JAN. 23-25: GILBERT GOTTFRIED AT THE TACOMA COMEDY CLUB

Even before Gilbert Gottfried's Comedy Central roast appearances became the stuff of legend, he was always a comedian with a uniquely skewed point of view. He combined an acerbic manner with a clearly very deep affection for the structure and melody of a well-crafted joke. As evidenced in his early days doing half-hours for HBO briefly joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in those doomed '80s years, Gottfried had a talent for taking even rote gags like impressions and putting a deliberate spin on them.

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TUESDAY, JAN. 21 2014 >>>

1. The Abigails are fixtures in the Southern California psych-rock garage scene. Thomas has been a member of bands like the Growlers and the Grand Elegance, and fellow Abigail Kyle Mullarky has been in the Starlite Desperation - all bands that occupy a sort of LSD haze. Additionally, the Abigails are members of Burger Records, the epicenter of SoCal psych-rock. Read Rev. Adam Mckinney's full feature on the Abigails in the Music & Culture section. Then, catch the band with MILK at 8 p.m. in The New Frontier Lounge in Tacoma.

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Last week Weekly Volcano art critic Alec Clayton reviewed the "Global Perspectives" show at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College. Clayton wrote:

The latest show at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College is outstanding. It provides a look into the art and cultures - and most particularly the lives of working class people throughout the world as seen through the eyes of local artists. Included are paintings, drawings, sculpture and photography by regional artists who are also world travelers, and in some instances art from other cultures collected by these regional artists.

You may read the full review here.

TCC released the list of "gallery talks" associated with the exhibit:

• Bill Colby, Jan. 23, 1:30 - 2 p.m.
• William Mitchell, Jan. 28, 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Fuminko Kimura, Jan. 30, 1:30 - 2 p.m.
• Sarah Waldo, Feb. 6, 1:30 - 2 p.m.
• Becky Frehse, Feb. 11, 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Lavonne Hoikik, March 4, 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Plan accordingly.

"GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES," noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, through March 21, reception Jan. 13, 4-7 p.m., panel discussion Jan. 22, 4-5:30 p.m., The Gallery at Tacoma Community College, Building 5A, entrance off South 12th Street between Pearl and Mildred, Tacoma, 253.566.5000

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and 2011 Liberty Medal recipient Robert M. Gates has been all over the news. His latest book, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War - a strikingly candid account of his experience serving as secretary of state under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama - has been causing a stir. After some contents of "Duty" were reported last week, the media used the words "bombshell" and "White House betrayal."

Today, Gates said Britain's defense spending cuts could limit its ability to be a full partner with the United States in military operations.

What will he say next?

You could hear it first hand when Gates speaks at the Seattle Town Hall Series Feb. 13 in the Great Hall. The former head of the Pentagon will discuss how he juggled multiple wars abroad, as well as the political realities at home. His talk also will focus on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, national security, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and the mission to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden.

ROBERT GATES TOWN HALL, Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, $5, 206.652.4255

THURSDAY, JAN. 16 2014 >>>

1. Dr. Jamie Brooks grew up in Lakewood, graduating from Bellarmine and later from the University of Washington, first in dental hygiene, and later from the school of dentistry. She practiced in Gig Harbor and then in Olympia before deciding with her husband to create a new practice in downtown Tacoma, Brooks Dental Studio, in 2008. Inspired by her aunt, Lisa Kinoshita, Brooks included exhibition space in her sleek, modern office. Today, another artist’s works will grace the space. An open house will be held for Chandler O’Leary's "You’ll Like Tacoma" show from 5-7 p.m.

2. Stanley and Seafort's (115 E. 34th St., Tacoma) offers a three-course meal deal with its popular prime rib in the spotlight accompanied by soup or salad and dessert for $35.95 through the month of January.

3. We can scarcely imagine hiking all day long, day in and day out, for six months. Or four months. Or even a month. This is what "thru-hikers" on the Pacific Crest Trail do, year after year, and have been doing since the trail was conceived by Clinton Churchill Clarke in 1932. They train, plan, pack, practice, and finally hike all 2,663 miles of this trail that extends from California's border with Mexico to the U.S.-Canada border on the edge of Manning Park in British Columbia. Tahoma Audubon Society's first program of the year will be a free presentation by Gus and Elena Wimberger about their adventures while hiking the length of the Pacific Crest Trail this past year at 7 p.m. in the Tacoma Nature Center.

4. "Tell It Like It Tiz!" is an anthology of comics and stories created by elders at the Marie Smith Center (MSC), an adult day center in North Portland, Oregon that serves seniors who are functionally or cognitively impaired. Portland writers and illustrators Nicole J. Georges and Marc Parker will read from and talk about the book at the Olympia Timberland Library from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

5. Every Thursday night at Puget Sound Pizza, the Volcano's music critic Rev. Adam McKinney hosts a karaoke session showcasing a Tarantino-like mix of downtown denizens seriously singing Bill Withers and glasses-wearing gals squawking out punk rawk, plus appearances by local rock stars, beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: Thursday, Jan. 16 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 2014 >>>

1. At the age of 22, violinist Benjamin Beilman has made a name for himself, winning several major prizes, including first prize at 2010 Montreal International Musical Competition. He is the recipient of both a 2012 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a 2012 London Music Masters Award. His numerous accolades have thrust him onto stages across North America and Europe as a soloist with the Edmonton Symphony, L'Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal; and the Kansas City Symphony as well as the Tonhalle Orchestra in Switzerland. See the phenom perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Washington Center.

2. The "Bohemian Boudoir" opens today at the Museum of Glass. Highlighting more than 40 glass crystal perfume bottles and bedroom accessories, hand-crafted in the Bohemia region of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) in the 1920s and 1930s - home to more than 600 companies creating glass items for the boudoir. Objects in the exhibition exemplify the creativity and technical prowess of Czech craftsmen. Doors open at 10 a.m.

3. This second free lecture in a series of symposia focuses on the role of leadership and the importance of international political perspectives in shaping relations between the United States and the Asia-Pacific will go down from 4-6 p.m. at Philip Hall on the University of Washington-Tacoma campus.

4. Charles Goodrich - author of three books of poetry including A Scripture of Crows - will be the feature reader at Olympia Poetry Network's gathering at 6:30 p.m. in Traditions Café. An open mic will precede the featured reader.

5. Lyon Pride will host Hempfest tryouts featuring Amanda Hardy, Twang Junkies, Dumbpop and Under Sin at 8 p.m. in Jazzbones.

LINK: Wednesday, Jan. 14 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4 2013 >>>

1. There is the sometimes perilous aspect of holding a discussion in a room full of folks who have had a couple. People feel inclined to yell weird stuff like ‘I've done Jager! I've done Jager!' But it's that kind of energy that makes the Broadway Center's Think & Drink. Part of the Center's yearlong Free For All focus, Immanuel Presbyterian Church Tacoma and Humanities Washington team up two panelists and moderator/KPLU-FM business and labor reporter Ashley Gross for a discussion on holiday shopping and the American consumer culture at 7:30 p.m. in Engine House No. 9's upstairs room. As far as audience members go, if you can handle your alcohol without being a complete asshole, we totally suggest drinking your face off. Drink, drink, drink, drink - because the amount of money you will spend this holiday season will be depressing.

2. Stretch your legs and your mind today through Dec. 8 as Columbia Bank celebrates its 20th anniversary by sponsoring free admission to the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum and the Children's Museum of Tacoma. That's lovely of them.

3. Spark: a Burning Man Story is an engaging documentary that gives audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at Burning Man - a week-long annual art exhibition/party/socioeconomic experiment held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada. While on the surface it may appear to be nothing more than a bunch of hippies living it up in the desert, Burning Man is a monumental undertaking, requiring months of planning and the combined efforts of hundreds of people to pull off each year. The film screens at 6:45 p.m. at The Grand Cinema. Read Jared Lovrak's full review of Spark: A Burning Man Story in the Movies section.

4. You're in denial, but the signs are hard to ignore. Shops are draped in red and green; cocktail parties - your calendar, and you can't button your skinny jeans anymore. Yep, it's the holiday season. As they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, which is why you'll be singing at the top of your lungs at the Saint Martin's University and South Puget Sound Community College's "Ring in the Season" holiday concert at 7 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts. The Department of Washington American Legion Band joins the two Thurston County institutions for a lively Christmas pops concert with multiple choral groups, holiday band music and a carol sing-along. Hark you sing!

5. At The Brotherhood Lounge, aerialists are about to take flight again. The re-vamped team is ready to amaze audiences with its color brand of trapeze, beginning at 8 p.m. Creativity never ceases and performances range from naughty to funny to just plain beautiful. The shows are free and tips are encouraged. New this year is a dance party to follow, with grooves by DJ Fir$t Lady. If you've ever been to one of the Broho's impromptu dances parties at past aerialist events, then you know about the twerking, pumping and shaking that goes on. 

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Wednesday, Dec. 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TUESDAY, DEC. 3 2013 >>>

1. Did you ever wonder where all that rainwater goes, once it runs down that grate in the street? In Tacoma, it’s headline news with the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Project and its fancy green storm water infrastructure. In larger cities the infrastructure are often vast tunnels, an arcane and idiosyncratic series of interconnected waterways vital to a city’s daily functions, but invisible and forgotten by its citizens, save for a handful of construction and maintenance workers. At 2:40 and 7:50 p.m., The Grand Cinema will screen Lost Rivers, a recent documentary about urban underground waterways around the world.

2. One of the Pacific Northwest's leading Native artists, from a family long associated with The Evergreen State College, is the subject of a richly illustrated new book, A Totem Pole History: The Work of Lummi Carver Joe Hillaire. Lummi elder Pauline Hillaire writes about her father's legacy as one of the most influential Coast Salish artists of the 20th century.  The book includes photographs of Joe Hillaire's most significant totem poles, along with essays from contributors on Coast Salish art history, pigment technology, oral history, intercultural relations and the central role of art in Coast Salish life. Lummi/Haida carver Felix Solomon, editor Gregory Fields, and others associated with the publication will present images and readings from the book and its accompanying video and audio CDs at 3 p.m. in Seminar Building Two, Room C1105, at The Evergreen State College.

3. Olympia author Peter James Neff will read from his newly published collection of inspirational poetry, Prayers to Live, and answer questions about his poetry and artwork at 6 p.m. in the Tumwater Timberland Library. Neff, a young man with Down syndrome, lives with his parents, goes to work every day, volunteers in his community and takes an active role in his church. He is a prolific poet, responsive to each joy, sorrow, friend and everyday experience in his life.

4. Need a holiday season boost? Join the Pacific Lutheran University community at 5 p.m. for its annual lighting of the tree in Red Square. There will be singing of carols, sipping of hot cider and Pres. Anderson will throw the switch.

5. Every Tuesday, Maxwell's Speakeasy serves two chef's choice appetizers and two house wines or draft beers for $15. Chef Slater and server extraordinaire and wine pro Kent Bolden sample wines weeks in advance, mull them over, discuss possible pairings, sample more, then create an awesome dining experience.

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Tuesday, Dec. 3 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

MONDAY, DEC. 2 1013 >>>

1. Why are European communities imposing regulations on the Muslim head scarf? How did a proposed Muslim cultural center in Lower Manhattan provoke a fevered political debate? Drawing inspiration from philosophy, history and literature, University of Chicago scholar and national commentator Martha Nussbaum deconstructs the rise of anti-Muslim zealotry since Sept. 11 in her latest book, The New Religious Intolerance: Overcoming the Politics of Fear in an Anxious Age. It's a vigorous defense of the religious freedom of minorities in the face of post-9/11 Islamophobia. And by minorities she mostly means Muslims. Nussbaum will discuss assaults on religious freedom at the University of Puget Sound at 7:30 p.m. in the Schneebeck Concert Hall. Admission is free, but you must RSVP at tickets.pugetsound.edu.

2. How do you escape the pressures of the holidays, like, really quickly? Bundle up, drop your packages in the trunk, pinch your cheeks until they glow and strap on a pair of silver skates, Hans Brinker, for a glide across the frozen expanse at Tollefson Plaza. The Franciscan Polar Plaza, located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 17th Street. The covered outdoor rink is about half the size of a hockey rink. It will have real ice and hold about 150 skaters at a time. It's open from 4-9 p.m.

3. You're sick and tired of driving through the neighborhood looking at the homes of people who think they deserve an award for their light displays. You deserve to take a night to go see Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Billed as the region's biggest walk-through light show, ZooLights includes animated light sculptures, live entertainment, snacks, animal encounters and the Paul Titus Carousel. While enjoying your stroll, be thankful you're not in charge of this holiday light display. The lights flip on at 5 p.m.

4. Cookies might be the only reason we'd consider applying for Santa Claus' job. First he has to make a list of the entire world's population of children - and then he has to check it twice. Can you imagine? No wonder Christmas only happens once a year. And we doubt it's easy to get those elves to turn out millions of mini iPods. But who wouldn't want to trade places with him to eat a world's supply of cookies for an entire night? Not us. And after you attend the Hands-on Italian Christmas Cookies class at 6 p.m. at the Bayview School of Cooking, you'll be wishing you were the jolly fat guy, too.

5. Every Monday at 9 p.m. Jazzbones is packed to the brim with college kids. Party types. The type that wear tight shirts and trucker hats. Throngs of Chad Fratguys and Sarah Sororitysisters swarm the bar, line up for the bathroom and dance to the Rockaraoke - live band karaoke. The Rockaraoke band is skilled, too. Expect $2 PBR drafts, $3 Sinfire shots and $4 Smirnoff flavor vodka bombs.

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Monday, Dec. 2 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THURSDAY, NOV. 21 2013 >>>

1. Antje Duvekot silky voice wraps around her songs like a nice hemp sandal. One song breaks out and tackles grittier social matters with razor sharp insights. The next song, her pitch perfect, sweet, delicate and poignant soprano voice waxes personal. Then, she'll sing a dark-eyed ballad about what becomes of people who fall short of the American Dream in uncomfortable detail. She is as understated as she is wise and her songs go down mentally as well as soulfully. Her voice has a sound of innocence and naivety, which makes razor sharp insights into the human condition. Catch the Boston folk darling at 8 p.m. in Morso Wine Bar in Gig Harbor.

2. Your smokin' local ticket to great art, cool venues, celebrity tour guides, shopping, delicious nibbles, special treats, games, raffles, and fun, fun, fun is just two words: Art Bus! Hop aboard this premier Tacoma art tour at 6 p.m. in front of the Tacoma Art Museum and explore the city, enjoy games, great giveaways and so much more with a wickedly wonderful local twist. Tonight, the Art Bus gives back to the community by donating non-perishable food items to help the hungry (those who donate get a VIP raffle ticket to say thanks).

3. The University of Puget Sound's Art + Science Salon series returns to the Tacoma Art Museum for a conversation about the intersection of science, literature and the printed medium at 6 p.m.

4. The last CONVERSATIONS RE: TACOMA urban design lecture series will center on the arts and its influence on the livelihood of a community, such as Tacoma, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum of Glass. The after party will be at The Social Bar and Grill where the topic will be how cocktails affect an arts discussion.

5. And just when you were about to reach karmic exhaustion and flip on South Park, the anthology Sarasvati Takes Pegasus as Her Mount - featuring poems by Peggy Barnett, Glenna Cook, Maria Gudaitis, Marjorie Rommel, Josie Emmons Turner, Connie Walle and 11 other women poets  - is released, with a 7 p.m. celebration at King's Books. And the calm flows into your skin like the cool rays of the morning sun.

LINK: Thursday, Nov. 21 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area