TUESDAY, JAN. 22 2013 >>>

1. It's Tuesday, which means another bonus film will be screened at The Grand Cinema. Today's film is The Other Son, the story of 18-year-old Joseph, of Tel Aviv, who signs up for his Israeli army service, he's given a blood test — and some shocking news: He's not his parents' biological child. In the chaos of being born the night in 1991 when the Iraqis lobbed Scud missiles at Israel, baby Joseph was accidentally switched with baby Yacine, an Arab boy. Yacine grows up in the occupied West Bank, the successful son of proud working-class parents. Discover what happens next at1:30 and 8:15 p.m.

2. The work of longtime Tacoma artist and educator Bill Colby is featured in a new exhibition at the Tacoma Public Library's Handforth Gallery at the downtown Main Library. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3. Forty-five years ago John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised black-gloved fist in the air and the whole world took note. That image remains indelible even today. The event was the Olympics in Mexico City. Smith had won the gold medal in the 200 meter race and Carlos had won bronze. They mounted the victory stand and raised their fists in a black power salute as a statement about how far the United States still had to go in its struggle for full civil rights. It was one of the most overtly political statements ever made in the Olympics. Carlos and Smith were called heroes by some, traitors by others. at 7 p.m., in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day John Carlos will give a free talk at University of Puget Sound Schneebeck Concert Hall. The evening will include comments by local and campus leaders and music by Navele Davis and Friends. A reception and a book signing by Carlos, author of The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World, will follow. Tickets are not required. Read Alec Clayton's interview with John Carlos in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

4. Located in the heart of Tacoma's Sixth Avenue, Metronome's open mic is where you will see old Sears/Roebuck guitars and tight corduroy pants. A very dynamic open mic, you will hear a wide variety of music, and will be among an attentive audience of listeners. Hosted every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until closing, Metronome Coffee is a great place to spend your midweek night out and enjoy some great coffee.

5. Tacoma Cabana tiki bar will host the Geeks Who Drinks trivia game at 8 p.m. The game consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the quizmaster; teams write their answers on provided sheets and turn them in at the end of each round. The team with the most points after eight rounds is the winner. Read Pappi Swarner's interview with Quizmaster Holland Hume on the Weekly Volcano's blog, Spew.

LINK: Tuesday, Jan. 22 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FRIDAY, JAN. 18 2013 >>>

1. At 8 p.m., the Backstage Bar and Grill and Puddin' Pie Productions will combine rock music and comedy into one Rockin' Comedy Extravaganza package featuring two bands and five comedians. A line-up of comedians - including Travis Simmons "The Big Funny," Justin Hayes, Greg Baldonado, Jeremy Whitman and Eric "Puddin" Lorentzen - start off the night followed by Hookerfist, a Tool tribute band, and local rockers C.F.A. The event is a NWCZ Radio sponsored listener's party, with on-air host Darrell Fortune playing emcee. Read Nikki McCoy's full feature in the Weekly Volcano's Music section.

2. Bates Technical College will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic march on Washington D.C. and "I Have a Dream" speech with an 11:30 a.m. program that will remember the past and celebrate the future. Spoken word poet Lucas Smiraldo, also known as Vanilla Soul, and local activist and leader from the Civil Rights era Dr. Moses Harris will join Master of Ceremonies and former Bates President Lyle Quasim for the event, which will also feature speeches from Commander Sergeant Major Sherman Fox and Dr. Harris' daughter, Frances Lizette Renée Harris.

3. Members of the Saint Martin's University community will gather at 6 p.m. inside the Worthington Center for its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration honoring the legacy of the prominent human rights activist. Featuring a Southern-style dinner, the evening will include remarks by Tyler Calvi, the University's student body president, and University President Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D. A powerful performance by spoken word poet Chas Jackson will round out the evening.

4. The Social Bar and Grill hosts local creative writing publication Wrist Magazine's launch party Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. Beats provided by DJ Mr. Melanin while you can meet the staff and local authors and nosh on culinary treats and sip on some of the best craft cocktails in town. Tacoma winery 21 Cellars will be in the house too.

5. Talented Tacoma photographers command the Madera Architectural Elements Showroom once a month, illuminating their work and creativity with the visually aided enhancement implied by the name of the series, TRIPOD Slide Shows. Created by Tacoma artist Lynn Di Nino, the night of digital slides features three local photographers and one creative theme.  The next TRIPOD Slide Show slides into Madera from 7-8:30 p.m. featuring 15-minute slide shows by photographers Becky Frehse, Ann Darling and L. Lisa Lawrence under the theme "Footloose and Fancy Free, all over the World."

LINK: Friday, Jan. 18 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Foggy morning followed by party sunny, hi 37, lo 26

Saturday: Cloudy and cold, hi 37, lo 25

Sunday: Partly sunny and cold, hi 35, lo 22

>>> FRIDAY, JAN. 11: WRITING ON WRITING

Have you almost completed that novel? Or has it been done for a while, tucked in a file, waiting the next step? Or maybe you just want to learn more about writing and publishing. Take advantage of Olympia Timberland Library's Writers on Writing event Friday. Geared toward adults and teens, the presentation will highlight local authors of young adult novels, Megan Bostic, Helen Landalf, Kim Derting,and Jennifer Shaw Wolf. In a panel presentation the authors will talk about their novels, the writing process and their path to publication. - Nikki McCoy

• Timberland Regional Libraryn, 6:30 p.m., free, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.352.0595

>>> FRIDAY, JAN. 11: PAMELA REED AT THE BLUE MOUSE

In Kindergarten Cop, Hollywood's Lord of the Abs Ah-nold Schwarzenegger played a typical '80s movie super cop turned dedicated educator of precocious scamps - including a tumor-forewarning death-obsessive and a genitalia expert. Between the opening and closing credits, detective John Kimble saved a school and a family from a ponytailed drug dealer, and ffell in love with a woman and a new profession. But what happened to Kimble's partner Phoebe O'Hara? She got food poisoning, groaned through most of the movie, saved the day then delivered the best one-liner of the flick, "You're not so tough without your car, are you?" Did O'Hara remain a detective? Did she ever marry the guy in the girly robe? You can ask her Friday, or rather the actress that played her, Pamela Reed. The Tacoma native will host a screening of Kindergarten Cop to raise funds for a full acoustic upgrade to the Blue Mouse Theatre's auditorium.

• Blue Mouse Theatre, 7 p.m.,2611 N. Proctor, Tacoma, 253.752.9500

>>> FRIDAY, JAN. 11: WRIST WRITERS READ

Wrist Magazine provides an outlet for the literary minds of Tacoma, for self-expression and for writers to seek true connection to the masses. Friday night, the magazine will host its first ever literary event, which will take place at Metronome Coffee. Readers will include Nick Stokes, Melissa Thayer, Vince Genna, Darryl Small - local actor in the film Rockabye Deadman that premiered late last year at Washington State History Museum - Titus Burley and Weekly Volcano's own Joshua Swainston. — Kristin Kendle

Metronome Coffee, 7 p.m., no cover, 3518 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.301.2375

>>> FRIDAY, JAN. 11-SUNDAY, JAN. 13: THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

In an age of increased physical, mental and now cyber bullying, sometimes leading to extreme consequences, Lakewood Playhouse's presentation of The Children's Hour comes at an apropos time in society. When a malicious youngster starts a rumor about two women teachers who run a school for girls, things get beyond the realm of control as the girl sticks by her story, causing tragedy for everyone involved. This four-weekend run opens Friday night. PARENTAL ADVISORY: This production contains mature themes including: discussion of bullying, homosexuality and suicide. Parental discretion is strongly suggested. — NM

• Lakewood Playhouse, through Feb. 3, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $18-$24, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. SW,  Lakewood, 253.588.0042

>>> SATURDAY, JAN. 12: COVEN, DEMON DOGS

The back bar at McCoy's will surely be busy this Saturday as every leather clad, gravelly-voiced, long-haired or bald-headed hesher in Olympia will be scrunched near the stage - spilling bears and throwing horns - to witness thrash metal legends Coven and old school metal lords Demon Dogs rage the night away. John Boyce, bartender, booker and sound guy at McCoy's, talks about the last time Demon Dogs played, "It was awesome, just crazy energy - they're ferocious." And about Demon Dog's infamous drummer Jerry Ziegler Boyce states, "It's the most demanding thing I've seen him do." If you've ever seen Ziegler in action, then you know Boyce's words hold weight, and you'll be there Saturday night. - NM

• McCoy's, 9 p.m., $4, 418 Fourth Ave, Olympia, 360.352.0696

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
I'm seeing The Children's Hour at Lakewood Playhouse and helping out with a directors' Q&A. I'd also like to catch Zero Dark Thirty to complete my Oscar movie assault.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
With any luck, I'll make it out to the Tacoma Comedy Club to see Kyle Kinane. No joke, guys. He's super funny.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
I'm going to see The Children's Hour at Lakewood Playhouse. Sunday, I'll be watching the Seahawks game before going to a PFLAG meeting.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Making happy hour even happier is my goal today, by garnishing every drink with a sprinkle of magical love dust (just my way of putting forth good vibes, it's not roofies). Saturday is Full Moon Radio, The Hard Way and Glass Elevator at the 4th Ave Tav. where they will garnish every song with a sprinkle of magical love dust. I'm just feeling the love this weekend. Sunday, every 12th man in town is going to spread the love, too. Go Hawks!

TIMOTHY GRISHAM Music Writer
I am losing my mind. Also playing in Porland, Olympia and Seattle all in
three days over the weekend.

STEVE DUNKELBERGER Photog About Town
I'll b seeing The Children's Hour at Lakewood Plyahouse. Sometime this weekend I'll catch the flick Lincoln. In between, I'll be working on my book, Legendary Locals of Lakewood.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
Saturday night I'm following Tacoma band THE FAME RIOT up to Seattle, as they have a show at The Crocodile opening for Ben Union. If you read my article about THE FAME RIOT, you know this will be a worthwhile show. And though the venue is outside our beloved Tacoma music community, the performers are Tacoma bands through and through.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

FRIDAY, JAN. 11 2013 >>>

1. Weekly Volcano art critic Alec Clayton says the "Greek and Roman Mythology" exhibition at Tacoma Community College is outstanding. The operative word is strength - depicted strength of character, purpose and ideology; beauty and strength in the human body, and strong drawing and composition. There is also a lot of humor and wisdom in the way these contemporary South Sound artists react to ancient myths. The artists reception will be from 4-7 p.m.

2. Jeannine Hall Gailey, poet laureate of Redmond, will anchor at 7 p.m. Distinguished Writer Series night at King's Books. Besides penning Becoming the Villainess (Steel Toe Books, 2006) and She Returns to the Floating World (Kistune Books, 2011) Gailey has appeared in American Poetry Review, The Iowa Review and Prairie Schooner. After Gailey's reading, there will be an open mic for local, courageous poets. Sign up is at 6:45 p.m. and all are welcome.

3. Another Amocat Live singer-songwriter concert consumes the Amocat Cafe at 7 p.m., this version featuring the musical talents of John Saunders, Bjorn Parker, Jeremy Bush, Mitchell James, Dave Hannon and house band, the Collaborators. Those in the know will arrive at 5 p.m. for Tacoma Brewing Company brews.

4. The Oly Rocks Sandy! Benefit concertfeaturing The Dave BenSam Trio, The Oly Mountain Boys and The Tune Stranglers will be held at 7 p.m. inside The Royal Lounge. Proceeds will go to New Jersey Strong, a charity helping Hurricane Sandy victims rebuild.

5. Broadway nerds are in for a treat Friday. Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway Song & Dance will consume the Pantages Theater's stage at 7:30 p.m. with songs from hit musicals through the past century. Four veteran Broadway stars and an equally all-star New York band will perform some of the most well-known tunes and choreography from heavy hitters like The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, CATS and Chicago. Read Kristin Kendle's preview of the show here.

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 10 2013 >>>

1. Poet Casey Rocheteau was one of the leaders of the Hampshire Slam Collective from 2004-2007, during which she was a member of the first Hampshire/Five College teams at the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational. Theatrical and totally "in the moment," her performance poetry shakes up the whole infrastructure of the dowdy old poetry world. Rocheteau is a fierce, lyrical acrobat. Catch her at 7 p.m. inside Orca Books in Olympia.

2. Currently at Pacific Lutheran University's Mortvedt Library is "Pressing On," an exhibition to celebrate 30 years of the existence of the Elliott Press. The exhibition consists of broadsides (hand-printed posters), hand-made books and other printed pieces by students who learn and work at the Elliott Press. Pieces include work by Oregon writer Kim Stafford and Copper Canyon Press founder Tree Swenson - both alumni of the Press, along with many other illustrious local artists, writers and editors. Check it out from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3. Parents and Friends for Tacoma Public Schools - a community group dedicated to strengthening the public education system - will host a representative from Tacoma Public Schools Finance Department at 6:30 p.m. inside King's Books. One topic to be covered will be the benefits of passing the school bond next month.

4. The Oly Mountain Boys are stomping their way into the Yew Year. With nine shows booked in the South Sound over the next two months, the bluegrass masters hit The Spar Cafe in downtown Olympia around 8 p.m. The five piece uses all the bluegrass faves - harmonious vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle and bass - to hone a sound that's their own. Plus, they know how to dress. Have you seen the hats they wear?

5. Swing dancing's Africanist cousin, blues dancing, hits the Olympia Eagles Ballroom in the form of OlyBlues every Thursday at 9 p.m. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst-case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone.

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

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Wrist Magazine provides an outlet for the literary minds of Tacoma, for self-expression and for writers to seek true connection to the masses. Friday night, the magazine will host its first ever literary event, which will take place at Metronome Coffee.

On this evening, at least seven contributors to previous issues of Wrist will read from their works. The event is free and punctuated by the deliciousness that is Metronome's selection of coffee, beer, wine and baked goods. After all, can you really get into the full literary experience without a libation of choice?

Readers will include Nick Stokes, Melissa Thayer, Vince Genna, Darryl Small - local actor in the film Rockabye Deadman that premiered late last year at Washington State History Museum - Titus Burley and Weekly Volcano's own Joshua Swainston.

Why should you get up off your cozy couch and go to this event?

"It's substantial," says Wrist publisher Chris Arthur. "Authors are natural storytellers and the chance of hearing them speak their own words out loud gives a sort of buzz to any listener. It also inspires others to be brave and to write."

Wrist Magazine hopes to launch more coming events, perhaps even more in January.

METRONOME COFFEE, FRIDAY, JAN. 11, 7 P.M., NO COVER, 3518 SIXTH AVE., TACOMA, 253.301.2375

CHATTING WITH PRESIDENTS >>>

The University of Puget Sound will blow out 125 candles on its birthday cake March 17, 2013. One hundred and 25 years!The university was founded around the time the Convention of Constantinople was signed, guaranteeing free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during war and peace. The English Football League was also established in March 1888. The Weekly Volcano also believes that was the year people started complaining about the Tacoma streetcars, wishing they had cars to move around more freely.

Anyway, 125 years is a big deal, and the university intends on partying hard this year. You may check out the university's plans at its 125 Anniversary Hub.

Weekly Volcano scribe Nikki McCoy caught up with President Ron Thomas — the university's 13th predident - to discover his favorite memories from his past 10 years as president. Read those memories in Thursday's issue of the Weekly Volcano.

McCoy also asked Thomas what upcoming UPS anniversary happenings thrill him the most.

"It's hard to choose, because there are so many things exciting about the year ahead," Thomas says. "I am pretty excited about the new residence hall now under construction that will be completed this year - a beautiful new building from one of the world's top architects - AIA Gold Medalist Peter Bohlin. It will house upper class students in ‘houses' dedicated to international affairs, environmental policy, the humanities, entrepreneurship, and spirituality and social justice - with great views of Mount Rainier, too."

Thomas also says he's thrilled Nobel Prize-winning writer and activist Wole Soyinka will visit Feb. 7, among a stellar group of artists and intellectuals scheduled to visit the campus in 2013.

"As we celebrate our first 125 years, we look forward to continuing to innovate at Puget Sound, as we always have, to become a leader among the best liberal arts colleges of the future - real, relevant, and always true to ourselves," Thomas says. "I am excited by our $125 million campaign to make sure that happens.

"And what always excites me most is the amazing (and unpredictable) achievements of our students, who surprise me every year in the distinctions they earn. I am looking forward to that," he says.

By the way, he's excited to cheer on the Logger teams and tracking their progress as they make their Drive for 125 wins this year.

"I'm never happier than when I can cheer on our student athletes as they light up the scoreboard," he adds.

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Photographer Michael Kenna is known for his landscapes - bold but tranquil black and white photos of everything from cityscapes to nature, from industrial places to well-known landmarks. What links all his works together is a sense of peace, often achieved by intense study of each subject or location.

To put it plainly, Kenna's photography is really pretty!

Kenna's Memories and Meditations: A Retrospective of Michael Kenna's Photography exhibition opened at Tacoma Art Museum in October - the first of a two-part exhibition - and the first U.S. retrospective of his work in nearly 20 years.

Friday, Jan. 11 part two of the exhibition will fill TAM with a second wave of meditative beauty, which will be on display through March 24.

Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m., Kenna will be at TAM for a book signing and presentation. Learn about his work and artistic approach first hand. The cost to attend is $15, or $10 for members and $5 for students, and includes museum admission.

TACOMA ART MUSEUM, THROUGH MARCH 24, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, $8-$10, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258

LINK: Reviews of recent South Sound art exhibits

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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Cloudy, hi 44, lo 38

Saturday: Partly sunny with a shower, hi 43, lo 34

Sunday: Partly sunny, hi 40, lo 32

>>> FRIDAY, DEC. 28: BRIDLE SHOW

I read that it takes an average of two hours to create one inch of horsehair hitching, the art of twisting and knotting horse tail hairs in to intricate and detailed patterns and designs, often in the form of wearable art, horse bridles or decoration.

The process is so tedious and time consuming, that most of the folks still producing this fine art are found in prison, where, for many, there is no end to the hours in a day. While a handful of prisons have adopted the art, specifically, state prisoners in Deer Lodge, Mont. (MSP) have garnished praise for their craftsmanship and dedication to keeping the art alive.

This Friday, local artist Lisa Kinoshita presents Bridle Show at Fulcrum Gallery, where she will discuss her experience with the inmates of MSP and share the meticulous process of horsehair hitching which passed through more than a century of inmates. Prisoners are allowed to sell their art in the gift shop, often bringing in thousands of dollars while preserving the craft and providing a sense of self-worth.

"Hitching inside prison is a very special privilege, and inmates have to buy their own materials and do it in their limited free time, after their chores," explains Kinoshita. "The administrative staff says it helps calm the atmosphere, reduce tension and build inmates' self-confidence. I was very impressed by the fortitude of the artists I met."

Kinoshita has also done collaboration work with a few of the prisoners and has taken up the art of leather working as a parallel to the hitching.

"I had wanted to learn hitching, but eventually realized that - short of committing a serious crime in Montana - it would take too long for me to really learn the craft," she says. "So, I took up leather working instead - I'm a scant beginner - which also has centuries of history behind it, and is madly beautiful. The bridle in the show took 450 ft. of kangaroo leather to make, and I can't wait to start the next piece." - Nikki McCoy

• Fulcrum Gallery, 5 p.m., free, 1308 S. MLK Way, Tacoma
  

>>> FRIDAY, DEC. 28: IMMIGRANT PILGRIM

"Amocat is a great spot to see music because they have a room that's isolated from the rest of the venue that has great acoustics, tons of places to sit and it's right in front of a storefront window so people look in as performers are playing. They don't host a lot of music but when they do, they do it very well." This is the praise that Patrick Galactic gives the venue space where he and Chris Nunley will play Friday evening as Immigrant Pilgrim, where the two incorporate acoustic guitar with electro beats and atmosphere. "It's a lush sound, haunted almost," says Galactic. Adam Hendricks, a veteran singer-songwriter will be opening the show with his distinct brand of psychedelic folk-blues and handcrafted ales will be flowing all night. The show is free and all ages. - NM

• Amocat Cafe, 5:30 p.m., free, 625 St. Helen's Ave, Tacoma, 253.242.3370

>>> FRIDAY. DEC. 28-TUESDAY, JAN. 1: MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL

There are some hobbies better kept to yourself. You know, the ones you do alone in your basement late at night. And then there are some truly cool hobbies, like model railroads. These should be celebrated and dragged out in the open for all to admire. This is why the Model Train Festival, downtown Tacoma's biggest model railroad exposition (taking into account, of course, the relatively small size of the subjects at hand because they are, of course, models), is being held through Jan. 1, instead of like, a half hour. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy every floor of the Washington State History Museum filled with operating modular layouts. — Weekly Volcano

• Washington State History Museum, through Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.3500
  

>>> FRIDAY. DEC. 28-SUNDAY, DEC. 30: A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE

After 17 years of Stardust holiday schmaltz-fests, Harlequin director Linda Whitney outsourced her holiday revue-writing to James Hindman and Ray Roderick of Miracle or 2 Productions, authors of 2003's A Christmas Survival Guide. From a critical standpoint, it's a welcome change; especially since this anthology's aimed squarely at cynical adults weary of the hustle, bustle, and rabid commercialism of 21st-century holidays. It plays to the Whitneys' principal strengths: live pop music, technical design and intelligence (in no particular order). It also introduces diminutive spitfire Amy Shephard, newly returned from grad school at Exeter, to the Harlequin stage, where she joins revue regulars Antonía Darlene and Christian Doyle. — Christian Carvajal

Read Christian Carvajal's full review of A Christmas Survival Guide in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

• Harlequin Productions, through Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $25-$38, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786.0151
  

>>> SATURDAY. DEC. 29: COMIC BOOKS SIGNING

Nerdy Stuffs is just that. It's store full of nerdy stuff, especially comic books. Join other nerds for Nerdy Stuff's first-ever comic book signing. Dang, I just wrote "nerd" four times. Make that five. Anyway, this Saturday, Tim Seeley - creator of Image Comics hit, Hack/Slash, as well as co-contributor of many others including GI Joe, Love Bunny and Mr. Hell - will be in-store for a signing and meet and greet. Also present will be Chuck Messinger, author of Stink, and local writer Marie Frances, who wrote the successful Night Hawk. Steve Frank, who wrote the horror cult comic, Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders and Nathan "Rock" Quarry, famed UFC and MMA Fighter and creator of Zombie Cage Fighter will also be there. A Q & A will be available for all the nerdy fans as well as special signed prints. - NM

• Nerdy Stuffs, 1-4 p.m., free admission, 115 176th St., Spanaway, 253.267.1850

>>> SATURDAY, DEC. 29: RETRO SKATE NIGHT

Go old school in Puyallup Saturday at another Retro Skate Night at Tiffany's Skate Inn. Retro is all the rage these days, from Atari to tube socks, and Retro Skate Nights at Tiffany's - featuring tunes from the '70s, '80s and '90s - are probably better than both of those things. Get funky from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. — WV

• Tiffany's Skate Inn, 7-10 p.m., $7, 113 N Meridian, Puyallup, 253.848.1153

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
My only plans this weekend are to read, hit the gym (to burn all those holiday carbs), and spend some gift card money. Thanks, Santa!

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
I think I'm going to try and set a record for sleeping.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
A little reading, a lot of writing and a possible stop by the Pig Bar Saturday night to see the Illustrious Danny play. Oh, and a coin toss to see whether we should put my cat down because he keeps pissing on my bed, the crotchety old man orange tabby that he is.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
Friday, Beanz & Rize will be guests on Screwed Loose Radio, a successful syndicated hip-hop show put-on by Diggs Bozon. The show is on NWCZradio.com & gojuiceradio.com. Just to make sure ya know, Beanz & Rize is my new hip-hop group with MC Coo Beanz. Our self-titled album is out now on bandcamp and we have three sweet videos on YouTube. Get-hip! Have a good weekend Family!

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Nothing interesting here. Serving up breakfast goodies over the weekend, sleeping, reading and writing. Riveting I know.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
Friday and Saturday, the husband, two year old and I will be DRIVING home from Denver. Hopefully the boy will do as well on his drive TO Denver as he does home. A highlight along the way will be to stop at a gas station outside of Twin Falls to pet the alpacas and buy more chips and snacks. Sunday we will go to church and then do N O T H I N G the rest of the day (well, other than watch football).

NIC LEONARD Music Writer
Unfortunately all I'm doing this weekend is working.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-Ages Music Columnist
This weekend a friend and I will be apartment hunting in downtown Tacoma. Hoping for hardwood floors and a great view! And I will of course be sniffing out some good live music in north end.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Reading Like A Writer

In my Christmas stocking was one of the better gifts I've received. It was a copy of On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. It's true; writers want to read about writing. The only thing that could have made this gift better would be a chance to discuss it with other writers.

Perhaps that wish will come true; a new book club was formed two weeks ago in Tacoma that aims to read a variety of books on writing.

The Reading Like a Writer Book Club — currently sits eight members and plans to meet up every two weeks — will hold its first meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 2 at founder Sue Pivetta's house in Old Town.

Pivetta started the group to go beyond the typical writing critiques of grammar and punctuation. 

Good writing, she says, "Is not about mechanics, it's more about the language."

This is the concept of the first book to be discussed, Reading Like A Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them, by Francine Prose. The premise is an exploration of the techniques of writing style hidden in the dialogue of books we read, or more specifically, some of the books that Prose admires.

While Pivetta says the group will collectively choose future books — with King's book in the running — the lean will be toward classics, such as The Elements of Style by Stunk and White.

For more information, or to join the group, visit the Reading Like a Writer Book Club Meetup page.