TACOMA PREFUNK TUESDAY, SEPT. 19 2017: Breakside Cuddle Puddle and Kim Archer
PREFUNK: Cuddle Puddle is a thing. Dictionaries describe the term as a group of people cuddling in en masse, usually to comfort each other or express mutual friendship. A professional cuddler is someone who gets paid by the hour to cuddle. It could also include things such as having a conversation while holding hands or eye gazing. It’s very much about connection and being there for whatever the client wants. Cuddle parties are specific, structured events where strangers establish a nonsexual, safe, consent-focused space in which to play and cuddle and connect. Exchange massages, tickle each other, whatever they want to do within the guidelines. Whatever. Breakside Brewery’s Cuddle Puddle Pale Ale is tasty enough to warrant cuddling it. The Northwest pale hugs with orange and tropical fruits. Its finish is dry — much like a Cuddle Puddle if held to definition. Drop by Peaks and Pints and enjoy a Cuddle Puddle off our Western red cedar tap log.
2 AND 6:30 P.M. POP AYE: Director Kirsten Tan’s beatific feature debut Pop Aye is the story of a successful Bangkok architect in the midst of a midlife crisis who is reunited with an elephant he knew growing up. The two embark on a road trip to the man’s childhood home in the idyllic Thai countryside. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters that includes a pair of nonplussed local police officers, a forlorn transgender sex worker and a mysteriously wise drifter. Check out filmmaker Tan’s strikingly universal tale at The Grand Cinema.
8 P.M. OPEN MIC WITH KIM ARCHER: Open-mic nights are a gamble, no matter which side of the mic you’re on. As a performer you’re laying bare your songcraft and hoping the audience applauds; as a listener you have to contend with this songcraft-baring and hope it goes down easy. This tension is nicely dissipated at the North End Social Club’s open mic, held each Tuesday. Helmed by the easy-going Kim Archer, a fine R&B/soul singer and guitarist in her own right, this laid-back night attracts the usual singer-songwriters, as well as armchair strummers and even a few spoken word rants. Archer, a lifelong musician who commands the stage with her soulful original songs, lets her demeanor set the tone for the evening. There’s no better way to get your chops up to speed and to make that first step toward music superstardom.
