SLAINTE, YO! >>>

Start the weekend off by supporting SP's brand new "We Out Here" battle league tonight. MC battles are experiencing a popular resurgence - thanks partly to Alliance Battle League and the healthy battle attitude of Olympia MC's. The first "We Out Here" battle begins at 7 p.m. inside the Olympia Ballroom. Scheduled to perform are Tacoma-area MC's Patron, Stuey Newton, Hushhush, Nu Empire, Yak Nasty That Nilla (for some reason I don't like writing the word "Nilla") and Abom. This show looks good, as there are also a lot of well-known Olympia MC's on the bill.

Does hip-hop go well with St. Patrick's Day? I guess it does if ya are House of Pain or Macklemore. If ya want to have St. Patty's Day and hip-hop fun, then Saturday is yo night. Starting at 9 p.m., for $12 (I know, ouch!), Bremerton's The Garage Bar and Grill hosts Island Trybe.

Sunday is a busy day for 253 hip-hop heads. Blue Nose Music has a show in Portland, so tell yo Oregon friends to go check them out. Congratulations to Blue Nose for getting the heck out of the state. Also Sunday, the Breaklites will be performing live on KEXP at 8 p.m. Ya can stream it. KEXP has been showing some proper love to Tacoma artists as of late. The radio station based in Seattle has recently hosted in-studio performances by ILLFIGHTYOU and Bruce Leroy. Thank ya KEXP for shining some light on the talent we have down here in The Tac'!

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 2013 >>>

1. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a winter night than on a hot date with ourselves listening to loud rock and roll and watching tough-as-nails roller derby chicks knocking each other on their ass.Beginning at 6 p.m.  will be spent cheering on Dockyard Derby Dames characters such as Brat Capone, Booty Trapp, Ethel Vermin, Stranger Danger, Jail Bait Kait, Ida Spyze-Her and Harm A Knee inside the Pierce College Health education Center. Tonight's expo bout features members of all four DYDD teams competing against the Rainy City Roller Dolls and the Rat City Rollergirls' Sockit Wenches in a double-header smackdown.

2. Today marks the opening of the action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motorcycling the Northwest" at the Washington State History Museum. Displayed through June 2013, the exhibit - a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Spencer Abersold, a.k.a. The Walrus, sat before the KGHP radio station console for 200 hours - nine days - attempting to beat the Guinness Book of World Record's previous continuous broadcasting record of 187 hours. What Abersold also did was raise $16,000 for the radio station, which is inside Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor. KGHB's funds were on the chopping block after being supported by the school district for 23 years. KGHP 89.3/93.7FM invites the public to tour the studio, check out equipment, and maybe even get your voice on the air Saturday afternoon. 

4. The Buffalo Soldiers Museum in Tacoma preserves the artifacts and history of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry - all-African-American cavalry units that served in America's wars from 1866 through the end of WWII. They participated in cross-country cattle drives, escorted wagon trains and stagecoaches through often volatile territories of the Wild West and fought in the Spanish-American War and both world wars. The museum was founded by Buffalo Soldier William Jones of Tacoma. From noon to 4 p.m. the Buffalo Soldiers Museum will host its first open house, welcoming everyone in to learn and explore. Local poet Elijah Muied will be on tap with a reading of a work inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Muied's poems have been published in "Threads" and he has showcased his work at his own open mic events as well as multi-poet happenings such as Hope in Hard Times at WSHM. There will also be refreshments and tours of the museum. The open house is free.

5. Hip-Hop 4 the Homeless is a weekend long extravaganza of music, poetry and social work. Olympia's homeless population is invited to come get clothes, toiletries, haircuts, food and other social services. While at the event, they are given one of the best hip-hop shows in Washington state.  This year you can catch Afrok and The Movement, Xperience, Motamouth Jones, Free Ya Mind, 206-Zulu, Heretic and others, plus the 25360 Awards at the Olympia Ballroom. It begins at 6 p.m.

PLUS: Tacoma Home & Garden show and the Westside Tavern Bash in our Weekend Hustle

LINK: Saturday, Jan. 26 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympi area

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

Spencer Abersold, a.k.a. The Walrus, sat before the KGHP radio station console for 200 hours - nine days - attempting to beat the Guinness Book of World Record's previous continuous broadcasting record of 187 hours. 

"I didn't lose my voice," he Abersold, "but I did go crazy."

What Abersold also did was raise $16,000 for the radio station, which is inside Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor. KGHB's funds were on the chopping block after being supported by the school district for 23 years. 

"After the buzz got going and people realized their radio station was at stake, the community got together and made sure it persevered," he adds.

Another $2,000 was raised from Abersold's "Sound to Summit" walk, where he attempted to walk from Owen Beach to Mount Rainier.

The efforts of Abersold and other community supporters brought in much needed money for new equipment and operating costs for the radio station.

Abersold explained the old setup was like building a car and using Volkswagen, Mercedes and Ford parts all rolled into one - all the equipment was either donated or salvaged.

"Now," he says, "it's like a Chevy Camaro with a Hemi."

KGHP 89.3/93.7FM invites the public to tour the studio, check out equipment, and maybe even get your voice on the air Saturday afternoon. 

KGHP STUDIO, SATURDAY, JAN 26, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M., 14105 PURDY DR., NW, GIG HARBOR, 253.857.3589

FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

So two bands, five comedians and one radio host walk into a bar.What sounds like the start of a joke is really this Friday's Rocking Comedy Extravaganza at The Backstage Bar and Grill in Tacoma.

A string of comedians including Travis Simmons aka "The Big Funny," Justin Hayes, Greg Baldonado, Jeremy Whitman and Eric "Puddin" Lorentzen will start off the night followed by Hookerfist, a Tool tribute band, and local rockers C.F.A. The event is a NWCZ Radio sponsored listener's party, with on-air host Darrell Fortune playing emcee.

The Weekly Volcano caught up with C.F.A. vocalist/bassist Cody Foster for the lowdown on Friday's extravaganza.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: It's about time comedy and rock music melded in the South Sound. Don't you agree?

CODY FOSTER: It makes sense. People watch us and tell us we are funny. We don't find us to really be funny. We think of ourselves as more, well, challenged. But all three of us are comedian fans. So we are excited to get to watch comedians, then do a set. It will be very surreal. Never done that in the 27 years as musicians.

VOLCANO: Why do you think shows like this are important to Tacoma?

FOSTER: This is a great hybrid of entertainment. Who doesn't like to laugh and get rocked? The big deal comes from not having your eardrum pounded all night. There is definitely a place for that. We have been talking with Eric and Travis and if this goes well we will do something else.

VOLCANO: What can people expect from C.F.A?

FOSTER: The usual, dumb controlled chaos. Loud.

VOCLANO: Since we're talking comedy, I got a nerdy Star Wars joke for you: What temperature is it inside a Tauntaun? It's "Luke" warm! Aha ha!

FOSTER: That is F'n great! We will be using that one for sure.

VOCLANO: Do you have any good jokes or one-liners?

FOSTER: I don't think my rubber pants will fit you. Come on, the safe word can't be ouch! Better to ask forgiveness than permission.

VOLCANO: Nice. What would you say to somebody to get his or her butt out to the show?

FOSTER: I would start by letting everybody know that this is an independent show put together by comedian Eric Puddin Lorentzen. Which means a comedian picked the other comedians. The best booked shows start this way.

VOLCANO: Anything else you'd like to add?

Foster: Come down and get loose. We are filming for a video!

BACKSTAGE BAR AND GRILL, FRIDAY, JAN 18, 8 P.M., ALL AGES UNTIL 11 P.M., $9 AT BROWNPAPERTICKETS, 6409 6TH AVE, TACOMA, 253.564.0149.

LINK: Rocking Comedy Extravaganza on NWCZ Radio

TUESDAY OCT. 30, 2012 >>>

1. CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY: Bishop Gene Robinson is the first openly gay ordained minister of a major Christain denomination. Bishop Robinson, of the Episcopal Church Diocese of New Hampshire, will speak about his new book, God is Love: Straight Talk on Gay Marriage. A book signing and reception will follow and books will be available for purchase.  7 - 8:30 p.m., free, Immanual Presbyterian Church, 901 North J St., Tacoma, 253.627.8371.

2. Come sit and read, drink tea, and argue politics - perfect timing to weigh in your votes. 5 - 7 p.m., free, Last Word Books, 211 4th Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786.9673.

3. Calling all lover's of music and pirates of radio: Tonight's benefit for Free Radio Olympia features Transfix, Moldy Castle and Laser Zeppelin. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., $3-$5, Palace Flophouse, 120 Phoenix St. NE., Olympia.

4. Through ritual, inspirational readings, poetry, and music, women share insights about life and the sacred. Participants are invited into deeper reflection and a renewed sense of their own goodness. It's a surprise this isn't held on Evergreen's campus. 10:30 - 11:45 a.m., free, Catherine Place, 923 S. 8th St., Tacoma, 253.572.3547.

5. Today is the last day to enjoy the Westside Farmer's Market great lineup of vendors this year, some new and some returning, selling plant starts and produce, delicious baked goods, pastured eggs, poultry and meat, herbs and tinctures, native plants, custom flower bouquets, soaps and salves, crafts, and Filipino food. Stop by on your way home from work and pick up something for dinner! 4 - 7 p.m., the parking lot of the Gloria Dei Church on Thomas and Harrison on Olympia’s West Side.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South South

ONLINE CHATTER >>>

Today's comment of the day comes from J.J. Syrja in response to KAOS 89.3FM being named "Best Radio Station" by readers in the Weekly Volcano's Best of Olympia 2012 issue.

J.J. Syrja writes,

Thanks to all who voted for KAOS--please visit the website, kaosradio.org, to get show times for your favorite music, news and public affairs programming.
Nearly 40 years on, we've still got an incredible array of shows and DJs--we call them programmers--who care deeply about their audience. Pass it on.

UNDERGROUND HIP-HOP >>>

Unlicensed radio broadcasts, popularly referred to as pirate radio, come and go by necessity. Stations surface only to disappear without notice, generally because operators get information that the authorities are closing in or the Federal Communications Commission has physically pulled the plug and seized their equipment. Somehow, though, Free Radio Olympia, an Olympia signal, has managed to remain a part of the landscape on and off since 2002, thanks to loyal listeners, frequency changes, benefit shows and weekly rag cover stories written by blindfolded writers.

Another benefit concert for Free Radio Olympia will be held tonight at Le Voyeur in downtown Olympia. The underground hip-hop show will feature Smear, Purgatory, Drey Payton, Xero Ours, Vizual Noize, 12:12, Beats Me and Crazy Monk. A donation of $3 is requested. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. At midnight a dubstep, drum 'n' bass dance party will fire up.

[Le Voyeur, Thursday, Jan. 12, 9:30 p.m., $3, 404 4th Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

ACTOR-PRODUCER TONYA YORKE PUTS THE WESTERN IN WESTERN WASHINGTON >>>

Growing up, did you go through that cowboy phase? You know - the oversized hat and boots, plastic sheriff's badge, popgun, the works. You'd hoot and holler through all the rooms in the house and imagine every sibling and/or pet was a villainous land baron. Truthfully, I always saw myself more as a Ghostbuster or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. (Leonardo really rocked the blue.)

These days, I can't help but enjoy a good Western movie that idealizes a period in American history while showing off this country's natural beauty.

When it comes to gorgeous vistas, the Pacific Northwest has plenty, just not the arid, evergreen-starved variety we've seen in countless films from this genre. Or does it?

Tonya Yorke of Tacoma seems to think so. Yorke is currently producing a short Western called The Shootout, shot entirely here in Washington state. Craig Muller's script takes a page from history and looks back at legendary outlaw Jesse James. Though rooted in the past, The Shootout transmits themes relevant to today.

"It's a story about faith and choices, and the paths that those choices lead us down," says Yorke.

Location scouting meant finding both interiors and exteriors true to the time, which posed some difficulty. "You're working in the Northwest, (so) you got to work around things," Yorke admits, but believes in her crew's ingenuity. "Creative camerawork will save us."

Beyond producing, she will also appear in front of the camera, playing wife to Seattle actor Ernie Joseph's U.S. Marshal assigned to hunt down James. Get the lowdown on The Shootout here. And if you feel mighty kind this holiday season, donate some moola to the production here.

Yorke moseyed into the studio this week - hear us chat and stuff on Volcano Radio, which airs Thursday from 8-9 p.m. on www.nwczradio.com and is available as a podcast at weeklyvolcano.com directly following.

WHAT IS ACTIVE ROCK? >>>

Clear Channel Radio - the folks that send Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM, KUBE 93 FM, Oldies 95.7 and 106.1 KISS FM through your noggin' - have launched "The Brew" 104.9 FM calling it a station of "Active Rock." You probably noticed the change when your favorite Halloween music station "Freddy" died at midnight, giving way to Metallica, the Foo Fighters, Green Day, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and AC/DC.

You might remember the Funky Monkey 104.9 FM held that spot on the dial for years.

According to a press release, "during the launch period, "The Brew" will play 10,000 songs in a row and once that concludes, will continue to deliver on a more music promise; playing only one commercial break per hour."

Here are more words from the release:

"We're extremely excited to have The Brew join the Clear Channel Radio family.   South Sound listeners have been missing a rock station that actually plays MUSIC ... and by design, the Brew will ROCK!" explains Shellie Hart, The Brew 104.9 Program Director. "It will be the best of all worlds for guys ... familiar rock hits, a good mix of new music and sports updates ... all served up with a brew!"

They will also take advantage of their sister station, Sports Radio 950 KJR AM by providing listeners with hourly sports updates.

ADVICE GODDESS RADIO >>>

Nationally syndicated advice columnist and author Amy Alkon (I See Rude People) graces more than 100 newspapers across the U.S., including your beloved Weekly Volcano. Apparently her Advice Goddess column is going global. Alkon will now take your questions and advice requests and bat around issues on love, dating, sex, relationships and manners from 7-8 p.m. every Sunday on her new Internet call-in advice radio show.

You may call Advice Goddess Radio live Sunday at 347.326.9761.

You may listen at this link starting at 7 p.m. Pacific Time Sunday.

There will also be a podcast you can download later here.

LINK: Read her columns