SHOW YOUR SUPPORT >>>

What's our favorite thing about the "Boobie Bash" scheduled for Valentine's Day at Hell's Kitchen? Well, you'll be happy to know the fact it inspired the Tacoma Weekly to run with the headline "Show your love for boobies this Valentine's Day" is only second on our list.

Yes, it's hard to top the cause behind this event, even for schmucks like us.

Raising money for the "Team Lisa' Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure account - who's namesake, Lisa Gauthun, is diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer according to Clare Jensen's story in the Tacoma Weekly - the "Boobie Bash" promises live music from Moron Broz, Blood Hunger, Deathbed Confessions and Czar, as well as burlesque performances and raffle prizes galore.

[Hell's Kitchen, with Moron Broz, Blood Hunger, Deathbed Confessions, Czar, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

FOR A GREAT CAUSE >>>

A gaggle of 20- and 30-somethings will throw down - and maybe throw up (unlikely) - on behalf of United Way Pierce County tomorrow night. The tenderhearted tipplers known as Project: U will takeover the Varsity Grill as a fundraiser and food drive for United Way.

The Varsity Grill has generously agreed to donate 20 percent of all sales proceeds from the evening to United Way in the fight to improve the lives of all in Pierce County.

Although Project: U is driven by 20- and 30-somethings, you can certainly join the fun if your main project is getting your old bones to move.

In addition to the donated sales, Project: U is collecting canned food donations that will be donated to the F.I.S.H. food banks in Pierce County.

Visit www.facebook.com/UWPCprojectu for more information. 

[Varsity Grill, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30-9 p.m., no cover, 1114 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.1229]

Fight homelessness

Homelessness and access to affordable housing is a critical issue for our community.  In 2010 - during a 24 hour annual "count" - 1,807 persons were counted as homeless. However, it is estimated that four to five times more people will be homeless during any year than can be counted on any given night. 

To donate money to United Way's effort to provide affordable housing to those in need, text HOUSE to 20222 and donate $10 to provide housing for all.

For more information on United Way's housing programs, click here.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4, 2012 >>>

1. A wonderful therapeutic effect happens when people and horses connect. The same can be said when people connect with comedians. Although, sometimes the comedians make fun of your mother. Anyway, the folks at Changing Rein in Graham, where self-discovery and healing happens through working with and riding horses, hosts a fundraiser at 5 p.m. at the Grit City Comedy Club in Tacoma. Tacoma comedian and entertainer Mike Agostini headlines the benefit show.

2. Zumba officially began in 2001, combining hip-shaking Latin-inspired dance moves and aerobics. Now in more than 125 countries, it has a fan base that is almost cult-like in their devotion. If you want to see the phenomenon for yourself, Zumba big-wig Kass Martin will drop in on Tacoma's Studio 138 at 10 a.m. for two hours of craziness.

3. Tacoma author Marissa Meyer will discuss and sign her book Cinder at 2 p.m. inside the Wheelock Library. Come listen to what happens when a cyborg girl finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle.

4. Playwright August Wilson is best known for his Pittsburgh Cycle - a series of 10 plays each set in a different decade recalling the struggles and comedies of the African American experience in the 20th Century. That's what happens when you win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama for something. At 3 p.m., the Broadway Center, Northwest Playwrights Alliance and hosting venue Washington State History Museum bring us Two Trains Running, part of Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle recalling Civil Rights Era Pittsburgh in 1969. Hype on the Broadway Center website describes the play, saying "In spite of the political and social change that sweeps through the nation, many of the characters are too cynical and down-trodden to experience hope for the future or even rage for the ongoing tragedies."

5. I Defy, CFA, Attitude Adjustment, Konkhra and Contrast The Water will rock Hell's Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m.

PLUS: Scrapartsmusic show details in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

UNDERGROUND HIP-HOP >>>

Unlicensed radio broadcasts, popularly referred to as pirate radio, come and go by necessity. Stations surface only to disappear without notice, generally because operators get information that the authorities are closing in or the Federal Communications Commission has physically pulled the plug and seized their equipment. Somehow, though, Free Radio Olympia, an Olympia signal, has managed to remain a part of the landscape on and off since 2002, thanks to loyal listeners, frequency changes, benefit shows and weekly rag cover stories written by blindfolded writers.

Another benefit concert for Free Radio Olympia will be held tonight at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia. The underground hip-hop show will feature Smear, Purgatory, Drey Payton, Xero Ours, Vizual Noize, 12:12, Beats Me and Crazy Monk. A donation of $3 is requested. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. At midnight a dubstep, drum 'n' bass dance party will fire up.

[Le Voyeur, Thursday, Jan. 12, 9:30 p.m., $3, 404 4th Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

FILLING YOUR DREAMS TO THE BRIM WITH FRIGHT >>>

Time to give them something fun
they'll talk about for years to come,
let's have a cheer from everyone.
It's time to party.
Making Christmas. Making Christmas.
Snakes and mice get wrapped up so nice with spider legs and pretty bows.
It's ours this time.
All together, that and this with all our tricks we're making Christmastime. - "Making Christmas" from Nightmare Before Christmas

When you think of holiday art shows, what usually comes to mind? Traditionally, if you wanted to gaze at art that contemplates anything deeper than a Norman Rockwell scene, or experience anything more visually challenging than a tinsel-hung tree, you were stuck with the artistic equivalent of a lump of coal.

Jooley Heaps, owner of Box Top Vintage in downtown Tacoma, will add a little Halloween to Christmas when she hosts "Frightmare Before Christmas" art and crafts bazaar in her store Sunday afternoon.

"It's been two years since I opened this store and I never had a grand opening party," says Heaps. "Well, Frightmare before Christmas will be my grand opening - a party with tons of vendors selling the darker side of Christmas."

Do you prefer to fill your stockings with severed feet? Picture Santa as a voyeuristic psychopath? If you prefer your eggnog with a splash of blood, then this holiday bazaar is for you.

The store will be re-arranged to house vendor tables loaded with goods from South Sound and Seattle artists and businesses. Creepy holiday decorations, Gothic art, spooky gifts, crafts, curios and hilarious stocking stuffers will fill Box Top Vintage, which sells true vintage clothing for men and women, as well as accessories and gifts.

A mini bar and Punk Rock Santa will add a little party to the bazaar. Proceeds from the bar will go toward fighting lymphoma in Pierce County.

Every Halloween, you shell out between $20 and $100 bucks on the perfect costume, only to wear it for one night. Well, why not drag that orange jumpsuit and Bernie Madoff mask out for Frightmare?

"I encourage everyone to dress up," says Heaps. "Why not drink cheesy holiday drinks and enjoy DJs Aaron Mack and Melodica dressed as a creepy elf?"

If Sunday's event doesn't send you screaming back into the arms of Santa, well, welcome to the dark side my friend. Or the weird side.

[Box Top Vintage, Sunday, Dec. 18, noon to 6 p.m., all ages, no admission fee, 907 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.304-1874]

LINK: Santa Says Blog

SUNDAY, DEC.4, 2011 >>>

1. Fight as you may, it's officially "the season." Kids are already sitting on various Santa laps at malls across the country, and A Christmas Story is probably already re-running on TBS. The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra will spend Sunday at the Pantages Theater with the Tacoma Youth Chorus, jaw-dropping vocalist Stephanie Porter and singer and trumpeter Jake Bergevin and doling out beloved seasonal music, probably a few familiar classics and a maxed-out credit card full of sing-along enjoyment for the whole family.

2. They're still going strong, and still swarming The Swiss to do good, get loaded, auction and raffle stuff off, and enjoy the spirit of the season in Tacoma. The Friends of the Holidays benefit is today at The Swiss, and the T-Town institution shouldn't disappoint: Linda Meyers Band, Kathi McDonald, Fingertips, Mojo Overload, Junkyard Jane and James King & the Southsiders will all be doing their part to help provide meal support for low-income families during the December holiday season.

3. Despite what you've been told by Joe Capitalism, the holidays are really about spending time with your family and loved ones. We promise. Start today, with the little ones, as the Tacoma Main Library hosts "A Fire for Winter's Eve" - described as a live painting workshop for families. Designed for children 3-8 years old and their families, Sunday's event will be heavy on the storytelling and the art, promising a chance for kids and their families to, "circle around our fire as snowflakes fall and stories are shared of adventures taking place deep in the winter's snow." The hype also says, "[c]hildren will create an art project based on our wintry theme that are perfect to give as a gift to someone they love. Children will also be invited to create cards that will be given to residents in an adult living facility." This is what it's all about.

4. Too Slim & The King Size Troublemakers will play The Spar in Old Town Tacoma tonight - continuing the Sunday evening tradition of blues in one of Tacoma's most iconic watering holes.

5. Calling Morocco will rock Le Voyeur in Olympia tonight. It's Sunday, sure, but that doesn't mean a rock show is a bad idea ...

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

LINK: This week's freebies

SANTA KNOWS >>>

It's November 19. Do you know where your perfect gift is?

Well, gift hunters, take heart, Santa has your back. The Giver of Gifts has been blogging his fat heart out at the far end of the Weekly Volcano's website. Tucked in the corner is the Santa Says Blog, a daily blog - penned by Santa - loaded with gift and holiday event ideas by the UPS delivery truckful.

So, venture forth. Savor the chaotic whirl. It's the holly jolly time of year.

We should mention that Santa has come clean with several events happening today. Here are the direct links:

Christmas Open House

Artist Craft Fair

Empty Bowls

Yule Boutique

Holiday wreath class

Holiday Dance Special

FRIDAY, NOV. 18, 2011 >>>

1. First it was Mickey Avalon. Today, Jazzbones welcomes "rapper" Dirt Nasty to Tacoma, founder of the Dyslexic Speedreaders (of which Avalon and Andre Legacy were also a part of), and - more importantly - Simon fucking Rex from former MTV fame. That's right. Dirt Nasty is Simon Rex, and these days his gig revolves around producing ridiculously funny hip-hop tracks pertaining to drugs, the '80s, cocaine, sex, even more drugs and the inability to dance ... not necessarily in that order. According to the show's billing, Dirt Nasty will come to T-Town prepared to bust out his "hits," including "1980." Cue the hook in your head: "I got a gold chain ... I'm on co-caine ..." Honestly, there's no way this show won't be entertaining. The Breaklites and DJ Pedro are also on the bill. 

2. Through three days, the Fair Trade Market, hosted by St. Leo Parish and Urban Grace Church, promises a guilt-free way to start your holiday shopping. Running Today, tomorrow and Sunday at Catholic Community Services the annual event is your chance to get in on, "baskets, ornaments, linens, musical instruments, food products and more from vendors such as Ten Thousand Villages, Theo Chocolate, Laughing Lotus, L'Arche, and many more," according to pre-event hype. 

3. Join the benefit and auction to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Nathan Wyrick, who grew up in our area, attended Franklin Pierce High School and was recently killed while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, and the Remembering Nathan Wyrick Foundation, tonight at Varsity Grill. The event starts at 7 p.m., with all proceeds from the event being placed in trusts for each of Wyrick's four sons.

4. Tonight at Big Whisky Saloon in downtown Tacoma, Comedy Underground welcomes Seattle-based, Nashville born, national touring comedian Billy Wayne Davis - billed as, "the thinking man's hillbilly."

5. Tonight, for those on the outskirts, the band Moose Knuckle plays The Royal Bear. Stay classy, Algona.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound
LINK: Live music tonight

LINK: This week's freebies

RAISING THE ROOF FOR ROOFS >>>

Considering I might have been the oldest person in the room, and certainly one of maybe six donning a tux, I still had a blast at Project: U's Get Involved Gala Saturday night at the Tacoma Art Museum. The United Way's 20- to 30-something gang of do-gooders sure knows how to throw a party. The benefit, without a doubt, was the youngest gala crowd I've seen in Tacoma - and certainly the most grinding I've seen in TAM's Marie A. Helmer Lobby.

I was overwhelmed by the mass of young, beautiful people. I counted 293 people, which is impressive for the inaugural event. I also counted an average of seven drinks per person. I'm sure the United Way folks are please with the money raised.

Weekly Volcano photographer Steve Dunkelberger was in the house. See more of his shots here.

The Weekly Volcano has teamed up with United Way for a year's campaign to fight homelessness in Pierce County. Please text "House" to 20222 and give $10 to a worthy cause. Thank you!

LINK: Project: U

SUNDAY, NOV. 6 2011 >>>

1. Every year in Memphis the top blues act in the world gather for one of the biggest blues competitions known to man - on Beale Street, of course. Also, every year the South Sound Blues Association holds a competition (usually in June) to choose one lucky band to represent them and the entire region at said competition in Memphis. This, naturally, takes money - which is where today's fundraiser at The Swiss in Tacoma comes into play. But the action isn't just about raising money - it's also about catching an amazing array of local blues talent. Starting at 4 p.m., the Back To Beale Street 2012 Fundraiser bill includes Jumpin' Josh and Felicia, Blues Buskers, Fingertips, Blues Redemption, the CD Woodbury Band and the Red Hot Blues Sisters. South Sound Blues Association members pay $8 at the door, everyone else doles out $10 - but it's all worth it.

2. The Tacoma Buddhist Temple hosts a free Fall Food & Crafts Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food costs vary). Bobble Tiki loves the sound of that and was all set to go, until he discovered that Buddhism helps you wake up and find your true self. Bobble Tiki has made a career of being both unconscious and shallow, so maybe this event isn't for him. But it just might be for you.

3. It's your last chance to catch ...Like There's No Tomorrow in Tacoma. It's snow porn at its finest. Ski bums and snowboarding enthusiasts will surely flock to Tacoma's Broadway Center for a chance to catch this latest Warren Miller Entertainment joint, shot in India, New Zealand, Chile, British Columbia "and beyond," according  promotions. U.S. skiing legend and gold-medalist at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Jonny Moseley narrates and hosts the film, which will show once today after screening twice yesterday.

4. Feeling jazzy? Drop in on Butch Harrison in the Piano Lounge at El Guacho starting at 6 p.m. The food and vibe is amazing, and a name like Butch Harrison can only improve things.

5. Today marks the second and final day of the Art At Work: Tacoma Arts Month studio tours. Don't let this yearly favorite pass you by without getting involved. Find all the info you'll need right here.

EXTRA CREDIT: Set your clocks back, yo!

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight