just a big ol' massive hallway.

Things I associate with Tacoma: skinny jeans, plaid lumberjack shirts, local beer, greasy hair.

Things I don't: Tacoma: music festivals that aren't creepy/metal/at Hell's Kitchen.

But after last weekend, EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED! THE PARADIGM MUST SHIFT! Beginning with Squeak and Squawk, Tacoma is officially on its way to its rightful status as Seattle's grungier little sister who knows her music just as well, mil gracias. It's like Block Party, without a central locus, and what better time than a Sunday night before a big work week (not to mention the week I temporarily quit caffeine and alcohol-- Betty Ford, give me strength) than to stay out playing until the wee hours of the morning with Mr. Plaid Shirt Himself, Ashton E. Rennegarbe?

We landed at the New Frontier Room and I felt like I was in Georgetown, which put me in a really good mood. Commence philosophical discussion fueled by Diamond Knot heffies and close observation of a lead singer in a puff-painted vest ("We are having an art night if it kills us!" Ashton growled in obvious envy of his tri-dimensioned clothing). The man sang for Kilcid Band with his arms in perfect straight lines at his side, and still wooed us. Another guy sang in between and reminded me of the time I stood on a refrigerator box at age 5 and sang for an hour straight with my blankie wrapped around my head. Take that as you will, since I'm loathe to knock musicians who have actually learned an instrument, but at this point we tuned out to make friends with the Minneapolis native at the bar with us (Dear Mike: thank you for buying me nachos without telling me. I have never had a greater surprise at a bar. You said it was because I welcomed you so warmly to Tacoma, but I have seen the goodness of your heart and now think really highly of the midwest).

The night concluded with the mass of people who make up Grand Hallway serenading us into Monday with songs about honeybees. I have a crush on the drummer, who is short, a little chubby, and has eyes like a deer (large. brown. far apart.). I'll be tracking this group down again, partly because I love love love their music and partly because I want to see what facial expressions the Japanese lead singer will come up with next.

Well played, Tacoma. Being back in the 253 pleases me so much more when you do things like this.