Fall Arts Guide 2009

Fall on hard times

By Volcano Staff on September 17, 2009

Classical music on the cheap

Visual Arts on the cheap

Theater on the cheap

Tacoma dance on the cheap

Fall Arts Calendar through December 2009


Oh Tacoma. We know you’re probably broke. If you’re not, go buy some art. If you are — like most of us  — without funds to fuel a tour of local fine arts offerings, there is still hope.

If there’s one thing we know how to do around here, it’s get by on less. And nobody knows how to feed the hunger for art on the cheap like a Tacoma art enthusiast. Or a Weekly Volcano scribe. Sigh.

Being the benevolent and frugal beings that we are, we have released a sleeper cell of well-trained and terrifically glib monkeys into the Tacoma art scene. We use monkeys because we can pay them with a handful of Skittles. They have spent the last month tracking down soon-to-be opportunities to enjoy some art, with an emphasis on cheap and an emphasis on fall. Thing about monkeys is, they never quite behave the way you’d expect. Honestly, they’re a bunch of crafty little evil motherfuckersrs. So you may see some opportunities that simply appealed to our monkeys and their questionable tastes. If you got left out, it’s their fault. If you’re really upset, send an email to our calendar monkey at calendar@weeklyvolcano.com with your event info, and we’ll throw firecrackers at several of the other monkeys, and send you an email with pictures. Trust us, they’re demonic, ruthless little beings, and probably deserve it.

Speaking of demonic little beings, this fall will offer a whole pile of opportunities to check out work made by Tacoma artists, for free. The Fall Arts Guide is your guidebook to getting your art fix during what is certain to be a depressing holiday shopping season. Instead of moping around distraught because you can’t satisfy your family with a 30-pound turkey or gifts from the mall, why not take them to the Robbi Firestone Gallery in November for a workshop about manifesting their desires through art?

November is a big month for art in Tacoma.

The City of Tacoma and hundreds of artists, for example, will open their doors to the community as part of Art at Work month. Art at Work month is your best chance this fall to get out, walk around, peep some art, and not spend any money. There will be arts events happening every day, from visual art extravaganzas to literary events, fashion to theater, music and more.

The process will kick off on Oct. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tacoma Art Museum (which has a consistent collection of wildly impressive exhibits and installation, and offers free admission every third Thursday). The event will include the presentation of the 2009 AMOCAT Awards, and recognition of Tacoma Arts Commission’s 2009 funding recipients. The Tacoma Youth Symphony will perform, and local poets William Kupinse and Tammy Robacker will read selected works. Two more words: free cake.

On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a huge roster of Tacoma’s best and brightest will open their studios to allow us to experience their work and creative space, watch demonstrations, ask artists questions, purchase local creations and, in some studios, have a chance to make their own creations.

On Nov. 18, the Tacoma Arts Commission will host Art Slam, which involves a bunch of artists showing their work in slideshow format. This Art Slam, despite the connotation, in not competitive. Artists of all mediums, genres and skill levels are invited to show their work.

That’s the beauty of art in the fall in Tacoma. Everyone, even people who are broke and cold, has a chance to appreciate the finer things in life. So go. Create, appreciate, engage, learn. Let your soul be touched. But be careful. We didn’t get all the monkeys back.  They’re still out there, and they’ll touch you somewhere else. Hell, they’ll sucker punch you in the side of the head if you drop your guard for two seconds.

Little bastards. — Paul Schrag

Classical music on the cheap

Tacoma has a strange relationship with classical music, and for a so-called blue-collar town (cue cliché-driven upchuck), the city has a strong collection of institutions dedicated to bringing you the classics. The city’s resident orchestral institutions began during the depression era. Fitting then to take a look at local offerings during the latest economic catastrophe. Looking back at Tacoma’s classical music beginnings — like the music itself — may prove uplifting.

While it is certainly not Tacoma’s only classical crew, the history of the Tacoma Philharmonic has some eerie similarities to today’s growing arts institutions. It all began in 1933, when 21-year-old Eugene Linden hitchhiked from Portland to Tacoma with a dream of starting his own orchestra. In true Tacoma fashion, his call for artists produced modest turnout. Three musicians responded. Linden, also in true Tacoma fashion, remained undaunted, and was quoted as saying, “”no musicians would have been a failure. Three was a beginning.”

Within a few months, Linden had gathered 65 musicians, with early rehearsals happening at familiar spots — Ted Brown Music Company and the Winthrop Hotel were among the first. 

Performers gathered and played for two years before anyone got paid. Linden commuted each week from Portland, operating from the home of Belle Hodges Fletcher, who offered her home up as headquarters for the burgeoning ensemble. 

The would-be Tacoma Philharmonic held its first concert on March 17, 1934 at Jason Lee Intermediate School. More than 800 people showed up to watch. The turnout was so encouraging that the organization decided to get official, drawing up by-laws and adopting the name Tacoma Philharmonic.

The organization rolled along smoothly until 1951, when, facing financial constraints, its board of directors made the decision to become a so-called presenting organization, which means they became a kind of elaborate booking agency. Since then, Tacoma Philharmonic has brought world-class performers from around the world, planting the seed for a still vibrant and growing scene.

Classic. — Joe Malik

Visual arts on the cheap

Art on the cheap? You can’t get much cheaper than free, and that’s what it costs to get in any of the art galleries in the South Sound. Museums charge admission fees, but compared to the cost of movie tickets, or a cover charge and a drink or two at most night spots, or tickets to a Rainiers game (forget a hotdog and a beer) it’s the cheapest form of entertainment available — and it won’t rot your feeble little brain. General admission to Tacoma Art Museum is $9 and Museum of Glass $12, and both are free during Third Thursday ArtWalk.

Of course the reason art galleries are free is because they want you to buy the art. But we’re not talking used car sales. Nobody’s going to pressure you. Gallery owners fully expect that 99 percent of their visitors are just window-shopping, and they’re happy for you to do so. And if you do decide to buy an original work of art, it might well be the best investment you’ll ever make. People think only the rich can buy art. How stupid, stupid, stupid that is. Yeah, maybe only the rich can buy an original Andy Warhol silkscreen or a painting by Jasper Johns, but almost anybody can afford paintings and sculptures by local artists, which will give you endless hours of enjoyment and will almost certainly increase in value. We’re talking the cost of a big date or a few dinners out.

So what is the state of the gallery scene in the South Sound? Considering the economy, it’s not bad. Most galleries are holding on by the seat of their pants, but they’ve always done that. We’ve lost some good ones recently. The Helm obviously comes to mind. And Grand Impromptu lost their building when the Grand Cinema needed to take it over in order to expand. Hopefully they’ll be able to find another venue in which to carry on. On the other hand, Fulcrum Gallery and Robert Daniel Gallery seem to be thriving.

Down south in Olympia, things are not looking so good. The only vibrant, avant-garde gallery in town went out of business a year ago, and just about the only galleries in town now are Childhood’s End and Art House Design. I don’t know what gives with Olympia, but this town that is so well known for music and theater has never had an exciting visual art scene. Not that there are no artists in town. They’re all over the place. They just don’t have many places to show their work. What a shame.

Ah! But then there are the typically overlooked art galleries that typically show quality work but are seldom visited by the general public. I’m talking about college and university art galleries. Kittredge Gallery at University of Puget Sound, the galleries at Tacoma Community College and Pierce College, PLU, UW-Tacoma, The Evergreen State College — they all have excellent art galleries but there’s a general feeling among the gallery-going public that they’re for students only, and the colleges don’t do a very good job of dispelling that myth. As a rule, they do a lousy job of publicizing their shows, so we seldom see them. To remedy that, I suggest bookmarking their Web sites and looking for them in the Weekly Volcano arts calendar. — Alec Clayton

[Fulcrum Gallery Art Space, 1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.250.0520]
[The Robert Daniel Gallery, 2501 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, 253.227.1407]
[Childhood’s End Gallery, 222 Fourth Ave W, Olympia, 360.943.3724]
[Art House Design, 420 Franklin St SE # B, Olympia, 360.943.3377]
[Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, www.museumofglass.org]
[Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253.272.4258]

Theater on the cheap

Most theaters are having a tough time these days, especially as their ticket holders struggle with their own financing and ponder ways to cut expenses that might include those very same theater tickets.

Theaters understand these personal financing struggles. They always have, and therefore have always offered discount, student rush and pay-what-you-can performances so people on tight budgets can still see live theater.

“We give 50 percent off to Theater Puget Sound members, chamber members receive 20 percent off,” says Vicki Richards, executive artistic director of Gig Harbor’s Paradise Theatre. “We used to do a ‘pay what you can’ when we ran dinner theatres. That made it accessible to all. We also have our kid’s ticket price, good for students 25 and under. Because let’s face it- starving students often can’t afford to see live theatre too often; two for one tickets are offered periodically when there are seats available.”

Paradise is fairly typical. No theater, actually, just offers tickets at face value for every show. They all have a few special offers of some sort.

“We offer many deals; they are varied with each production, and they target seniors, families, youth depending on who we are trying to reach with that particular promotion,” Centerstage’s Alan Bryce says. “We don’t do a pay-what-you-can night, but are thinking about it. We do a preview night, generally for family and friends. We don’t promote it, but occasionally we do get walk up business with that.”

As the economy seems set to begin rebounding, don’t expect these discount tickets to go away either. Theaters have always offered discounts during good times and that won’t change.

“We don’t provide pay-what-you-can with low income in mind, necessarily,” Capital Playhouse Artistic Director Jeff Kingsbury said. “I think more of ‘starving student-starving artist’ as being the demographic.  What we want, and what I think all theatres want — or should want — is for people to see our work. Frankly, if the work maintains a level of excellence, eventually the seats fill with butts.”

Capital Playhouse even offers discounted tickets when it doesn’t need to, since the well-known theater doesn’t seem to be struggle with subscribers.

“We’ve seen a spike in ticket sales, not a drop,” Kingsbury says.  “Up 14 percent over the previous season, overall. Our season tickets went up 20 percent for next year.  So far ... and we’re still racking up orders. I think that falls under the ‘I want to be entertained’ category. Our donations have dropped to record lows, however.  I think this is consistent with most companies, by the way.  We did not see a huge increase in the pay-what-you-can crowds. Except for shows where you would expect as much.  If it’s a hot property, then it’s packed with a substantial wait list. If it’s not...not so much.” — Steve Dunkelberger

[Paradise Theater, 9911 Burnham Dr. N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.851.7529]
[Centerstage Theatre Arts Conservatory, 1626 S 341st Place, Federal Way, 253.661.1444]
[Capitol Playhouse, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.2744]

Tacoma dance on the cheap

A few years ago you’d say, “dance in Tacoma” and people would either smile politely and walk by (then sneak each other bewildered looks) or say, “Yes! We simply adore the Nutcracker!”

Of course, there were the other sects. There were those who would whip out glow sticks and bust moves. Those who’d tell you about the newest nightclubs (and what might be lame about them), and those who would smile politely and semi-dismally look toward Seattle and say, “Yeah, there’s some great stuff going on up there.”

This fall, it all ends. The glow stick people know where to go, and are going there, right?  As for the others — all those polite smiles of confusion, all those looks to the north, all those assumptions about dance in Tacoma riding on the flimsy skirts of a girl named Clara — they’re done, right?

A variety of grassroots and well-established dance entities have been toeing a tenuous foothold into Tacoma, and it seems there is a collaborative, cooperative, community spirit that is waking into a massive ghost that will — like the best of ghosts —take Tacoma by storm this fall and into the season of Clara and her nutcracker.

The feet of the specter are, appropriately enough, bare feet.  The BareFoot Collective has changed digs and is now housed in the body of Tacoma City Ballet. The Tacoma City Ballet’s Jan Collum Ballroom at the Merlino Arts Center is quickly becoming the next big arts venue in Tacoma. Thanks in part to a grant from the Dimmer Family Foundation, the ballroom is transforming from rehearsal place to potential black box, cheap-seats-so-people-can-afford- to-experience-art space. And the BareFoot Collective, artists-in-residence at Tacoma City Ballet, is utilizing that space this fall with an introductory Encounter, which will introduce the Barefoot Collective and each of its artists’ voices to Tacoma, as seen through their bodies in motion.  This follows a Barefoot Brunch — dance class and informal potluck — on Sept. 20, and precedes a mid-November, two-week show, Foot Falls.

But let’s not forget the arms of that big spirit of T-town dance, connected via voluminous layers of filmy tulle and other fibers.  Attached at the breast?  Shoulders?  Somewhere in the trunk?  These arms might have been previewed during a recent Joel Show — a sort of Tacoma dance phenomenon. As with most of Tacoma’s ghosts, the Joel from the show — Joel Myers — has deep connections with Tacoma while also being interconnected with Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theater (to which many dance enthusiasts bow down) as well as Olympia’s Ballet Northwest.  As heir apparent to the MLKBallet artistic director chair — a position  Kate Monthy will be leaving vacant early in the new year — Myers will help MLKBallet stay rooted in the new body of collaborative spirit that Tacoma’s working toward, even while helping introduce gritty Tacomans to our dance neighbors up north. To that end, September’s MLKBallet-produced MOVE! show — at the Jan Collum Ballroom — will feature Spectrum dancers.

Yet another MLKBallet to Tacoma City Ballet tendon, a deep-rooted one, is Monthy herself. Monthy’s early training came at the hands of Jan Collum and Erin Ceragioli (artistic director at TCB).  She will be involved in not just September’s MOVE! show but also an upcoming showcase for educators at the Museum of Glass, where she’ll be tormented by Dementors in Robin Jennings Jaecklein’s Rug and where Jaecklein’s piece Chair will be debuted — keep your eyes peeled toward the spring.

Coming back to the spirit of fall, TCB dancers, Monthy, and The MLKBallet Company will show up all professional, glittery, funky at the Bollywood-themed Tacoma Art Museum Gala to be held at the Hotel Murano on Oct. 17.

Also on Oct. 17, Tacoma City Ballet — with participation from some BareFoot Collective members — will open a haunted night of dance, transforming the first floor of the Tacoma City Ballet space into an innovative haunted house. Showings of this haunted house of dance, so to speak, will happen on three different dates.

The spell of dance in Tacoma will continue its magic beyond the season of spooky spirits with a Barefoot Collective 8@8 presented on Oct. 26. A collaboration between The BareFoot Collective and TCB will take place at the Merino Art Center Nov. 7 for Art at Work day, and another MOVE! show will come to the SOTA theater on Nov. 20 and 21.

After that, go ahead, say, “dance” and expect Nutcracker. Then go enjoy the magic of a new season of dance in Tacoma. — Jessica Corey-Butler

Fall Arts Calendar through December 2009

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 17
Shunpike Downtown Tacoma. “Accountability & the Arts,” starting a new arts organization lecture, Sept. 17 6 pm, free (Suite 133, 703 Pacific Ave., Suite 133, info@shunpike.org).

Sept. 17-30
BKB & Company Tacoma. Art Squared, aluminum wall hangings by Rob Rickard, through Sept. 30, 11 am to 6 pm Mon-Sat (1734 Pacific Ave., 253.272.6884).

The Gallery At TCC Tacoma. Annual Juried Local Art Exhibition, over thirty local artists display works to be judged by other local artists and TCC faculty, through Sept. 30, reception Sept. 17 4-7 pm, Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm (Tacoma Community College, 65-1 S. 19th St., 253.460.4306).

Telephone Room Gallery Tacoma. LEGO Show by Dan Creamer, through Sept. 30 by appt. (3710 N. Seventh St., thetelephoneroom.blogspot.com).

Sept. 17-Oct. 3
Fulcrum Art Gallery Hilltop Tacoma. Losses and Longings, oils and assemblage by Jethaniel Peterka, through Oct. 3 (1308 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 253.250.0520).

Kittredge Gallery North Tacoma. Wood and Space by Paul Vexler and Constellations by Maki Tamura, through Oct. 3, 10 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, noon-5 pm Sat (University of Puget Sound, North 15th Street and North Lawrence Street, 253.879.3701).

Sept. 17-Oct. 4
Traver Gallery Downtown Tacoma. Transience, by Rik Allen, mixed media sculptures inspired by a life-long fascination with science fiction and space travel, through Oct. 4, artist reception Sept. 19, 4-7pm, 10 am-6 pm Tues-Sat, 12-5 pm Sun (1821 E. Dock St., 253.383.3685).

Sept. 17-Oct. 5
Handforth Gallery/Tacoma Public Library Downtown Tacoma. Puget Sound Sumi Artists present Sumi-E Harmony: East And West, through Oct. 5. Metal-Urge, Justin Hahn, Steve Barnard, Marsha Glaziere, medium and large scale metal sculptures, through Sept 19, Mon-Thurs 9 am-9 pm, Fri-Sat 9 am-6 pm (1102 Tacoma Ave. S., 253.591.5666).

Tacoma Art Museum Downtown Tacoma. 2009 Washington State High School Photography exhibit, through Oct. 5, reception Sept. 17 5:30-7:30 pm, Wed-Sun 10am-5 pm, $8-$9 children 5 and younger free, third Thurs free, open until 8 pm (1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258).

Sept. 17-Oct. 10
American Art Company Tacoma. Women Painters of Washington Juried Group Show, through Oct. 10, reception Sept. 17 5-8 pm (1126 Broadway Plaza, 253.272.4327).

Two Vaults Gallery Tacoma. Christopher Mathe Solo Show On The Rocks, Sept. 17-Oct. 10. 11 am-6 pm Tues-Wed, 12-8 pm Thurs-Sat,  (602 S. Fawcett Ave., 253.759.6233).

Sept. 17-Oct. 22
Pierce College Lakewood. An Off the Wall Look at Human Nature, by David D. Johnson, through Oct. 22, artist reception Oct. 7 4-6 pm, 8 am-4 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am-noon Fri, (9401 Farwest Dr. S.W., 253.964.6535).

Sept. 17-Oct. 24
Gallery Madera Downtown Tacoma. “e.motion: (e.mo’.shen) n 1. expressionism in motion, usually on canvas, textured by life.”, abstract paintings by Penni Russell, Sept 17-Oct. 24, reception Sept. 19 5-8 pm. Wed-Fri 12-4 pm, third Thurs 12-8 pm, or by appointment (2210 Court A, 253.572.1218).

Sept. 17-Nov. 14
Iron Gallery at UW Tacoma Downtown Tacoma. Drawings in carbon dust, graphite charcoal by Susan Massey, Sept. 17-Nov. 14, 12-4 pm Mon-Wed, 11am- 4 pm Fri, free (1742 Pacific Ave., 253.571.7914).

Sept. 17-Dec. 13
Washington State History Museum Downtown Tacoma. Marking Time: Voyage To Vietnam, Sept. 17-Dec. 13, Wed-Fri 10 am-4 pm, open until 8 pm every third Thurs, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. $6-$8, families $25, age 5 and younger free, free admission every third Thurs 2-8 pm (1911 Pacific Ave., 888.BE THERE).

Sept. 17-June 27
Museum of Glass Downtown Tacoma. Incoming!, Selections from the Permanent Collection, through June 27 2010, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, third Thurs 10 am to 8 pm, $5-$12, children 6 and younger free (1801 Dock St., 253.396.1768).

Sept. 18-19
Prodigal Sun Productions Olympia. Staged reading of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Sept. 18-19 8 pm, free (The Midnight Sun Performance Space, 113 N. Columbia St., buyolympia.com).

Sept. 18-27
Tacoma Little Theatre North Tacoma. The Star-Spangled Girl, by Neil Simon Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm, through Sept. 27, $16-$24, actor benefit Sept. 26 2 pm (210 N. I St., 253.272.2281).

Sept. 18-Oct. 4
Paradise Theatre Gig Harbor. And Then There Were None, a mystery play by Agatha Christie, Sept. 18-Oct 4, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm, $10-$20 (9911 Burnham Dr. NW., 253.851.7529)

Sept. 18-Oct. 11
Lakewood Players Lakewood. The Mouse Trap by Agatha Christie, Sept. 18-Oct. 11 (Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. S.W., 253.588.0042).

Olympia Little Theatre Olympia. The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy set in the swinging 1960s, Sep 18-Oct 11, 7:55 pm Thurs-Sat, 1:55 pm Sun, $10-12 at buyolympia.com (1925 Miller Ave. N.E., 360.943.7500).

Sept. 19
Capital Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus Olympia. An American Tribute featuring Dvorak 9th Symphony, Copland Fanfare for the Common Man, Morton Gould American Salute and more, Sept. 19 7 pm, $5.  Christmas Around The World featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, White Christmas, Carols and more, Dec. 11-12 7 pm, $5 (Evergreen Christian Community, 1000 Black lake Blvd. S.W., capitalphil.com).

Northwest Sinfonietta Tacoma. The Jazz Quartet presents Gypsy Night, Sept. 19 7:30 pm (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Sept. 19-20
Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour Gig Harbor. 35 professional artists let you peek into their personal studios so you can learn more about the artists and their art, Sept. 19-20 10 am-5 pm, see website for tour map, self guided, free (gigharboropenstudiotour.org).

Tacoma Anarchist Bookfair Tacoma. If you like anarchy, and like to read about it, then this is your nirvana, Sept. 19-20 11 am-7 pm (King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., 253.272.8801).

Sept. 21
Puyallup Fair Puyallup. Wynonna with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, Sept. 21 7:30 pm, $15-$50 (Ninth and Meridian, 800.745.3000).

University Of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Classic Greek Theatre of Oregon presents Euripides Trojan Women, Sept. 21 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Sept. 22
Peninsula Pierce County Library Gig Harbor. Autumn Poetry Spectacular, a series of poetry readings by Pacific Northwest poet Marvin Bell, Sept. 22 7 pm, free (4424 Point Fosdick Dr. NW., 253.851.3793).

Sept. 23
Capitol Theatre Olympia. OFS presents: Yard Dogs Road Show, a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll, Sept. 23 8 pm, $20, $18 OFS members at buyolympia.com, Rainy Day Records, box office night of show (205 E. Fifth Ave., 360.754.6670).

Sept. 25
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Jacobsen Series: A Tribute to the Genius of Django Reinhardt featuring NW Sinfonietta Jazz Quintet, Sept. 25 7:30 pm, $8.50-$12.50 (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Centerfest Olympia. The Washington Center's annual black tie fundraiser, Sept. 25 6 pm, $100 (512 S. Washington St., 360.753.8586).

Sept. 25-27
Old Town Arts and Crafts Festival Tacoma. Artists and vendors from all over the Puget Sound showcase hand-made products and donate a portion of sales to The Beacon Foundation, Sept. 25-26  10 am-7pm, Sept. 27 10 am-4 pm, free (Slovonian Hall, 2306 North 30th St., 253.851.2405).

The Midnight Sun Performance Space Olympia. BigShowCity presents The Lord Franzannian Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudeville Show! hosted by storyteller Elizabeth Lord, Sept. 25 8 pm, Sept. 26 8 and 10 pm, Sept. 27 8 pm, $7-$15 sliding scale (113 N. Columbia St., Olympia, 360.754.7114).

Sept. 25-Oct. 11
Encore! Theater Gig Harbor. A...My Name Will Always Be Alice
Sept. 25-Oct. 11 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, 5 pm Sun (6615 38th Ave. N.W., 253.858.2282).

Sept. 25-Oct. 18
Centerstage Theatre Federal Way. CONTACT, Carl Sagan's book about star stuff is now a musical, Sept. 25-Oct. 18 8 pm Fri-Sat, 2 pm Sun, $17-$25 (Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 S.W. Dash Point Road, 253.661.1444).

Sept. 26
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia Olympia. Peter & the Wolf with lots of brass, with pre and post concert activities including instrument petting zoo and meet the musicians, Sept. 26 2 pm,$4.50-$16.50 plus $2.50 Center surcharge, children 8 years and younger free with adult admission (Washington Center, 512 Washington St., 360.561.2080).

Museum Day Tacoma. Fort Nisqually, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum offer free admission (check it at 253.591.5339).

Sept. 26-Jan. 10
Tacoma Art Museum Downtown Tacoma. Vital Signs, by Joe Feddersen, Sept. 26-Jan 10 2010, Wed-Sun 10am-5 pm, $8-$9 children 5 and younger free, third Thurs free, open until 8 pm (1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258).

Sept. 30
The Washington Center Olympia. Tap Dogs, Sept. 30 7:30 pm, $33.50-$49.50 (512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8586).

OCTOBER

Oct. 1-8
Tacoma Film Festival Tacoma. This year 132 movies ranging from one minute to over two hours, will screen at Tacoma Art Museum, The Tacoma School of the Arts, First United Methodist Church of Tacoma, The Blue Mouse, UW-Tacoma Carwein Auditorium and The Grand Cinema, Oct. 1-8, $5-$8.50, pass available, opening night $15-$17, awards brunch $8-$10, closing night $13-$15 (more information at 253.572.6062, TacomaFilmFestival.com).

Oct. 1-24
Harlequin Productions Olympia. Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Oct. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 8 pm, Oct. 4, 11 and 18 2 pm, $24-$33 (State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., 360.786.0151).

Oct. 2
Artist Photographer Ricky Powell Olympia. Presentation and slide show by The Rickster, followed by DJ Sweet Elite, Oct. 2 8 pm, doors open 5 pm (The Mark, 407 Columbia Street SW., 360.561.0832).

Olympia Arts Walk XXXIX Olympia. Visual arts, performing arts, bands, literary arts and more converge onto downtown Olympia for one freakin' fun night, Oct. 2 5-10 pm, no cover (downtown Olympia, 360.570.5858).

Oct. 2-3
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum North Tacoma. Magical Candlelight Tour, Oct. 2-3 7 pm, $7-$10 (Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl, 253.591.5339).

BareFoot Collective Tacoma. Celebrating their new artistic residency with Tacoma City Ballet, the BareFoot Collective presents Encounter, an evening of evocative choreography, Oct. 2-3 8 pm, $12-$15 (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Oct. 3
Come Together Puyallup. A fall art and wine walk in historic downtown Puyallup, inspired by a Beatles' inspired art piece titled I Am Saved  by Jack Widman, Oct. 3 3-7 pm, $20 gets you 8 tastes and a wine glass, must be 21+ years to participate, tickets available online (Downtown Puyallup, puyallupmainstreet.com/Art_Wine_Walk.html).

Oct. 3-May 23
Tacoma Art Museum Downtown Tacoma. A Concise History of Northwest Art, Oct. 3-May 23 2010, Wed-Sun 10am-5 pm, $8-$9 children 5 and younger free, third Thurs free, open until 8 pm (1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258)

Oct. 4
Olympia Symphony Olympia. A Night in France featuring works by Massenet, Bizet/Sarasate, Ravel, Berlioz and others, Oct. 4 7 pm, $20-$50 (Washington Center, 512 Washington St., 360.753.8586).

Federal Way Symphony Federal Way. Sweet ‘N Savory Strings, Oct. 4, 2 pm, $20-$25 (St. Luke’s Church, 515 S. 312th St., 253.529.9857).

Oct. 5-Nov. 13
Juried Regional Show Gig Harbor. Peninsula Art League’s annual show, Oct. 5-Nov. 13, Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm, closed Oct. 12 (Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St., peninsulaartleague.com).

Oct. 7
Collins Memorial Library North Tacoma. Exploring Text and Image: A Conversation about Artists’ Books-Chapter 2, with Bill and Vicky Stewart, Oct. 7 11 am-12:30 pm (University of Puget Sound, McCormick Room, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Oct. 8
Pantages Theater Downtown Tacoma. Pink Martini featuring jazz, rhythm and exotic vocals, Oct. 8 7:30 pm, $48-$88 (901 Broadway, 253.591.5890).

Oct. 8-31
Capital Playhouse Olympia. Nunsense, Oct. 8-31 7:30 pm Wed-Sat, 2 pm Sun, $26-$37 (612 Fourth Ave. E., 360.943.2744).

Oct. 9
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University Wind Ensemble, Oct. 9 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Tacoma Concert Band Downtown Tacoma. Classics to Pops, Oct. 9 7:30 pm (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, tacomaconcertband.org).

Curiosities Tacoma. A party featuring art by Jovier Ortega, Rik Garrett, Jeff Angell and -O-Design Studio, plus live music, food, liquid libations and curious costumes are highly recommended, Oct. 9 8 pm, $10, $5 before 10 pm (The Robert Daniel Gallery, 2501 S. Fawcett, 253.227.1407).

Distinguished Writer Series Downtown Tacoma. Monthly open mic for poets, playwrights, short story writers, and others, open mic sign-up Oct. 9, 6:30 pm, features author Ronda Broatch, free (King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., 253.272.8801).

Oct. 9-25
Theatre Northwest Group Downtown Tacoma. A Streetcar Named Desire, Oct. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 7:30 pm, Oct. 25 3 pm, $29-$39 (Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, 253.591.5894).

Oct. 10
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Choral Concert, Oct. 10 4 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Northwest Sinfonietta Downtown Tacoma. The 8 Seasons featuring Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and Piazzolla's The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Oct. 10 7:30 pm  (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 800.291.7593).

Oct. 11
Paradise Theatre Gig Harbor. Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: Murder at Café Noir, watch a comic tribute to the Bogart movies of the 1940’s while enjoying dinner, Oct 11 6 pm, $42 reservations required (9911 Burnham Dr. NW., 253.851.7529)

Oct. 12
Graphic Novel Book Club Tacoma. Graphic novel enthusiasts discuss The Push Man and Other Stories by Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Oct. 12 7 pm, free, must be 21 to enter venue (Tentwentytwo South Lounge, 1022 S. J St., 253.627.8588).

Oct. 12-Nov. 14
Kittredge Gallery North Tacoma. Gather Image, Fugitive Form, Oct. 12-Nov. 14, 10 am-5 pm Mon-Fri, noon-5 pm Sat (University of Puget Sound, North 15th Street and North Lawrence Street, 253.879.3701).

Oct. 12-Dec. 15
The Gallery At TCC Tacoma. Ink Connection — China, Korea, Japan Heritage featuring Chinese Deng Juo Lei, Korean Patsy Surh O'Connell, Japanese Fumiko Kimura, Oct. 12-Dec. 15, Mon-Fri 10 am-5 pm (Tacoma Community College, 65-1 S. 19th St., 253.460.4306).

Oct. 13
Classical Tuesday Old Town Tacoma. Free monthly classical music concerts held the second Tues of the month: Classical and traditional Persian music by the Kamand Ensemble, Oct. 13 7 pm, free; violinists Maria Sampen and Timothy Christie, Nov. 10 7 pm, free (Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., 253.752.2135).

Oct. 14
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University Symphony Orchestra, Oct. 14 7:30 pm (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Second City Chamber Series North Tacoma. Masterpiece I — “Happy Birthday,” Oct. 16 7:30 pm, $15-$35 (The Great Hall of Annie Wright, 827 Tacoma Ave. N., 253.572.8863).

The Washington Center Olympia. Paul Taylor Dance Company, Oct. 14 7:30 pm, $29.50-$45.50 (512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8586).

Oct. 16
Capitol Theatre Olympia. Can Can presents Viva Oz Vegas, a Vegas-style floor show extravaganza, Oct. 16 8 pm, $15-$20 at buyolympia.com (205 E. Fifth Ave., 360.754.6670).

Oct. 16-18
Gig Harbor Film Festival Gig Harbor. Three full days of films, Oct. 16-18 (Galaxy Theatre Uptown, 4649 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, gigharborfilmfestival.org).

Sept. 16-Nov. 8
Tacoma Little Theatre North Tacoma. Lend Me a Tenor, Oct. 16-Nov. 8 7:30 pm Fri-Sat, 2 pm Sun (210 N. I St., 253.272.2281)

Oct. 17
Tacoma Philharmonic Downtown Tacoma. The Stradivari Quartet: Four Strads, Four Stories, Oct. 17 7:30 pm, $32.50-$62.50. New York Chamber Soloists: Handel's Water Music, Nov. 20 7:30 pm, $32.50-$62.50 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.272.0809).

Washington Center Olympia. Dentists Go Broadway 2009, featuring local dentists getting their Broadway on, Oct. 17 7:30 pm, $18.50-$22.50 (512 Washington St., 360.753.8586).

Oct. 17-31
Tacoma City Ballet Tacoma. The Haunted House, Oct. 17 and 24 5:30 pm, Oct. 31 3 pm (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Main Library Downtown Tacoma. The Golden West Wind Ensemble, Oct. 17 2 pm, free (1102 Tacoma Ave. S., 253.591.5666).

Oct. 18
Washington State History Museum Downtown Tacoma. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom staged history reading, Oct. 18, 3 pm, $14 (1911 Pacific Ave., 253.591.5894).

Oct. 20
Banned Book Club Tacoma. Luna by Julie Anne Peters Oct. 20 7 pm, free, must be 21 to enter venue (Tempest Lounge, 913 Martin Luther King Way, 253.272.4904).

Oct. 22
Main Library Downtown Tacoma. Deb Caletti, author of The Secret Life of Prince Charming and others, Oct. 22 7 pm, free (1102 Tacoma Ave. S., 253.591.5666).

Oct. 22-Jan. 5
Collins Memorial Library North Tacoma. Cut Out for the Wilds: The Collected Papers of Artist and Activist Abby Williams Hill, Oct. 22-Jan. 5 Mon and Thurs 7:30 am- 9 pm, Tues, Wed, Fri 7:30 am- 5 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm, free (University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Oct. 23-24
Fort Nisqually North Tacoma. Bonfires, Beaver Pelts and Bogeymen, Oct. 23-24 7 pm, $3-$6 (Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. pearl St., 253.591.5339).

Oct. 23-Nov. 8
Lakewood Players Lakewood. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, Oct. 23-Nov. 8 (Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. S.W., 253.588.0042).

Oct. 24
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Brassworks Concert, Oct. 24 4 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Tacoma. American Spirit , featuring pianist Andrew Armstrong performing Bernstein, Gershwin, Copland and Dvorak, Oct. 24 7:30 pm, $24-$77. Sounds of the Season, Dec. 5 7:30 pm, Dec. 6 2:30 pm, $24-$77. Messiah with conductor Geoffrey Boers, Dec. 18 7:30 pm, $25 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.272.7264).

Oct. 24
Tacoma Art Museum Downtown Tacoma. The Movement of Impressionism: Europe, America, and the Northwest, Oct. 24-Oct. 9 2010, Wed-Sun 10am-5 pm, $8-$9 children 5 and younger free, third Thurs free, open until 8 pm (1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258).

Oct. 24
Washington Center Olympia. An Evening with Grouch featuring Frank Ferrante, Oct. 24 7:30 pm, $23.50-$35.50 (512 Washington St., 360.753.8586).

Oct. 25
Tacoma Youth Symphony Downtown Tacoma. Costume Concert, Oct. 25 3 and 6 pm, $5-$6 for main floor. Concert No. 1, Nov. 15 3 pm, $5-$6 for main floor (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.627.2792).

Oct. 26
BareFoot Collective Tacoma. 8@8, artists try out new material for 8 minutes each, Oct. 26 8-10 pm, $5 (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Oct. 28
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University String Orchestra, Oct. 28 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Oct. 29
Lakewood Players Lakewood. A Radio Gala: Dracula & The Shadow, Oct. 29 8 pm (Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. S.W., 253.588.0042).

Oct. 30-Nov. 7
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth, Oct. 30-31, Nov. 4-6 7:30 pm, Nov. 7 2 and 7:30 pm, $7 (Norton Clapp Theatre, Jones Hall, 1500 N. Warner St., 253.272.9561).

Oct. 31
Museum of Glass Downtown Tacoma. Kids Design Glass, Oct. 31-Feb. 2011, Wed-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, third Thurs 10 am to 8 pm, $5-$12, children 6 and younger free (1801 Dock St., 253.396.1768).

NOVEMBER

Nov. 1
Dia de los Muertos Downtown Tacoma. Free community festival celebrating the Day of the Dead, Nov. 1 10 am -5 pm (Tacoma art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258).

Nov. 4
Washington Center Olympia. Pianist Louis Schwizebel-Wang, Nov. 4 7:30 pm (512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8586).

Nov. 5-29
Olympia Little Theatre Olympia. The Nerd, Larry Shue’s classic farce, Nov 5-29 7:55 pm Thurs-Sat, 1:55 pm Sun, $10-12 at buyolympia.com (1925 Miller Ave. N.E., 360.943.7500).

Nov. 6
Tacoma Opera Downtown Tacoma. The Daughter of the Regiment by Gaetano Donizetti, Nov. 6 8 pm, Nov. 8 2 pm, $25-$62 (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.627.7789).

The Washington Center Olympia. Comedian Kate Clinton, Nov. 6 7:30 pm, $21.50-$31.50 (512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8586).

Nov. 6-14
Olympia Film Festival Olympia. The 26th annual event features filsm from the Northwest, the U.S. and the world, Nov. 6-14 (more information at olympiafilmfestival.org).

Nov. 6-Dec. 6
Encore! Theater Gig Harbor. Oliver! Nov. 20-Dec. 6 (6615 38th Ave. N.W., 253.858.2282).

Nov. 7
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Opera scenes, Nov. 7 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum North Tacoma. Arts of the Fur Trade, Nov. 7 11 am-4 pm, $3-$6 (Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl, 253.591.5339).

Tacoma City Ballet Tacoma. The ballet teams up with BareFoot Collective for Art at Work, Nov. 7 2-4 pm (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Nov. 10
Classical Tuesday Old Town Tacoma. Free monthly classical music concerts held the second Tues of the month: Violinists Maria Sampen and Timothy Christie, Nov. 10 7 pm, free (Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., 253.752.2135).

Peninsula Pierce County Library Gig Harbor. Autumn Poetry Spectacular, a series of poetry readings by Pacific Northwest poet Holly J. Hughes, Nov. 10 7 pm, free (4424 Point Fosdick Dr. NW., 253.851.3793).

Nov. 11
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University Jazz Band, Nov. 11 7:30 pm (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Washington State History Museum Downtown Tacoma. Icons of Washington History, featuring more than 65 historical items hand picked by Director David Nicandri, Nov. 11-July 3, 2010, Wed-Fri 10 am-4 pm, open until 8 pm every third Thurs, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. $6-$8, families $25, age 5 and younger free, free admission every third Thurs 2-8 pm (1911 Pacific Ave., 888.BE THERE).

Nov. 13
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Introducing their new assistant professor of voice Dawn Padula, Nov. 13 7:30 pm, $8.50-$12.50 (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Nov. 13-21
BareFoot Collective Tacoma. Foot Falls, Nov. 13, 14, 20, 21 8 pm (Merlino Arts Center, 508 Sixth Ave., 253.272.4219).

Nov. 14
Dance Theatre Northwest North Tacoma. Holiday Show, Nov. 14 7 pm, free (Narrows Glen, 8201 Sixth Ave., 253.565.5149).

Pantages Theater Downtown Tacoma. Comedians Will Durst and Chris Bliss, Nov. 14 7:30 pm, $24-$44 (901 Broadway, 253.591.5890).

King’s Books Downtown Tacoma. Third Annual Open House and Poetry Marathon, Nov. 14 11 am-6 pm (218 St. Helens, 253.272.8801).
 (218 St. Helens Ave., 253.272.8801).

Nov. 15
Tacoma Youth Symphony Downtown Tacoma. Costume Concert, Oct. 25 3 and 6 pm, $5-$6 for main floor. Concert No. 1, Nov. 15 3 pm, $5-$6 for main floor (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.627.2792).

Second City Chamber Series Tacoma. Spotlight I— Style And Ideas, Nov. 15 4 pm, $20 (First Lutheran Church, 524 S. I St., 253.572.8863).

Pantages Theater Downtown Tacoma. An Evening with Randy Cohen, Nov. 15 7:30 pm, $29-$49 (901 Broadway, 253.591.5890).

Nov. 18
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University Symphony Orchestra, Nov. 18 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

TCC Chamber Orchestra Tacoma. In concert, Nov. 18 7:30 pm, free (Tacoma Community College, 6501 S. 19th St., 253. 470.4374).

Nov. 20
Tacoma Philharmonic Downtown Tacoma. New York Chamber Soloists: Handel's Water Music, Nov. 20 7:30 pm, $32.50-$62.50 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.272.0809).

Nov. 21
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Student Chamber Music Concert, Nov. 21 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Tacoma Concert Band Tacoma. Classics To Pops, featuring clarinet soloists Lawrence Bradley and Craig Rine, Oct. 9 7:30 p.m., $15-$30. Autumn Winds concert, Nov. 21 7:30 pm, $15-$30 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.591.5894

Tacoma Young Artists Orchestra Downtown Tacoma. Concert No. 1, Nov. 21 7:30 pm, $5-$6 for main floor (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.627.2792).

Nov. 22
Mozart Meets Beethoven Festival Downtown Tacoma. Tacoma Symphony orchestra and Northwest Sinfonietta join forces with pianist Craig Sheppard for a little Mozart and Beethhoven — nice! Nov. 22 2:30 pm, $24-$77 (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.591.5894).

Nov. 27-Dec. 13
Paradise Theatre Gig Harbor. A Christmas Story, Nov. 27-Dec. 13, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 3 pm (9911 Burnham Dr. NW., 253.851.7529)

Nov. 27-Dec. 20
Capital Playhouse Olympia. Annie, Nov. 27-Dec. 20, $27-$39 (612 Fourth Ave. E., 360.943.2744).

Tacoma Little Theatre North Tacoma. A Christmas Story, Nov. 27-Dec. 24  (210 N. I St., 253.272.2281)

Nov. 27-Jan. 2
Harlequin Productions Olympia. A Stardust Homecoming, a nostalgic holiday musical comedy set on Christmas Eve 1942, Nov. 27-Jan. 2 (State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., 360.786.0151).

Nov. 28
Washington Center Olympia. Late Night Catechism III, Nov. 28 7:30 pm, $23.50-$35.50 (512 Washington St., 360.753.8586).

DECEMBER

Dec. 2
Washington Center Olympia. Violinist Bella Hristova, Dec. 2 7:30 pm (512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8586).

Dec. 3
Pantages Theater Downtown Tacoma. Seattle Men’s Chorus presents Santa Baby, Dec. 3 8 pm, $39-$52 (901 Broadway, 253.591.5894).

TCC Symphonic Band Tacoma. In concert, Dec. 3 7:30 pm, free (Tacoma Community College, 6501 S. 19th St., 253.460.4374).

Dec. 4

University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. University Band and Wind Ensemble concert, Dec. 4 7:30 pm, free (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Dec. 4-20
Theatre Northwest Group Downtown Tacoma. The Salvation of Iggy Scrooge, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 7:30 pm, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 3 pm, $29-$39 (Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, 253.591.5894).

Dec. 4, 20
Theatre Artists Olympia Olympia. Poona the F*@k Dog… and other plays for children by Jeff Goode, these outrageous “Fairy tales for Grown-ups” are not for the easily offended, Dec. 4 8 pm, Dec. 20 11 pm, $12 mature audiences only (Midnight Sun Performance Space, 113 N. Columbia St., buyolympia.com).

Dec. 5
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Adelphian Concert Choir and Voci d’Amici, Dec. 5 7:30 pm, $4.50-$8.50 (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Northwest Sinfonietta Downtown Tacoma. Impressions Heard I “The Red Violin,” Dec. 5 7:30 pm (Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., 800.291.7593).

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum North Tacoma. 19th Century Christmas, Dec. 5 11 am-4 pm, $3-$6 (Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl, 253.591.5339).

Dec. 5-6
Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Tacoma. Sounds of the Season, Dec. 5 7:30 pm, Dec. 6 2:30 pm, $24-$77. Messiah with conductor Geoffrey Boers, Dec. 18 7:30 pm, $25 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.272.7264).

Dance Theatre Northwest Tacoma. The Nutcracker, Dec. 5 2:30 and 7 pm, Dec. 6 4 pm, $21-$26 (Mount Tahoma Auditorium, 4634 S. 74th,  253.565.5149).

Dec. 6
University of Puget Sound North Tacoma. Festival of Lessons and Carols, Dec. 6 7 pm (Schneebeck Concert Hall, 1500 N. Warner, 253.879.3100).

Dec. 10-20
Olympia Little Theatre Olympia. A Christmas Carol on WOLT, a heartwarming holiday live radio show, Dec 10-20, 7:55 pm Thurs-Sat, 1:55 pm Sun, $10-12 at buyolympia.com (1925 Miller Ave. N.E., 360.943.7500).

Dec. 11-12
Capital Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus Olympia. Christmas Around The World featuring selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, White Christmas, Carols and more, Dec. 11-12 7 pm, $5 (Evergreen Christian Community, 1000 Black lake Blvd. S.W., capitalphil.com).

Dec. 11-19
Ballet Northwest Olympia. The Nutcracker, Dec. 11 and 18 7:30pm, Dec. 12 and 19 2 and 7:30 pm, Dec. 13 and 20 2 pm (Washington Center, 512 Washington St. S.E., 360.753.8585).

Dec. 11-Jan. 17
Lakewood Players Lakewood. Tom Sawyer — The Musical, Dec. 11-Jan. 17 (Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. S.W., 253.588.0042).

Dec. 12-16
Rialto Theater Tacoma. The Christmas Revels in Celebration of the winter Solstice, Dec. 12 2 and 7 pm, Dec. 13 1 and 5:30 pm, Dec. 15-16 7:30 pm, $11-$26.50 (310 S. 9th St., 253.591.5894).

Dec. 18
Christ Episcopal Church Tacoma.  A Choral Arts Christmas, featuring pianist Libby Watrous, Dec. 18 7 pm, $23 (310 N. K St., 877.404.2269).

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra Tacoma. Messiah with conductor Geoffrey Boers, Dec. 18 7:30 pm, $25 (Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, 253.272.7264).

Dec. 18-20
Paradise Theatre Gig Harbor. Pinocchio, Dec. 18-19 7 pm, Dec. 20 3 pm. (9911 Burnham Dr. NW., 253.851.7529)

Dec. 19
Tacoma Philharmonic Downtown Tacoma. Indiana University's Straight No Chaser, Dec. 19 7:30 pm, $25-$30 (Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., 253.272.0809).

Northwest Repertory Singers North Tacoma. A North American Christmas, Dec. 19, 7:30 pm, $15-$18 (Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St., 253.572.4831).