WE SCENE IT >>>

The Big Wheel Stunt Show, the Tacoma rock band Weekly Volcano Editor Matt Driscoll interviewed in this week's issue, rocked a medium-sized crowd last night at Hell's Kitchen. If you have seen the band perform before, you no doubt had to elbow your way to the front. The weather came into play at the all-ages show that included my new favorite garage/surf band, Dungeon Science. The only elbow I had to dodge came from the booze monitor in front of the bathroom.

Thankfully the crowd size didn't affect Big Wheel's enthusiasm. While some of us stood, some of us sat, some of us took pictures with a crappy camera and some of us pumped our fists, the band rocked it.

The Big Wheel Stunt show guitarist and frontman Evan Nagle

The Big Wheel Stunt Show drummer Justin Gimse

The Big Wheel Stunt Show bassist Jake Melius

Nagle rocks DJ Darren Selector.

Dungeon Science

A SNAP HERE AND THERE >>>

Folks who know tattooing history are more qualified to judge the version of American tattooing presented in last night's screening of Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry at the Blue Mouse Theatre, but for a lay person, it was engrossing as hell. It was cool to see Hawaii before toruism ruined it. I thought it was also very funny - but that could have been the free rum talking.

Luke Larsen, guitarist and singer with Pioneers West, performed solo at The New Frontier Lounge. Racing from the Sailor Jerry Film, I only caught his last couple of strums. The reaction from the crowd hinted of brilliance.

I did catch the entire Basemint set with the packed crowd at The New Frontier. The quartet's approach was as tight as a Velvet Underground-gloved fist. When the foursome throws itself headlong into one of its surf-y garage rock whirls, the experience can be downright exhilarating.

FATES WERE DECIDED AT THE SPEAKEASY ARTS COOPERATIVE >>>

Some people carry lucky coins or rabbits feet, while others consult tarot cards and psychics. Still others leave their fates to "chance" and "karma."

That is the basis behind the Radio8Ball show, which taped two episodes last night at Speakeasy Arts Cooperative as a first try of what might become a monthly gig for the venue.

Hosted by Andras Jones, who mixes live music and the powers of the universe, the show has a simple premise: Audience members ask the gods of chance and fate a question that weighs on their hearts, flip a coin and let the divination commence. The answers to their questions come randomly "or not so randomly" from songs the live musicians play based on a spin of a wheel or a pick of a card.

Last night's show did not disappoint. The gripping lyrics of singer/songwriter Jerin Falkner brought ponderous thoughts, laughs and a few striking moments.

Guests asked questions that ranged from concerns about trusting their guts, romance and future careers. Each song seemed to lead to an answer. Battersea frontman Eric Reidar, for example, asked if he would be married in five years. The song the fates picked for Falkner to play fluttered with romance.

That can't be a bad sign.