Fat Chances -- Katie Webster Highlights A Week Of Music

CUTLINE: THE WAR BABIES - FROM LEFT, GUY LACEY, BRAD SINSEL, TOM MCMULLIN, RICHARD STUVERUD - ARE AT THE SWAN CAFE TONIGHT WITH SWEATWATER.

Fat Tuesday is under way.

With last night's fine ``National Act Night'' behind us - as well as the opening Waiter and Waitress race Wednesday, won by the team from Sneakers - revelers now look forward to the weekend, which promises to have something for almost every taste.

Katie Webster, who opened at the New Orleans Wednesday after a slight delay in fog-bound San Francisco, will play through Sunday night. This is a return for the Swamp Boogie Queen and a welcome one. Webster is a superior boogie and blues singer and pianist. Her sassy songs are earthy and good-humored. And when she gets down with the blues, she's testifying - easily one of the best acts you can catch this weekend.

The blues will also be amply represented by longtime local favorite Issac Scott. Scott will hold forth at the Square on Yesler tonight through Sunday and again Tuesday evening.

Sunday, the Swan Cafe will present something of a Women of Rock night. Four up-and-coming local acts, all fronted by women singers, will perform. The list will include IMIJ (pronounced image), Kristen Barry, Somebody's Daughter and One Hand One Heart. It promises to be a very entertaining night.

Other acts of note: Look for the Rangehoods at Doc Maynard's tonight and tomorrow. The 'Hoods always put on an upbeat, get-loose show. Monday at Maynard's Duffy Bishop and the Rhythm Dogs will be whooping it up.

Molasses and First Thought, both considered by many to be the next Seattle bands to break through, will play the Swan Cafe tomorrow night.

But good music will not be limited to the nighttime. The Fat Tuesday/KXRX stage will be set up between 1 and 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday in Occidental Park.

Tomorrow afternoon, local acts Inspector Luv, First Thought and Meddaphysical will take the stage. Inspector Luv is also said to be under serious label consideration.

Sunday the stage will carry the blues. Featured will be the Northwest Blues All-Stars with Kathy Hart, Mike Lynch, Dick Powell, Tom McFarland, Nancy Claire, John Hodgkins and Charlie White. This is a dynamite lineup.

Fat Tuesday organizers say that should there be rain, the outdoor entertainment will be presented in a covered area. But all are hoping the weather is as beautiful as it was opening day.

Through the rest of Fat Tuesday, look for these events:

-- Pub Club Festive Hour, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily at all venues.

-- Spam Carving, noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow in Occidental Park .

-- Pub Run, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Occidental Park. Registration will be at Larry's prior to the run.

-- Fat Tuesday Fat Fair - vendors, music, crafts and more - noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday in Occidental Park.

-- Mr. & Ms. No-Fat contest, Monday at 7 and 9 p.m. at Swannies and the New Orleans.

-- Fat Tuesday Grand Ball Tuesday night at all venues. The Ball will be held from 7 until everybody goes home. To repent. Of course.

The club lineup:

Central (207 First Ave. S.; 622-0209) - Walkabouts, Tina Chopp and Killing Fields tonight. Napalm Beach, F-Holes and Gorilla tomorrow. Defenders Monday.

Doc Maynard's (610 First Ave.; 682-4649) - Rangehoods tonight and tomorrow. Duffy Bishop & the Rhythm Dogs Tuesday.

Larry's Greenfront (209 First Ave. S.; 624-7665) - Little Bill and the Blue Notes tonight and tomorrow. Dick Powell Band Sunday and Monday. Nite Life Tuesday.

New Orleans Creole Restaurant (114 First Ave. S.; 622-2563) - Katie Webster through Sunday. New Orleans Quintet Monday. File Gumbo Zydeco Band Tuesday.

OK Hotel (212 Alaskan Way) - Naked Panic, Red Platinum and Bam Bam tonight. Gits and D.C. Beggars tomorrow. Romacha Sunday. Love on Ice, Jangletown and Silkworm Tuesday.

Old Timer's Cafe (620 First Ave.; 623-9800) - Hugh's Blues tonight and tomorrow. Royals Sunday and Monday. Sweat Band Tuesday.

Square on Yesler (111 Yesler St.; 447-1514) - Isaac Scott tonight through Sunday and Tuesday.

Swan Cafe and Night Club (608 First Ave. S.; 343-5288) - War Babies and Sweatwater tonight. Molasses and First Thought tomorrow. Capping Day, Somebody's Daughter and One Hand One Heart Sunday. Love on Ice, My Sister's Machine and Bathtub Gin Monday. Young Fresh Fellows Tuesday.