The list of reasons it’s cool be employed at the Weekly Volcano is long. For instance, I never feel the need to shave before work. And I never think twice about ordering a beer during business lunches with the boss. Chances are, he’s doing the same.



One of the coolest things about working for the Weekly Volcano is the understanding around the office for midweek hangovers. At other jobs, stumbling into the office with sunken bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and the pain of 200 jackhammers in your head is frowned upon. At the Weekly Volcano, it’s par for the course. In fact, when I find myself in such a state, Pappi Swarner usually just smacks me on the ass NFL style and says “keep up the good work.”



While this office policy will probably be the death of my liver, it may be the best thing that ever happened to my social life. If there’s a show going down in T-town, no matter what day it falls on, there’s no work related reason for me not to show up. If only every 40-hour-a-week hack had it so good.



This Tuesday, July 15, when Rocky Votolato sits down for an acoustic show at Hell’s Kitchen, I’ll be thanking my lucky alcoholic stars for the Weekly Volcano’s hangover policy. Votolato is a musician and performer not to miss. His 2007 Barsuk release, The Brag and Cuss, was one of the best efforts last year had to offer. Slow, smoky, and packing a country fried, steel guitar punch that makes Votolato seem more seasoned than his 29 years, The Brag and Cuss is evidence that an artist who moved to Seattle from Texas as a child, and cut his teeth on more punk than twang, has come full circle. The Brag and Cuss announced Votolato’s emergence in the world of Americana and displayed for all who listened that Votolato is one of the best singer/songwriters we, as fans of good music, have to fall in love with.



Whether your job has a midweek hangover policy as understanding as the Weekly Volcano’s or not, don’t let anything stop you. Votolato is an artist worth some Wednesday morning pain and the stink eye from your boss. His show at Hell’s Kitchen Tuesday will be one of the week’s best.


[Hell’s Kitchen, with Mike Cooper of Roy, Tuesday, July 15, 6 p.m., $10-$12, all ages, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]