BRIAN KENNEY FRESNO

Thursday, July 16
Brian Kenney Fresno is like Captain Kangaroo for drunk people. He runs a label called Bonghit Records, has a custom guitar that looks like something stolen from GWAR’s backyard dumpster, and sings about things that would make most children and old ladies giggle uncomfortably. So yeah, he’s perfect for Tacoma, and he’ll be at Hell’s Kitchen tonight. Armed with raisins, projected sing-along lyrics, and his giant super guitar, Fresno seeks to create a performance so dense, with a gravitational pull so great, that even light cannot escape. This black hole of entertainment is so heavy that it ultimately collapses on itself - spewing the audience with all that is Fresno. Did I mention it’s free? Seriously Tacoma, don’t miss it. — Paul Schrag
[Hell’s Kitchen, with McMonster the Devastator, 9 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

INGA SWEARINGEN

Saturday, July 18
If Sade was born in the Netherlands, she’d sound like Inga Swearingen. A student of acclaimed jazz vocalist Susanne Abbuehl, and a frequent guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, Swearingen has pipes that will make you want to sink into the couch with a bottle of really expensive red wine and smoke a Virginia Slim. She’ll be at the Dockside Bistro in Olympia this Saturday, July 18, with a quartet and a new album in the works. Reverie is an intriguing mix of moody originals and carefully chosen standards. Swearingen’s clear, strong voice paints a colorful landscape of soaring notes and earthy rhythms beautifully framed by Bill Peterson on piano, Jeff Denson on bass, and Ronen Itzik on drums. Dinner reservations are required, but there’s no charge. The show kicks off at 6 p.m. — PS
[Dockside Bistro, 6 p.m., dinner reservations required, 501 Columbia St. N.W. # B, Olympia, 360.956.1928]

URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL BENEFIT

Sunday, July 19
I think it’s safe to say that we all love Tacoma—to varying degrees, maybe. And sure, some claim to hate it. Some complain about how small it is, how there’s nothing to do, how some day they’re going to move to Seattle or Portland, but come on. You love it. You’re fooling no one. And, though you may be wallowing in denial, it would be more than a little unappreciative for you to not give back to the city that so readily accepts your scorn. This Sunday, The Swiss is hosting a benefit show for the Urban Arts Festival, an organization that’s working hard to make Tacoma a little cooler. There’s going to be plenty of bands and beer, and it’s only 5 dollars. Lucky you. — Adam McKinney
[The Swiss, with Jr. Hill Band, Ten Miles of Bad Road, Blame it on the Girl, Evergreen One, the Gullywhumpers, 10th & Commerce, 7 p.m., $5, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

STONE AXE

Sunday, July 19
Rocket Records + Stone Axe = One bitchin’ way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Commit your favorite vice, call your friends, and get your butt down to Rocket and enjoy the classic sound of Stone Axe. Tony Reed, former Mos Generator genius, has put together a band that anyone in his or her right mind would love. Imagine all your favorite classic rock bands rolling around naked in the mud until they emerge a mix of dirty, delightful degenerates that know how to tweak their instruments and vocals into the perfect blend of rock ‘n’ roll. Now, throw in a rad venue, opening bands Zook and the Plastards, make it all ages with no cover and you have the recipe for a kick-ass time. — Nikki Talotta
[Rocket Records, with the Plastards, Zook, 1 p.m., no cover, 3843 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.5186]