Stage
When I started writing theater reviews 10 years ago, few people outside of Federal Way had ever heard of Centerstage, but in the years since, this little-known theater has blossomed into one of the finest in the Puget Sound region - thanks in large part to outstanding productions spearheaded by,
Arts
I love the new show at Fulcrum Gallery. It is called "Blue Collar," paintings in acrylic on antique platters by Adrian Bouchard. How such an outstanding Tacoma painter could have escaped my attention until now is beyond comprehension. Bouchard paints portraits taken from old photographs. They are hyper realistic, painted with
Music
Over the years that I've spent writing for this fine rag, I've made no secret of my distaste for just about every holiday (not you, Arbor Day; don't go changing). In particular, I've let New Year's Eve have it on several occasions. It's become something of an annual tradition in
Music
Maia Santell, performing New Year's Eve at Johnny's Dock Restaurant & Marina, is a name you should know. With a vocal timbre reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney, she and her venerable backing band, House Blend, are stars of contemporary jazz and blues in Tacoma. Her parents and uncle were fixtures in
Reviews
Seattle's Vostok Dumpling House has added a second location right here in Tacoma on Commerce Street. Now Tacomans can also enjoy quick bites of Eastern Europe for lunch or dinner for just a few bucks out of their pocket as most tastings range between $5-$10 for half and full orders,
Music
Now in its fifth year, Polar Plaza has put downtown T-Town on ice since Nov. 21 and still has a few weeks to go until the party stops. The covered ice skating rink has become the place to be for a chilly December, and there's even a food truck onsite
News
The two-mile walk through DuPont on a drizzly Sunday morning wasn't about exercise. Not for Dale Barnett and the 60 people who walked with him. It was about getting the word out about American Legion and about bringing attention to the needs of our military veterans. "We're walking for our vets," said
Archives
Morgan Freeman returns in “Feast of Love” as a wise counselor of the troubled and heartsick. Apart from his great films, of which there are many, this is almost his standard role, although he also seems to spend a lot of time playing God. Most of his insights seem not
Archives
“The Kingdom” is one of many movies in the ever growing “boy the Middle East sucks” genre that’s taken over theaters since it became clear to most of the country that the war on terror isn’t going to be easily won. But director Peter Berg’s film is more than just
Archives
In The Shadow of The Moon I never use the words “must-see,” which have been cheapened by association with so many films you need not see. But this extraordinary documentary, interviewing many of the surviving Apollo astronauts about their voyages to the moon, combines restored and in many cases never-before-seen moon
News
Although many of the terrors of war happen for soldiers overseas, some struggles occur once they return home. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a harsh and unfortunate reality for many veterans, as it affects up to 20 out of every 100 individuals who are serving or have served overseas, according
Archives
THE 11TH HOUR: A dire warning about the demise of planet Earth, presented in a deadening format of talking heads and what often looks like stock nature footage. The doc has a lot of valuable information, but fails to convey it in an effective, involving way. Rent Al Gore’s “An
Archives
SECRET TICKET CODE TM = Ticketmaster, (253) 627-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com TW = TicketsWest, (800) 325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com TWEB = Ticketweb, (866) 468-7623, www.ticketweb.com on sale now Greg Dulli, Petra Haden, Jeff Klein Seattle. Oct. 3-4 7:30 pm. $25 (Triple Door, 206.838.4309). Euge Groove Seattle. Oct. 11-13 7:30 and 9:30 pm, Oct. 14 7:30 pm. $27.50 (Jazz Alley, TM). Janita
Archives
Moroccan Treasures Summer is over. Our coveted Pacific Northwest sunshine is quickly fading to mellow gray. As a way to fool myself into thinking it is not cold, blustery and wet outside, I’ve started looking into interior lighting for a little color and light therapy. Said search led me to Moroccan
Military Life
Some soldiers travel on the Polar Express. The title to a 2004 film starring Tom Hanks, the movie is about a boy who boards a train called the Polar Express, which journeys to the North Pole. Once there, the lad is handpicked by Santa Claus to receive the first gift of Christmas. "I
Military Life
It rained hundreds of hams. Early last Thursday morning in front of the Western Air Defense Sector at McChord Field, about 25 community volunteers unloaded a large truck chock full of hams. Operation Ham Grenade 2015 had begun. Its mission was to distribute more than 950 hams to various squadron, battalion and brigade
News
Technology jobs are on the rise in the Northwest, and now a military veteran-owned company in Tacoma has plans to provide short-term immersive training in web development and coding to the military community interested in a tech career. VetStartups, founded by three military veterans, plans to launch its first 20-week certificate
Military Life
I was shocked last year while sipping coffee at Starbucks on a crisp October morning when I realized that Christmas music was playing. Already? Then this year, in August, my daughter and I were school shopping when we found Christmas items already on display. It made Christmas in July seem almost