Archives
Tacoma jazz guitarist Ed Taylor has Gibson Guitars in his camp, an honor that allows him to play what he feels are the best guitars in the world. His Gibson of choice: the Steve Howe ES-175, which he works masterfully on his latest CD, Songs From A Taylor. The Weekly Volcano
Archives
Cougars. You can call me stupid if you want, but up until a month ago I thought they were either animals or Washington State University students/alums, and I was quite unfamiliar with the third definition. As the urban dictionary says: Cougars are older women who frequent clubs in order to score
Archives
In my fall arts guide article last week, I said I was majorly impressed back in ’99 by Claire Johnson’s realistic paintings of scenes in a San Francisco nightclub and that I looked forward to seeing what she’s doing now. Well, I saw what she’s doing now — in a group
Archives
In its 11th year, the Commencement Bay Maritime Festival showcases Tacoma’s working waterfront with special attention to the nautical experience: boat building, dragon boat races, boat rides, and even train rides. Kids got a kick out of entertainers like Ladybug the Clown and Mario Lorenz who made balloon swords and
Outdoors
This time of year in Washington is like magic. The rain has finally stopped, and the skies are clear and sunny. Lucky for us, we don't have to travel far to experience the beauty in our backyard. There are several great, easy hikes within a short drive of JBLM. With
Outdoors
In the song "Sloop John B," Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys detail a catastrophic sailing expedition that erupts in a booze-driven saga of fist-fights and stolen corn. The protagonist just wants to get home, but first he must hoist the sails and turn the boat back toward where they
News Front
It's not often that reporters get to make dirty jokes (unless you're Jon Stewart), but in this case, the event being covered is one giant innuendo - which perhaps makes this a little more fun for both reader and reporter. And it should be infinitely more fun for those who actually
Arts
If you don't study them carefully, Jean Mandeberg's metal and mixed media assemblages at Salon Refu appear to be sweet wall decorations and little more, but if you make the effort to look carefully you'll see there's much more to them that meets the eye in a cursory glance. There is
Music
As I sit here, in the cozy darkness of a bar, and write about another band, I reflect on the possibility that my journeys through Tacoma today may have resulted in my first sunburn of this new summer. That yellow psychopath we call the sun got me. I've written many
Reviews
The Foss Waterway in Tacoma is quickly becoming a destination spot for walking, socializing, and anyone looking for a casual and comfortable dining experience. One of those places is Paesan Kitchen and Bar, established in 2013. Located on the west side of the waterway, Paesan has a small comfortable feel
News
Lt. Harry Spieth was one unhappy B-17 bomber pilot. He was transferred to the Philippines in 1942. As he flew to his duty station, his personal items were shipped by boat. Among the items were his prized golf clubs. There was a mix-up, and his belongings wound up in Java, never to
Outdoors
Never let it be said that the Pacific Northwest isn't filled with adventurous pursuits. From watersports to amazing aerial adventures, get out of the city, and you'll find high adventure around every bend. Skydiving If high adventure is what you seek, jumping out of a plane to catch sight of Northwest scenery
News Front
Military Occupational Specialty, or MOS 12B, Combat Engineer is now open to all female-enlisted soldiers of all components, according to Army Directive 2015-27. The June 16 directive from Army Secretary John M. McHugh makes available 20,563 additional positions for women and opens the last of the 16 engineer MOSs, which were
News Front
In 2003, Master Sgt. Traci Williams needed a way to not only support and have the ability to watch her hometown favorite, Seattle Seahawks, but also wanted her fellow servicemembers to be able to better support the Seahawks as well. So marked the birth of the Military Sea Hawkers. The official military
Outdoors
As a hard-working, active-duty member of the military, a retiree or a Department of Defense civilian employee, your service is much appreciated, and you're duly deserving of some R&R. Fortunately, Army and Navy installations in the Pacific Northwest are home to some beautiful outdoor recreation, and opportunities abound for relaxing overnight
Military Life
It takes 10 minutes in the presence of Col. David Kumashiro, out-going commander of McChord Field's 62nd Airlift Wing, to know he's not an egomaniac. Self-deprecating, humble, on the margins of extroversion, Kumashiro prefers to use the "we" than the "me." He also employs the word "team" so often that
Music
Lacey Days, kicking off this weekend, isn't just one event, it's a new title for a whole buffet of fun that gets summer started in Lacey - and the Lacey South Sound Chamber and the city of Lacey are hoping you're ready to dig in to two weeks of events
Stage
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Lakewood Playhouse is a deliciously funny romp through merrie olde England. Based on an unfinished novel by Charles Dickens, Drood is a musical comedy that asks the audience to vote on whodunit. What a fun and ingenious concept by Rupert Holmes, who wrote the
Music
Tacoma bluegrass act Barleywine Revue will celebrate five years of music with a blowout weekend of music at venues throughout their home city. Barleywine will play three shows starting tonight and stretching well into Saturday as part of their "Bluegrass Today for a Greener Tomorrow" tour. Barleywine started as a college
