INTERN REPORT >>>

When I, Keegan Patterson, the new intern for the Weekly Volcano, was asked if I wanted to write a story, I had to steady myself for fear of collapsing under the weight of my enthusiasm and curiosity. What would I be writing about? Would I get to attend some awesome all-ages show and report on it? Would I meet interesting Tacoma icons and engage them in intellectual interviews? As if to stop my pondering dead in its tracks, Pappi Swarner, the editor, explained the story is about a benefit show in a tiki bar Friday, May 17 - and I had less than 12 hours to finish it.

I'm an innocent, dewy-eyed 18-year-old intern. It's my first story and I can't even go. Ah yes, I thought, so that's how the Volcano rolls. ...

Though I can't go myself, I hope I can convince some of the less age-challenged readers out there to attend an exciting night full of tasty Mai Tais and performances by two skilled and spacey Northwest bands at Tacoma's tiki bar, Tacoma Cabana. The bards in attendance for this tropical bash will be the Olympian electronic bass-synth-synth trio Elbow Coulee and Tacoma natives Death by Stars, a band described as a "21st century Hüsker Dü" by Downtown Joe from KJR Seattle's Bob Rivers Show. DBS guitarist Patrick Galactic describes their sound as "Electropunk," while Andrew Tuller from Elbow Coulee classifies his band as "Northwest Rocktronica." Andrew told me tonight's event is "a meeting of two bands who have the notion to push the boundaries of music as far as we can." When I asked Galactic how he feels about playing a show on the home front, he told me, "In Seattle a Tacoma band can get weird looks" and Death by Stars is "definitely Tacoma proud."

Read more...

Watch E.T. croak out "Ell-i-ot" and fly across the moon in his iconic bicycle basket at Olympia's historic Capitol Theater tomorrow, then head out and scope Sigourney's bald head on the big screen in the classic creeper Alien from the comfort of your car at Shelton's historic Skyline Drive-In Theater.

ET shows 6:30 p.m. and Alien shows at 9 p.m.

Both screenings are a benefit to raise money to convert to digital cinema equipment -essential in keeping the theaters alive. Well, technically Skyline Theater just met their goal of $40,000 through a kickstarter campaign, but the show must go on.

"By the end of 2013, most Hollywood film studios will stop making 35mm film and convert entirely to digital distribution," reads the event hype. "This conversion will save billions for studios, which no longer need to make and distribute film prints, but has left historic theaters scrambling to finance equipment in excess of $60,000-$80,000."

Since 1964, Skyline has provided a place for families to enjoy first-run Hollywood movies from the backs of their pickups or with driver seats reclined. This special event includes a beer and wine garden for those older than 21 and a "special treat" for those that attend both screenings.

The Capitol Theater has been at the heart of the Olympia community since its incarnation in 1924 and Olympia Film Society, owners of the theater, have been a beacon in the film community since 1980.

Proceeds will be split between the two groups.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16, Capitol theater, 206 Fifth Ave., Olympia, $8, website

ALIEN, 9 p.m., Thursday, May 16, Skyline Drive-In, 180 SE Brewer Road, Shelton, website

THURSDAY, MAY 9 2013 >>>

This summer Music and Art in Wright Park will, once again, shake the lawn bowlers at Wright Park in Tacoma's Stadium District. What began in 1993 as an awesome outdoor rock concert is still an awesome outdoor rock concert, only now with more art. Last year 2,500 lounged in the sun and soaked up Girl Trouble, Humble Cub, Walking Papers, The Plastards, The Jilly Rizzo and many other bands. There's no reason this summer's MAWP won't be equally awesome, unless there's no money in the bank. Unlike most summer outdoor rock concerts, there are no advance tickets for MAWP. The whole dang thing is free. However, like most worthy events, it's expensive. Therefore, festival producers will host a spaghetti feast and the musical stylings of the Original Rich Bundy and special guests from 4-8 p.m. at Louie G's Pizzeria. It's a family friendly, slurp fest. 

2. New York Times bestselling author Margaret Stohl, co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series, will discuss her new novel, Icons, which tells the story of four very special teens who could be humanity's only hope after Earth is taken over by aliens at 7 p.m. inside the University Place Library. She will be joined on the YA Icons Tour with local favorite Marissa Meyer, author of Cinder and Scarlet, Leigh Bardugo, author of the Grisha Trilogy and Kimberly Derting, author of the Body Finder novels.

3. The Oly Mountain Boys will perform at 8 p.m. inside the historic Spar Cafe in Olympia. The band proclaims its mission is to "reinvigorate the bluegrass genre by bringing the original bluegrass sound of the 1950s to a new generation of fans." We believe them, especially after taking a listen to the passion guitarist Chris Rutledge, mandolin player Derek McSwain, banjo player Tye Menser, bassist Phil Post and fiddle player Josh Grice get down with.

4. You could learn swing's Africanist cousin, blues dancing, at 9 p.m. inside the Olympia Eagles Ballroom. Blues dancing derives from the so-called "Black vernacular" of Southern dance styles and includes such moves as the Lindy and the irresistibly named "Funky Butt." Worst case scenario: you have two left feet but get to listen to Nina Simone.

5. The Engine House No. 9 is housed in a firehouse built in 1907 and still retains some of original firefighting artifacts. Purchased by the X Group, the force behind Asado and Masa, there's new excitement with better food, a whiskey bar, more craft beer from head brewer Shane Johns and a shuffleboard in the side room. Rev. Colin hosts karaoke two nights a week, including tonight at 9 p.m. He possesses a wealth of oddball musical knowledge and a disarming ease for calling everyone "baby."

LINK: Thursday, May 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

YO MILKMAN! >>>

As typical of Mother's Day, many businesses will provide special dining opportunities for that special lady in your life. One such business is Smith Brothers Farms. Smith Brothers Farms is the modern day milkman delivering farm fresh eggs, milk, cheeses and other locally sourced products from the Pacific Northwest right to your door.

This month they are holding a promotion in honor of Mother's Day - a portion of proceeds of featured products will be donated to benefit the YWCA to honor moms in need. Featured items are both of the baked variety of course, because as we know all moms like to bake right?

Add an order of Erin Baker's cookies or Seattle Bagel Bakery four-pack and a donation will be made to the YWCA. You can also use those milk and eggs that have been delivered straight to your door to concoct a little something up by hand for your mama.

To celebrate mamas and all that they do, their nurturing ways and you know giving you life and all it's best to not forget that Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 12.

Check out ordering details at smithbrothersfarms.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25 2013 >>>

1. American Voices: Invisibility, Art, and Educational Justice is a three-part series presented by Puget Sound University's Race and Pedagogy department. The series features educators, scholars, artists, and activists whose work stimulates critical intellectual engagement about issues of racial justice and educational reform. Today, the series culminates in a collaboration between Tacoma's Fab-5 and poet, writer, activist and teacher Walidah Imarisha. The spoken word performance, New Faces, New Voices: The Role of Youth in Educational Justice, will take place at 7 p.m. in Schneebeck Concert Hall. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome. Tickets are not required.

2. More than 50 establishments will be participating in Dining Out for Life today. During this large scale culinary fundraiser 25 percent of your bill will go directly to benefit the Pierce County Aids Foundation funding AIDS and HIV advocacy care and prevention programs. All types of cuisine are available from the rise of the sun until that late night nibble in Pierce County. Check out full details and a list of participating restaurants at diningoutforlife.com.

3. bella balls will be hosting a social to celebrate their newest fleur-de-lis adornment from 5-8 p.m. Co-owners glass artist Diane Hansen and designer Lesli Jacobs-McHugh will be in attendance and cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

4. "Look Here," a salon style art exhibition of 14 Tacoma visual artists, will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at 1215 Earnest S. Brazill St. - a Tacoma building scheduled to be listed on the real estate market for sale. Showing will be works by Bill Colby, Karen Doten, Kristin Giordono, Lisa Kinoshita, Lynn Di Nino, Janet Marcavage, Yuki Nakamura, Nicholas Nyland, Frederic Quinn, Betty Sapp Ragan, William Turner, Emily Wood and Otto Youngers. Victoria Johnson curates the show, as well as contributes work. "Artists are gentrifiers in Tacoma along with innumerable harbingers in a city poised for cultural tourism to booster private commerce," states Johnson in a release.

5. Balto formed in winter of 2010 as a document of young men traversing the landscape of Siberia. Appropriately, their folk-rock sounds barren, lonely and searching. The guitars and voices mingle together in the wide, scary expanse of an unfamiliar environment - countless, inconceivable miles away from loved ones. Beyond this air of being so helplessly lost, Balto also possesses an admirable musicality and liveliness that helps to buoy the songs and fight back those aggressive gusts of cold foreign wind. Join their jounrney at 10 p.m. inside Le Voyeur.

LINK: Thursday, April 25 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 2013 >>>

1. When fine-art photographer Eric Schwartz set out to photograph people with tattoos, he didn't expect to find a detailed history underneath the artwork. After a chance meeting with California tattoo legend Edward "Chuco" Caballero at a national tattoo show, the story for Schwartz's first film, Tattoo Nation, began to reveal itself - the documentary profiles some of the biggest artists and tattoo recipients to come out of the early Los Angeles-based, Chicano black-and-grey tattoo scene. The film screens at 1:45, 7 and 9 p.m. at The Grand Cinema.

2. Twenty five percent of Washington state children live in food insecure households. At 6:30 p.m. inside the Wheelock Student Center Rotunda, executive director and founder of Hilltop Urban Gardens Dean Jackson, executive director of FISH Food Banks Beth Elliot, folks from Canyon Little Mother Earth Farm and the Emergency Food Networks and sustainability manager of city of Tacoma Kristi Lynett will discuss this problem and other hunger issues.

3. This might be hard to believe, but you can't go see The Beatles live anymore, unless you have some sort of resurrection or time traveling technology. If you do have said technology and are using to see The Beatles, you've got some problems, so let Red Wind Casino help you out. It hosts Beatles tribute band British Export at 8 p.m. Go scream your head off.

4. GOAT, Overboard and IDefy will rock Malarkey's Pool & Brew at 8 p.m. as a benefit for Puget Sound Pizza bartender Theresa Pino who has been out of work due to health issues.

5. Cosmonauts share time equally in mind-melting squalls of Doors-esque acid rock and bursts of sweet, jumpy garage pop confection. It would be more than advisable to bring some earplugs for the band's show with The Garden Of Burgers at 9 p.m. inside The New Frontier Lounge.

PLUS: It's Olympia Restaurant Week! enjoy three-course dinners at fancy restaurants for only $25.

LINK: Tuesday, April 9 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

FUNDRAISER GALA >>>

Get out your wallets, big spenders. The Star Chefs on Broadway 2013 will consume the Pantages Theater Sunday, April 14 bringing along with it an evening of incredible cabaret performances, a delicious dinner and auctions to help the event raise funds for Broadway Center's groundbreaking arts education programs. This year, an online auction serves up some supplementary action - an auction in three parts, all titled after the 2013 Star Chef's theme of The Wizard of Oz.

Monday, March 25, the last of the three online auctions is opening up an entirely new lineup of awesomeness. Get ready to get your bid on!

"Our goal is to raise over $10,000 on the online auction and that we are well on our way having raised $7,412 thus far," says Broadway Center development manager, Jane Bell. "We could realistically reach our goal in phase 2. We have had 103 bidders, a total of 219 bids and 3,558 visitors to the site. Many auction bidders swoop in at the last hour to win their items - we call them auction snipers!"

So far, there are 46 items up for bid and more may be listed. Some of the raddest and baddest items on the list include:

Glassbaby Class in Seattle for Two - How can you call yourself a true Northwesterner if you've never stood in front of a raging fire hole and forged hot glass into a creation? You can't! Fix that. Fix it now. Bid on the Glassbaby Class for two and work one-on-one with a glass artist at Glassbaby, blow and shape your own piece of glass, and take your creation home two days later. Classes take place every day from 5 to 8 p.m.

Total Wine Tasting for 20 - It's not every day you get to go wine tasting, much less with 19 of your BFFs. Win this auction and you can take your pick from a seated, class-style event or a stand-up mingle. Guests will get to sample and learn about wines from California, Italy, France or Australia as well as light appetizers at Total Wine in Bellevue.

Harbor Fibers Studio Hat Felting Class - Like to crochet or knit? Those are just the gateway crafts. Learn to create felted creations just over the bridge at Harbor Fibers Studio. Win the auction and win a class valid between April 14 and May 30, 2013.

"I am excited about all the great getaways especially to Silver Reef Casino which includes lodging, dinner plus spa experiences for two!" says Bell. There are several getaways up for bid. Others include the Weinhard Hotel in Dayton, Wash., Oregon Garden Resort in the Willamette Valley, and the Eagle Crest Resort with some golf included in Redmond, Ore.

Bidding remains open until April 14.

PANTAGES THEATER, STAR CHEFS "OVER THE RAINBOW," SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 4 P.M., $200, $700 VIP, 901 BROADWAY, TACOMA, 253.591.5894

LINK: Weekly Volcano has crashed Star Chefs

THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a shower or two, hi 56, lo 44

Saturday: Freakin' rain, hi 50, lo 38

Sunday: Some sun, some clouds, maybe a shower and a little bit colder, hi 48, lo 36

>>> FRIDAY, MARCH 15: MOSQUITO HAWK

Olympia's Mosquito Hawk joins Tacoma band Mahnhammer - the band's first show with guitarist Mike Crum from Mico De Noche - Portland's Dark Country and Seattle's Gang Cult for a house show in Tacoma. "We have some new songs, and some re-vamped old tunes since our new addition," says Mahnhammer's vocalist Micah Hembree. "We are very happy to know that there are great people like Chuck that will open up his home to support the music scene." Sean Lanksbury (vox/guitar) chimes in. "I'm personally stoked because Friday's lineup spans the I-5 corridor and all kinds of heavy music. Varied night of killer music in a great atmosphere? Doesn't get much better." Agreed.

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: WHISKERS WINE & DINE

In support of Coalition Humane's efforts to fight pet overpopulation, the Whiskers Wine & Dine event will go down Saturday night at the Sharon McGavick Center. Not only with the benefit include an exquisite buffet style dinner and drinks, you should also expect an amazing silent auction and help support a cause that is passionate about our furry family. All proceeds benefit the Northwest Spay and Neuter Center. Tickets cost $60 and include dinner and a drink coupon. - Weekly Volcano

• Sharon McGavick Center, 6-10 p.m., $60, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood, nwspayneuter.org

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16-SUNDAY, MARCH 17: THE GOLD RUSH

The Northwest Sinfonietta bills itself as, "an orchestra to be reckoned with," not to mention an orchestra of, "passion, vision, thrill, and creation." Anyone who has seen the Northwest Sinfonietta in action would have trouble arguing with these statements, as the musical body routinely wows audiences in Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle. Saturday the Northwest Sinfonietta will perform the original score to Charlie Chaplin's flick, The Gold Rush, in which the Little Fellow is cast as "the Lone Prospector," one of the hopeful hordes of prospectors during the Alaskan gold rush of 1898. Chaplin drew his creative muse from grim history, specifically the tragic saga of the Donner Party, an ill-fated expedition of westward travelers who got caught in a bitter winter storm in the Sierras, resorting to cannibalism to survive. - WV

• Temple Theater, 7:30 p.m. March 16, $19-$49, 47 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 800.838.3006
• Liberty Theater, 2 p.m. March 17, $19-$49, 116 W. Main Ave., Puyallup, 800.383.3006

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: BEFORE CARS

Chad Channing, former Nirvana drummer, brings his pop rock band Before Cars to Rocket Records for an afternoon, live performance. Before Cars are promoting its latest album, How We Run, dropped Feb. 26 on the band's record label, Pocket Star Records. Best thing about this album is the acoustic, singer/songwriter feel. Best thing about Rocket Records shows is they start early, you can browse music, there is a cool gumball machine, and owner Steve Gaydich and his dog, Bruno, are never without smiles, making it feel like your living room. Combine the two, and you're golden. - NM

• Rocket Records, 3 p.m., no cover, 3843 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.5186

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: SOUR OWL

Ooh! Another free show! This time at Ben Moore's in Olympia - a few-and-far-between music venue that's known more for its Best $3.75 Fish and Chips than hosting a show. But, Saturday, you can enjoy a live set from Sour Owl in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Rock, pop, jazz, fusion, whatever you want to call Sour Owl's sound, just know that it's sweet. - NM

• Ben Moore's, 9 p.m., no cover, 112 Fourth Ave. W., Olympia, 360.357.7527

>>> SATURDAY, MARCH 16: HARMONY SWEEPSTAKES

The Harmony Sweepstakes may sound like a new dating service, but it's actually an annual event in Olympia featuring some of the region's best a cappella talent. No kidding. A night of music and awards, Saturday's festivities will include hosts and guest artists Six Appeal, the 2012 first-place champions, along with event emcee Smilin' Jay of Olympia's KGY AM/FM radio. Event hype available on the Washington Center's website promises, "an evening of impeccable harmonies and scintillation arrangements." Hard to go wrong there. - WV

• Washington Center, 7:30 p.m., $13-$26, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.753.8585

>>> SUNDAY, MARCH 17: ST. PATRICK'S DAY AT O'MALLEY'S

Celebrate St. Patty's in true Irish fashion at O'Malley's in Tacoma Sunday night. Bag pipers and performance dancers kick off the night, followed by live music from Shivering Denizens, The Fun Police and The Approach - plus tons of free schwag, food specials and of course, green beers. This will be a Patty Party not to miss. For more St. Patrick's Day parties, check out the Weekly Volcano's St. Patrick's Day Command Center. - NM

• O'Malley's Irish Pub, 2403 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.9403

WHAT SOME OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS ARE UP TO

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL Theater Critic
We're seeing Philadelphia Story at Harlequin and Oliver! at Capital Playhouse. Just as happily, we're also taking a bunch of foodie friends to Marrow.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Music Writer
Well, it's St. Patrick's Day weekend, so I'll likely be avoiding the bars. Much like New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day is amateur hour when it comes to drinking. Best just to steer clear.

ALEC CLAYTON Arts Critic
I'm in play-going mode this weekend. I'll be seeing The Philadelphia Story at Harlequin, Oliver! at Capital Playhouse and The Joy Luck Club at Tacoma Little Theatre.

NIKKI MCCOY Feature Writer
Plans include Friday happy hour goodness with all my downtown regulars. After they have their fun, it's my turn as another bartender and I plan to hit up the Dwell Hole in Tacoma for a kick ass house show. I hope I make it in time to see Mahnhammer and Dark Country (PDX). Hot damn! Saturday and Sunday, it's back to parent-land, which has its perks - like warm morning snuggles and blueberry pancakes.

JOSH RIZEBERG Music Columnist
I'm recording a verse at Kept See's spot for the League of Extraordinary Emcees album. Saturday, I'm teaching my spoken-word/poetry class at D.A.S.H. from 1-2 p.m. Last, but definite not least, I'll be chilling with my family!

JACKIE FENDER Food Writer
Friday evening I'll be sipping on copious amounts of joe at Bluebeard Coffee while listening to local authors read their works from Wrist Mag, to be followed by an open poetry slam. That said, the weekend will mostly be consumed with work feeding the pre-partying and hungover masses. And pow wow with team peace out to talk non-profit awesomeness somewhere in the mix.

ADRIENNE KUEHL Food Writer
I'll be throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends. Let the "oohing" and "ahhing" over tiny clothes commence! Oh, and I should probably do those taxes I didn't get to last weekend. ...

NIC LEANOARD Music Writer
I will be a hermit this weekend while watching the PAC 12 basketball tournament as well as other college basketball games. If I'm feeling up to it, on Saturday night I may go check out AKA's record release party at McCoy's. Other then that, I will be pretty lame.

STEVE DUNKELBRGER Nightlife Correspondent
I'll be hitting A MidSummer Night's Dream at Tacoma Youth theatre at this weekend. I hear the girl playing Lysander is highly talented as well as genetically awesome.

ROCKFORD ROWLEY All-ages Music Columnist
This weekend I am going out in search of a hard copy of the newly released Strike Gently by The Virgins. Stricken with illness and exorbitant amounts of schoolwork this week, there's nothing like a new album to lift the spirits.

LINK: Even more local events that we recommend

LINK: Comprehensive South Sound Arts & Entertainment Calendar

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 2013 >>>

1. Up until 2003, trains pounded the historic Prairie Line rail corridor from the Thea Foss Waterway to the Brewery District, passing rickety warehouses and dens of iniquity. In the fall of 2011, some $5.83 million was earmarked to turn the half-mile Prairie Trail corridor into a living and breathing interpretive trail connecting the waterfront with downtown Tacoma, which will also include a storm water purification system for the polluted runoff from Hilltop. Then reality hit. The University of Washington redesigned its portion. The storm water filtration ponds are now subtle. The pedestrian and bike paths are more functional. The price tag much less. Now it's the city of Tacoma's turn to fall in line. It's segments of the Prairie Line - south of campus into the Brewery District and north as it crosses Pacific Avenue and heads toward the Thea Foss Waterway, the end of the line for the transcontinental railroad of yesteryear - needs to meld with UWT's design. See the city's proposed designs for its portion of the Prairie Line Tail at an open forum from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Art Museum. Yes, open forum. You may chime in with your own design thoughts.

2. From 4-7 p.m. Tacoma's Crescent Moon Gifts will take the bake sale to a new level. Its Dessert and Divination offers baked goodies, shop and snag sweet swag like bracelets, tees and uh, more baked goods - with all proceeds going to support the Central Puget Sound Pagan Pride Day (say that three times fast). Crescent Moon knows how to throw a fundraiser. Also with every $10 dessert purchase attendees will receive a free 10-minute reading.

3. There's a lot of bickering and disagreement in this world, but one thing anyone with a soul can agree on includes the value of pie. At 7 p.m. King's Books celebrates Pi(e) Day, featuring the release of the book Pieography: Where Pie Meets Biography and a Pie Baking/Recipe Contest open to all. Tacoma artist Sarah Beth Smith will be there as she is one of the contributors to Pieography, the new book that features 42 pie recipes that encapsulate the lives of 39 women. The pie contest is open to all with the winner receiving a free copy of the book and a ribbon.

4. O'Blarney's Irish Pub in Olympia is so freakin' excited about St. Patrick's Day that it can't wait any longer. At 7 p.m. it will host an Irish-themed trivia contest with prizes, Guinness discounts, $7.99 steaks and all hosted by someone named Jimbo.

5. It's a fast-paced world we live in today, and we don't seem to have time to do anything anymore from plant watering to floor resurfacing, it all takes time we don't necessarily have, so we end up giving up the important stuff like meeting the opposite sex because how can you have time to toss your hair and work your smile if you're always late for your next meeting and your iCal doesn't have space for that in your schedule anyway so you have to make time and the best way to maximize the benefits your pheromones provide is to join in an organized event something like Speed Dating at Doyle's that allows you to meet people in less time than it takes to reheat a frozen chicken pot pie - a food you will never have to enjoy alone or at all again if you walk through Doyle's door at 7:30 p.m. because you'll finally have a life. Bring $20 and a smile knowing you're helping HopeSparks charity.

LINK: Thursday, Match 14 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

THE STORY BEHIND OLYMPIA MEMES >>>

In mid-December 2012, a new Facebook page was born - a page that appears on the surface to be one of mirth with a smattering of 'tude, a page that takes a cheeky look at life and times in Olympia. But Olympia Memes offers more to its community than JPEGs emblazoned with comical white text. Olympia Memes tries to do a little good for the world.

A person that remains anonymous heads the Olympia Memes Facebook up. We shall dub him or her Memester.

"My agenda is simple," says Memester. "Show Olympia as the great city it is. It's all comedy. But, if I'm really being honest with myself, for me, it's more than the laughs. It's the connections made. People come together here in a unique way. They take their nostalgic walks down the paths of their memories together and our stories intertwine to make up the fabric of Olympia."

The page enjoys taking steady digs at the rivalry between Shelton and Olympia as well as Oly stereotypes. Hippies and hipsters, anyone? But as Olympia Memes comes into its own, it's also reaching out to try and make the community a better and cooler place.

"There have been some surprising/exciting things to come off the site," says Memester. "At the very top of my list would have to be when one of our own, Jackie Waltrous, posted how she was looking for her biological parents. The page went to work sharing more than 700 times that night."

Within days, Waltrous located the family of her biological parents and Olympia Memes instantly became more than your average meme-engine.

If the page could help one person, why not help others? For Valentine's Day, the page invited singles to send in a picture with some general information and get posted on the page. While Memes has not heard of any weddings, at least a few dates came about.

Also in February 2013, the Memester got a whim - why not see who would show up for Olympia's own Harlem Shake? Memester invited people to meet upon the steps of the Capitol for the ultimate shakedown, but due to technical difficulties the video quality was meh. Memester was not daunted. A second Harlem Shake took place at the Heritage Park fountains and turned out bigger and better than the first.

"To those who scoff, I say sure, it's just a stupid dance in costumes, but I saw something amazing that weekend," says Memester. "I saw some of the very best of our town. Kids, parents, teens and adults all playing together in the fountains in the freezing middle of February. How cool is that? It's really cool, that's how much."

The page is even branching into partnerships with local businesses, most recently Eastside Big Tom. Olympia Memes ran trivia questions about the Olympia burger joint and Big Tom offered free meals as prizes. The result? Fifteen winners received free meals, and a burger boom at Big Tom.

Oly Memes hopes to continue to grow and provide some benefit to its community. Recently, the site took on a second person to help with the meme-ing. The page also benefits from several regular contributors. Coming up April 18, Memes will team up with local businesses and host an Oly Memes Meme Yourself Costume Party at Big Whisky Saloon; proceeds will go to SafePlace Olympia.

"I think there is a level of responsibility that goes into running a platform as big as this one, and for that reason my mind is constantly working to come up with the perfect way to support our town," says Memester. "I really like the idea of helping the small businesses of our community like we did with Big Tom. I hope to continue finding ways to build community and help people in the future."