Saturday, Sept. 24, recently signed Seattle band Campfire OK performed at The Space, the gorgeous all-ages venue in Tacoma's Opera Alley. The bands fronted by Kris Orlowski and Tony Kevin Jr. joined the bill. It was a well-organized show with a fun crowd and, as always, the floor-to-ceiling window behind the band provided a glorious view of Industrial Tacoma. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
For the full story on Campfire OK, go here: www.weeklyvolcano.com/music/features/2011/09/Campfire-OK-band-is-committed-to-the-crescendo/
For nearly two hours The Flaming Lips delivered a trippy, ambitious, marvelous show with stunning visuals, giant balloons bursting with confetti, ginormous fake mitts and lasers Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Puyallup Fair. Every party store in the state must be out of stock now.
Geeks Who Drink pub quiz is held Tuesday nights at Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub in downtown Tacoma beginning at 8 p.m. It's hosted by graphic artist and Weekly Volcano production assistant Holland Hume. The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people.
September's Art Bus guest tour guide was local author and Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. He led Art Bus patrons through exhibits at Embellish Multispace Salon, Hanforth Gallery, Jazzbones, Tacoma Food Co-op, MLK Spaceworks, Fulcrum Gallery, Brick House and The Swiss. The Weekly Volcano snapped a few photos along the waY.
Big Whisky Saloon and 100.7 FM The Wolf-hosted another Parking Lot Party Sept. 10 night in Whisky's back parking lot. Beginning slowly, the crowd eventually filled the lot to suck up live country music by Jonathan Harris and Robbie Walden & The Gunslingers, dance on the outdoor dance floor, drink cold beer, eat barbecue, shoot paint balls at targets and ride “Bubba the Mechanical Bull.”
Weekly Volcano photographer Steve Dunkelberger grabbed his camera and a scone and did the Puyallup on opening night.
The Weekly Volcano's foodie conglomerate Nosh League gathered at Affairs Cafe and Desserts for a private chocolate tasting and education at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. Nosh Leaguers toured Affairs' chocolate-making kitchen, discovered Landry's sweet secrets, tasted a savory chocolate dish, enjoyed another three rounds of chocolate desserts, and sipped red and dessert wine. It was awesome.
The third annual Tacoma Craft Beer Festival brought more than 40 craft breweries pouring 80-plus beers to a glorious sunny 21st Street Park on the Foss Waterway Saturday, Sept. 3. TCB producers Roxanne Wolfe, Chris Miller and Bennett Thurmon threw a helluva party, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club. Lawn games, music, more food than ever and, yes, tons of beer satisfied thousands of beer enthusiasts all the way until 9 p.m. when the diehards had to be cut off.
The Weekly Volcano dropped in on the Tacoma Maritime Festival, Mackeywood at The Spar, Kim Archer Band at the Tempest Lounge and the Grit City fest at Hell's Kitchen. Photography by Steve Dunkleberger
All walks of life converged on Tacoma's Opera Alley from 5-10 p.m. partaking in art projects, board games, photo shoots, dancing, drinking, chalking, meditating, street games and just hanging. It was awesome, to say the least. Steve Dunkelberger and Pappi Swarner snapped a few shots.
Now in its third year, Tacoma's annual outdoor throwdown Hip-Hop in the Park is quickly becoming a beloved summer tradition round here. The freeness, the community, the music, the good vibes - It's one big fun family outing. This year's version went down Saturday in People's Park. D.A.S.H. Center students, Reality Check Dance Team, Breaklites, Josh Rizeburg, Illaphant, Violet, and many more filled the Hilltop Tacoma park with the word. Nestled between scheduled performers were several rounds of the Freestyle MC Battle. Photographer Gene Torres caught the action.
The weekly Volcano dropped in on the sing-along action at Chopstix Dueling Piano Lounge in Tacoma. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
The Weekly Volcano dropped in on the Surreal Ultra Lounge during Bikini Night Friday, Aug. 12. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
Doyle's Public House in Tacoma's Stadium District mixes it up Wednesday nights. First, if the Sounder's game is on, the place is packed. Then the info geeks arrive for the Knowledge Night trivia games. Toss in the regulars, and thrill seekers trying to nab the last shot of a Jameson bottle in hopes of winning a trip for two to Ireland - and the crowd is complete. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
The 15th annual Proctor Arts Fest featured sidewalk sales, an art show, more than 100 arts vendors, live music and family fun galore on a partly sunny Aug. 6 day in Tacoma's Proctor District. Artwork and events were featured up and down North Proctor and 26th Street. Photographer Steve Dunkelberger and Pappi Swarner and his crappy camera documented the event.
Around 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, Tacoma artist James Grayson Sinding dumped hundreds of hand-painted wooden words, refrigerator-magnet-style, onto the plaza in an installation he calls "Words." This public art installation opening was in conjunction with the Tacoma Art Museum's "Free Summer Community Festival: Best of the Northwest" in which colorful chalk was also dropped on the Plaza.
Jake's Bistro is a quite bar in a quite town by the Sound. It has a view, an extensive beer list and not-from-a-bag food. Everyone seems to know each other at trivia night, and even share answers, since the game is more about bragging rights than the $15 gift card prize. Many patrons turn down the prize, so it rolls over to the next week. That is the Steilacoom way. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
Buck Wild Saloon hosts live country, classic and modern rock in a country and western-themed environment. The bar offer dude food, dancing girls, pool tables, a mechanical bull, food and military discounts. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
Last Call next to Meadow Park Golf Course on the edge of Lakewood serves up a bit of everything, from karaoke and DJ music to pool, darts and other "neighborhood bar" attractions. It all depends on the day. Fridays and Saturdays are night club settings while weekdays are locals and regulars out on dates. Photography by Steve Dunkelberger
Saturday, July 16: They called out to ye faithful, and all ye faithful answered. Saturday afternoon, at 7 Seas Brewing second anniversary party, we watched the Gig Harbor brewery's parking lot space slowly but surely fill up with the most faithful of beer-goers. Let us assure you, don't miss their third anniversary party. This laid back affair was filled with tasty brews, great music and battles over two giant Jenga games.
We also saw a sign of summer for a few hours. It felt great to soak up the sun and suds.
