014 >>>

1. Here's a novel idea: Put rags and ribbons on the floor at the Museum of Glass. After all, there is breakable glass everywhere. Check that. Rags & Ribbons is actually a melodic rock band from Portland, Oregon. The band rocks the anthems, driven by classically-inspired piano. Progressive and post-rock influences by way of Queen, Muse, Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros color their intricate pop songs, expressing desire, yearning, regret and joy like only a band driving through Portland's business district can. The band's debut album, The Glass Masses, features elaborately structured songs with rich harmonies and dramatic hooks. Ah, there's the reason to haul a band up from Oregon: Glass. Rags & Ribbons will perform in MOG's Hot Shop in a party atmosphere featuring live glassblowing, food, drinkies and glass from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

2. Over a dozen local organizations and community projects are banding together for "Reach Out at the Well," a street outreach and volunteer recruitment fair from noon to 2 p.m. the Artesian Commons Park in downtown Olympia. Participating organizations include Community Youth Services, POWER (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights), SideWalk, Thurston County Food Bank, Partners in Prevention Education, Stonewall Youth, the Olympia Free Clinic and others. The Olympia Downtown Ambassadors will also be present. The public can expect to find resources and volunteer opportunities for housing and shelter, youth services, back to school information, free food options, free health services, low-income pet care and more.

3. Kermet Apio is the kind of comic who doesn't feel the need to use graphic language and off-color jokes to get laughs. Apio's style, which blends observational comedy, sarcasm and satire, earned him the top spot at the Seattle International Comedy Festival as well as the Great American Comedy Festival based in Nebraska. He'll bring that crazy humor to Tacoma Comedy Club at 8 and 10:30 p.m.

4. Citing musical influences like Cream, Elvis Costello and Tom Petty, Daniel Kirkpatrick puts a premium on composing songs people can sing to. For him, melody is king. Kirkpatrick and his band, The Bayonets, join Kara Hesse and Whitney Monge for a night of meaningful music at Jazzbones, beginning at 8 p.m. This is the night you drink from the top shelf.

5. Theater Artists Olympia present An Improbable Peck of Plays 3D, a night of one-act plays featuring the directing prowess of Mark Alford, Pug Bujead, Christian Carvajal, Elizabeth Lord, Morgan Picton and Vanessa Postil combined with a stellar cast at 8 p.m. at The Midnight Sun Performance Space.

LINK: Friday, Aug. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

MONDAY, JULY 28 2014 >>>

1. Tacoma has a few Irish traditions. One of them is going to Doyle's Public House on St. Patrick's Day and being part of a party so huge that anyone can incidentally wander (stagger?) into St. Helens Avenue and block it like a giant amoeba without having to worry about being arrested or asked to please step aside. Hopefully, here's a new tradition. David McDonnell, author of ClanDonnell, the epic story of Ireland told through the lives of the McDonnell clan and their descendants, will discuss his family history at 7 p.m. in King's Books. Because the first McDonnells were mercenaries called to service in all corners of Ireland, the clan's history is intertwined with the history of the entire island. Immediately following the talk, the group will wander (not stagger) next door for storytelling at Doyle's.

2. A visit to Bill Colby's latest exhibition at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College is like a trip to the beach. The gallery is filled with - by my cursory count - 44 bright paintings dominated by clear blue water and clear blue sky complemented by rocks of bright orange. It's a feast for the eyes, restful and joyous. "The joy of nature is within all of us and in my art work," said Colby in his artist's statement. "'Water and Rocks' has been an evolving theme from 1956 to the present." Read Alec Clayton's full review of Bill Colby's "Water And Rocks: A Journey" in the Music and Culture section, then see the show from noon to 5 p.m.

3. A Most Wanted Man is a taut, tense spy thriller, a fitting swan song for Philip Seymour Hoffman, and a poignant reminder of why he was a most wanted man in Tinseltown. Read Jared Lovrak's review of the film here, then catch it at The Grand Cinema at 1:10, 3:45, 6:20 and 9 p.m.

4. Flamenco dancer and Seattle native Savannah Fuentes presents La Luna Nueva, a presentation of Spanish flamenco music and dance featuring special guest artist, direct from Spain, world renowned flamenco singer Jose Anillo in The New Frontier Lounge at 8 p.m.

5. Podunk Funk will combine elements of jazz, rock, Bluegrass, classical, fun, and many other influences to produce a "jazz-grass and psycho-grass" sound in Rhythm and Rye in downtown Olympia at 8 p.m. 

LINK: Monday, July 28 arts and entertainment event sin the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

SUNDAY, JULY 20 2014 >>>

1. If you think you've been hot the past two weeks, think about how hot those guys in the food trucks must be. The high temp should only reach 70 today so no one should complain about the heat at the Food Truck Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Wright Park. Metro Parks called out to food trucks, and they've answered en masse. Today will mark the one-day, free event featuring trucks and mobile businesses and live entertainment. Schedule businesses driving trucks to the park include Masa, Asado, It's Greek To Me, Lizzie Lou's Comfort Food, Celebrity Cake Studio, Lumpia World, Josefina's Taco Truck Pampeana empanadas, Budha Bear Bagels and others.

2. If you've got a girlfriend, you probably know what season it is: the free outdoor festival season. You've probably hit just about every free music-in-the-park event, free drum circle and free farmers market since April. Well, this weekend prepare for a trip over the bridge, for the annual Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival, where 122 artists (plus the obligatory vendors), live music and family activities will take over Judson Street in downtown Gig Harbor from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go ahead, get your face painted.

3. The sun is hiding today after what felt like a 10-year summer. Head inside today to catch some local theater today. 

4. The Social Bar and Grill's patio is a lovely spot to while away a weekend afternoon, sipping cocktails and old world red wine and watching condo residents walk their dogs. Come Sunday afternoon, 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 triple threat of delicious happy hour specials, sun and hip tunes is known as Tacoma's only daytime summer party, "Dayclub."

5. What might have come across as a bit of cheeky, gimmickry with the Cave Singers, has coalesced into an easy and natural product. Combining members of punk bands such as Pretty Girls Make Graves and Murder City Devils into a folk-rock band (right at the apex of Seattle's neo-folk inundation, mind you) surely must have struck some as a stunt, but the band's seventh year on the scene shows them settling into a welcome groove. Their tour finds them breezing through The New Frontier with No Grave for a rare Sunday 8 p.m. show, so it'd behoove you to catch them.

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

FRIDAY, JULY 11 2014 >>>

1. Dudley Taft may well be the best white, Cincinnati-based blues artist you've never heard of, despite the fact that he toured with Seattle's own Alice in Chains and Candlebox. But wait, you say, Alice in Chains and Candlebox aren't blues bands. You're right! Now wipe that smug look off your face. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Dudley Taft has mastered both hard rock and electric blues, and his new CD, Screaming in the Wind, delivers a paint-peeling firestorm of both. The album and its debut single, a Skip James cover called "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" and accompanied by an awesome Star Trek-themed video, came out in May, but it's new to you so let's just call his 8 p.m. appearance at Jazzbones a CD release party. Trust us, this guy can rock you like your back ain't got no bones.

2. One of the original Artists in Residence at Hilltop Artists, as well as an art education advocate, Therman Statom will be featured on the Museum of Glass's Hot Shop Live from noon to 1 p.m. This Hot Shop Live webisode will not only highlight Statom's artwork and community service, but also his relationship with Hilltop Artists. Executive Director Kit Evans and Mayor Marilyn Strickland will join Statom for a discussion during the webisode. The show is open to the public and is free with Museum admission. For those who cannot attend, Hot Shop Live can be streamed here.

3. Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the classic Beatles movie A Hard Day's Night. The Grand Cinema proudly showed three select screenings of a newly restored print of the film to celebrate the occasion. Due to the film' s overwhelming popularity, tickets sold out almost immediately and a lot of Beatles fans and Grand patrons alike didn't get a chance to see it. That's why The Grand is screening three more showings this week, including today at 1 p.m. Read Jared Lovrak's thoughts on the film here.

4. Remember last autumn when Dukesbay Productions opened Driving Miss Daisy, and it was such a crazy pre-holiday weekend that I didn't have time to see it? Well, Dukesbay is now reprising that show with the very talented Syra Beth Puett in its title role. Malcolm West returns as chauffeur Hoke Colburn, and Miss Daisy's son Boolie will be played by ... wait for it ... Robert Puett. Catch it at 7:30 p.m. in the old Corina Bakery spot at 508 Sixth Ave. in Tacoma.

5. Like a crow that is dark, intelligent and resourceful - schooling its children in the ways of life, so do Wolves in the Throne Room school their listeners in the ways of earthy black metal. Sometimes ambient, sometimes thunderous, always with radical environmentalism in mind, Wolves will remind you of the very roots and rock and flesh to which we all belong. An alpha and omega, if you will, of everything black metal, Scandinavian, doom and crust. They throw an amazing, angry and skilled respect to all things elemental through their use of voice, thrash and drums. The band plays at 9 p.m. at the Capitol Theater with Nommo Ogo and DA Terence. This is the band's first stop on a mini-tour down the west coast celebrating the release of its new album, Celestite, on Artemisia Records.

LINK: Friday, July 11 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THURSDAY, JULY 10 2014 >>>

1. Since really wonderful summertime food comes off the grill, the idea that chilled white wine is a good general summer drink becomes nonsensical. More often, room-temperature red wine should be the libation of choice. The marriage of a delicately gamey grilled leg of lamb with a complex yet fruity Pinot Noir, or a perfectly charred hamburger, smothered in caramelized onions and chased by a robust, peppery Zinfandel: Well, isn't this what life is worth living for? Dorian Woodson from Cru Selections knows. He has the scoop on tasty summer reds, which he'll reveal 5-7 p.m. in the STINK Tank wine bar. For $5, you may taste five summer reds, enjoy summer snacks and chat up why sweet, cold and white should stay away from your grill.

2. The second Thursday of the month, the downtown Gig Harbor community skips floating around on their yachts to host a party. The galleries stay open late, artists hold demonstrations, refreshments are passed out and the music goes live from 5-8 p.m.

3. While Van Halen was telling everyone to "jump," brothers Kurt and Rob Widmer opened their brewery with $50,000. It was a slow start. In 1986, the Widmer Brothers introduced their Hefeweizen to America. The rest is history. In 2008, Widmer and Red Hook merged to form what would later be titled Craft Brew Alliance, the ninth largest brewer in the nation. The Copper Door hosts a Widmer Brothers Brewer's Night from 6-9 p.m. Meet the brewer, chat beer history and drink Citra Blonde, Upheaval IPA, Sason de Fleurs and "other secret squirrel beers."

4. We always enjoy a Big Dipper after tight harmonies. And thank the heavenly bodies, Pacific Lutheran University will, once again, make our dreams come true. The college hosts Jazz Under the Stars, an outdoor jazz concert series followed by rare public entry into their Keck Observatory. The series, a different band every Thursday through Aug. 14, kicks off tonight with four-piece Luigi LaCross in the Mary Baker Russell amphitheater from 7-9 p.m. Ah crap, the observatory is open only for the July 31, Aug. 7 and 14 shows. Well, we'll wish upon a star tonight that someone changes his or her mind.

5. Lakewood Playhouse never seems to disappoint and their most recent production is no exception. People who don't like Monty Python humor, also known as fuddy duddies, might want to skip it but for everyone else, Spamalot (books and lyrics by Eric Idle) will have them laughing, whistling and singing even after the show. Director John Munn's brilliant cast and crew could not have done a better job. Read Joann Varnell's full review of Spamalot in the Music & Culture section, then catch pay-what-you-can show at 8 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, July 10 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

It should be a measure of my love for theater that when I take a break from reviewing South Sound plays, I head to Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival to see a few of theirs. I've had my vacation booked for months, so of course this is the weekend several local troupes elected to debut their latest offerings. We simply can't see them all, so here are two shows we can only preview optimistically.

First, remember last autumn when Dukesbay Productions opened Driving Miss Daisy, and it was such a crazy pre-holiday weekend that I didn't have time to see it? Well, Dukesbay is now reprising that show with the very talented Syra Beth Puett in its title role. Malcolm West returns as chauffeur Hoke Colburn, and Miss Daisy's son Boolie will be played by ... wait for it ... Robert Puett. The critics who did see Driving Miss Daisy last November were very fond of it, so I can only imagine it'll be even better now that everyone but me has the chance to enjoy it. Such is life on the way to the Piggly Wiggly.

DRIVING MISS DAISY, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through July 27, Dukesbay Productions, 508 6th Ave. #10, Tacoma, $15, 253.267.0869

Second, when the press release for a play, in this case Jean Genet's classic one-act The Maids, describes it as "infamous and sexy," it tends to capture my attention. Then, when I see that show is helmed by one of our most detail-conscious directors, Marilyn Bennett of Toy Boat Theatre, I start kicking myself for not taking my Ashland vacation a week later. This'll be an especially interesting production, as it's staged in the back of King's Books after hours. Apparently its script is such a carnival of sexual and gender perversity that it earned raves from Jean-Paul Sartre. I mean, that's not only French and intellectual but kinky! Sold! You'd better act fast, though, as the show will have only four performances with limited seating each night.

THE MAIDS, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through July 19, King's Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, $10, 253.272.8801

Between Joann Varnell and myself, we are taking in an Oz-themed The Tempest at Olympia Little Theatre and Young Frankenstein at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Watch for reviews of those productions soon.

In the meantime ... "Pu'in' onna Riiiitz!" Sorry. Had to get that out of my system.

SATURDAY, JULY 5 2014 >>>

1. He's not the new king of pop yet, but Ben Union makes a pretty good Adam Levine. Union frames his prodigious and rock solid talent - soulful vocals, a danceable funk groove, irresistible pop hooks - with passion and showmanship. Imagine the music of Maroon 5 and Train being forced occasionally through the Red Hot Chili Peppers backbeat, grabbing Fred Hammond's soul and then pumped out Levine's larynx, and you have a pretty good idea of the kind of sound Ben Union and his band can produce. While most of Union's songs don't stray too far from the characteristic blend of funk and soulful rock, some of his best moments are the more mellow tunes, such as "Angeles" - which will most likely be front and center at 8 p.m. as Union will perform solo at The Spar in Old Town Tacoma.

2. The craft of blacksmithing is waning, even as the art of wrought iron is on the rise, working its way into art schools. But it's the craft-its usefulness, its dignity and its allure should draw you to Fort Nisqually's Crafts of the Past - Blacksmithing demonstration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ray Baker trained with the NorthWest Blacksmith Association and has participated in workshops with master smiths from Colonial Williamsburg. He has mentored several budding blacksmiths at the Fort, where he has been volunteering for 15 years.

3. Who doesn't like meat off the grill? Well, vegetarians we suppose, but still. Barbecue is pretty damn popular. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the LAcey Chamber of Commerce looks to jump all over this fact with the South Sound BBQ Festival, which returns to Huntamer Park. Admission is free, and yes - the chicken wing eating contest is back.

4. Louie G's Pizza takes its rock as seriously as its oversize pies. Restaurateur Louis Galarza installed professional-grade light and sound equipment, then threw his doors open to the types of bands you may not expect with your meatball calzone. At 6 p.m. he's hosting Montana's heavy-metal trio Hellgate as part of the all-ages Killhate Tour, a fist-pumping demonstration against police brutality and hate crimes everywhere. That's right, Hellgate shreds with a conscience. Guitarist and lead vocalist Joel Floyd West snarls through such retro rockers as "Dear Me" and "Death of Faith" with clarity and conviction, while Scott Daniels' crunching bass lines supply the perfect counterpoint. Also: fried pickle spears. Rawk!

5. Lakewood Playhouse never seems to disappoint and their most recent production is no exception. People who don't like Monty Python humor, also known as fuddy duddies, might want to skip it but for everyone else, Spamalot (books and lyrics by Eric Idle) will have them laughing, whistling and singing even after the show. Director John Munn's brilliant cast and crew could not have done a better job. Read Joann Varnell's full review of Spamalot in the Music & Culture section, then catch the show at 8 p.m.

LINK: Saturday, July 5 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

A decade ago, when the dawn of the digital era produced better, more affordable video cameras, and when over-the-counter VFX software introduced tornadoes and T. rexes to laptop computers, it seemed possible for any old schmo to make a movie. And, to some extent, that was true. Ask Christian Doyle, local actor and star of a popular web series, JourneyQuest. He and his friends are currently in production on The Gamers: Hands of Fate, their fourth feature project. But as Doyle would certainly agree, there's a reason why a new Spielberg isn't popping up in every suburban garage: making movies is hard. Wouldn't it be great if you could just ... order your own movie, as if you were calling out for a pizza?

Now you can! Christian Doyle has you covered yet again. That's because he's also one of the founders of Something Wicked, an in-house improvisational comedy troupe at Harlequin Productions. The gang's new evening of ad-libbed shenanigans is all about performing a movie to your specifications. It's called Double-Double Feature; and if you can imagine it, they can bring it to life before your very eyes. They'll even throw in a couple of jokes at no additional charge.

But wait. Now you have to think of something original? On the spot?

Making movies is haaard!

DOUBLE-DOUBLE FEATURE, 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, Harlequin Productions, 202 4th Ave. E., Olympia, $10-$15, 360.786.0151