Of all the instrument makers in history, none have attracted so much attention as Antonio Stradivari. This Saturday Tacomans will get a chance to see and hear not one but four instruments made by this iconic Italian craftsman three centuries ago when the Swiss Stradivari Quartet play the Pantages courtesy of Tacoma Philharmonic. The four musicians will tell the stories of the famous folk who owned their two violins, viola and cello (a la “The Red Violin”) as well as playing Schubert, Turina, Bartok and Brahms.

Says Philharmonic director Andy Wood: “After 300 years the …

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The Gig Harbor Film Festival has had a growth spurt in its second year. From 20 screenings last year the festival will bring 60 features, documentaries, shorts, and foreign films to its three-day run.

Over 20 filmmakers will be presenting their work and meeting audiences in Q&A sessions after their films.

Highlights include:

“Mildred Richards” 12:30 p.m. Friday
Filmmaker Marc Kess will explain how he lip-synched an old radio program onto black and white film. A 1920s theater organ will provide a soundtrack and sound effects.

“Pink Panther” producer 5:15 p.m. Friday
Academy Award winner David …

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Community members can remember their dearly departed while celebrating at Day of the Dead events in Tacoma starting this weekend.

Here’s the lowdown:

What it is: People in Latin American countries honor deceased relatives and friends through a variety of traditions on Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, observed Nov. 1 and 2. “The belief is that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life; therefore these celebrations are joyous, not mournful,” according to a Tacoma Art Museum news release.

Where: Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave. Tacoma

Saturday: Artist …

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Just when you thought you didn’t want to see a film ever again (well, not until the Tacoma Film Festival inundation wore off), there’s another film fest in town. The Environmental Film Festival is organized by the American Society for Environmental History, and runs Thursday at the Washington State History Museum and Friday at University of Washington Tacoma’s Carwein Auditorium.

So why is a national society running a film fest in Tacoma? Turns out ASEH’s ex-officio director Lisa Mighetto is a local historian and on the affiliate faculty at UWT. Anyway, we all benefit: There are six new …

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The Tacoma Film Festival wrapped up last night in a big way.

The closing night film (with a party catered by Adriatic Grill) sold out. Director David Russo, the Seattle filmmaker behind “The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle,” was on hand to answer questions after the screening.

After seeing more than one dud in the past week I went in to the theater with more than a little trepidation. I came out blown away.

“Dizzle” is one of those movies that film festivals were invented for. Too bizarre to ever see wide distribution it’s a gem of a film that expands minds even as it wallows in, well, the toilet.
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Theatre Northwest takes “A Streetcar Named Desire”

The Tennessee Williams classic of love, loss and madness opens the season for local professional company Theatre Northwest. 7:30 p.m. tonight, then Oct. 10, 16, 17, 23, 24; 2 p.m. Oct. 25. $29/$39. Theatre on the Square, 915 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org, www.theatrenorthwestgroup.org

“Eight Seasons” with Northwest Sinfonietta

Going from baroque Venice to modern-day Buenos Aires, this premier chamber orchestra contrasts the “Four Seasons” violin concerti by both Vivaldi and Piazzolla. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10. $19/$29/$39. Rialto Theater, 310 S. 9^th St., Tacoma. 253-383-5344, www.nwsinfonietta.org, www.broadwaycenter.org

Wood’N’Flutes at …

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I don’t know if it was intentional programming but both comedic features Wednesday afternoon at The Tacoma Film Festival featured mute main characters.

“Earthling”
Directors: Genevieve Pearson and Iggy Rodriguez
Time: 23 minutes

In “Earthling,” an agoraphobic extraterrestrial living in a quiet neighborhood resists the evil plans of her compatriots. It’s an original and sweet take on the aliens-come-to-wipe-out-humans story.

The childlike alien, E-D, battles an ever multiplying army of cloned evil-doers as she bonds with her landlord and discovers her humanity. Colorful costumes, amusing props and a fun soundtrack combine to make this an enjoyable story. …

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Interested in how our mayoral candidates see the local arts scene? Come to a meeting Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Broadway Center (901 Broadway, Tacoma) to hear Jim Merrit and Marilyn Strickland discuss their visions of future City support of the arts in Tacoma.

Bring your questions, and get some coffee too. The informal conversation will be held in the 4th floor conference room. To get there, enter through the glass doors of the Jones Building , adjacent to the Pantages Box Office, and take the elevator to the 4^th floor. All are welcome.