HERE WE GO AGAIN >>>

A facelift and another name change are scheduled for the revolving door at 728 Pacific Ave. Currently Club Kokonut operates out of the space, which sits across the street from The Office Bar and Grill in downtown Tacoma. Club In General Manager Suzie Gaultier reports under building owner Thomas O'Connor's LLC Good Old Dog, Club Kokonut will become Club In - not INNightclub as its Facebook reads.

"The name on Facebook is wrong. I had to spell it differently to get a page," explains Gaultier regarding the name confusion.

As you may recall, the gay-friendly club On the Rocks operated out of the space before it briefly became Club Kokonut in the summer of 2008, followed by the Surreal Ultra Lounge in April 2010. At the end of last year, Club Kokonut re-opened in the space.

"There was too much drama," says Gaultier of Surreal.

A liquor license has been applied for under Good Old Dog LLC. The business is currently open and will see an interior overhaul up until the grand opening party Saturday, March 3 when it will officially launch as Club In.

"We are changing everything. We'll have a very basic menu, it'll be happy hour food - sliders, honey hot wings, simple foods we all enjoy," says Gaultier. "Most clubs do a lot of shots. I want to do more martinis and special cocktails - more classy stuff."

As for the music, anticipate DJs and maybe a few surprises.

"I'm pretty open to music, you never know what I might have," explains Gaultier. "It will be a mix of everything: Top 40 mash-ups on the weekends, dubstep and electro during the week, as well as live hip-hop shows."

A dress code will be enforced on Friday and Saturday.

Gaultier says she wants to bring the missing piece to Tacoma.

"People from Tacoma drive to Seattle, get drunk and party then drive home. You want your community to keep their money, not spend it in Seattle."

She admits she's still trying to figure out just what Tacoma needs in order to stay put.

She also vows she'll connect with the community by "throwing events and helping neighboring businesses to discover each other."

Above all she wants patrons to "be happy and comfortable" at Club In.

Good call.

[Club Kokonut, 728 Pacific Ave., Tacoma]

THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 >>>

1. Tacoma figurative painter and editorial cartoonist Jeremy Gregory has taken his dark sense of humor to the world of puppetry. We don't need to tell you that since you recognized his talent on the Halloween and Christmas covers of the Weekly Volcano. Gregory will showcase his original puppets made from repurposed materials from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the artist reception of his Tiny Circles show at Brooks Dental Studio at 732 Broadway in downtown Tacoma.

2. Bluegrass music was born in the '40s from the fast fingers of mandolin player Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, and from there quickly took its place as a cornerstone of American music. As an offshoot of country, it's often associated with the South, but Tacomans who love the twang of the banjo or tight climb of the mandolin need look no further than the next three days at the Mandolin Cafe. The neighborhood gathering spot will host the Rhythm and Roots Weekend kicking off with a good ol' fashion bluegrass jam tonight from 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights are loaded with local talent; click here for details.

3. The 10th anniversary of the Sister Cities International Film Festival opens at 6:15 p.m. at Tacoma's Blue Mouse Theater with 200 Pound Beauty from Gunsan, South Korea - a sister city of Tacoma since 1978. According to promotion for 200 Pound Beauty, Hanna is a famous Korean pop singer who also suffers from poor self-esteem. In the film, Hanna "makes the decision of a lifetime to have full-body plastic surgery." More information on the Sister Cities International Film Fest can be found at sistercityfilmfest.org.

4. Ah, Ricky J's in Puyallup. It's a nice family restaurant. They have a bunch of karaoke nights. And they serve coconut shrimp. But on Thursday nights Alan Smith brings in national-touring comics for big shows at 8 p.m. We're talking $15 at the door big shows. Tonight, Gabriel Rutledge and friends will be in the house.

5. Oh, the plight of the fashionable Tacoma basshead. All dolled up with a $125 Soma record bag and no place to go. No record shop counter to trade esoteric labels by, no listening booths to thoughtfully nod bleached heads at. Boo hoo - nowhere to share your chic catalogue number trivia. Well, at least you have tonight at the new Deltan Club. DJs Omarvelous, Bada$$ Paul Wheeler, Jess E Bomb, Electro and guests will spin at "Beat Fetish!" beginning at 10 p.m. Ah, just a techstep away.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1, 2012 >>>

1. The good news is that ladies' night is no longer the sole domain of cheesy bronzed-and-bleached venues - it has infiltrated every corner of the South Sound and you can now sip discounted highballs and wine almost every night of the week. However, not all ladies' nights are created equal. At the Tempest Lounge, ladies are treated very well - thanks to bartender Larry. The friendly chap tags happy hour prices on drinks for the ladies, beginning at 7 p.m. At the other end of this hip bar, DJ Sc works his laptop and mixer stocked with old school soul ballads and new school pop.

2. Tacoma artist Mark Hoppmann's show Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crows: The Art of Mark Hoppmann opens today at the Collins Library on the University of Puget Sound campus. Inspired, (albeit) loosely by the borders and motifs found in The Book of Kells, The Madness of Crows also uses elaborate border motifs and random bits in addition to the main illustrations. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3. Ready to trip out today? The Chemical Brothers: Don't Think - considered to be one of the most mind-bendingly psychedelic live shows ever seen - was caught on film and screens at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital Mall 14 in Olympia.

4. Midwest reggae rockers Jon Wayne and The Pain join Live Wyya, Mighty High and Stay Grounded for the Bob Marley Fest at 8 p.m. inside Jazzbones.

5. Hell's Kitchen hosts a 9 p.m. rap show featuring  Philthy Rich, Rydah J Klyde, Meezilini, I-Rocc, Smigg Dirtee, Conceit and Two Against Critics.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: Local happy hours

WE'RE NOT GOING TO MENTION "HUMP DAY" THIS TIME (BUT IT SO IS) >>>

MET VET HOSPITAL: Hell yes Met Vet hangs local artwork on its walls. Tonight from 5-7 p.m. artist Linda Hummel will discuss her works on the walls as you sip light refreshments. 401 Fawcett Ave, Suite 100, downtown Tacoma, 253.274.022

THE RED HOT: Swagmaster Eric from Snoqualmie Falls Brewing will drop by at 6 p.m. with crates full of Plant 1 Powerhouse IPA, 14th Anniversary Imperial Stout Kouis Quatorze and Copperheade pale. Between sips, he'll answer your questions. 2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229

MANDOLIN CAFÉ: It's College Night at the Mandolin, which means happy hour prices on beer and wine with school ID. If you're tired of studying for your American Molds of the Midwest test tomorrow, kick back on Mandolin's couch with singer-songwriter Luke Walstead from 6-8 p.m. 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482

TEMPEST LOUNGE: Larry is behind the bar offering happy hour discounts to the ladies beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Sc will spin old school and new school. There isn't a cover charge. 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904

LINK: South Sound happy hours

MONDAY, JAN. 16, 2012 >>>

1. Morning, all! For those of you who are off and wondering what to do with yourselves, We have the rundown on some of today's local MLK Day events, which includes the big celebration at the Tacoma Dome. Let us know what you're getting up to today down in the comments.

2. Meet the adorable new southern sea otter, Libby, and the rest of the crew at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium from from9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

3. Something about the driving guitars and the rough female vocals make Big Eyes something more than just a run of the mill, good garage rock act. Elements of the Breeders and even the Ramones run through the music of Big Eyes, but the band somehow manages to sound quintessentially like itself. Catch the band with Si Si Si, Up All Night and the Wild Ones at 7 p.m. inside Tahoma Tea and Co., where The Den @ urbanXchnage use to sit.

4. Before the Greta Jane Quartet begins its Monday jazz nights next week at The 4th Avenue Tavern it will help The Brotherhood Lounge in downtown Olympia celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life at 8 p.m.

POSTPONED! 5. Magoo's Annex's Micro Mondays with DJ Melodica has become a habit for many, specifically those who enjoy punk, post punk, New Wave, early electronica and garage tunes while waiting for that one damn pool table. Tonight at 8:30 p.m. the "Micro" is shelved for something Melodica calls "Showcase Monday." DJ Darren Selector will be in the house, as well as the band Battersea and a TV theme trivia contest with prizes.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

LINK: This week's freebies

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Here comes another Friday the 13th, and you need something perfectly thematic to do. But not unlucky, please, because there's enough disappointment circling the planet.

There area couple of "Friday the 13th" events going down in Tacoma.

First, The Hub will host a Press Your Luck party, which is basically an excuse to pound booze. The Hub will be pouring $3 Harmon pint and premium wells, $4 Jager Bombs, $5 Jameson shots and a $4 shot special every hour, beginning at 6 p.m. when the party starts.

Second, Encore nightclub will discount its VIP tables to $13 Friday. To reserve the tables, contact Rick at 253.335.9139. And ladies, you're in luck. Friday is also ladies night at Encore, which means free admission.

Where will you be Friday? Hiding?

TUESDAY, JAN. 10, 2012 >>>

1. The Swiss Pub and science are synonymous. OK, so maybe they're not quite synonymous, but they do go together quite well -the monthly "Tacoma Science Café" at the Swiss proves it. Today, join the University of Puget Sound's Rand Worland, Ph.D. as he delves into "The Physics of Music: Using Light to Study Sound." As hype of the free event reminds us, music has vibration at its root. Worland will help attendees, "discover how he uses lasers to produce images of these vibrations and how differences in vibrations alter how we perceive sounds. The Tacoma Science Café kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

2. Get your Tuesday night on with the Joe Faker Band and Allen Alto at O'Callahan's Pub & Grill in Key Peninsula. If the music, which starts at 7 p.m., doesn't float your boat, just play pull-tabs. There's no cover.

3. Get your groove on tonight in Parkland. DJ Adam Ant spins during "Twisted Tuesday" at Lady Luck Cowgirl Up, offering Top 40 action and karaoke. The good times start at 9 p.m. Or, if you're looking for something more, peruse the Volcano's extensive live local music listings here.

4. Tacoma's Backstage Bar & Grill has stormed onto the scene - quickly becoming this town's go-to location for nostalgic drunken fun and devil horns. Tonight witness the awesomeness of a "DJ & Drummer Duo Battle," featuring DJ Switch and Chris Dahl. Magic starts at 9:30 p.m.

5. The Royal Lounge in Olympia offers a Comedy Lounge night every Tuesday, featuring an open-mic from 9-9:30 p.m. and headlining comics from 9:30 - 11 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

HOW TONIGHT COULD ADD UP >>>

The Weekly Volcano scores the press release for the big DJ show tonight at Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma:

A Major Tacoma Venue [major - like the Tacoma Dome or Pantages? -2] has given us the green light to host our party there!

Hell's Kitchen [a DJ night at Hell's Kitchen? +3]
928 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98402

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000450153386&sk=wall

This event will be ALL AGES [+2]/21+ w/ ID in the bar section! [booze! +5]

8PM-9PM
aJaX : Electro House
Entropy Group//LSC
Straight out of the North end of Tacoma [breeding ground for awesome DJs +1], Dj aJaX's tougher style of Electro-House [read: mention electro-house promises an event that will be, at the very least, somewhat cosmopolitan: +3] has been heating up club floors in the downtown Seattle area as of late [boo Seattle -1].
http://www.facebook.com/alex.aubry
http://www.soundcloud.com/ajax-6

9PM-10PM
Basscraze: Progressive/Electro House [score another for electro-house +1]
Tap Tap Productions // Lonely Island // Seattle DJ Collective
Busting onto the Northwest like a bat out of hell [reminds us of Meatloaf -1], Joshua Schweigert aka DJ Basscraze has been making massive waves in the Emerald City EDM scene. Armed with exclusive floor-destroying bangers and mashups, his set is sure to leave you both breathless and wondering whether or not you should go out and buy a pregnancy test it's that sexy [indicates environment intimate enough that you might be able to hook up with someone in the bathroom: +3].
http://www.facebook.com/DJBassCraze
http://www.soundcloud.com/djbasscraze

10PM-11PM
The Sauce: Electro/Hard Dance
Lonely Island // Seattle DJ Collective
You ever shuffle so hard that your feet broke? [terrible phrase, inexcusable, the DJ-phrase equivalent of a Bill Cosby sweater: -1] If not, you probably weren't grooving to the right stuff- Michael Danger aka The Sauce has all the right chemistry to make you dance harder than you ever have under the Emerald empire. Hard-fused gritty ass electro shuffle to progressive and fresh dance are all to be expected and promised to be delivered! [exclamation point -1]
Energizing..Beautiful.. you wish your firstborn sounded like this! [-3]
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=40003645

11pm-12AM
Antarctica: Hardstyle [naming yourself after a continent -2]
Sending chills through your flippers and transcending your beating warm hearts into the arctic poles of penguin worshiping, the upcoming rare species of the North West's Penguin King of Hardstyle cannot be missed! [reminds us of the new Jim Carrey film -2] Bringing you his own unique technique & style of "Happy Hardstyle" [made us look it up -1], this DJ will rock the dance floor till you walk home with your grand momma's stroller! [not respecting your elders -1] 2 years in and out of the game with a fan base of over 1500, music indulging & bass loving bobble head fans, you never know who you'll meet when attending one of his shows. Don't let this Penguin King fool you, because behind his frigidly fresh styles, is a warm heart that will lay a pebble at your feet.[no explanation needed -5]
Travel over to the world of Deejay Antarctica - The Penguin King of Hardstyle to experience some fresh bass dropping mixes that will undoubtedly shake your tail feathers. ;-) [keystroke face for a progressive DJ show -1]
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000992837649

12AM-1AM
Jimni Cricket: Happy Hardcore [ha ha ha ha +2]
http://www.facebook.com/annika.anderson

1AM-2AM
Vault: Hands Up [really? Two DJs in a row without snappy description? -1]
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000760028120

Go Go Dancers by: Pro Go Go [now we're talkin' +10]
http://www.facebook.com/Pookiebear.Emilyjo
http://www.facebook.com/ProGoGo
http://www.facebook.com/Progogo1?ref=ts

TOTAL SCORE: 10 POINTS!

[Hell's Kitchen, Saturday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m. to close, all ages, bar with ID, $10, 928 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 2012 >>>

1. The Auburn Performing Arts Center will be one giant party of bagpipes, whistle, fiddle and song when Celtic bands Mollys Revenge and The Town Pants go off at 7 p.m.

2. Today marks the first Saturday of the month, which means it's time again for the monthly Gig Harbor Art Walk from 1-5 p.m. For the uninitiated, the Gig Harbor Art Walk offers art lovers (or non art lovers, for that matter) a chance to take a free, self-guided tour of the many galleries along the Gig Harbor waterfront.

3. Seattle authors Dave O'Leary, Pam Summa and Destini Baxter will read their works from 2-5 p.m. at Mad Hat Tea Company in downtown Tacoma. "Dave O'Leary's debut novel, Horse Bite, offers a heartfelt and thoughtful meditation on love, sex (lots of it), and the ways in which we view the world - and ourselves - differently as we grow older," says Will Allison, author of the New York Times bestseller, Long Drive home.

4. Listen to traditional music from Mexico and learn about the cultural traditions from which it is derived. The group Trío Lucero del Norte, inspired by music from one of the largest and most diverse cultural areas of Mexico, will fill the Tacoma Art Museum with traditional Mexican music at 2 p.m.

5. DJs Broam, Bobby Galaxy and E.S. present "Future Bass" at 9:30 p.m. inside the Tempest Lounge.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

LINK: This week's freebies

PUCKER UP PEOPLE >>>

For days now, you've been waiting for your posse to come up with a plan for New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, they were waiting for your brilliant plan, and there you are, all gussied up with no place to go when the ball drops. Before you end up watching your mate fall asleep in front of The Twilight Zone marathon, check out the following South Sound events and ideas for this weekend.

5 Things To Do Today: Duh. It's your daily go to click.

Turn it up to a 12: New Year's Eve live music forecast for the South Sound

Get down on it: Dance to a DJ New Year's Eve

First Night Tacoma: The allure of fire

Bar hopping in Olympia: You won't be able to do it much longer

Last meals: Where to eat locally before the zombies arrive

Shocking New Year's Day: Take the plunge

Franciscan Polar Plaza: Skate your way into 2012

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight