Thursday, June 7

PUNK FOLK ROCK colin spring

While normally the term “punk folk rocker” would cause my toes to curl in disgust, Portland’s Colin Spring is a welcome exception. Usually when someone decides to refer to himself as a “punk folk rocker,” he’s pulling s*** out of his ass, and his sound couldn’t be farther from punk or folk. Colin Spring proves that you don’t necessarily need an electric guitar and a Hot-Topic charge card to be punk, and you don’t necessarily need to be insipid and smell like Boca Burgers to be folk.

Today, Colin Spring will be playing the Farmer’s Market in Tacoma — giving his witty, offbeat and youthfully homegrown take on acoustic performance to a crowd of folks wading through mounds of off-the-hook strawberries, apples, cucumbers, and eggplants.

The smell of patchouli will be in the air, but it won’t be coming from Spring. That’s the reason I like this guy. He’s fresh folk, without the Birks and body hair.

“I will be playing at the Tacoma Farmers Market this Thursday from 11:30-1:30,” wrote Spring. “If you enjoy throwing produce at folk musicians this will be your golden opportunity.”

I have a cannon for a right arm, at least for an aging Tacoma music scribe, but I could never bring myself to rifle fruits and veggies at Mr. Spring. I think he’s the only folk musician not old enough for Social Security who’s record I own, which tells you he’s not your typical hippie. Colin Spring takes everything I hate about folk and throws it out the window of his proverbial Volvo. He’s more than enough reason to find yourself at the Farmers Market today.

Like you need a reason. Like you’ve a job. — Matt Driscoll



[Downtown Tacoma, 11:30 a.m., free, Broadway Street between 9th and 11th Streets, www.tacoma    farmersmarket.com]

Friday, June 8

Sanction VIII

Is it just me or does the South Sound have some of the most kick ass rock in the state? Seems like every time I check in at Hell’s Kitchen there are a bevy of bands who each possess a raucous spirit and a hardcore attitude, and Sanction VIII is no exception. With its mantra “fuck the money and fame, just play,” this band is as about as hardcore as they come. Originally named Section VIII, the quartet had to change its name to avoid legal hassles but have been forever evolving for the past two years. They released their debut, Step Inside My World, in 2006. The disc was a good representation of the group’s high energy shows with more rapid fire power chords and machinegun drumbeats than you can shake a fist at, while the vocals were sinister and threateningly evil, which probably slots the band in the death metal category. However, being categorized just might piss these nonconformists off. For more, visit www.sanctionviii.com. — Tony Engelhart



[Hell’s Kitchen, Friday, June 8, 9 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

Sunday, June 10

BENEFIT friends of the holidays

When this first ran across my desk I had to take a double take; seven bands, one day and for only 10 bones. On June 10 The Swiss in Tacoma will play host to Friends of the Holidays benefit.  In its eighth year, the 100 percent volunteer non-profit organization is devoted to providing low-income families with meals during the December holiday season. Through their association with local social organizations, they were able to help over 500 needy families in 2006 and hope to meet or beat that this year.

The lineup for the first benefit of 2007 is a doozy. The day will begin with the acoustic Americana sounds of Beth McBride, quickly followed by some true blues with the E-Side Rhythm Blues Combo. Northwest blues goddess Polly O’Keary will take the stage for some rockin’ blues, after which funk, blues and R&B collide with the incomparable party band In The House. Then it’s jump time with the swingiest band in the northwest, Maia Santell and House Blend. What evening would be complete without the bone man himself, Randy Oxford and gang? If you can’t get enough, the ultra blue sounds of the Chester Dennis Jones Band will close things out with a bang. — Tony Engelhart



[The Swiss, 3 p.m. to close, $10 donation, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

Sunday, June 10

BLUES the red hotz

Between my father and writing for a local blues rag a few years ago, I got to know every blues musician in town and could generally slip by the doorman without laying out any greenbacks. Times change, and with all the recent entries in the Northwest blues scene I am now forced to open up my wallet and shell out the cover charge. One band who wouldn’t know me from Adam is the Red Hotz. Originally called the Red Hot Blues Sisters, the band debuted live in 2004 and quickly became the toast of the town. With a deep admiration for the past coupled with a progressive eye toward the future, the group performs traditional standards with a modern edge. When it comes to original material, the Red Hotz incorporates elements of the blues with a rock and roll sensibility that is fresh and new. Fronted by two women, Suze Sims (vocals) and Terri Anne Wilson (guitar), the band might have some novelty, but don’t discount their talent. Wilson was nominated for best electric guitar at the 2006 BB Awards, and Sims was nominated for best female vocalist this past year. Now can I get into the show for free? — TE



[The Spar, 7 p.m., no cover, 2121 North 30th St., Tacoma, 253.672.8215]