THE BAND

Eastern-Euro stew

The campy fun of old European cabaret and the hip style of today\'s music puree together at the Vagabond Opera show at Jazzbones this weekend as a Portland ensemble makes a debut of Bohemian Operatic Eastern-Euro Cabaret on Friday, Feb. 9. The performance will include songs in 10 languages and incorporates dance, comedy, crowd interaction, and fire dance. Vagabond Opera is at the edge of a growing revival of the Neo-cabaret schtick and should be given the once over. — Steve Dunkelberger

[Jazzbones, Friday, Feb. 9, 9 p.m., all ages, $8-$10, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, www.jazzbones.com]

THE FESTIVAL

Go Guam!

If you’ve ever enjoyed the exotic flavor of past Asia Pacific Cultural Center festivals, then you know that this year’s celebration of Guam and Chamorro culture is a worthy way to while away the new year. The Republic of the Mariana Islands includes 15 islands, five of which share the Chamorro language, the largest being Guam.  I say celebrate an island an hour.  The day of events and celebration includes a Parade of Chiefs, “Fiesta Talto Dano,” grading coconuts and basket weaving classes and food. — Michael Swan

[Tacoma Dome, Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., donations, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma, www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org]

THE ENVIRONMENT

EcoFest 2007

So you hear about the University of Puget Sound’s EcoFest 2007 and you think, hey, I like college festivals. But then you go to the lectures and you realize that EcoFest isn’t about partying at all — it’s about sustainability and function and using renewable resources and running on 100 percent green energy. Halfway through the Feb. 12-16 lectures you feel a twinge deep within your chest, and no, it’s not a heart attack — it’s your soul, reemerging after years of guiltless resource consumption. You race off the University of Puget Sound campus and tear down your home and live in a tent of leaves, drinking rainwater until your new, eco-friendly home is built. And then you feel — So. Much. Better. — Suzy Stump

[University of Puget Sound, Feb. 12-16, times and prices vary, 1500 N. Warner, for compete schedule check out www.sustainableups.org]

THE POETRY

Wordsmiths get jiggy

If you’re not baring your heart to a special someone this Valentine’s Day, why not bare your soul to a room full of strangers?  Free Ya Mind Productions and the University of Washington-Tacoma present “Singles Night Open Mic,” an evening of music and live poetry by Josh Reisberg, Antonio Edwards and … you? Being a campus event, the poetry night naturally attracts students as its primary participants. But fear not, would-be bards of the erotic cloth not enrolled in a higher-learning institution: This event is for everyone.  Even you and your ribald limericks of the “man from Nantucket” variety. — SS

[Cutters Point Coffee, Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m., 1936 Pacific Ave., 253.692.4684]